In Linux Unwired, you'll learn the basics of wireless computing, from the reasons why you'd want to go wireless in the first place, to setting up your wireless network or accessing wireless data services on the road. The book provides a complete introduction to all the wireless technologies supported by Linux. You'll learn how to install and configure a variety of wireless technologies to fit different scenarios, including an office or home network and for use on the road. You'll also learn how to get Wi-Fi running on a laptop, how to use Linux to create your own access point, and how to deal with cellular networks, Bluetooth, and Infrared. Other topics covered in the book include:

• Connecting to wireless hotspots

• Cellular data plans you can use with Linux

• Wireless security, including WPA and 802.1x

• Finding and mapping Wi-Fi networks with kismet and gpsd

• Connecting Linux to your Palm or Pocket PC

• Sending text messages and faxes from Linux through your cellular phone

Linux Unwired is a one-stop wireless information source for on-the-go Linux users. Whether you're considering Wi-Fi as a supplement or alternative to cable and DSL, using Bluetooth to network devices in your home or office,or want to use cellular data plans for access to data nearly everywhere, this book will show you the full-spectrum view of wireless capabilities of Linux, and how to take advantage of them.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 7 Ratings

Excellent treatment of Linux and wireless networking - 2004-06-07
Reviewer Rating:
Based on postings to user forums it seems that one area of Linux where people tend to have a lot of problems getting it to work is wireless networking. With wireless finally coming into its own over the last couple of years "Linux Unwired" is a very timely and useful book. All the aspects of wireless in all of its current manifestations are covered including Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, infrared, cellular networking, and global positioning system (GPS) devices.

Before getting into the details of getting Linux to work with wireless the authors provide a thorough understanding of radio waves and how they act, hardware, and antenna types. Understanding these basic concepts is important if your system is to work the way you want.

One of the really nice features of the book is the information on picking the right card so you have the fewest problems getting things up and running. The authors even name specific manufacturers and card models that work well with Linux and then they go through installing the driver and configuring the software to work with the device. Along the same lines they provide information on Linux friendly access point providers and even building your own access point.

One you have your Linux system up and running on wireless there is a chapter on locating hotspots and using them to get onto the Internet. This chapter really only covers the basics of locating hotspots. If you are really interested in this area you might try another O'Reilly book just on this subject titled "WarDriving, Drive, Detect, Defend". Of course, if you are concerned about your wireless security (and you should be) it includes information on configuring Wired Equivalency Protocol (WEP) and Wireless Protected Access (WPA).

If you are anticipating moving your Linux system to a wireless interface you can't go wrong with "Linux Unwired". The authors do an excellent job of providing all the information you need to get it done right. "Linux Unwired" is highly recommended for anyone interested in Linux wireless networks.

Solid and focused resource for client and server networking - 2004-07-29
Reviewer Rating:
I was impressed with this book. It's short and focused. It strays a little on the non 802.11 chapters, but that seems to be the way with all of the O'Reilly wireless books. Here is the blow by blow:

Chapter one is WiFi basics, it's short and solid. Chapter two is about the hardware and it's quite in depth in terms of getting the interface card installed and configured. Chapter three is about connecting to the network it's a little short and basic, some more effort could have been spent there. Chapters five and six are about the server side of the equation. Chapter six is a bit long, it's about building the server and covers the entire setup from hardware to software configuration. Chapters seven through nine are about non 802.11 networking through bluetooth, infrared and cellular. These chapters are a little skimpy and graphics heavy, but you probably won't be getting the book for them. Chapter ten is a brief introduction to GPS.

I would recommend this book to anyone with issues around Linux wireless network. Linux documentation can be a morass and it's worth your time and money to plunk down a book that walks you through the process.

Pulls together a lot of information - 2004-06-30
Reviewer Rating:
This is a valuable book for two reasons.

First of all, and most significantly for a Linux book, it's hard to get a handle on the subject from the free information available on the web. I'm sure all of the information in this book is out there, but it's scattered far and wide, and this book is clearly a big time saver.

Second of all, the authors know their subject inside and out, and they have organized it pretty well. I have an Orinoco card, and the explanations of the differences in the various drivers for the card have been extremely helpful to me. Some drivers will let you scan for wireless networks, and others won't -- that's the sort of thing that would burn hours and hours of troubleshooting time, but it's all explained clearly here.

I bought this book so I could get a wireless connection going on a Linux From Scratch laptop, but after reading the book, I'd like to build my own access point with Linux.

The cellular chapter is excellent - 2004-06-27
Reviewer Rating:
I didn't even originally realize this book had a chapter on cellular data until I found Brian Jepson's site, Jepstone.net, and began reading about using cellular phones and PCMCIA modem cards. This book's cellular chapter was just what the doctor ordered! There are instructions for Verizon, AT&T, Cingular and T-mobile, that make things more manageable even for advanced Linux users. Way to go, guys!

Good Geek Book - 2005-09-10
Reviewer Rating:
Although slightly dated, this book is an excellent resource for wireless communcations with Linux. It also covers a lot of information about wireless computer communications in general. Want to build your own access point? The info is in this book! There are lots of ideas to build from in here!

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