Wireless Access Point Reliability?

darrelld2 asks: "I'm having problems finding a low cost access point that is reliable. I started searching the web; however, I can't find anyone who has done independent research on access points to find which one is the most dependable. I have had several different brands; Cisco, 3Com, and Netgear. The only one that has lasted more than 6 months was the Cisco. What are other Slashdot users seeing?" Just as an added datapoint, I've been using my Cabletron Wireless AP for well over 2 years, and aside with a (repairable) problem with the power supply, it is still going strong. What have your experiences been with wireless APs?

Comments

HostAP...

[dJCL]

I just grabbed an old 233Mhz I had sitting around(small form factor Deskpro) and put in a PrismII based card(DLink DWL500 I think) and installed the Linux HostAP driver. It now runs as the access point on my network, and has built in DHCP and DNS servers and firewall capabilities.

Just find a rock solid card, ignore the AP issue and build your own with Linux! Hey, it really is that simple. And I have used this now for months without an issue at all. Debian Stable with the hostap driver compiled on and a updated kernel to deal with some speed issues...

Try it and see...

Re:What have you been doing with your AP?

[FFFish]

Indeed. I've been using 3Com HomeConnect for going on forever now (well, three or four years *at least*), and it's ticking along just fine. Even after I shortcircuited the board when I tried to hang the unit from the wall using a bent paperclip... [hangs head in shame]. Even after it fell from the wall, smashing onto the floor. And even after making sparks fly when plugging it into its power adapter (stupid screw located beside the power plug, just ideal for making contact with the plug "tip". Bah.)

Now personally, I can't imagine being any harder on these devices than I've been, short of storing them underwater, so I should think most any decent brandname AP will do just fine.