Which networking method is best?

#1 Thu, 5 Sep 2002 - 12:22

I plan to set up a home network (sharing my cable modem) for my PowerMac G4 and iBook. From what I have read there are two possibilities...
1) cable modem --> airport base station (via WAN)
airport base station --> PowerMac (via LAN)
airport base station --> iBook (via airport card)
2) cable modem --> PowerMac (ethernet)
PowerMac --> iBook (via airport using PowerMac as a software base station)

What would the pros and cons be of each setup (besides the cheaper cost of using method #2)?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

#2 Thu, 5 Sep 2002 - 13:36

The base station has the advantages of:

1) Better range than a card inside a G4

2) Easier setup - automatic DHCP/NAT/network configuration, no additional software to install/configure.

3) Don't have to have the G4 on to allow the iBook to connect

4) Supports both wired and wireless clients (G4 can only share one network connection, so can only serve wireless clients, not additional wired hosts/printers/etc.)

#3 Thu, 5 Sep 2002 - 13:38

I think either should be okay. however, you'll need to have the powermac on and continuously connected if you want to have 'net access from your ibook. this can get annoying if you need to restart or shutdown your powermac for upgrades or what-not and would still like to have internet use on the ibook.

the base station is the best option for a truly always-on connection, independent of the powermac.

#4 Thu, 5 Sep 2002 - 16:33

Be aware that you are not limited to using Apple's Airport Base Station to get wireless access to WAN. There are many third party wireless routers that support the Mac and provide most of the functionality of the ASB. They're also considerably cheaper.

#5 Thu, 5 Sep 2002 - 20:09

agreed. and they also offer more ethernet ports--provided you get the right model. this would make it easier if you want to add any additional macs or PCs.

#6 Thu, 5 Sep 2002 - 23:19

Thanks for the enlightenment

I took a look at the D-Link AirPlus (DI-614+) and it is much cheaper than Apple's Base station ($110 vs $280), but several reviews mentioned that the D-link had a weaker signal than other base stations.

Does anyone have any experience with this wireless router? I don't need to go far, just down one floor.

#7 Wed, 11 Sep 2002 - 13:29

I would recommend the Orinoco AP-200 access point. Orinoco is the OEM for AirPort so that solution should provide the strongest signal, in theory.

I have an AP-200 at home and I use it with my TiBook with no problems. I'd like the range to be larger but that's a function of where I positioned the access point.

#8 Thu, 12 Sep 2002 - 15:25

I recently installed a Linksys Ethernet Wireless Access Point. It cost about $130 and gives good range throughout my house, backyard, and on two floors.