Wireless Internet

Posted by gabb (513 days ago)

How does wireless internet work? I'm not sure if I should switch to wireless internet (at home) or not?

My main concern lies with:
1) Security
2) Stability
3) Speed

Also, if I've got WIFI installed on my mobile device like PDA, etc. Can I surf the internet using WIFI at any locations offering this WIFI access? Do you need to subscribe to a WIFI plan myself and log into my own account to surf the internet?

Thanks!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by ldldjr (512 days ago)

Assuming you have adsl, your maximum/theoretical speed is less with wireless - that depends on the protocol you are using and other factors as well. Security - if you set it up with passwords, etc., it will be as secure as you want to make it, but it can be more difficult to set up. Depending on the type of construction of your home, you may have good connections anywhere in the house, or it may be spotty - thick cement walls, etc., are problematic. Generally you have to have either an account with the isp in question, or the wireless access point has to be open and you have to be able to configure your hardware to log onto it.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by miklosc (510 days ago)

Disregard the last person's comment. There has never been a consumer wireless that is slower then any adsl speed.

Moving, on security is strong and every encryption can be broken but it can take years on 64 bit encryptions. And if you change your password every few months its impossible.

As for WIFI you do not need to subscribe to a plan . Wifi hot spots are free and you will only be hindered by not being in WIFI hot spots. I know in Hong Kong there are lots of WIFI spots so don't worry.

If you need a suggestion on a router to buy and how to set it up I can suggest one and give you an easy guideline.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by dbg (497 days ago)

Not the original poster, but I would appreciate if you could recommend a brand of router.

Thanks,

dbg

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by car_lover (497 days ago)

Buffalo or Linksys.

For security, try setting it to MAC Address only, meaning, add only the MAC Address u want or approve for it to be able to use ur WIFI. MAC Address is the ID of ur LAN Card.

For Speed, not much difference from wired connections but there will be disruption if u have thick walls in between ur router n pc/laptop.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by black pearl (497 days ago)

brand : level 3 wireless router is very easy setup and its cheap about HKD350. you can get from any computer shop.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldldjr (496 days ago)

Pay attention to part of what miklosc says - be careful who you listen to. Go to linksys's website and look at the specs for their WRT54G Wirless Broadband router.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1149562300349&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=0034939789B01

I have always figured 54 mbps wireless is a tad slower than 100 mbps ethernet - 54% the theoretical speed of an ethernet wired network - but maybe i am wrong. Anyway, Linksys says:

"Wireless-G is the upcoming 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times as fast as the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country — but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Since both standards are built in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection, files, and other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space."

The new N specification may provide the same through put as a hardwired router, but there are overhead hits for encryption and other wireless activities, so I suspect ethernet will always be faster than wireless.

The important thing is that although slower, wireless is still fast enough that you should be pleased with the results - given a decent ISP. And if you get a decent router, there should be wired enthernet ports on the back so you can have the best of both with one piece of hardware.

Linksys is a good brand.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by Nuts&Bolts (496 days ago)

Don't quote me - 'cos I might be wrong !

I seem to recall that I read somewhere that if the Router or Access Point is a "g" - then if one connects with a "b" (slow transfer speed) PCMCIA/USB card) then anyone else connecting with a "g" card automatically connects at the "b" [reduced] speed.

Certainly - I do recall reading that an "a" mode Router can not - at the same time - handle "b" &/or "g" modes.

Me? I'm still looking for an a/b/g router at a reasonable price - they are as rare as "Hen's Teeth" in H.K.

I saw one or two some months ago in Shamshuipo's Golden Computer Centre - at about HK$900 - i.e more than twice as much as a b/g Wi-Fi Router.

Expensive? Yes, I thought it was.... but it was still only 66% of the price I paid for my first Linksys NON-Wireless Router which failed miserably within the 1 year warrantee - and the second, replacement, Linksys from the distributor soon "died" and the [SIS] distributor didn't want anything to do with it - certainly not repair it.

Since then, I've avoided that apparently "dodgy" brand, and now use "Belkin" - though I have also tried out a "Buffalo" deposited on me to sell by a friend. I set it up to be as secure as it can be against black-hatters, and it seems to be very good - anyone in HK want to buy it?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkkm (496 days ago)

Yes, 54 Mb/s is slower than 100 Mb/s, but keep in mind that this is only the (theoretical) maximum speed in and out of the router. The actual speed you get will depend on many factors, one of which is the plan that you signed up for with your ISP. If your plan is only for 6 Mb/s, then that's all you will get (theoretically), regardless of what your router will support.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by blackvirus (495 days ago)

Hahahaha
woo I see you guys all pro in WiFi and bring that guy in to dead end hahaha

Man if your laptop not has WiFi just buy one Linksys or D-Link or some other brand that you like connect it to your computer and install drivers and work for your PLEASURE

If you worry about hackers just install AntiVirus
www.kaspersky.com
U no need to worry about any security or hack if u have AntiVirus :)

And even U have 54 Mb/s or 100Mb/s it's not mean that you have that speed with internet it's just speed of connection to network and real speed of internet can be MAX 8 Mb/s not more!!! if you download something from direct link ur speed may be 12 Mb/s
That is mean no need to choose which is better ADSL or WiFi they ARE SAME!!!!

Good Luck!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldldjr (495 days ago)

actually, if one has a question of what is better - cable, adsl or satelite (depending on what si available) are the access choices, and WiFi is the connection between the computer/home network and the internet. And there can be definate differances on connectivity, quality, and costs, depending on selections made.

(I am based in Vietnam)