An Ethernet MAC address is assigned to the wireless networking card. Make a note of

Part II ✦ Planning and Setting Up Networking — Hardware and Software SMC produces the EZ Connect g CardBus adapter for a notebook or profile computer. The standard is 802.11g and 802.11b-compliant, so data rates are up to 54 Mbps. Operating range is 1,155 feet with 40- and 128-bit encryption. Cost is around 75. Other good brands to use for 802.11g adapters include 3Com, Proxim, and Intel. There are many, many manufacturers of wireless adapter cards. 802.11b access points and bridges NETGEAR makes an 802.11b wireless access point named Model ME102. Connectivity is 11 Mbps, since it uses the 802.11b standard. The WAP has both 4064- and 128-bit encryption. It connects to either an Ethernet network or a CableDSL router. The WAP has a 5-year war- ranty. NETGEAR has several access points similar to this model; prices range from around 70 to 110. Sony Vaio offers a wireless LAN bridgeaccess point that enables you to connect your wired network to a wireless network. Data transfer speed is up to 11 Mbps, because the standard is IEEE 802.11b for a range of up to 130 feet, line of sight. An additional standard is IEEE 802.11, which means there is an Ethernet interface: 10100 Ethernet with the R-45 interface. 3Com, Intel, Hawking, Proxim, and other manufacturers also produce access points not only for 802.11b but for 802.11a as well. 802.11g access points and bridges The NETGEAR Model WG602 is an 802.11g wireless access point. The speed is 54 Mbps, and of course, the WAP works with 802.11b standard as well. WEP standard 128-bit encryption is included. The cost is around 100. The Linksys Wireless-g access point provides the 802.11g standard, and it is also compatible with the 802.11b standard. WEP is 4064- to 128-bit encryption. This WAP has MAC address fil- tering and IP addressing; it’s easy to configure and costs around 130. Cisco, D-Link, Proxim, and other manufacturers also produce wireless access points and bridges. Wireless antennas You purchase antennas according to the distance between the buildings you need to link. You should also check to see if an antenna is made for inside or outside or both. You’ll also come across the terms omnidirectional and directional. Omnidirectional means the antennas reach from point to several points. Directional goes from point to point. In addition, most antennas are made to work with specific wireless products; so be careful when choosing antennas. Finally, you’ll need two of the same type of antennas to successfully work as a bridge between two points; the following prices are only for one antenna. If you use outdoor antennas, check with the manufacturers of the antennas about grounding wires and such. You don’t want a lightning storm to ruin your network. NETGEAR ANT2405 omnidirectional antenna costs about 60 and works to extend coverage for existing 802.11b or 802.11g networks. This antenna configures for either omnidirectional or directional. This smaller antenna is made to work indoors on a single-floor environment to opti- mize range. The antenna comes with a coax cable, can be used with Wi-Fi products, and includes wall-mounting materials. This product is made to work with specific NETGEAR hardware. Enterasys has a vehicle antenna you can use for around 70. The vehicle-mount antenna is a broadband antenna in the 2.4 GHz frequency with an omnidirectional pattern. Generally, these antennas are used on forklifts or trucks, but you might find a use for it in your home, trailer, or vehicle. Tip