Baslinux mailing list

[baslinux AT lists.ibiblio.org]

On Sat, 7 Jun 2008, baslinux AT lists.ibiblio.org wrote:

> OK, I'm ready to buy one if i know for sure
> that it will work.

You could try your local freecycle or craigslist for a card, cheaper.
I have found them at rummage sales for $5.  An orinoco-based card can be 
made to work if you change kernels, and I think you have enough memory for 
2.4 kernel.

I have one 'bridge' (mine is D-link, designed to plug into Xboxes to add 
them to networks), which plugs into a network card (do you have a plain 
non-wireless pcmcia card?) and has a wireless antenna.  It ought to work 
with any network card since it does not need special software - you just 
use a browser to set the IP number(s).  I forget the details but I think I 
posted about this recently when someone else could not get an orinoco card 
to work in his computer.

Your network card would also need to be non-cardbus.  10 Mbit/sec.

They cost about the same at ebay as a wireless card and can be moved 
between computers and are sure to 'fit'.

> According to Sindi, there will be no problem
> with BL 3.50 ... but is it hardware compatible
> with my Compaq Armada 7710MT ... ?

If a cardbus card fits into your Armada, this older non-cardbus Type II 
ought to fit, but you can read the Armada specs to be sure.

> Here's the info on the card i plan to buy:
>
> ----------
>
> CISCO AIRONET 350 Wireless PCMCIA LAN Card 802.11b
>
> Manufacturer: Cisco
> Model: AIR-PCM352 AIR-01-NA/US (2) AIR-AMERICAS (3)
>
> Data Rates Supported: 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps
> Network Standard: IEEE 802.11b
B cards are often non-cardbus.  This should work.

> System Interface AIR-PCM35x: PC Card (PCMCIA) Type II
>
> Range (typical):
>
> Indoor:
> 130 ft (40 m) @ 11 Mbps
> 350 ft (107 m) @ 1 Mbps

This range is probably only if you are in the same room with nothing in 
between and no interference.  This card has a longer range than my orinoco 
cards.  The 350 does WEP encryption and the 340 (which I have) does not. 
If you have your own wireless router, you probably want to encrypt.  I 
only use the library network (to download large files via broadband).

> Outdoor:
> 800 ft (244 m) @ 11 Mbps
> 2000 ft (610 m) @ 1 Mbps
>
> Security Cisco Wireless Security Suite supporting
> Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) including:

That is good.

> Authentication:
>
> * 802.1X support including LEAP, EAP-FAST,
> PEAP-GTC, PEAP-MSCHAP V2, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS
> and EAP-SIM to yield mutual authentication and
> dynamic, per-user, per-session encryption keys

Sounds impressive, whatever it all means.

> * MAC address and by standard 802.11 authentication
> mechanisms
>
> Encryption:
>
> * Support for static and dynamic IEEE 802.11 WEP
> keys of 40 bits and 128 bits
Good.

> Condition:
> USED - No drivers or documentation

Make sure it is also guaranteed.  You don't need the Windows drivers.
I just posted my config file with the relevant added lines for this card 
and others that I have:

http://keesan.freeshell.org/bl/config.pcmcia

You can copy the two sections lines from it related to airo (device and 
card sections).

> -----------------
>
> ... i'm particularly concerned about that
> last bit! :)

Don't be.


> Please guys, help me determine if i should
> get this card. If it works on this laptop, it
> will take my BL experience to a whole new level.
>
>
> -monz