Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Michael Mol]

On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 8:08 PM, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@×××.edu> wrote:
> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
>
> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
> on my laptop.
>
> This is a home system.
>
> My requirements are modest.
>
> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
> 4.  Availability in U.S.
>
> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
>
> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
>
> Suggestions?
>
> thanks,
> allan gottlieb
>


I picked up a TP-LINK TL WA701ND a couple weeks ago from Newegg, for
$30USD. I'm very happy with it as a single-SSID AP, though I intend to
get it set up in multi-SSID mode. I have it plugged into a Debian box
which is acting as a router.

But you need a router. I haven't *tried* it, but despite what the spec
sheet says for the device, the firmware includes all the configuration
options for setting it up as a router. $30 for a wireless-N device is
pretty decent.

Regarding wireless throughput...You can't receive a packet you haven't
sent. I max out my 30Mb/s internet connection* when I hit speed tests.
I can comfortably play video on my laptop over ssh X11 forwarding.
Wireless N is very, very nice.

* I pay for 20Mb/s down, but generally get 27-33Mbs/ down.
-- 
:wq