[clue-tech] Nice painless wireless solution (maybe)

[Peter Kuykendall]

For about a year now I've been using paired Belkin 802.11 routers in 
order to avoid Linux wireless NIC driver hassles.  They run about $40 
each at Wal Mart and Micro Center.  The key is that they can be 
configured in bridging mode, thus my Linux machines can plug into them 
via Ethernet and never know about the wireless link.

Now I just got an advertisement from a retailer that I've used 
successfully before.  They are selling a similar gadget for only $23 per 
pair versus $80 per pair for the Belkins.  Data rate is only 1.5 Mbps, 
which may or may not be a problem, depending on your circumstance.

Like the Belkin solution, this is nice because of the Ethernet 
connectivity at both ends of the wireless link.

Unlike the Belkin solution, it appears that the encryption parameters 
are fixed, not user configurable.  It's also not clear just what the RF 
link frequency and data protocols are.  I therefore assume that it's 
completely insecure.  But then, I also assume that about my 802.11 link, 
and my cable modem link as well, so for me personally that's not a problem.

I'm interested in anybody's real-world experience with these.  My 
real-world experience with the Belkins is mostly good, with a couple of 
exceptions:

 - Undocumented configuration restrictions

 - Some internal instability requires an AC power reset every 1-2 weeks.

Info on the Logitech stuff:

http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=CES11169

CES11169  - Logitech Play Link Wireless Network Bridge Xbox PS2 PC & MAC

*Condition:* New

*Warranty:* 90 Days

*Description:* Logitech Play Link is the simple way to connect your 
gaming console to broadband Internet without the hassle of running 
cables or the complexity of home networking. Play Link is designed to 
work with nearly any Ethernet-enabled device.It's as simple as plug and 
play; there are no drivers to install, no software to configure and no 
complicated WiFi/802.11 networking to worry about. Just connect one of 
the wireless transceivers to your Internet capable device, the other to 
your broadband Internet access point, and you're ready to go online for 
multiplayer gaming or just surfing the Web. Play Link uses matched and 
coded pairs to ensure data security and interference free communication. 
Logitech's new RF technology connects automatically and stays connected 
with up to 100 feet range through all sorts of obstacles like walls, 
ceilings and floors. Logitech Play Link helps you get your gaming 
console, laptop or set-top box online with no wires, no mess, no sweat.

Play Link is designed to work with nearly any Ethernet-enabled device, 
including:

- XBOX
- PlayStation 2
- Nintendo Gamecube
- Macs and PCs
- networked printers
- networked scanners
- networked set-top boxes
- media centers and PVRs

*Features:*

- Plug and Play connection - for easy, non technical networking set-up
- Up to 1.5 Mbps data rate - no lag on fast Internet connections
- Pre-paired and encrypted - to ensure interference-free, secure 
communications
- New RF technology - connects automatically with up to 100-foot range
- Standard Ethernet connection - simple connection to your gaming 
console, laptop or set-top box
- No Wifi/802.11 network necessary - wireless networking without the hassle
- No software to install - no drivers, configuration or technical skill 
required

$99.99   $22.99 On Sale!  Free Ground Shipping!

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Peter Kuykendall
7659 S. Rosemary Circle
Centennial, CO  80112
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C: 720-219-0217
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