[lug] Wireless kit?

[Frank Whiteley]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Hodges" <Gary.Hodges at noaa.gov>
To: <lug at lug.boulder.co.us>
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 10:40 PM
Subject: Re: [lug] Wireless kit?


>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Frank Whiteley" <techzone at greeleynet.com>
> Date: Saturday, March 29, 2003 11:24 pm
> Subject: Re: [lug] Wireless kit?
>
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Gary Hodges" <Gary.Hodges at noaa.gov>
> > To: <lug at lug.boulder.co.us>
> > Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 7:21 PM
> > Subject: Re: [lug] Wireless kit?
> >
> >
> > > Similar question as the OP.  I have just got Qwest DSL and I
> > would like
> > > a good wireless setup so I can take a laptop into the back yard
> > and let
> > > my mother watch her grandchildren play.  The Actiontech modem I got
> > > from Qwest has a couple PCMCIA slots built in, but maybe it is
> > best to
> > > go with some sort of wireless hub that connects to a RJ45 port.
> > I'm in
> > > Florida now and so I don't have the DSL modem manual handy, but
> > I think
> > > it is a model 1525.  Admittedly I haven't read the manual so
> > there may
> > > be good suggestions there.
> > >
> > > Gary
> > >
> > It likely an ActionTec 1520S gateway.  The PCMCIA slot only works with
> > ActionTec's $80+ wireless card, so if you're 'renting' the
> > gateway, well....
> > You can buy the 1520S from ActionTec for $150+, but the firmware
> > load needs
> > to be from Qwest, which is available online.  IMVHO, due to the
> > proprietarynature of the device and card, I'd consider buying a
> > Cisco678 on eBay and
> > letting Qwest have the ActionTec back, saving the $5/month, and
> > get a
> > wireless router or access point for the network.  I picked up a
> > Speedstreamwireless 4-port hub/router the other day cheaper than
> > PCMCIA wireless card.
>
> Thanks for the reply Frank.  You bring up another point that I was
> going to ask about sometime, that is, can I buy another DSL modem and
> have it work with the Qwest service and avoid that $5.00 monthly
> charge?  I'll look for Cisco678 and see what they are going for.
>
> Thanks,
> Gary
>
I'd recommend the C678 as you can download the latest CBOS from Qwest or ask
here for a copy.  Qwest offered one of my clients a C678 as a replacement
for a stolen item last month for $150, but I don't think they'll sell you
one directly.  These are probably stock to cover contingencies like
failure/theft/damage, etc.  No harm in asking I suppose.  eBay prices were
running $125 plus shipping.  YMMV.  The unit must support DMT.  Saving the
$5 is only significant if the service is going to be in place for some
number of months.  The Cisco has more options.  At least with the rental,
replacement and warranty become Qwest's issues.  If someone discontinues
service and doesn't return the 1520S, I think they charge $200.

Frank