Speed of Wireless LAN

[Beggarall]

I am in the process of upgrading to ADSL and intend to network the three computers in my house to let the children have online access of their own. I thought wireless connection would be simple and less messy that wires running round the house (as we have now) but am told that the connection speed degrades very quickly through walls and ceilings. I can't get any info about this despite many searches and now I am not even sure what constitutes reasonable access speed - after all I grew up with a 28bps modem! Can anyone direct me to any good source of information and does anyone know what might be expected given usual home installed ASDL and the requirements to play games on line etc. Many thnks

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IT - Learning all the time

[Yuri]

The maximum speed of 802.11b (wireless) is 11 mbps, but this speed degrades quite quickly over a distance and through walls. You will probally end up with a connection of around 5 mbps.
Hope that it helps.
Yuri.

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Mental backup in progress--Do Not Disturb!

[Adriweb]

That's true but the max speed of 802.11a wireless is 54Mbps and it's less prone to interference than 802.11b.

The speed you will actually get in your home can vary depending on the physical makeup of the house but keep in mind that internet access at just 1Mbps is still blazing fast.

Take a look at www.practicallynetworked.com

Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Adriweb (edited 04-02-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Adriweb (edited 04-02-2002).]

[Beggarall]

Thank you for the replies and the link. I don't think there is any simple formula to calculate rate of degradation of WILAN connections in a building. The suggestions are that a mapping exercise is necessary which assumes that you already have the wireless link installed and then wonder around the place with e.g. a laptop and see what signal is received. It looks to me that the most satisfactory solution is with some sort of cable connection as wirless depends on "line of sight" and walls and ceilings "absorb" a lot of it - no way of saying how much - just depends on your walls!! Back to the drawing board!

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IT - Learning all the time

[troyz]

Unless money isn't a object, cables are far cheaper method of networking.

3 cards, network cables and ends.
Troy

Whoops, Hub too.

[This message has been edited by troyz (edited 04-03-2002).]

[Danny-boy]

Hey Beggerall, take a look at www.howthingswork.com and read about whole house networking using your phone or electrical lines. Looks intriging.