Wireless+Networking

Document on wireless networking:
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 * Research on airports:

802.11b/g-** compatible with ibook G3 and G4s


 * 802.11b-** Compatible with ibook G3s- 11 Mbit/s


 * 802.11g**- compatible with ibook G4s- 54 Mbit/s


 * 802.11n**- compatible with Macbooks, 600 Mbit/s


 * 802.11n (b/g compatible)**- gives most flexibility to support devices on the newtwork


 * Ghz Settings**

802.11a- runs at 5 Ghz, we don’t think we have any, only academic, 54 Mbit/s

802.11n- can operate at either 2.4 or 5 Ghz,

2.4- better through walls, greater range

5- better for open areas, less susceptible to rf interference, lower range

Macbooks can handle 5, but probably fewer other computers can

Only the brand new (3/09) airport extreme base stations can run both frequencies at the same time. Otherwise you must choose one or the other.

Higher rates lead to better performance, higher throughput of data, better for streaming video. If you have a strong signal it is preferred. All machines can run at this rate if the signal is strong enough.
 * Multicast Settings**

Lower rates lead to greater distance, smaller chunks of data, lower threshold of connectivity, the greater the distance from the station, the lower the rate should be set

The higher it is the stronger the signal is. Greater distance but could interfere with other access points.
 * Transmit Power**

unless you are getting a lot of dropped packets, you don’t need it. My experience is that the base stations do not connect as well with it on.
 * Interference Robustness-**