Hello everyone.

I am changing an existing Ethernet network ( with a switch/hub ) to a wireless network.

I am really asking people generally for what i should be considering when doing this i.e what to consider when buying. Naturally im mainly concerned about security. Should i look for certain standards.. are there any ?

I am not sure of wireless networking terminology, or whether i will need additional software ? What software is there available.

I have been looking at different products from Netgear / 3com / Genius and Dlink. Is company is best for wireless networks?

I just have questions about what the following are as im not sure ( these mainly relate to the replacement of my Ethernet switch/hub to a wireless one.

1. An Access point
2. NAT routing security
3. True firewall with DoS
4. SPI ( dont expect anyone to know this ).
5. 802.11b access point
6. Built-in parallel printer port
7. Supports VPN pass-through
8. 128-bit WEP encryption

Any information will be much appreciated..

Many thanks

(",)

Security is what you need to worry about. I would advise you to get a router with 128bit encryption (most of them have it) and maybe an Access List (MAC addresses). What's an access list? Basically, noone can get onto you network unless you've manually entered the computer's MAC address.
As for software, you don't need any. When you purchase PC Cards in order to use wireless just install the drivers and from there on configure the setting of the wireless PC card (entering the 128bit key).
Personally, I like Netgear. I myself have a wireless Netgear router and it is working great so far. DLINK's I do not like just because of how their menu options work.
An access point is basically used when you want to use a wireless connection on another floor. You will get a better connection using an Access Point but if the wireless router will be used on the same floor then don't worry about an access point (unless an office is more then 250 feet away from the wireless router).
VPN is a virtual private network. If a router supports it, then you can build an VPN so that employees from your company can access the network very securely.
Hope this helps.

Hi ernes
Thank you very much for the help.. (",)