What's in your tool box? 802.11 Access point /switch choices.

So as I re-solder the antenna's back on my cheap Netgear access point...again I ask...Is there a better choice?

What do people use for a tool box access point?

I would love a small 3 port switch with 802.11B/G. Even better if it had some smarts such as port mirroring. It doesn t need any firewall. Size is key here.

When I ask at the local computer stores about the smallest access points, I get "gee...no one has asked about the size before" The current Netgear box I'm using is almost 1/2 the size of my laptop...and it has a giant external PSU to boot. Between the actual computer...and the access point...and the external 3-1/2 drive...and the various cables, my laptop bag is awful stuffed.

So I ask...What's in your toolbox?

tdrga over 14 years ago

Bruce,

How about a D-Link WBR-1310: (WxDxH): 4.5” x 5.9” x 1.4” ? It is in their current lineup (at least on the website).

I have a small D-Link router (don't remember the model number but I'm sure it's now discontinued) which is roughly the same size and it easily fits in my laptop case. Mine also has a removable antenna- don't know about the WBR-1310.

-Todd
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pwiegand over 14 years ago in reply to tdrga

Bruce,

I use Netgear. At $20 a pop, I don't care if I have to toss it.
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jselander over 14 years ago

I use a Apple Airport Express for my WAP and travel with a small linksys 5 port switch, its actually the same ones we use in the Sensor Networking boxes. For paradigm jobs i travel with an 8 port POE switch, while they are much larger, it makes LCD uploads fast on an all LON system.
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mgarrison over 14 years ago in reply to jselander

Yeah, I was just about to suggest Apple's Airport Express as well. Not the cheapest option, but it is very compact (and you don't need a Mac to use it).
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abbytutorow over 14 years ago

I know you wanted B/G...but if you can just live with G...then take a good look at this:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=346

Very tiny, pretty decent range, and functions as a WAP or Wireless Router. Not POE, though, unfortunately.

-Abby
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nelmsbrad over 14 years ago in reply to abbytutorow

Abby,

I've seen the D-Link portable before and I was impressed with it, but I couldn't tell how many ports it has?

My problem with the Airport Express is that it only has 1 net port, so you can't plug it inline with a console. Does this hold true for the D-Link as well?

Thanks

Brad
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RandyG34096 over 13 years ago

I also am a beleiver in the small Apple Airport Express. It does a great job and can be configured for multiple IP configs. It has been excellent for use as the "acces point" wiht the ION and Element consoles and the iRFR functions. Then wiht a small IP change can talk to the Unison and standard ETC network equipment.

As for needing POE, a single port from 3COM has been my best little friend and one of the small 5-port switches.

As for the bag thing, yes, it's packed, but many times it is a matter of seperate bags for the network stuff. It could be worse, needing the SLTA as well.
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