Wi Fi and Hi Fi

If you can run CAT 5 cable rather than use wi-fi, you should have more consistent speed and certainly better security. Further, it strikes me that the fewer wireless signals that are generated in close proximity to anything (including the people in the house), the better off one is. There may or may not be interference (or health effect) from using wi-fi but there certainly isn't one if you don't.

Having said that, I have a 802.11b system as it was the only way to get hi-speed access my son's computer without doing things that would upset my wife aesthetically. Hmmm, WAF exisits with computers too.

I will only add that the first thing that someone should do when running any type of wireless link would be to change the password or access code. Many people leave the password at the factory default, making it VERY easy for others to hack into your system. I know this for a fact as i have customers that have purchased high gain directional antennas for this very purpose. Sitting in my shop and using one of their antennas and laptops, I've seen a customer log into a nearby business that is over a mile away with consistent results. This is with the antenna INSIDE my shop, which is loaded with tons of metal and typically provides horrible reception for most cell phones and high frequency receivers. As such, a hacker with such an antenna mounted outside of their house or on their vehicle could literally pick up a strong signal for multiple miles. Some of these folks literally drive around in their cars looking for open wi-fi's, logging the addresses and hacking into the systems. This is called "war driving" amongst computer geeks.

Needless to say, once someone found that entrance into your computer network, they could do anything that they wanted to if they were skilled at hacking. Given the fact that only a "skilled hacker" would be going this far to get into someone's computer, you better do what you can to maintain security. I can tell you a few stories ( funny to listen to, horrible if you were the recipient ) of jokes they've played on people with passwords in the default position. This is not to mention the illegal activities that they could do ( if they wanted to ) using your computer as the source. BE CAREFUL !!! Sean
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PS... One would think that these would be big antennas, but due to the very high frequency that they operate on, the antennas are quite small. A 13 element yagi with tremendous gain is less than two foot long and fits into a small diameter section of PVC tubing. As such, they don't even look like an antenna in the least.

Running WIFI in the living room where my stereo and home-office is as well. My stereo experience no degredations at all.

WIFI's cool. It allows me to get on the web while sick in bed.

I placed a call to a guy that does CAT 5 runs. He helped me when I upgraded my two alarm systems. Definitely talented at getting small wires into tight places.

I know the possibility of interference will be minimized with a hard wire system, but as with most residences, access is near impossible in some areas.

My new Apple Powerbook 17 is the only computer with built in Wi Fi, and it’s 802-11g compatible.

The two custom built Win machines run Microsoft XP Pro, but there’s also three desktop Mac towers running OS 9 / Jaguar 10.

The Apple Airport extreme will run the powerbook at either 802-11b or 802-11g (54 mbps). Coupled with a Linksys router, this should allow the Mac and Win machines access to high speed without problems (or so promised).

The company offering us high speed is Comcast cable. I believe their modem requires a single stationary IP address. If so, all the computers will need a sub address to share access. Anyone have experience with keeping these animals friendly and on speaking terms?

For anyone considering Wi-Fi I would recommend that they go with 802.11g instead of 802.11b. You get 54Mbs vs. 11Mbs. This may be why some were reporting slowdowns as people were added to the network. Pay attention to security and lock your unit down as recommended above. This can't be stressed enough. Make sure your base station has an integrated switch vs. a hub - better perfomance. A few extra dollars spent on a good name brand is usually payed back with fewer frustrations.

As for interference with your hi-fi, remember the inverse square law and keep your base station some distance from your audio gear. Also you would probably be best not to plug the base station to the same circuit as you audio gear.