Convert to Wireless Network

[Mike]

I've got a home network consisting of DSL, LinkSys four port DSL router
BEFSR1 and three W2K Pro computers.
I want to convert a notebook to wireless. Can I buy a A/G wireless access
point and wireless nic for
the notebook or should I dump the LinkSys DSL router BEFSR1 and buy a A/G
router w/ firewall?
Any recommendations for a wireless router A/G with firewall? I want to
teach myself wireless networking.

Let me know if this is not the appropriate newsgroup for this question.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Steven Umbach]

I would buy a wireless router/firewall which you can either add to your current
network as an access point or use it as a replacement. It is hard to make a
recommendation because a lot depends on your budget and the features/performance
you want including if you ever may want to use it as a vpn endpoint. I suggest
you download and read the installation manuals for the various devices before
purchasing. I personally like the Netgear ProSafe line, because they are true
SPI firewalls. --- Steve

 

[Mike]

I would buy a wireless router/firewall which you can either add to your current
network as an access point or use it as a replacement. It is hard to make a
recommendation because a lot depends on your budget and the features/performance
you want including if you ever may want to use it as a vpn endpoint. I suggest
you download and read the installation manuals for the various devices before
purchasing. I personally like the Netgear ProSafe line, because they are true
SPI firewalls. --- Steve

 

[Mike]

After checking prices I've decided to buy a wireless G router with SPI
firewall and
VPN and one USB wireless G nic for my wireless notebook. It seems that G &
B
devices may not play well together. I'll check the reviews at ZDNET and
PCWorld
and the Netgeard ProSafe Line.

Mike

 

[Steven L Umbach]

Great. Good luck. It is an adventure setting up your first wireless network and good
to know. --- Steve

 

[Jeff Cochran]

I've got a home network consisting of DSL, LinkSys four port DSL router
BEFSR1 and three W2K Pro computers.
I want to convert a notebook to wireless. Can I buy a A/G wireless access
point and wireless nic for
the notebook or should I dump the LinkSys DSL router BEFSR1 and buy a A/G
router w/ firewall?

Yes. (Either works fine)

Any recommendations for a wireless router A/G with firewall? I want to
teach myself wireless networking.

Might swap the BEFSR1 for a Linksys WAP/Router. The devil you know
and all...

I like the WRT54G for this application, and it's relatively
inexpensive.

Let me know if this is not the appropriate newsgroup for this question.

As good here as anywhere.

Jeff

 

[Mike]

Last night, I was reading the reviews on the WRT54 at ZDNET. Looks pretty
good.
I don't think a WAP will have SPI or least I haven't found any.
Recommend any place to read wireless router reviews?
I'll need a USB wireless NIC for the Dell L400 lightweight notebook.
Probably a good idea to get the usb nic from the router mfg?

What about interference? G band uses the same band as wireless phones and
other devices
is this a real workd problem?

Mike