>> Of course, LinkSys doesn't list Macintosh compatibility...but that shouldn't
>> matter all that much. The entire box is configured via a web interface and
>
> This is untrue - configuration is *ONLY* possible via their Windows only USB
> interface/software - which sucks (how hard would it have been to place a
> small web-server in there for ethernet based configuration like their
> routers?).
>
> I ended up taking care of the configuration using VirtualPC, with USB
> properly configured for the device. For ease of use, and extensibility, I
> renamed it 'Airport Network' and gave it an appropriate IP number to fit
> within my network.
Allow me to extend and revise my remarks.
So long as you don't buy one of the Linksys boxes which is configured via
USB, Macintosh compatibility shouldn't be a problem.
I'll admit to being more than a little confused about your difficulties
since the box I pointed to, that you imply you purchased, doesn't even have
a USB port...nor does it's 47 page user guide include the word USB.
So I'm going to guess you got a different box...
> So far, I am getting better range and speed with this box than I am getting
> with Apple's Airport - and the Linksys box has one HUGE advantage - the
> antenna's on the back of the unit use a standard BNC connector (they are
> clip-on), and hence attaching external long-range antenna's has just become
> a cinch - unlike the airport which requires lots of hacking.
The antenna adapter is, as you say, potentially a huge advantage.
>> I also note that it's not at all clear to me whether or not the Linksys
>> wireless boxes actually include the wireless PC(MCIA) card or require you to
>> buy one separately. At least one version states that the card isn't
>> included.
>
> The single-port box (without router and multiple RJ-45s)
Aha, you got that box, *not* the one I pointed to. I feel better now about
not having provided misleading information vis-à-vis the USB thing. ;-)
> provides the wireless card (or whatever) already inside, but I'm sure one can
> still upgrade the system easily using a screwdriver.
I suspect the USB version is the "entry model".
The pictures of some of the other models show a user-accessible PCMCIA slot
on the back of the box.
> The multiple port box with the option of adding a card (and elsser range) is
> definitely a great idea if you plan on going wirless in the future, but
> don't need to right now.
I concur. But then that's a design that I've been, um, advocating in other
forums, for 18 months.
> Also, I'm noticing better speed, overall, with the Linksys box, versus the
> airport box from Apple.
I'd be curious as to whether you're seeing the speed differential in the
vicinity of the box, away from the box, or always.
Both boxes should drop speed in exchange for range. So, with a better
antenna, the Linksys box should perform well further away. In theory, at
close range, you should be at max speed, so I'd really be interested in
hearing about differences when connected at 11 megabits.
Any chance you can provide some throughput numbers under controlled
circumstances?
> Overall, it seems like a better product, and cheaper too. If they could just
> make the configuration more platform independent (and possibly even
> compatible with Apple's airport configuration utility) this would be the
> perfect product. As it stands, I can only give it 9 out of 10 stars.
See, I wasn't lying when I said that they make really good products. ;-)
mikel
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