Wireless Access Points - Linksys vs AirPort vs ?

[Robert Ameeti]

I am doing some testing of the comparative signal reception differences between the AirPort Extreme and the Linksys Wireless Router.

Initial observations appear to largely favor the Linksys but I am not sure that I am clear on all variables that would affect performance.

I have the two units side by side. Each is on a different channel (6 & 11) so as to not have any conflict. The Extreme has been set to use 802.11b so as to not hamper its range due to attempting a higher throughput. I will be using MacStumbler to detect meaningful and specific values for signal strength.

P.S. I also will be conducting separate tests to determine the benefit of Dr Bott's extendAIR direct antenna booster (which I've also not seen worthy benefit from.) Additional tests will also be performed between the Ti 800 MHz and Big Al to detect the improvement, if any, that Apple has achieved with the new machines.

What variables should be considered when putting numbers to these different access points?

What other access points have users found worthy of being tested?

What other range extenders have others had success with?

An offshoot question for those experienced with Apple's AirPort menu bar icon and associated menu: Why do I intermittently have the choice to sometimes select from my two 802.11 networks via the menu bar menu and other times, no networks appear? I at all times have the dark arcs and do have network connectivity but sometimes my two 802.11 network choices appear with an 'Other...' option and sometimes nothing appears. (This is between the selectable 'Turn AirPort Off' and 'Create Network...' menu items.)
-- 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Robert Ameeti
mailto:robert at ameeti.net

#Random Tag
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>