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Some things to consider are
- Using a wireless base station (the AirPort extreme base station (AEBS) or something 802.11b or 802.11g compatible).
- Advantages
- Simpler configuration.
- Uses less electrical power.
- Unaffected by OS upgrades or software installed on Macs.
- Reliable.
- Supports wired (Ethernet) clients as well as wireless clients.
- Disadvantages
- Costs a few dollars. Wireless base stations can be frequently found on DealMac for $50.
- One more device to sit on your desk.
- Advantages
- Use a Mac as a base station.
- Advantages
- Does not add another device to your desk.
- Save a little bit of money. But have to spend more time to keep network working.
- Disadvantages
- Very limited configuration options.
- The Mac will use more power than a dedicated router. The Mac can not be put to sleep or turned off or the wireless clients will not be able to access the internet.
- Can be disrupted by OS upgrades or other incompatible software installed on the Mac acting as base station.
- From the posts in this area, it is much less reliable than a dedicated base station.
- Does not support wired (Ethernet) clients.
- Advantages
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