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    Dean Packard
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What WAP will work with ION Client Software?

Our Ion lightboard will not reliable connect to and remain connected with a laptop running the client software wirelessly.  It is stable when it is connected via a cable, so I know that the problem is not with the software.  I have discussed this with ETC and know that I need to filter out some information being sent out via the WAP.  The one that we have will not allow me to filter the information out.  It is an inexpensive WAP.  My question is for anyone who has successfully set up  their system to use the client software running wirelessly.  What brand and model of WAP are you using in your system?

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  • 0

    I'm using a Trendnet TEW-652BRP Router with no problems. The main reason we chose to get this one was simply because it was a cheap $30. Though I'm pretty sure nearly any current D-Link or Linksys would also work just fine. If you wanna get more advanced, you could find a router that you could install DD-WRT firmware on in order to manually boost wireless range, etc...

    I'm working on a stage that is 160' long and 90' wide. My Ion is sitting on one side of the stage, and I've got a Cat5 cable running from it to the perms (which are 25' up) to the router which is mounted near the center of the stage up high (placed for optimal coverage across the whole stage).

    I have DHCP running on the router, and disabled on the console. I've manually set the IP Address of both the console and my wireless tablet, making sure those IPs fall within the range of the DHCP server. I disabled SSID Broadcast within the wireless settings of the router - so when other people on stage look for wireless networks, my network isn't listed (I simply have to manually enter the name of the network on my tablet). For further security, I've enabled MAC Address Filtering on the router, so only the devices whose physical MAC Address I list can connect. In my case, I've listed the Tablet PC, the Ion Console, and my iPhone (so I can use the iRFR app). Note: I recommend listing your computer first so that it can continue to access the router's website. I don't recommend using any WEP/WPA passwords since encrypting your network can actually slow connection speed.

    I am able to walk anywhere on stage with either my Tablet or my iPhone with no problems. A couple weeks ago, when the router was initially placed on one side of the stage, and not in the center, I would occaisionally lose sync on the far side of the stage with the tablet, but it would sync back up again if I walked back in range.

    Lemme know if you've got any further questions or need clarification!

  • 0 in reply to GeckoTH

    Anyone have any luck using an Airport Express as a WAP? I just tried for about an hour, carefully following the wiki and had no luck. I realize it is an Apple product, but seeing as how PCs can use a wireless network created from it, I didnt think there would be a compatibility issue....maybe I'm wrong?

    -Nick

  • 0 in reply to ldsfx

    I've used an Airport Extreme! as a WAP successfully for use with an iRFR, but it was 6 months ago, and I don't remember exactly how I set it up, but I remember it was pretty straightforward (i.e I didn't have to do anything wacky in the settings to make it work).

    I know that probably won't help you set it up, but it may help your troubleshooting to know that it is not an Apple compatibility issue.

    -M

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  • 0 in reply to ldsfx

    I've used an Airport Extreme! as a WAP successfully for use with an iRFR, but it was 6 months ago, and I don't remember exactly how I set it up, but I remember it was pretty straightforward (i.e I didn't have to do anything wacky in the settings to make it work).

    I know that probably won't help you set it up, but it may help your troubleshooting to know that it is not an Apple compatibility issue.

    -M

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  • 0 in reply to Chaosbob

    Dean and others,

    There are many things to consider in setting this up.  Remember Wi-Fi is public bandwidth, which means you could set your system up today and have it working fine, and tomorrow someone could setup another Wi-Fi network next door and it will take yours down. 

    First thing to do is limit the bandwidth.  Unless you absolutely need the feature, turn off wireless B.  There is no reason to double the duty on your WAP. 

    Second thing to do is what wireless techs call a survey.  There are many programs out there that are free downloads.  I like netstumbler4.0.  It allows me to see hidden WAP, what channel they are on and if they have security attached.  It also will show the signal strength of the WAP in a graphical display.  This is also a useful tool when trouble shooting your own wireless networks.  If there are many drop out points this means that you are either getting interference from another device, or in most case there is some obstruction that is causing intermitted broadcast.

    The following link is the bandwidth.  Note the channel overlap that occurs in wireless network.  This is something to keep in mind when setting up a wireless network.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2.4_GHz_Wi-Fi_channels_(802.11b,g_WLAN).png

    One more thing to look out for when you are setting up your wireless networks is the following consumer products. They are known to cause interference within the 2.4 GHz bandwidth and must be at least 25' from transmitting source to provide clean operation of product.  Microwave, Cordless Telephones, and old Video monitors.  With that said placing you cell phone on the router probably isn't a good idea either. 

    I hope this helps some if not all of you having problems with wireless.  While it can be a challenge to setup it can also be a great convenience.  Remember at the end of the day, hard-line cat5 is always a safe bet, and will help eliminate unknowns caused by wireless.

     

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