Linux Format forums

[Wmsheep]

Hi all

Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks I`m going to be able to set my home network, going the route of wireless networking (sadly the Mrs doesnt want me to make a hole in the ceiling or new windows to get the cables upstairs!! )

The way I want to set things up is as follows:-
Downstairs - this is where modem is - 1xpc running XP
Upstairs - 2 PC`s - 1 running XP only, 1 running XP + (probably) Gentoo

Could anyone suggest a system that is likely to likely to work "out of the box" with linux please

Ta

Mark

[MartyBartfast]

By a "System" I assume you mean a Linux disto? You should be able to use any. I've had Mandriva & Suse running with wireless pretty painlessly and now I use Ubuntu which was a breeze.

If you're asking which wireless router will work then they all should, the thing you will have to check is that the wireless card in the Linux box is supported.
_________________
I have been touched by his noodly appendage.

[Steogede]

Interms of supported wifi cards, most are supported in one way or another these days. However, getting them to work can often be a hassle (other times it is complete pain free). The easiest, most sure fire way to setup wireless under Linux (or any OS), is to buy a wired network card (99.9% work without a hitch) and a wireless bridge.

[beagle2]

Suppose you could set up the downstairs xp pc as a wireless access point and install wireless cards in all the pcs. Would check out http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk/products/wireless/ for your linux box or user forums to see what cards work easily with whatever linux distro you choose. The card in the xp box must have the ability to act as an access point as well - some older ones don't.
Thats all assuming your modem is wired to the xp box so total outlay would be just 3 wireless cards.
Only problem you may come across as the other guys mentioned is drivers for the wireless card in the linux box - everything else pretty simple no matter what option you choose - wireless modem/router, wireless router connected to your existing modem or whatever.
_________________
Elive
XP
cpx-mini
pclinuxos super gamer

[telboy]

Have you considered the Devolo system? I found wireless networking via Linux a complete hassle and opted for Devolo which creates a lan network via your power lines. ie the adaptors connections are from the modem/router to an electrical socket and from electrical sockets to your computers in any room.
Absolutely no problems either with Windows or Linux
Didn't cost a lot more than several wireless adaptors.

[nordle]

Wmsheep, I had to have a way of positioning the PC's wireless points exactly to get best signal, and wanted 100% OS compatability, so chose ethernet all the way over wireless.
eg

Wall phone socket --> adsl filter --> wireless modem router --> wireless bridge --> PC's NIC

The wireless bridge is attached to the PC's NIC via cat5e cable, which allows me to position the wireless bridge anywhere 4mtrs away from the PC. Yes there is some cable, but the crucial point is its at the end which requires NO drilling!

Between the modem/router and the PC is space containing 1 outer wall and 2 inner walls, not the kind of thing I wanted to be drilling through! Hence the wireless approach. But using a bridge at the PC end means it opperates on ethernet, no need for drivers / software other than the standard network card in the PC. Which is why the same approach is used for Windows and Linux based PC's.

Only downer is cost, bridges were £45 + cat5 cable + nic for each PC. (not strictly true as 3 PC's share 1 bridge via a 10/100 switch).
_________________
I think, therefore I compile

[super_tux]