Suggestions for Wi-Fi NICs, supported by Linux drivers, to use as an access point [closed]

Question

We're looking to replace a wireless access point and DSL modem with a dedicated Linux box.

What wireless card can be suggested? PCI would be preferable, that is supported by Linux and is capable of supporting:

• At least 35 wireless clients (This is most important)
• 802.11b, 802.11g (if possible, 802.11n)
• WPA and WPA2
• Range less than 25 m and ability to attach external aerial

I'm not so concerned by the speed of the device at this point, more stability of the wireless connection.

The machine will use iptables, via Shorewall, to handle the routing, NAT, etc.

It would be nice if MAC address filtering was also supported, but I believe that this is controlled by the OS, not the hardware.

Additionally, any suggestion for DSL cards would be great too, although at this point I have a number of old DSL modem routers that I could use.

Answer 1

Take a look at the hardware contained in Billion routers and access points. All of these devices run Linux and the one I have at home has (I think) a Broadcom wireless adapter for its access point. When I get home later I'll try to find exactly which model it uses.

Linux Wireless has a list of all compatible devices, which should be useful.

Answer 2

I don't run Linux on my routers, I run FreeBSD (still an Open Source project and somewhat similar). I only use Atheros (now Qualcomm, though still branding chips Atheros) chipsets as I have found them very well supported, reliable, and generally have very good reception.

Look at the custom router builders like Microtik and Ubiquity, both use Atheros chipsets extensively.