With
the spread of the wireless technology, more and more people
need wireless-N access
points set up at their home or office.
However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when
shopping for such a product, or you might end up with a
device you don't need or can't use.
First
and foremost, there are wireless N access points
made for networks that are already setup and configured and
have no routing capabilities, and there are routers with
wireless N capabilities. Both are usually in the same price
range (a little above $100, but can go higher, depending on
the make and model) so, if you haven't set up your network
yet, getting the latter would be advisable.
For a
non-technical person, getting a model that comes with
extensive documentation is a must. There should be a user
manual with basic setup instructions and more detailed,
technical information on a CD.
Also,
if you run a small network (for example, the few computers
in your household), the wireless-N access point
you will get should be able to run DHCP configuration
automatically and without much trouble. This way, you won't
have to worry about assigning IP's and configuring all the
network settings manually on all computers.
More
advanced users could be deterred by the fact that some lower
end devices will assume, by default, that the Netmask of
your network is 192.168.0.0/24 and have to take extra steps
to configure it for a, say, 10.0.0.0/8 or even
192.168.1.0/24. However, a networking guru should configure
any device in less than an hour without much
hassle.
The
frequency specifications are also to be taken into account
when shopping for a wireless N access point.
Since both 2.5 and 5 GHz technologies are widely available
these days, it would be pointless to get a device that only
supports one of them. Make sure you read the technical
specifications in detail beforehand.
In
the box of your new wireless-N access
point you should find, at minimum, the
device, the AC adapter, an Ethernet cable, drivers and
installation CD, a quick start guide and warranty
certificate. As a note, you are likely only to find Windows
drivers on the disc, so, before buying the device, you
should find out if it is compatible with other operating
systems.
Wireless N access points will usually work with generic
drivers on most Linux flavors and all BSD operating systems,
but make sure you read up on it before considering buying a
certain model if you don't use a router running Microsoft
Windows.
As a
final note, remember that you are likely to find the best
deals in online shops. Large retailers usually have a wide
variety of wireless access
point models, so you are far more likely to
find one that suits your needs than paying a visit to the
corner electronics shop. And, since most stores offer next
day delivery, you could have your new device in no time.
Some of the most popular and reputable brand names for these
devices include Belkin, Netgear, Cisco, Linksys, and
d-Link.
Associated Sites: Wireless PCI
Cards Wireless Ethernet
Adapters
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