RE: 802.11a - update

["Gerard McGovern" <stuff@xxxxxxx>]

> > > According to the Register article:
> > > "UK and Dutch 802.11a wireless access points will be
the
> > same as ships
> > > in the US and user documentation will explain how users can
choose
> > > four legal bands during installation"
> > >=20
> > > So next hollys to the states, you can bring back a shed load
:-)
> >=20
> > How much did you guys pay for the bulk buy on the 802.11b stuff?
> >
>=20
> That will not be desclosed on a open forum, you will have to=20
> ask that question on habuy. I will send you this information=20
> via private email

Understandable ... one private email coming along ...

> > I'm about to buy directly from the States a Netgear 802.11a=20
> WAP and 2
> > Netgear 802.11a PC Cards.=20
>=20
> Make sure the AP uses a external power supply or if internal=20
> it will work on 220-240v

Netgear have finally got sensible and are bundling a power supply that
will do 100-240V. Progress, at last.

> > Now, the Netgear cards are quite expensive
> > compared to other brands but the whole bundle in total is=20
> > costing $650
> > including shipping.
>=20
> Remember you might get stung with VAT & duty

Hmmmm, hopefully not. I have various friends in the UK who work for the
US Military and they can easily get goods sent out to them, without VAT
and duty :-)

> > Could have gone for a cheaper brand (Linksys or SMC) and the
> > total would=20
> > have been around $560.
>=20
> Do you know what range you will get ? As I understand it the=20
> target use is open plan offices, will they work at full speed=20
> in a domestic situation with walls in the way ?

My experience of 802.11b suggests that unless you are in direct line of
sight and within about a 1/4 of suggested range, you are NOT going to
get 11 Mbps. Same applies for 802.11a but you have a lot more bandwidth
available to fall from. A 50% fall with 802.11b will give you 5.5 Mbps
.... with 802.11a you are down to 28 Mbps ... still very usable.

Take a peek @ http://www.atheros.com/AtherosRangeCapacityPaper.pdf
...
fascinating piece of research on the benefits of 802.11a over 802.11b.

G

--

=BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95
Gerard McGovern
Webmonkey to the stars

gerard@xxxxxxx
http://www.inkiboo.com

=BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95 =BA =95