On the 2.x branch, I am using ASL as a wireless gateway. I installed a Cisco Aironet 350 PCI card, compiled the module (pluspack on a different machine) and set up ad-hoc networking.
Surely, one can argue that new linksys (and other) wireless boxes are almost as cheap as the Aironet PCI card. I argue that Aironet 350 is top of the line, and my ad-hoc setup is at least on par with the cheap Access Points. I run VPN from my wireless clients to the ASL, and I have full control through ASL firewall rules to restrict the wireless network. Addidionally, I've saved myself the hassle of another box in my already overfilled comms closet :-).
I hope the compiling of additional modules will be easier in ASL 3.x
I have a Cisco 350 PCI card and am trying to install it. Can you post detailed instructions as to how you did this. Any additional instructions for configuration information would be appreciated as well.
Originally posted by Ørjan Sandland: Wireless support is just a matter of a module.
On the 2.x branch, I am using ASL as a wireless gateway. I installed a Cisco Aironet 350 PCI card, compiled the module (pluspack on a different machine) and set up ad-hoc networking.
If you go this route, I suggest an Orinoco card so you can go with an external antenna.
Also AdHoc has many limitations. Most noteably what is referred to as the hidden node problem. That is A can 'see' B and C and 'see' B, but A nd C do not 'see' each other.
Finally in Infrastructure Mode, broadcasts are handled as a Layer 2 unicast to the AP and then a Layer 2 broadcast to all Stations. In AdHoc all broadcasts are sent as Layer 2 unicasts to all known Stations. And since NetBios tends to be all broadcast....
As a final, final note, the new Interim security standard, SSN does not support AdHoc. Getting AdHoc security right is one of the significant delays we are having in the 802.11i meetings. Taking advantage of the unicast method of broadcast in AdHoc, we **THING** we got it in our August meeting....
If you go this route, I suggest an Orinoco card so you can go with an external antenna.
Orinoco's are ok too, but cisco's are better (and more expensive). The Aironet 350 has a connector that can take an external antenna without any problems. Additionally, the 350 has a 100mW power-level, which is about 3x any other 802.11b product in the market.
Also AdHoc has many limitations. Most noteably what is referred to as the hidden node problem. That is A can 'see' B and C and 'see' B, but A nd C do not 'see' each other.
What's the problem with this? A is the gateway in ad-hoc mode. B, C and whoever else, have to see A to be able to route past the gateway.
Finally in Infrastructure Mode, broadcasts are handled as a Layer 2 unicast to the AP and then a Layer 2 broadcast to all Stations. In AdHoc all broadcasts are sent as Layer 2 unicasts to all known Stations. And since NetBios tends to be all broadcast....
I see your point, but my Aironet ad-hoc outperforms a 3com AP so totally that I wanted to throw away the 3com :-)
I think you are saying that SSN will support ad-hoc at some point - is that correct?
If you go this route, I suggest an Orinoco card so you can go with an external antenna.
Orinoco's are ok too, but cisco's are better (and more expensive). The Aironet 350 has a connector that can take an external antenna without any problems. Additionally, the 350 has a 100mW power-level, which is about 3x any other 802.11b product in the market.
Also AdHoc has many limitations. Most noteably what is referred to as the hidden node problem. That is A can 'see' B and C and 'see' B, but A nd C do not 'see' each other.
What's the problem with this? A is the gateway in ad-hoc mode. B, C and whoever else, have to see A to be able to route past the gateway.
Finally in Infrastructure Mode, broadcasts are handled as a Layer 2 unicast to the AP and then a Layer 2 broadcast to all Stations. In AdHoc all broadcasts are sent as Layer 2 unicasts to all known Stations. And since NetBios tends to be all broadcast....
I see your point, but my Aironet ad-hoc outperforms a 3com AP so totally that I wanted to throw away the 3com :-)
I think you are saying that SSN will support ad-hoc at some point - is that correct?
