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Pastimes : Computer Learning
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To: Stang who wrote (24336)1/5/2002 10:56:47 AM
From: Bill Fischofer  Read Replies (1) of 110653
 
Bluetooth has a design range of 30 feet so would automatically be disqualified. 802.11b, also known as "Wi-Fi" is the emerging wireless networking standard and these networks are growing like weeds everywhere. You can buy 802.11b stuff at Best Buy, CompUSA, etc. It's cheap and works well. Windows XP's built-in support for 802.11b is superb. The 802.11b standard offers transmission speeds of up to 11 Mbps at ranges of up to 300 feet (your mileage will vary). It uses the 2.4GHz band which is shared by both Microwave ovens and 2.4 GHz cordless phones, though interference problems are usually not a problem in a home environment. (802.11a is a newer standard offering 54 Mbps speeds using the 5 GHz band. Equipment supporting this standard is not compatible with 802.11b stuff and is more expensive and not as widely available yet).

Security is a known problem and there as yet are no standard solutions but each of the vendors have their own proprietary extensions which fill the holes in the base technology. Cisco's is generally regarded as the best, though of course their equipment is usually the most expensive too. Proxim and Agere are other top-tier vendors. Linksys is the "bargain brand" you're most likely to find at your local Best Buy.

A good overview of security issues can be found at extremetech.com which may have more technical detail than you wanted. The bottom line is that most stuff you buy is insecure in its default settings but you can secure it more or less by turning on and configuring the manufacturer's security features.
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