[ubuntu-uk] The Latest Wireless

[Chris Wright]

TheVeech wrote:
> On Thu, 2007-04-12 at 17:41 +0100, Chris Wright wrote:
>> TheVeech wrote:
>>> What's the latest in wireless that's available on Ubuntu?  I'm using 'b'
>>> & 'g', but what's the state of play with 'n'/'pre-n'?
>>>
>>> If that's currently a no-go, any tips for extending existing coverage
>>> (Netgear wireless router)?
>>>
>>>
>> I had the DG834GT but recently replaced it with the DG834N (after the GT 
>> went up in smoke).
> 
> The GT is the one I had with a new aerial.  At the moment, I'm trying to
> extend the cable version.
> 
> 
>> I changed the antennae on the GT to an external 'high gain' and that 
>> helped. The router was in the front room of my house, and the kids PC's 
>> which were all upstairs would connect no problem.
>>
>> After the change, I could see my neighbours network.
>> I could also get decent connection at the end of my yard (which meant 
>> working at home on Sunny days lounging in the yard was a lot easier).
> 
> I'm just starting to appreciate this.  It's ten times better than being
> stuck indoors, plus I won't suffer from geek pastiness for much longer!

I work from home, so getting with the recent sun and warmth, working 
outside in the middle of the coutryside has it's benefits.
(Apart from last week when the farmer went round and dumped several 
hundred tons of manure in the field 4ft from my back fence).

> 
> 
>> I could do voip and video conf at least 100ft away from the router with 
>> the new aerial.
> 
> I bought one, but I must have just got a dud.

Netgear have had a problem with dud's according to a few posts I've read 
on their forums.
> 
> 
>> The new 'N' apart from having the new as yet unreleased standard (or 
>> non-ratified), also has an internal antennae. (In fact it has 2 or 3 
>> internal antennas).  With these, I don't use the external (and can't 
>> because there is no connection).
>> Wireless range has improved with the "N" despite the lack of external 
>> antennae
> 
> Is improved range with an 'N' card in your laptop too, or just using
> 'b'/'g'?
> 
> 

It's with the b/g.  Actually, despite buying the damn 'N' version, I 
don't have any cards that actually support it.

As a side note on the range, my neighbour has been having problems with 
his current DLink dropping his sons XBox connection all the time, but he 
could see my Netgear, so I added him and now he connects via me. Must be 
at least 4 walls and 100ft plus.  Don't know what the quality of his 
connection is like, but it's rock solid. (His son doesn't play online 
gaming, just uses it for mail and stuff occasionally).