kair: Software base station or wireless route

by: Duane

Last modified: Mar 7, 2021 2:19 PM

0 337 Last modified Mar 7, 2021 2:19 PM

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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.
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.

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