[TriLUG] Wireless Access Points/Routers

[Bill Vinson]

Ok.  I figured I would e-mail the list as I think I want to add either a 
wireless access point or a wireless broadband router to my home 
network.  I think TriLUG is probably best for this as I want something 
dependable and able to handle a workload.  Some reviews I have read 
refer to problems with large files and since I tend to work with ISOs 
then that could be a problem.  I have a feeling my uses will mirror the 
general TriLUG users :)

What I am looking for:

1.	Linux/Mac compatible (Usually if Linux compatible then it will work 
with Macs too)
2.	Reliable.  No regular power cycling required
3.	Don't care about WEP, just MAC filtering as I will use ssh and ssl 
probably
4.	Available under $200 (WAP should be much less, wireless router 
could go up to $200)

This is all contingent on my new Apple Airport card coming for my 
iBook.  (New System pull, but hopefully will work :)  I would also 
consider sticking a PC Card in a PCI adapter in my Linux/OpenBSD box and 
using it to route the iBook onto the net if I could do it for < $100.  I 
only need about 50 feet access in an apartment right now.

On a side note, the Airport card isn't completely new as I said above 
and there have been some issues with Apple's software updating it to 
their 2.0/128-bit WEP version and frying the card (Small number of 
problems from what I hear, but it is software upgradeable.  Basically an 
Orinocco as it was outsourced).  Anyway, as I won't get the WAP till 
February, where could I go to test out the Wireless capabilities?  Any 
publicly accessible wireless networks?  I guess I could drive around and 
see if it picks up anything :)  Any better suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill