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Enterprising AP: Page 3 of 5

The Atheros-based chipset in the AP-2000b/g enables a proprietary turbo mode similar to that offered
by Atheros' 802.11a products. By binding channels, the AP-2000b/g
theoretically can reach speeds of 108 Mbps. When I enabled this mode,
I noticed that channel selection was narrowed to only one channel. The practicality of this mode in an enterprise setting is unclear. Also, testing in this mode was impossible because the ComboCard doesn't support it.

To test the AP-2000's 11a and 11g ranges, I placed it in an elevated position and conducted a continuous ping to the unit's static IP address from various locations. Maximum range based on packet loss proved nearly identical for both 11b and 11g--an advantage for admins looking for ease of deployment. With coverage at about 85 percent of our 802.11b control--Cisco Systems'

Good
• Good 11b and 11g throughput
• Flexible modular design

• Reasonable price

Bad

• Low mixed-mode throughputs
• Weak automatic channel-selection feature
• Limited VLAN support

Orinoco AP-2000b/g (includes one .11b/g radio), $695. Proxim Corp., (800) 229-1630, (408) 731-2700. www.proxim.com

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350 AP--the AP-2000's range is only mildly disappointing. The product does allow for an external antenna, which would presumably increase range.