Basic Info on Wireless Router Installation and Performance

[Erik Norgaard]

Bob Perry wrote:
> Just joined an ISP that has agreed to provide residential DSL service. 
> Their service is normally limited to commercial operations but they 
> made the offer based on the fact that my OS was FreeBSD.

Cool

> At this stage we have determined that only one of three phone jacks 
> in my apartment is able to sync-up with the DSL.  The options, thus far, 
> are to fix the inside phone wiring or install a wireless router.   
> I know little about wireless routers but have started some research and will 
> continue.  However, thought I would also touch base with the mailing list 
> to see what information/experience members are willing to pass along.  
> 
> Would appreciate it you would direct me to relevant resource material for 
> further review. If you have the time, please respond with your thoughts re 
> hardware/software, installation, stability, and security issues as they
> relate to wireless routers and FreeBSD.

OK, I need a diagram, I am having the same thoughts, my network will be 
like this:
                                      +-AP))
                                      |
INET --- ADSL-router ---- FBSD gw ---+-AP))
                                      |

My plan is to let the AP's be plain and stupid and let FBSD do the work, 
is this what you are thinking about? Really, than the AP works more like 
a switch and the FBSD gw is the router doing NAT and internat access 
control.

O'Reily has two books that might interest you, one on 802.11 security 
goes through setup for Linux Free and OpenBSD based hosts and gateways, 
the other on building wireless community networks.

The first book is far the most interesting. The other get lost in 
antennas, polarization and stuff and just doesn't cover much about how 
to extend the network beyond the reach of the first AP.

Cheers, Erik
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