Friday, September 13, 2002
Into the 21st Century I dive
Posted by marlof in "OFF-TOPIC" @ 11:09 AM
The last two days I've been working on finetuning my new internet connection. On Wednesday they installed a cable modem to my home. Finally they were able to offer service in my street! So it was time to get a router, some USB adaptors for the desktops and a PC Card for the notebook. On the advice of some knowledgeable people I have chosen a full Linksys system. And that's how I ended up with a BEFW11S4 router/WiFi access point, two WUSB11 USB WiFi adaptors and a WPC11 PC Card [affiliate links]. I was amazed at how plug-and-play the setup was. By following the instructions, everything worked smoothly. And - other than with Andy - nothing was broken, so I had no problem there.
My only problem was finding a good location for the WiFi access point. I live in a new house, and they apparently loved to use tons of enforced concrete. My good friend Ray Cheshire dubbed my house "the bunker", so that might give you a good idea. At first, the WiFi didn't get through to the first floor, but I've fiddled as long with the place of the router as was necessary to get any reception in my living room on the first floor. I still couldn't get any good reception, and that's when I tried one of the USB adaptors in stead of the PC Card. Right now, the USB adaptor gets a good reception on the first floor where the PC Card gets none in the same spots. The only way to get any signal on the first floor is when I place the notebook on the floor, right above the antenna of the WiFi access point. After that experience I've read some reviews on the WPC11 card. The lack of range seems to be one of the recurring complaints about this card. I guess I should not have gotten that one. Any ideas on a good replacement for the PC Card?
I can't use my Pocket PCs yet with the WiFi, as I don't have a CF card yet, nor do I have a PC Card sleeve for my devices. I have a Socket card on order and have good hopes as Andy told me his Socket card is a little miracle when it comes to reception. So when I get that one, I'll report back on how well it does. But in the mean time, I have to agree with Ed. When nothing is broken, WiFi is technology that simply works. With the current home use systems, even I was able to set it up without any outside help and that is a small miracle in itself.
My only problem was finding a good location for the WiFi access point. I live in a new house, and they apparently loved to use tons of enforced concrete. My good friend Ray Cheshire dubbed my house "the bunker", so that might give you a good idea. At first, the WiFi didn't get through to the first floor, but I've fiddled as long with the place of the router as was necessary to get any reception in my living room on the first floor. I still couldn't get any good reception, and that's when I tried one of the USB adaptors in stead of the PC Card. Right now, the USB adaptor gets a good reception on the first floor where the PC Card gets none in the same spots. The only way to get any signal on the first floor is when I place the notebook on the floor, right above the antenna of the WiFi access point. After that experience I've read some reviews on the WPC11 card. The lack of range seems to be one of the recurring complaints about this card. I guess I should not have gotten that one. Any ideas on a good replacement for the PC Card?
I can't use my Pocket PCs yet with the WiFi, as I don't have a CF card yet, nor do I have a PC Card sleeve for my devices. I have a Socket card on order and have good hopes as Andy told me his Socket card is a little miracle when it comes to reception. So when I get that one, I'll report back on how well it does. But in the mean time, I have to agree with Ed. When nothing is broken, WiFi is technology that simply works. With the current home use systems, even I was able to set it up without any outside help and that is a small miracle in itself.
