Thread
Base station alternatives
What alternatives do we have to the Apple BaseSation?
There are so many 802.11b products out there, but I can't find decent information about how good compatibility of certain devices is. One thing that makes me worry is that Apple releases updates to the AirPort software with warning that software level on base station and computer need to be the same. What if my nase station is not from Apple?
How are third-party base stations set up? I heard some allow configuration using Apple's software. I even think I read somewhere that there is a device that can actually run on Apple's firmware. true?
TIA,
Pierre.
There are so many 802.11b products out there, but I can't find decent information about how good compatibility of certain devices is. One thing that makes me worry is that Apple releases updates to the AirPort software with warning that software level on base station and computer need to be the same. What if my nase station is not from Apple?
How are third-party base stations set up? I heard some allow configuration using Apple's software. I even think I read somewhere that there is a device that can actually run on Apple's firmware. true?
TIA,
Pierre.
I bought a SMC Barricade wireless router and it works great. Nice in that it had compatibility with both PC's and the Mac advertised right on the box. With my setup, there are a coulple of PC's along with a mac laptop. It also has 3 of ethernet ports, so that you can hook up other computers to it.
It is configured through a web interface and the included instructions were quite straightforward. It was cheaper than a basestation, (prices on the net seem to vary from 130 to 170) and also has a parellel printer port and a modem port built into it, meaning that anything on the network can share that deveice.
It is configured through a web interface and the included instructions were quite straightforward. It was cheaper than a basestation, (prices on the net seem to vary from 130 to 170) and also has a parellel printer port and a modem port built into it, meaning that anything on the network can share that deveice.
I just bought the a Barricade too, per advise from a local reseller. But all the configuration software is for made PCs. So I guess If I don't have a PC hooked up to the Barricade then it's absolutely worthless... So much for Mac friendliness...
Am I missing the point here? Any comments? I thinking about taking it back and buying an Airport base -but damm... it's about $150 more!!
Any advice?
Am I missing the point here? Any comments? I thinking about taking it back and buying an Airport base -but damm... it's about $150 more!!
Any advice?
The point is that, though a box may be beautiful at handling ethernet connections, you have to be very careful about whether or not the one you get can be configured by a Mac. The best ones (from a platform independence standpoint) use a browser interface, so they are completely platform independent. The next tier has both Mac and PC configuration software. Below that (way below) is the equipment that has only one or the other-usually PC only.
Over the counter routers at BestBuy, etc., are usually aimed at PC users-marketing says that PC folks are more into tinkering, and I do tinker with my PCs...
Anyway, look CAREFULLY at the packaging for Mac support before you buy, and if you have any question about whether or not "Mac support" actually means being able to configure the thing from a Mac, make sure you get authorization (in writing is good) to bring the thing back for a full refund. That will at least get the BestBuy kid to think hard about what he recommends. (In my experience, the sales people at BestBuy are the least informed about their product lines-except the stuff they personnaly think is cool-of any hardware retailer. Don't get me started talking about when I bought a refrigerator from them...)
P.S.: Isn't SMC's stuff OEM'd by the same folks that make hardware for Asante? It's worth checking...
Over the counter routers at BestBuy, etc., are usually aimed at PC users-marketing says that PC folks are more into tinkering, and I do tinker with my PCs...
Anyway, look CAREFULLY at the packaging for Mac support before you buy, and if you have any question about whether or not "Mac support" actually means being able to configure the thing from a Mac, make sure you get authorization (in writing is good) to bring the thing back for a full refund. That will at least get the BestBuy kid to think hard about what he recommends. (In my experience, the sales people at BestBuy are the least informed about their product lines-except the stuff they personnaly think is cool-of any hardware retailer. Don't get me started talking about when I bought a refrigerator from them...)
P.S.: Isn't SMC's stuff OEM'd by the same folks that make hardware for Asante? It's worth checking...
I hear you... Those BestBuy kids are to watch out for. I had some very bad experiences in the past with them too.
For this particular case, the story actually has a happy ending. The Barricade is actually configurable through any browser. I had to dig deep into the manual to find just a blip of what's probably one of the most critical features. In any event, after a few clicks in some fairly straight forward webpages, things worked great. I now have to iMacs talking to each other flawlessly!
For this particular case, the story actually has a happy ending. The Barricade is actually configurable through any browser. I had to dig deep into the manual to find just a blip of what's probably one of the most critical features. In any event, after a few clicks in some fairly straight forward webpages, things worked great. I now have to iMacs talking to each other flawlessly!
Great! A happy ending, and a lesson to keep at hand-SMC Barricade wireless routers are browser-configurable. Congratulations.
I picked up a 3Com Wireless Gateway about a year ago for under $100. It is web configurable and has worked great!