[nylug-talk] road-runner + linuxOnly + wireless AP

[Gary Mort]

R. Mariotti wrote:
> Thomas Joseph Re wrote:
>> I am considering "RoadRunner/TimeWarner" ISP service, and will only have a
>> Linux notebook to use with this service.  Does anyone know if it is possible
>> to setup RR without a winbox?  Does it require special log-on software?
>>
>> Specifically, I'd like to buy a wireless Access Point and perhaps combo
>> cable-modem/wirelessAP, to connect to RR.  Anyone have experience in this
>> area???
>>
>> BTW, I was having trouble getting my wireless card to work using Redhat 3,
>> and upgraded to Ubuntu - it worked out of the box:).
>>
>>
>> TJ
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>
> TJ;
>
> Having done this for several people already, all successfully BTW, I would 
> recommend you purchase an inexpensive wireless A/P and set it up ahead of time 
> (i.e. configure it for your own local use). 


Just about every inexpensive wireless AP I've used has issues of one sort or 
another.  Most issues seem to be based around the number of connections your 
going to be making, if you load up a program like bittorrent and get slammed 
with a lot of incoming and outgoing connections, eventually it fills up the 
box's memory with NAT translation entries and the thing works sporadically.


In fact, after running into this very situation yet again, I'm finally motivated 
to get back into getting my spare hardware setup as a linux box and use IT for 
the connection to the internet.  With that at least I will be able to 
troubleshoot and see what is causing problems, as opposed to having to unplug 
and plug the router back in.

I'd still go with a wireless AP, but don't use it to connect to the internet.  
Just use it to let all your internal systems connect to the linux 
firewall/router to get out to the internet.

On that note, anyone know if I can plug the cable modem(RCN's version) into my 
PC using the USB port to connect out to the internet?  Or do I need to get a 
second ethernet card?  If it is possible to use the USB port, will there be a 
speed issue(ie is USB fast enough to give me full access to my 10MB ISP or do I 
really need an ethernet card to get the fast access?)  Also, speaking of 
wireless, are there any used computer stores in the Astoria area where I can get 
cheap wireless cards?  I want to play around with moving my wireless hub the the 
linux box as well to give me more monitoring/control.  I figure I could use a 
wireless B card for testing, but everyone on craigslist seems to be selling 
wireless B at prices above what the online retailers charge for wireless G.

And on a completely unrelated note, I'm new to the area and want to start 
attending meetings.  I notice that the meetings are held at the IBM Building on 
Madison Ave.  Is the RSVP just for being able to get into the building?(I work 
for IBM up in East Fishkill, so I can already get into the building to use the 
local LAN for work)