Sorry, I mis-spoke. I actually am just looking for an AP. I have a (Debian) gateway machine that is connected to the wireless, the Internet, and the file server via 3 separate wired ethernets. I don’t like the idea of commercial software connected to the Internet.
I was looking at TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BUSDVBQ?ref_=ams_ad_dp_ttl for $80 (I have Prime). Are there just APs that are better price/performance? Thanks again ../Dave On Mar 31, 2019, 8:56 AM -0400, James Knott via talk <[email protected]>, wrote: > On 03/30/2019 11:10 PM, D. Hugh Redelmeier via talk wrote: > > | From: David Mason via talk <[email protected]> > > > > | We’ve had a DLINK DIR-628 for quite a while. > > > > There's a new standard since then: 802.11ac. Confusing, because there > > already were 802.11a and 802.11c. > > That's why 802.11ax is called WiFi 6. They've assigned other numbers, > such as 5 to 802.11ac. > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ax > > However, it's getting to the point where the improvements don't benefit > individual users much. For example, MIMO improves performance for > multiple users more than individuals. The main benefit for individuals > would be somewhat greater distance, due to beam forming or focusing the > signal in one direction. > > > > > There's been a race to be able to claim speed in wireless routers. > > They use multiple antennae to allow multiple devices to be supported > > at one time (beamforming?). > > > > <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ac> > > > > These advantages depend on the clients supporting 802.11ac. > > 802.11ac is becoming common these days. My Pixel 2 phone, which I > bought over a year ago supports it. > 802,11ax supports MIMO in both directions, whereas 802.11ac only on > transmit. > > > > > Enthusiast routers have gotten more expensive and look more like > > aggressive alien space ships. Just look at this one: > > > > <https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIADGE5R87033> > > They are also capable of much more. Some support mesh, where multiple > APs can work together to provide seamless coverage over a large area. > > > > I like the idea of OpenWRT but don't actually use it. Even though > > I have two wireless routers, I only use them as APs -- the routing > > functions are not used. So my advice about consumer wireless routers > > is pretty theoretical. For gateways (including the routing function), > > I use little PCs running CentOS or Fedora. > > I prefer separate APs and routers. Many APs support power over Ethernet > (PoE), so you don't have to worry about having power near where the AP > works best. Mine's at the top of the wall in my laundry room, which > puts it roughly in the middle of my condo. > > > O'Reilly has some good WiFi books, by Michael Gast. Recommended reading > if you really want to learn about WiFi. > > --- > Talk Mailing List > [email protected] > https://gtalug.org/mailman/listinfo/talk
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