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More Wireless Networking for Linux

Posted by Hemos on from the good-stuff dept.

I was sent word that AbsoluteValue and Intersil have announced more development of wireless support for Linux. The announcement is actually for Intersil PRISM-based WLAN cards, but what it does mean is more support for IEEE 802.11 wireless cards, access points, etc. Here at Slashdot, we've been using the ZoomAir cards, but are starting to play with the Lucent cards - what does everyone else think about Linux and wireless cards?

1 of 244 comments (clear)

  1. Wireless by mindstrm · · Score: 5

    Having used both Proxim Rangelan II, and several versions of Lucent WaveLan (all pcmcia cards) in linux, I didn't have to many problems.

    Neither has full source, you need a binary-only module (or in the case of the proxim driver, a library that you link against, I believe built from the Proxim reference source.) The Proxim driver was a bit bitchy in it's early days, but I'm told it works very well now.

    Another note... most wireless LAN solutions have some kind of 'base station' or 'access point' they expect you to buy. If all you have is a few PC's, and it's for the home hacker, you generally do not need this. The cards themselves can communicate with each other just fine. The base station usually serves as the bridge (possibly router) between your wired and wireless networks, sometimes with added features like supporitng multiple transcievers on multiple channels.

    Another trick with wireless LAN cards.. if you replace the omnidirectional antenna they give you with a good directional antenna, you can massively extend the range. I have seen Proxim Rangelan II cards bridge distances of about 15 Km and still be within regulations. This also works if you have a wall you need to penetrate that you can't quite manage without. (depends on the materials, though..).
    Also.. most wireless LAN cards, by regulation, must use a non-standard connector. Usually, it's a standard connector with the mating parts switched around. (this is to prevent joe average from hookingn his little card up to his linear amplifier and causing WW-III).

    Hmm. I could go on for a while.. perhaps I should start a Wireless LAN HAcking FAQ?