Wireless Networking 802.11b/a/g...

Fzahrt · Jun 2, 2002

Gary,
That would be slightly cheaper if you didn't already have an old notebook, inverter and wireless card/access point. But I do, so the $35 webcam is better for me. The only issue you might have with a 802.11b wireless camera is it's power output/antenna. With an access-point you can get better (higher gain antennas) and amplifiers...also with that notebook, there are so many more distractions you could have going while driving.../w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif. In any case, the wireless camera is a good idea, albeit they are $400+ from last time I checked.

Regards,
Frank

Carl_NH · Jun 2, 2002

John

The current state of ISP's and communications co's stock and performance I doubt we will see any change in the climate towards higher inbound/outbound speed soon, so the internal network will not benefit. If and when they deploy the gigabit or terabit to the last mile, then the internal workings will need to change as well to get the benefit.

I just intalled a Linksys setup,($300 for cable modem, router, and wireless cards) for three PC's one conected to 10/100 card, and two wireless - "b" series and get 1.2-1.5MB/Sec on all wireless nodes - same as wired mode.

150 + feet to most distant point with walls, trees in between, and no real performace issues.

Carl

RobS · Jun 2, 2002

JMIII, I'll start by admitting I have nothing worthwhile to add to this thread /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

On the other hand, I am again amazed at the wealth of information available on a tractor forum and I think I have learned something reading this.

Also, I want to encourage those more networkly advanced than I to go for the Bota-cam, Boomer-net, Deere-web or whatever. I can't think of anything more entertaining at work than watching some of our friends at work on their tractors. Free hat to the first streaming TNT video? Who'd have thought a bunch of tractor guys would be pushing the technology edge like this. Ain't life grand /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

JonLeonard · Jun 2, 2002

You might want to check the consumer reviews on Amazon.com for the particular "base station" you are considering. I read quite a few of them including netgear and linksys, and it seems that most people dont consider these devices ready for prime time. Some report that the computers need to be in the same room which defeats the purpose.

I would carefully check out user reviews of anything I planned to purchase. All these products will have problems with interference though. Such things as the wiring in your house, nearby power lines, airports, cordless phones, etc. can all greatly decrease your effective usage range.

Jon

Anonymous Poster · Jun 2, 2002

Well I guess whatever your happier with. I will say it again I like the old tried and true cat 5 cables. Guess I am old fashioned. Along with this I am cheap so hence my next recommendation, whatever you decided you want get an American Express Gold Card first. With this card you can price match off the internet. Yes it costs $75.00 a year but if you search a little for the lowest price you can get it price matched. Not a big hassel either call them and get a claim number, print the webpage and fax or send it to them. Three weeks later get your check in the mail. Many times I got the check before the statement. I will state here that I am not a fan of American Express they took advantage of me for 6 years of my life when I did not have an option (they had the only banking system in Germany for the troops) so now I feel no shame in taking them for a ride on their policies. Additionally you have product protection in that if you lose, break, or have stolen an item you purchased within 90 days I think, they will refund the price up to $1000.00. If you are really into saving money also check out www.techbargains.com (they also have a blerp on AE) and www.fatwallet.com. You can really get some bargains their. I bought an 80 gig harddrive 7200 spin for $39.00. After the rebate, and pricematching policy. Oh you need to go to the forums HOT DEALS to get the very best info on saving money. I gotta pay for that tractor somehow. But now I can't afford to save another penny.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 3, 2002

Thanks Guys for the input/feedback…

However… as you all know… in the computer business… a few weeks sometimes is history… /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

A savy customer had a few out buildings she wanted to try and network up to… approximately 250-400’ away from the main building… We did experiment with Linksys and a few other mfrs. (mind drawing a blank right now)/w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

The range was the “killer”… very unreliable, network would constantly drop in/out… so this generation of wireless (that we tried/tested) didn’t pass the test… but there is always a next time… /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

This customer ended up doing a Cat5e with 2 of her out buildings…

gws · Jun 3, 2002

You can get a wireless color camera for under $80 now on x10.com web site. That an a gain antenna at the receiving end would give you usable coverage over a small property.

MDNY · Jun 9, 2002

John,

I was watching Techtv in the last few Sundays and they focused on wireless and a few products that they reviewed. However nothing spells trouble (depending on your business) than wireless. Security can be a big issue. Since they have some buildings farther than Cat5 can go with our a repeater than they could consider fiber optic cable depending on the distance again and the conditions they work in. They may have to get some custom cables.

Wireless is great, but not hassle free especially at the entry level products. If she has the money and a little time she can always move up the food chain to Enterasys Roam About or Cisco Systems Aironet. I can tell you that the Enterasys is just as good as Cisco's and can be had for less money.

Good Luck. And hey, why not register.

MossRoad · Jun 9, 2002

Has she checked out Microwave?

Fzahrt · Jun 10, 2002

John,
You can get directional antennas, like a Yagi, that'll help greatly in improving stability and reception (or an Omnidirectional antenna for several connections). These can be had from different manufactures and will work fine with a Linksys access point. If you want manageability, then you'll need to get a higher end product capable of SNMP like a Cisco Aironet device.
As far as running cable between buildings, Cat5E is ok, but fiber is better for 2 reasons:

Fiber does not carry transient voltage between 2 buildings if the reference to ground is slightly different.

Fiber does not get struck by lightning

Of course Fiber is way more expensive to run/terminate, so most choose the Cat5E route. And let's not forget the fiber seeking backhoe that's naturally drawn to such an important cable. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Finally, if security is an issue, it can be secured with a router for the headend (or VPN device). Wireless is not secure out of the box, but if you are encrypting an encrypted stream, it'd be hell to crack that, especially if you had a rotating key every few hours or so. This may sound like an overly convoluted hassle, but it's really not difficult to configure.

Regards,
Frank

BTW - to go with microwave, you have to get licenses/permits. With 802.11a/b, you don't need that.