newbie question: wireless router plus linux

ledgah · 12-03-2008, 11:50

OK, I've just recently subscribed to VM's XL Internet package. The thing is there are going to be about 4 to 6 users and one of the user (me) is going to run a Linux box. How would you recommend me to connect all the machinese together, so all the flat mates are going to be happy as well? I was thinking of buying a wireless router, however since I haven't been using Linux for a long time, I am not sure what is a current wireless support status under Linux. Cause if I use Linux I definately need a top speed performance and don't want to fiddle with the wireless driver code.

Should I go for a wireless router? If, which model do you recommend?

Any other suggestions are warmly welcomed^^

Regards,
Mac

Druchii · 12-03-2008, 23:50

I'd suggest you buy a decent wired or wireless router, and, instead of being worried about whether all the cables will fit in the ethernet ports (as most routers only have 4), also buy a 4 or 8 port switch. This will do a number of things:
1) It will increase the number of free ethernet ports from 4 to 7 (if you buy a 4 porter) or 11 (If you buy an 8 porter)
2) This will also not compromise security as wireless may.
3) Will guarantee any Operating System can be used, as Network Interface Card chipsets are well supported.

The downside is... More cables.

ledgah · 13-03-2008, 16:32

Druchii: tack for dig.

Hmm, but I'll probably have to go with wireless router anyway. Do you have any suggestion about the model I should buy? Have you tried to run linux before? Could someone please explain how good is wireless support for linux?

Druchii · 13-03-2008, 17:15

Most of the newest distributrions of linux should be fine with most wireless cards, however, if you really want support, i suggest buying one with an Atheros chipeset, as these have been supported for years...

You could also download and burn a Linux LiveCD to see if your wireless works with the distribution out of the box.

As for router models, most people recommend a Linksys WRT54GL, as it is a great router, and the firmware can be changed to be much more advanced should you want to. (Things like QoS can be enabled in DD-wrt and Tomato firmwares).
I personally had a Linksys WRT54G version 5, which, although not really supported by any decent fimrware, did work very very well.
But, honestly, note the L, L is for linux. (It rusn on linux itself)

Aragorn · 13-03-2008, 17:48

What distro are you running?
The later versions of the Gnome Network Manager applet seem to work OK with supported wireless cards, but getting the right card is the key.
Found this list for Ubuntu - shouldn't be far out for other recent distros.
My Linksys wrt54g works well with my linux boxes.

Cobbydaler · 13-03-2008, 17:58

This is one of the best sites to get information on which wireless chipsets are supported by Linux...

ledgah · 14-03-2008, 12:08

Yeah, this is the information I was looking for guys! Thanks!!!

As for the distribution of Linux I'll probably run Ubuntu, however I'd like it to be distribution independent. Anyway, I'll go and buy the Linksys WRT54G router.

Druchii · 14-03-2008, 22:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledgah

Yeah, this is the information I was looking for guys! Thanks!!!

As for the distribution of Linux I'll probably run Ubuntu, however I'd like it to be distribution independent. Anyway, I'll go and buy the Linksys WRT54G router.

A good choice if ever i did see one.