A few tips on setting up your own WiFi network.
Its easiest if you get all your equipment is of the same make. This will make both setting up and troubleshooting easier. Most installations will require only one access point, if this is the case for you, I suggest you opt for the wireless gateway which integrates the access point and the router into one box. This is cheaper and easier to setup but makes it more difficult to add additional access points. If you think you might need additional access points opt for separate boxes for the Modem, Firewall Router and WAP (Wireless Access Point). Its best to buy equipment once your broadband line has been tested and is OK.
When planning your installation bare in mind that the modem needs to be near to phone line. Its best if this is where the Phone line comes into the building to maintain quality of connection. There are two principle types of modem. An Ethernet modem and a modem which connects to your PC by other means (usually USB). I favour the Ethernet modem because it requires no configuration of the primary PC and will keep your internet sharing working for other PCs, even when the primary PC is turned off. I use a D-link DSL-300G+. However, there are new boxes now available from D-link which integrate the Modem, Router, firewall, hub and wireless access point into one box. This is great for the home user. Check out the D-link site below
In my case I have several WAPs so I opted for separate router and WAP. I used Linksys WAP54G for my WAP and a Linksys BEFSX41 for my router firewall. Linksys are part of Cisco and have a lot of experience in this area. I also have a Cisco WAP but these are expensive and not necessary for most home installations.
For the fixed client I prefer USB adaptors which on a wire so that you can position the transceiver independent of the PC. For laptops an integrated card is handy but you need to be fairly close to the WAP to ensure reliable performance. Line of sight operation through brick walls is fine but watch out for foil rendered plaster board and reinforced concrete.
Configuring the various components can be a little problematic. Most of the problems result from the fact that there are quite a few parameters and it only takes one to be wrong to prevent operation. This leads to the 1000 ways not to work and only 1 way that does work scenario. It took me a while to get my components working. Try not to guess any parameters - you only need to have a few your not sure about and you can very quickly get confused. Mostly, all configuration errors seem to lead to very similar symptoms so its hard to narrow your search for the incorrect parameter.
Once you've got your network working you need to get WEP enabled to ensure that you don't get any unwanted visitors on your network. An uninvited guests could send spam or Denial of service attacks from you network with total anonymity. Ensure your WEP keys are changed regularly.
Copyright © 2003-4 by
Tritium Limited.
All rights reserved.
Revised:
04/14/08 07:30:25 -0000.
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