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

My thoughts

[krangomatik]

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.

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.