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Wireless Access Point Reliability?

Posted by Cliff on from the working-wireless dept.

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?

5 of 82 comments (clear)

  1. What have you been doing with your AP? by eakerin · · Score: 3, Informative

    I'm just wondering what you've been doing with those AP's that make them die so easily.

    I've got a Linksys, it's been working fine for probably a year now. At work, we use Cisco AP's and they've been running strong for well over 2 years.

    Do you leave it outside in the rain, drop it in the mud, or kick it?

    1. Re:What have you been doing with your AP? by FFFish · · Score: 4, Interesting

      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.

      --

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  2. Linksys WAP11 Version 1 - upgraded firmware by pbulteel73 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Believe it or not, I've had this one since they came out (2 years ago or so) and have had to reset it twice. It's pretty reliable and the transfer rates are decent. I have it plugged into it's own interface on my firewall using a crossover cable so I can section if off from my internal net and log^H^H^H protect my network.

    I have heard horror stories about them but I must admit I am a very happy customer. Their PCCards suck though.

  3. My thoughts by krangomatik · · Score: 4, Informative

    When you talk about 'reliability' it sounds like you are talking about longevity. In addition to hw failures you also have to worry about the AP's ability to be upgraded to keep up with new authentication/authorization methods and other such software/firmware improvements. That is the biggest difference between the low end and the high end APs. We use Cisco APs and bridges for this very reason. We were steered this direction because we are a Cisco shop, so I'm not by any means trying to steer people towards Cisco APs. That being said, we have been happy with them, but I also know of people who have AP installs using other 'high-end' APs with similar success.
    At my home I have a Linksys box (one of the gateway/wireless/4 port hub boxes) and it has been working alright for a couple years now. With earlier firmware revs the wireless would occasionally drop, but with the later revs its been pretty good.

  4. Netgear by sql*kitten · · Score: 3, Informative

    I had a funny problem with my Netgear ME102 at home. The connection gradually got less and less reliable over distance, finally it could sustain a connection (to a Netgear MA401 802.11b PC card) for no more than a couple of minutes at a time. But the status lights on the WAP itself were showing it was fine. The problem was the power supply - it had failed in such a way that the ME102 could still power up, yet it could not run the radio link. It took 6 weeks or so dealing with Netgear's frankly useless tech support organization to diagnose this. I don't just mean that their people are clueless (altho' they are) and that they barely speak English. Their call centre technology is poor - for example, every time I called, I gave the ticket number the last one had given me, but it wasn't recognized and I had to almost start again from scratch each time. There also appears to be no link between their email and phone tech support groups.

    Nezt time, I'll pay the extra money for Cisco.