[LeeG]

Sorry for the double post, but in retrospect, this should be in networking:

So I was thinking, home networking is EXPLODING and Apple says its all over this digital hub thing. Clearly, rendezvous will play a big part in making things 'just work' - but I think there is a HUGE market Apple could easily topple-

People are buying more than 1 computer for their homes, especially for kids. Kids are surfing the internet, stealing music, and looking at pron with or without their parents knowledge. How about:

Next gen apple airport base station:

Wired 4 port router
802.11g wireless
Ability to connect to apple servers and filter content to specific machines based on apple's site filtering - all controllable through a password protected *easy to use* utility with levels of filters, and fully customizeable.

Face it, Apple's hardware is expensive compared to similar 802.11g compatible stuff, but the other stuff, while it works well with macs (some brands), not all do, and many only support winbloze.

If Apple could sell the unit with the built-in ability to filter internet content via the base station interacting with Apple's servers (which could have a constantly updated database) then there would be some product differentiation. As my kids get older I would replace my existing hardware for an easy out of the box solution like this (KidSafe anyone? Wasn't that in iTools?)

Obviously it wouldn't be perfect, but nothing is, and it would be a start for an easy 'plug it in and forget it' constantly updated hardware filter - obviating the need to do software updates, etc.

Thoughts?

Lee

[ghporter]

I have a couple of comments on your observations/wish list for the next AirPort Base Station.

First, why does Apple (alone in the industry as far as I can tell) insist on using a separate application for administering its wireless products. Simply going with the rest of the industry, and using a browser interface (of course password protected!) would make the "easy to use" part happen.

Also, while there are a lot of clients that don't have Mac drivers, supporting only Windows, every new access point or wireless router I've seen in the past year supports Macs. Every single one. Since the 802.11b and 802.11g standards are standards, there should be absolutely no reason for any compatibility problems. And newer products are less expensive now, too.

You are spot on with the demand (not a request!) for a 4-port wired switch. Wired connections make much more sense in a lot of situations. And using a wireless connection for a fixed computer (like a G5) is only indicated when there is absolutely no way to wire it.

Then come the functionality/digital hub features. I heartily agree that this theoretical next generation ABS should be a solid firewall, with straightforward, easy to configure features. This kind of functionality is out there, but most of the time it's only available in stand-alone firewall appliances that cost a LOT. Apple should lead in this.

[LeeG]

I agree with everything you said, I have been using 'off the shelf' wireless stuff from many different vendors with no problem - all web based stuff. The additional apple utility is cumbersome.

If you want to make it even more idiot-proff - add a button in safari that 'shows up' on the tool bar when it recognizes a basestation on the local network - thats the kind of apple polish I'd like to see brought to the market.

Also, while many of the features exist in other vendors products, they really aren't THAT easy to use.

I know many would disagree with this, but I have had to help several people 'set up' their home network - REALLY basic stuff, like 2 laptops on a wireless router. People don't want to figure it out, or are afraid of the technology, but either way - I feel this is easily another market (like they did with the iPod) where apple could come in with an 'it just works product'.

Make it platform independent also.

Lastly, I couldn't agree more that they NEED to implement a wired swtich - doesn't add much to the price (based on the fact that retail you can buy a 4 port wired switch for about $40.)

My final point is that home network filtering that I mentioned above. One guy I helped set up the network for his family (actually windows machines), said "so how do I set it so my kids can't access certain sites?"

I don't have kids, so I hadn't thought about it...hmm I said, I also don't know the windows software market too well. After some research I realized the only solution to what seems like a COMMON request, is to install software on EACH computer, (probably best done via admin accounts that kids can't change - they are crafty these days - which means setting up additional accts, installing software...) and keeping that filtering software constantly up to date.

Miserable.

Come on apple, FIX this need...


Lee

[spiky_dog]

with the obvious exception of the apple-supplied filtering, the 3com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Cable/DSL Gateway (reading off the product manual here) does everything you wish. it has the four port switch built in, and plays nicely in LAN (turn off the dhcp server, connect the lan to the switch) or as the NAT enabled front end of a small home network (connect the cable modem/dsl to the dedicated port for this, and turn on the dhcp server).

so these things exist. i actually prefer browser based setup nowadays, having gone through two apple base stations, both dead by now incidentally...

[ghporter]

Originally posted by LeeG:
I know many would disagree with this, but I have had to help several people 'set up' their home network - REALLY basic stuff, like 2 laptops on a wireless router. People don't want to figure it out, or are afraid of the technology, but either way - I feel this is easily another market (like they did with the iPod) where apple could come in with an 'it just works product'.

Most people seem to fear the "technology magic" involved in doing things like reading the material that comes with their purchase. Look, I'm a "guy," but I still read the basic setup instructions for everything, so I know what's where. I usually drop the book and get things going right away after that, but I still read the instructions for my rice cooker every time I use it-proportions and quantities are important. I really don't understand people who don't at least read what comes in the box.

[LeeG]

Well, looks like someone did EXACTLY what I thought...c'mon apple, now do it RIGHT-

Linksys & Netopia


Lee

[OB1]

I agree. I always thought Apple should push Airport more than they do. Apple should be saying to people "Look, we can take care of all your netwoking needs, and look at all the cool stuff you can do with it. And look how simple it is for one person to control, from one machine, what everyone can see and do in your household." Parents are very concerned about what their kids are doing online these days. This area of home computing needs the Apple touch.

[Macola]

Well, if Apple did what you asked, then a whole bunch of self-employed computer techs who specialize in home networking would be out of business

[ghporter]

Originally posted by Macola:
Well, if Apple did what you asked, then a whole bunch of self-employed computer techs who specialize in home networking would be out of business

Maybe, but a lot of them would still get plenty of work. Most people don't want to know anything about the technology in the complex devices within their homes, mysterious devices like their toilets, for example, or (shudder!) their televisions! The independent techs who set up networks in clients homes and small offices will always have plenty of work, and PLENTY of repeat business when their clients hose up their equipment.

My goddaughter went on a road trip to a college activity in another state with another girl and two guys. These are adults in serious educational disciplines. When they had a flat on the way, neither guy had a clue about how to change the tire! The other girl was even more lost. My goddaughter had to teach these three a basic survival skill. I'm not worried about networking techs going hungry if anyone can get a drivers' license, go to college, vote, and still can't even guess how to change a tire.

[Macola]

Very true...although my business is primarily consulting and training, I have done some home/small office network setups. One of my favorites was a server sitting in a utility closet, under an umbrella "because the roof leaked..."