Linksys WRT54g for $25

[captainwifi]

Linksys RT210W http://starnetwifi.com/product_info.php?products_id=150

Connect a micro CPU (Atmel AVR) via a serial - ethernet converter. The RT210W is then used as an embedded wireless modem on the 2.4ghz spectrum. This provides one with the same functionality as the Zigbee http://www.lemosint.com/scripts/zigbee_etrx_module.asp module which costs $50. The same AT like hayes command set can be implemented as described on lemosint.com. This is a cost effective way of providing embedded networking for a home or factory without haveing to use expensive PCs.

 

[headstrong]

What is the catch? its so cheap!

 

[captainwifi]

I got an email offering me
SMC EZ Connect 2755W Wireless IEEE802.11a AP/Client for $15 per 100 pieces or around R10500 for a 100 = R105 for an 802.11a access point. We are obviously being ripped of if you look at the prices around R800 for a 802.11a access point in SA. They are making these AP, like Senao PCMCIA cards for virtually nothing.

 

[Kloon]

There is a reason its so expensive, its cause its imported through the correct channels. What is going to happen if one of the above APs break?

 

[captainwifi]

There is a reason its so expensive, its cause its imported through the correct channels. What is going to happen if one of the above APs break?

Aah yes my wireless friends peddling Linksys boxes. What some of you are doing though is ordering a 100 PC boards from http://www.starnetwifi.com at $10 a piece. Then you contract another chinese manufacturere to make you exact plastic casings and order a 100 Linksys stickers - voila - "genuine" linksys box for $15 that you now resell for $71! How would anybody know the difference? Every single Nike takkie sold in South Africa is fake in anycase. Half the Rolexes are fake, our Chinese friends can copy anything.

As far as stuf breaking is concerned the chipsets they use is the exact same chipsets Linksys uses sourced from the same manufacturers. These devices are now simply commodities like bananas and oranges. Telling me there is a difference between them is like making a fuss over Australian bananas vs. South African bananas.

If you want to experiment with http://scratchpad.wikia.com/wiki/MeshNetworking you can also order the Via
Mini-itx embedded motherboards, WRAP boards and DC-DC converters from Starnetwifi.