I have a couple of questions that a friend of mine needs answered.

Our new cordless phone system (base unit and 3 cordless handsets, all on the same phone number) is at 2.4 gHz. It' s my understanding that WiFi is ALSO at the same radio frequency and the web site's I've seen indicate that, yes, they can conflict, but they don't say much about what happens when there is a conflict....

1. What happens when there is a conflict between 2.4 Ghz cordless phones and the WiFI? Does the network crash? The phone short out? Static make phone use impossible? Does the network slow down? Do we all get thrown off the internet?? Or what?

2. Will our microwave oven cause the same problems? (I already know microwaves send out RF frequency interference...)

3. How can we solve or work around this issue? Do we need to return our new phone system and go with a less effective 900 Mhz phone system instead?

4. And, assuming there IS a way to work around this issue of interference, do you personally have recommendations as to the "best" and EASIEST TO GET SET UP wireless system? (We were looking at the one that Microsoft puts out- access point and router in one unit and, according to PC World review, "easy" to set up...)

Thanks ALOT!

Ryan

1. No, it won't short out your phone, nor will it crash your computer. What it will do is stop the transmission of information between computers and the internet, during the time that the cordless phone is in use. I.e. if you are on the internet and a phone call comes in, the internet connection will stop working until the phone call ends.

2. Yes, microwaves will cause the same problem, when they are working. So if you start popping popcorn in the microwave you will generate the same symptoms as above.

Pace makers too, I've heard rumors that some say florescent light causes some problems, but I can't vouce for that.

3. You have a choice, either you could go with the 900 MHz phone system, or instead of buying wireless 802.11b or 802.11g (which operate at 2.4 GHz) you could buy wireless 802.11a (which operates at 5 GHz). It cost more because not only does it transmitt at a higher frequency, but also greater bandwidth - about 54 Mbs - 72 Mbs range, as opposed to 11 Mbs.

4. All wireless is pretty much the same. Some have more capabilities than others, but as far as performance, no one is really leading the pack or falling behind. The only thing you want to be sure of is they are WiFi compliant. That means you can use any brand to work with any other brand. Pretty much everyone is though these days.

If you are interested in a wireless access point with router capability, I can get you a NetGear 802.11a for $276.03.

Regards,

D