Customer currently has an "airport" running his 2 macintosh laptops. We are doing a pre-wire in a new home, including access points on each level.

Will a standard WAP work with Mac's? Is there anythng I need to look out for?

I do VERY little w Mac's. I vaguely remember one time being able to use a conventional pc based router, HARDWIRED to a mac, and it worked. Other than that, I know nothing on mac's

Thanks

What do you mean by pc based router?? A pc based router would be a pc running software to do routing.

I assume you mean a 802.11 access point. They are in no way pc based.

I guess I just mean a conventional Linkyls, D-link etc router that you would pick up at BB, CC, etc.

As far as the WAP, I am referring to the in-ceiling type from On-Q, or any other brand that nay be out thrre.

Maybe this is a stupid question, I just rememebr some issues in the past with getting a MAC to light up on a standard network. Is there no difference in a PC or NAC as far as the network hardware?

Macs and PC's use the same network hardware, Linksys.. Netgear.. and so on. Like many people think that only IPods play mp3's, due to good advertising on Apple's part many people think you need an airport for networking, not true, the airport is a handy llittle gadget but it will only get you about 30 ft of range at best, stick with the regular network EQ.

we have marina customers on our cisco networks all over the place. the communication format 802.11b,g is the format same for both....tcpip is the same.... only difference is the names and operating system.....

you are confusing networking with internet access , big difference.....

stay away from the crap the big boxes sell...you'll only get in trouble....

ed

OK, good to know.

wish I could remember the issues I had with Mac;s that kept me from getting the network, but at least I now know it wasnt the router.

FYI...

Just read this on the On-Q WAP spec sheet.

"Your PC must support one of the following:
Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP Home or XP Professional for use of the Installation Wizard."

Im assuming and hoping that is JUST to set the WAP up, and if I choose to use the "wizard".

I've heard many bad things about the On-Q, mainly very poor range. Every WAP I have ever set up just uses a web interface so unless they are using a proprietary program to interface I don't see why a Mac couldn't be used.

And if "setup" is the only issue, I can do that w my Windows based laptop.

I too have RECENTLY heard bad things on the On-Q WAP's. I rememebr about 6 months ago or so however, hearing nothing but GOOD things. I personally havent used them yet.

I wouldn't worry too much. New Macs (anything with os 10.2 or newer) support the same WEP and WPA protocols that Windows machines use, and their wireless connections are standard 802.11b/g. Earlier versions of the OS required you to add an asterisk (I think - it's been a while) at the beginning of the WEP key, but that's been fixed. If you have a Windows machine to run the setup program you should be golden.

Hell yes, idiodishitz,
You keep referring to those people as WAPs, and you better be looking over your shoulder.

The On-Q WAP will work just fine with a Mac, you would access the software set via the Ethernet, no additional software is required...

Everyone here is correct in saying that there is no difference between PC and MAC based ethernet protocols or hardware (spec, that is).

This "probably" does not apply, but IF they are running directory services, custom DNS entries, etc... you need to replicate the appropriate settings that are on the exisitng AIRPORT onto whatever router you replace it with.

Just as 99% of the PCs running out there are not part of an Active Directory structure, 99% of the MACs out there are not part of an Open Directory (LDAP + authentication/authorization) scheme. Also, MACs can communicate via Appletalk, which can be enabled for ONE of its interfaces, but really doubt that it is enabled for WiFi. BUT... just make sure that there is no requirement for Appletalk or LDAP service, as those are the two Mac specific services that come to mind that you want to make sure you don't have to support.

In addition, there are some Mac applications, such as Remote Desktop, that would need the appropriate security measures placed in the router if they expect outside WAN access to LAN clients.

Just a side note. I've run a few OnQ WAPs lately with no problem. The last was in a 3,500 sq/ft two storey home and the whole house including roof deck had coverage.

OnQ also have a new 802.11g in-wall and in-ceiling product that fits into a standard 3-gang JB. No good to you if you've run the 802.11b model pre-construction bracket though.

WTF?