Hi, I need to get up and running on wireless in about ten days in time for a demo, and I'd like to use 802.11g rather than the older, slower 802.11b. Several hours of googling on, here's a shopping list for stuff that ought to work with Linux that doesn't require closed-source drivers:
1. Access point. I'd like one I can run Linux on directly if possible, simply for cool hack value. http://www.batbox.org/wrt54g-linux.html describes how to do this via a security hole in the Linksys WRT54G, which sells for $105 according to PriceWatch, and $110 according to Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00007KDVI/). Yes, I do worry that using a box with a security hole is a bad idea, but I'll probably flash it with the new, fixed firmware after I'm done having fun.
2. PCMCIA card. I'd like one with open-source drivers. The D-Link DWL-G650 (http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=11) does seem to have open source Linux drivers for both its A variant (http://ruslug.rutgers.edu/~mcgrof/802.11g/Documentation/supported_cards.php) and its B variant (http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?thread_id=3264150&forum_id=33958). It's $50 at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00007LTB6).
Somebody very smart suggested trying Knoppix to make sure it could recognize and support hardware before buying. I don't think I have that luxury here, since 802.11g drivers are awful new.
So, the question is - are those good units that will interoperate well with each other and with legacy 802.11b hardware?
And where's a good place to buy 'em? I'm tempted to go with Amazon, but if there's a store in Los Angeles with them in stock, and prices not too far off from Amazon's, I'd be happy to buy local...
Thanks, Dan
-- Dan Kegel http://www.kegel.com http://counter.li.org/cgi-bin/runscript/display-person.cgi?user=78045
