Wireless or Wired

[Glen]

Hi All. Just a quick question. My daughter is heading back to University and is renting a townhouse with other ppl. They need to be networked and was wondering if wireless would be ok. All the bedrooms but one are on the same floor. Would the connection be ok for them or would running wires around the floor be best. Just wanting others experience as I really have none for wireless.

[Digiital]

Make it easy and get wireless, but make sure to do the following:

1. Turn on WEP/WAP
2. Change the routers password
3. Turn off SSIB broadcast
4. Turn on MAC Filtering

It's not 100% secure(if someone REALLY wants in they will take the time to find a way in) but it's MUCH better then leaving it WIDE open.

[Glen]

Thanks for the info Digital. Just one more quick question. These will need to run pretty well flawlessly and I was wondering if wireless is able to do that. I keep hearing stories of problems connecting or staying connected. Thanks again.

[David]

in theory yes, it will be consistant (connection).. However, there are a lot of factors which may cause interferrence with wireless connections (these include but are not limited to: Electronic interferrence (phones, bluetooth devices, etc), Air conditioning units (primarily central air), location and construction of house (if in an electrical zone (surrounded by power wires etc) or (the neighborhood has alot of people using the above listed devices etc)...
Those examples I gave above do not mean you / daughter WILL loose connection or have connection issues, but there is a possibility they may.

My house is currently running wireless (linksys router "G" with speedboost), and when I have my air conditioning on, I keep loosing connection.
When I go to my folks place, it doesn't matter if they have the air conditioning on or not my connection never drops (using my wireless router as well)...
So, it's not an exact science.
If you want to make 100% sure Glen, then wired is the way to go.

[sybil]

David's right - ethernet may be messier, but will likely be a lot more stable and easier to troubleshoot in the unlikely event of problems. If they're all using xp, the setup should be dead simple.

[Glen]

Thank you David and sybil. I am leaning towards the wireless just for the asthectics and was looking at the Linksys G with the speedbooster. Could you tell me David if the speedbooster does indeed make a difference?

[Shred]

A simple Linksys G can do a good job for you.

[David]

Hi Glen, I have not found a major difference in the performance with the speedbooster.
I currently have 3 computer systems hooked up (2 laptops and 1 desktop -- all wireless), and the difference between my normal linksys G router, and the other with speedbooster is minimum.
I'm sure if there were mutiple (more obviously then my 3) ;-) you would find a difference..

[AMD]

If you can help it, I suggest going for wired - there is no substitute when it comes to reliability. Wires can be pushed under the baseboards if there's carpet.

[Shinma]

Another vote for wired network...

[Glen]

Ok, thank you all for your input. I think i will wait until I see how the rooms are situated for wired and go from there. Thanks again.