Rookie Netter here again. I don't know much about hard wired nets, and just about zero regarding wireless. A friend has asked me for some advice (poor choice) regarding having a "Hotspot" set up at her business. She has been approached by a company that is going to provide this service. I can't see what it is they intend to provide (except an address to send checks). Can't you just have a high speed broadband line installed and hook a wireless router to the modem and have a "Hotspot?"
Yes, .... but. There are a lot of variables... WAPs (Wireless Access Points) come in many flavors, and aren't set-and-forget devices. Business telecom services can be *expensive*, so many companies offer complete end-to-end solutions, including routine maintenance, often for less than you can do it yourself, expecially if you don't have in-house expertise.
A few of the variables:
How much bandwidth in each direction does her business need, and what type of telecom pipes are available to that location? Can a better deal be had if voice is bundled with it?
Does she need some connection redundancy, so as to provide guarenteed availability?
Does she need to have any of her computers accessable from the outside? (eg servers)
How many other client computers need to connect?
How large is the business, physically? (ie, is one WAP enough or will she need one per floor or ...)
How much interference will the building's walls and wires cause? (limits range of the WAPs, requiring additional devices or higher-powered ones).
And does she have "cool" employees like the ones at UPS? ... UPS installed a wireless network a few years ago and found it was a maintenance nightmare! Their WAPs kept dying! Turns out they used wall mounted units at their facilities, with protective domes on them. Employees thought it was fun to do a jump-slap on them as they walked buy! Ultimately, UPS had to have all their WAPs moved a few feet higher...
FWIW, - Dan.
-- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and...
XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html>
Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html>
MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; end list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/>
Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
