Wireless Hardware

The easiest solution is to go for a Linksys WRT54G/GS. This device connects as a wireless client to an access point and routes to a separate subnet that's on the wired ethernet. This gets round any of the compatability problems of wireless network cards (NICs) in Linux, particularly concerning cards fitted with Broadcom chipsets.

The device listed above has RP-TNC antenna connectors, so it can easily have external antennas added for increased range. The setup is a little complex but we are working on a step-by-step guide on how to do this.

All you will require on your workstation to use this solution is a Linux compatable NIC (PCI/PCMCIA 10/100 network card is ideal) and the WRT itself. The WRT comes with a small bit of cable to connect directly to your workstation and you can easily add up to 4 machines onto the built-in switch.

For other types of more direct connection, Matt (our CTO) is working on recommending some PCI and PCMCIA cards ( and possibly some USB wireless adapters )which will fit directly into computers and laptops.

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Please note we currently DO NOT recommend anyone else buying a wireless-ethernet bridge such as the Netgear WGE101 or Linksys WET54g, but should you already have this hardware, it is not too much of a problem and will be compatible.