Take Control of Your AirPort Network (Vol 1) (Paperback)

by Glenn Fleishman (Author), Adam Engst (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Wi-Fi networking is supposed to be simple. So why do so many people tear their hair out when trying to configure their wireless networks?It's all about the details. In this book, Wi-Fi experts Glenn Fleishman and Adam Engst put AirPort through its paces, teaching you in step-by-step, illustrated examples about how to remove the frustration in your configuration. The book covers the range of your AirPort and Wi-Fi needs, starting with how to pick the appropriate base station and adapter card--Apple is often best, but it's worth considering alternatives. It tells you how to determine the best place for your Wi-Fi equipment, and then how to configure your base station and computer for precisely your needs. A long section explains setting up your own dynamic addressing, a common need for home networks with a mix of computers and needs. Next, the book covers six ways to improve your network's coverage area and range, providing higher speeds at longer distances. Finally, you find out about securing your network: both keeping intruders out and securing the data that passes over the network. Four appendices cover related issues, including AirPort Express configuration, setting up a software base station, using AirPort Management Utilities, and finding the right Wi-Fi adapter for an older Mac or PC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press (October 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321321162
• ISBN-13: 978-0321321169
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #689,286 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #20 in

  Books > Computers & Internet > Apple > Mac Administration

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple wireless security walkthrough, November 20, 2004

By	Jack D. Herrington "engineer and author" (Silicon Valley, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I've read a number of books on wireless security. None have made it as plain and simple as this one. Even though the title says AirPort the text covers any wireless router. The illustrations and screenshots are focused on the Mac AirPort and AirPort Express hardware, but the basics remain the same. A must buy for anyone looking for easy and practical walkthrough of basic wireless network security.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Install a Secure Wireless Network Quickly, November 22, 2004

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Apple's AirPort has been out for about five years. During that time it has been improved and expanded as the technology improved and standards were developed. This new book is on using the AirPort to its maximum advantage.

Glenn Fleishman edits blog on Wi-Fi, is a writer for the Seattle Times, TidBITS and InfoWorld, Macworld and the New York Times. He knows whereof he speaks. He also has a quick and easy writing style that conveys quite a bit of information almost painlessly. He is particularly good at explaining what appear to be the small details, but which really effect how successful the installation will be.

I also liked his approach to securing the network. As time goes on, more and more people seem to get a kick out of hacking into networks, usually harmlessly, but not always. It's a lot easier to design in security from the beginning than it is to go back and try to implement it later.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Will suit almost everyone, January 26, 2005

By	John A. Faulkner "signalsnatcher" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This little book provides a lot of information. Basically, it provides a simple walk-through of installing and setting up a wireless network.

It starts by comparing old and new Airport base stations, Airport Extreme, Airport Express and non-Apple stations. It then goes on to guide you, step by step, through setting up a simple network, securing it and installing a shared printer.

The book progresses to more complex tasks such as connecting to your ISP by broadband or dial-up connection, configuring DHCP and Panther Internet sharing, printer sharing and how to map individual computers and ports onto private networks without causing disruption to your ISP's network.

It covers the use of base stations as repeaters and how to set up networks with wired backbones.

The book covers 99% of what users want. However, I can only give it four stars because I seem to be one of the other 1%. Airport can support a few other tricks, but you have to look elsewhere for them!