[NBLUG/talk] wireless dreams... [was zaurus [again]]

[William L. Thomson Jr.]

On Tue, 2003-05-06 at 14:22, augie wrote:
> 
> i don't have any different configs for the different wireless networks i
> participate in. i just open up the laptop and go. most hotspots do DHCP,
> so you don't even have to worry about anything.

Yes, but what about when the wireless networks are implementing
encryption?

The few I have set up for my clients required them to switch between
configs for different keys. I could have had the same key for all sites,
but I thought by having different that may add further security. As
employees from one location, can't simply be near the other and have
access to it's internal network.

Both are using DHCP, but still require the switch to be made. This is a
small switch, just a click of the mouse or keyboard, and you are up and
on the other network.

It is cool. The owner loves it, as he bounces between locations, and is
on the network at either almost instantly. He is very happy.
He also having a newer laptop with two batteries can use it in a more
portable, cable-less manner. I on the other hand will always have a
power cord. I usually can only get 1-2 hours out of my battery, and have
yet to buy a spare. I need more spare AC adapters than batteries.

> i've had great experiences with wireless here in sonoma county, and
> across portions of california. a PCMCIA 802.11b wireless card for your
> laptop is cheap! (~$30) and there are many hotspots to use it at
> http://www.wifimaps.com/ .

I have thought about it, but a card with no base station doesn't do me
much good. Except for when I am out and about. Which I rarely do while
working. When I am out, and I am out. When I am working I am working.
The only exception would be with the cellular wireless service and
dealing with emergencies.

> i see wireless becoming more and more pervasive, because it is cheaper
> and easier for home and business because it doesn't require running
> cable or poking holes. and it is literally turn on and go for the
> consumer. it's already in bookstores (borders, barnes & noble), coffee
> shops (starbucks, pb&j cafe, deaf dog coffee), and airports (SFO), just
> to name a few spots.

I agree, it will soon be a wireless world. For users that are just
surfing there is no reason to run CAT5. Go wireless and save yourself
and your walls a head ache.

For me I am rarely in book stores or coffee shops. I travel but not that
often. It really comes down to usefulness in the office/home, which I am
not there just yet.

Being a pre-Madonna does not help. Due to inside connections I can get
Cisco gear at like 70% off retail. So I have not been able to justify
spending $100-$200 on a base station, when for a little more I can get a
Cisco base station.

So I am holding out for the best, unless something really cheap, or free
comes along.

> and when IEEE ratifies 802.11i (which is dependant on hardware vendors
> implementing AES in hardware) you'll see a lot more people jumping on
> the bus, as fears of wi-fi's insecurity fade away.

The security things has really never been an issue for me. Although I do
not recommend having a wireless network without some level of security.

-- 
Sincerely,
William L. Thomson Jr.
Support Group
Obsidian-Studios, Inc.
3548 Jamestown Ln.
Jacksonville, FL 32223
Phone/Fax  904.260.2445
http://www.obsidian-studios.com