On 3 Apr 2004 at 16:27, Mick Fitzpatrick wrote:

> I'm looking at some wireless network products to expand my wired network.
>
> Is there any compatibility problems with wireless NIC's and hubs from
> different manufacturers or will any wireless NIC work to any wireless hub?

  There are three current wireless standards:  802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g

  I think most "g" devices on the market also do at least "b" as well, and
some do all three.  "a" tends to be on the expensive side, so there's a lot
out there that is "b" only.
  Since you don't already have equipment that you're trying to match, I'd
get gear that does both b and g for best compatibility with each other and
with other things out there.  (For instance, once you have a wireless
laptop, you may want to travel with it or take it to Starbucks....)

  There are some emerging security standards which are not supported on all
brands yet, such as 802.1x.  Supporting these is primarily an issue for
private corporate wireless networks; you won't need them to use public
wireless services, and you probably can't justify the necessary back-end
infrastructure for your home network.

David Gillett

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
           Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com