Jay wrote: > Greetings (1st post), > > Quick opinion poll: > > Couple days ago I got restless, and impulse shopped (locally): > > SMC 7004AWBR (802.11b, 3-port switch, NAT/Firewall/etc): $99 w/rebate > SMC 2632W (802.11b, Prism2 based card): $69 > > To my dismay, I can barely keep a signal with the AP on the backyard > deck, with me 68ft away (line of sight) at the fire pit. (The whole > point of this exercise) > > Furthermore, indoors, if I locate the AP with the other switch and cable > modem, I get a weak signal at my usual workspace .. only 30' away > (granted, several walls/doors in the path). Do you have another client card you can test with ? I've used 7004AWBRs before and their performance hasn't been as bad as you report. I have never used SMC client cards, because I've heard poor stories of their performance. I have a Orinoco silver card that I could lend you to play compare/contrast. Will you be at tonight's meeting ? Your email does highlight another interesting point - that these high-functionality combo AP/firewall/print-server/toothbrush/ switch units aren't always the right choice. Often, the optimal location for an AP is not the optimal place for the rest of the functions. -- andyw at pobox.com Andy Warner Voice: (612) 801-8549 Fax: (208) 575-5634