T43P CTO configuration questions: wireless options?

[jtreble]

When I configure/add options to a T43P 2687E4U CTO (US Student CTO Express), two wireless options are offered: "wireless" and "wireless connectivity".

My questions are as follows:
1.) Am I right in assuming that the "IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II" refers to the integrated/internal PCI card (i.e., not a PCI ExpressCard)?
2.) Why is there a "US" designation in "IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN...(US)"?
3.) Why would IBM give me the option of configuring, for example, 2 @ IBM 802.11a/b/g?

I will be using an IBM salesperson to place this order but I want to fully understand my options before I make the call. .

Cut and paste from 2687E4U CTO "Add Options" page below. Apologies in advance if I have missed something obvious.

--cut--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wireless
None
Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Mini PCI Adapter [add $8.50]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II [add $34.00]

Wireless connectivity
Erricson GC83 Edge PC Card [$249.99]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter [$75.65]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II (US) [$55.25]
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI Adapter from IBM [$50.15]
Sprint PCS Wireless WAN Card [$179.00]

--cut--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[K. Eng]

1) Yes. A mini-PCI card is an internal component that works with the integrated WiFi antennas in the Thinkpad.

2) The US designation has to do with radio channel regulations, but I don't know much beyond that.

3) I don't understand this question. I assume you are referring to the fact that there are 2 types of a/b/g card. The first one uses the Atheros 5001+ chipset while the second uses the 5004.

[jtreble]

3) I don't understand this question. I assume you are referring to the fact that there are 2 types of a/b/g card. The first one uses the Atheros 5001+ chipset while the second uses the 5004.

K. Eng,

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I mean if you go to,
https://www-1.ibm.com/products/hardware ... se_ecim%26

you can configure **two** IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter IIs (ie., two 5004s). One under the "Wireless" heading and another under the "Wireless connectivity" heading.

[Leon]

The US designation refers to "extended channels" that are not valid for use in the US. The older version card relied on your not "accidentally" specifying the wrong country and enabling the extended channels. If you did, you would have the advantage of being on a VERY uncluttered channel, but the disadvantage of being in violation of FCC rules. The new card (above) doesn't allow this "mistake" (the channels are not there).

I have the "older" card. Although the extended channels would give me less interference and better throughput, I , of course, don't use them, as I would NEVER break an FCC regulation (except for testing purposes ).

[Edward Mendelson]

It's a bit confusing, but the first set of options "Wireless" requires you to choose ONLY one of three choices - no miniPCI card, or the Intel miniPCI card, or the IBM miniPCI card. That set of options has "radio buttons" (i.e, choose ONLY one of three). Anything you choose here comes built into the ThinkPad for you. You don't have to install it.

Having chosen one of those three options, you can ALSO order one or more of the options listed under "Wireless Connectivity". That set of options uses checkboxes (i.e, choose none, some, or all - however many you want). Anything you choose here comes in a separate box, and you have to install it yourself.

Of course, there's no good reason why you would want to order (for example) the Intel miniPCI card built-in from the "Wireless" options AND the IBM miniPCI card in a separate box from the "Wireless Connectivity" options, but all the possible wireless options are listed there anyway, as it's easier than leaving them out.

Basically, the sensible thing for most people to do is choose one of the miniPCI cards from "Wireless" you can leave all the "Wireless Connectivity" boxes blank.

[jtreble]

The US designation refers to "extended channels" that are not valid for use in the US. The older version card relied on your not "accidentally" specifying the wrong country and enabling the extended channels. If you did, you would have the advantage of being on a VERY uncluttered channel, but the disadvantage of being in violation of FCC rules. The new card (above) doesn't allow this "mistake" (the channels are not there).

I have the "older" card. Although the extended channels would give me less interference and better throughput, I , of course, don't use them, as I would NEVER break an FCC regulation (except for testing purposes ).

Leon,

Just so it's clear, the card with the extended channel capability is the one **without** the "US" designation?

[Leon]

If you are interested in the extended channels, ask the salesmen for the IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter I (NOT II).

[jtreble]

If you are interested in the extended channels, ask the salesmen for the IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter I (NOT II).

Leon,

Thanks for the tip. I'm going to have to investigate which card to order for use in Canada anyway so I'll see if this "extended channel" capability can be utilized here as well.

This forum is a great resource. .

[Leon]

It is NOT legal in Canada either (but you might want to try it for research purposes ).