Wireless Broadband (was [Midlands] Re: Midlands Digest, Vol 22, Issue 6)

[James Gallagher]

On 21 Sep 2007, at 6:38 PM, Robert O' Rourke wrote:

> Yeah, the problem with any of the wireless providers is if there's  
> anything
> in the way, then yes you won't be able to get a signal. This  
> applies to
> trees too.
>
> Yup I work for the one beside Rayners. It can be costly in the long  
> run.
> It's grand when you're stuck, but when you need the connection for  
> everyday
> use it's a pain in the arse to get in and out. I don't know what  
> i'd do
> without a connection at home either :P
>
> Eircom are a complete joke for line installation. Time wise, it's a  
> simple
> enough job to add a new line, what kind of accomadation are you in/ 
> where?
>
> Also if your main machine is running Linux you may have problems with
> Vodafone/Three/o2 options for broadband. As far as i've seen it's only
> compatiable with Windows and Mac. There could be a Linux flash  
> avilable for
> the Huawaii hardware, but I don't think there is.
>
> Sorry for the late reply, completely forgot to respond :P
>
> -Rob

I didn't realise that the wireless options were that sensitive to  
trees. I'm moving back to Ireland around October 2nd and one of the  
things I'm looking into, while I'm staying at my parents place, is  
internet access. They're in a remote part of Roscommon (I'm sure that  
phrasing will get a few laughs) and although Sliabh Ban (Lastmile) is  
nearby I couldn't get line of sight as there are trees in the way (I  
got binoculars out last time I was home). I think that also applies  
to other stations they have nearby (e.g. Kiltrustan). Digiweb said  
the line showed as amber when they checked for ADSL availability but  
I'm dubious about that as we're more than 6 miles from Strokestown  
(which I reckon is our nearest exchange). Would seem that the Huawei  
3G modem may be the only option. Anyone know which model of the  
Huawei modems are being used by the various providers? I believe some  
are Linux compatible e.g. the 320 (if I recall correctly, I believe  
there are at least 2 comaptible devices). Any details that folks have  
on the 3g broadband in general would be good.

I've used the Huawei E220 here in Singapore but that was for  
secondary access with my Mac, so no idea about the Linux status as I  
probably won't get time to test it. However the provider here also  
offers a 3G router (see http://m1.com.sg/broadband/m1bb.htm - it's a  
flash site, sorry, so no direct link. But have a look at the devices)  
which seems to be http://tinyurl.com/3c5ng3 (goes to a Linksys  
product page). It's a standalone wireless router which might make  
connectivity easier for folk?

Anyway, with a bit of luck I'll be hitting one of your meetings when  
I eventually get back over.

(Sorry for the long winded post).
James