[NTLUG:Discuss] wireless hardware, KVM switch recommendations?

[Mike Hart]

I got the AP431W working in bridge mode but only with everything set to static IP's on the bridged connection from the source. Somehow the 431 got confused when it was set to DCHP mode.   My setup was the 431W then into an 8 port switch, and then 2 PC's and an IP printer into that. 

I wasn't able to make the AP431 work in bridge+repeater mode however.  I still would like a solution for that... (wanders off to google DDWRT and OpenWRT) . 

As far as N over G... I find G works OK for me, and the technical specs of the N revision lead me to believe that unless you have many boxes (more than 5) speaking wireless at the same time AND fiber to the home with gigabit ethernet in the home: N costs more in heat and electricity than it gets you back.  G routers use about 10 watts of power, whereas most 3 antenna N routers that would provide some boost over G will use about 50-60 watts.  Remember that here in Texas 85% of that additional power turns into heat that you have to then spend another 150-200 watts taking that heat out of the living space 24/7 for 10 months of the year if you leave your router on.  That's about ~$30.00 a year additional to run an N router and ~$100.00 a year to provide cooling for it. (figured at 10cents/KWH)

Also, if you live in a fairly urban area (less than 1/2 an acre separating you from your neighbors) G is much more likely to have an open channel, since most G routers have 8-10 channels to select from where N  routers have only 2 in the 2.4Ghz range.  (the 5 ghz range is more affected by physical obstructions).  However, eventually when N routers are more prevalent than G, G routers will have more issues because they are affected by N channels, but can't detect N routers.