[CS-FSLUG] wireless networking for beginners?

[David McGlone]

On Monday 23 March 2009 6:27:57 pm Fred A. Miller wrote:
> Ron Thompson wrote:
> > On Sunday 22 March 2009 20:27, Fred A. Miller wrote:
> >> David McGlone wrote:
> >>> On Saturday 21 March 2009 18:41:03 Ron Thompson wrote:
> >>>> Hi,
> >>>>
> >>>>    I'd like to learn how to set up networks, especially wireless
> >>>> networks, and I'm looking for a book suited for beginners.  Any
> >>>> suggestions?
> >>>
> >>> Hi Ron, I don't think there would be enough information on wireless
> >>> networks to make a book, unless it was about 4 pages long.
> >>>
> >>> Basically it's the same as a wired network, minus the cables.
> >>>
> >>> If your wanting a home wireless network, usually most of your
> >>> preference settings will be on your router.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I have my router set up to get my dynamic IP from my ISP, but I turn
> >>> off the DHCP on the router and I assign each of my computers a fixed IP
> >>> within the IP pool of my router.
> >>>
> >>> For example, my router uses the fixed IP's using the router's IP pool
> >>> of IP's between 192.168.2.2 - 192.168.2.100
> >>>
> >>> After I select these options, you'll also need to supply the router
> >>> with an ESSID.
> >>>
> >>> Finally, set up your distro using the settings you specified in your
> >>> router.
> >>>
> >>> I have my 1st computers IP as 192.168.2.2 and my laptop is 192.168.2.3
> >>> and so on and so forth, then specify which ESSID you want to connect
> >>> to, and finally specify your password if you set one up in the router
> >>> settings. Personally I use MAC address filtering and a firewall, and I
> >>> do not broadcast my ESSID.
> >>
> >> Correct, then for the best security, use Personal WPA2 with AES.

> > Thanks guys,
> >
> >    it is that simple?

It actually is :-)

> >    What about adhoc networking?

IMHO wireless adhoc aren't that great because with an adhoc network the nodes 
"compete" for access to the shared wireless network and it creates what is 
called a "collision".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collision_(telecommunications)

Here's a pdf about adhoc

http://pdos.csail.mit.edu/papers/grid:mobicom01/paper.pdf

> >    I'd like to have
> > different computers network with each other, and if only one has internet
> > access, have the others bridge to the internet through it.

If I understand what you are trying to ask then, If you set up your network as 
I explained, each computer will connect independently to the router 
eliminating the need to bridge through the computer.

Then in order to network your computers with each other, you can use Samba.

> > I should probably get a book on networking in general.

That would be better.

Blessings,
David M.
http://www.dmcentral.net