best OS to make a wifi network?

[frosty85]

ok i doubt it would be easy funning it from just plain windows xp Pro. im thinking about learning and using solaris or Unix. What would you say about it?

[Uncle Ken]

If you're talking about building your own access points, plenty of people do this with OpenAP or HostAP under Linux. Much of the mesh and software defined radio development is also being done on Linux platforms.

[frosty85]

is there any application that can be used to manage a wifi network through windows? im not to familiar with linux if not what would be some good sources in order to learn about it?

[M/Q]

Network management typically requires an enterprise wireless gateway device. It usually has software with it to allow a great deal of management.

I am not sure if this is what you are looking for, but I have used these devices to a good end.

http://www.verniernetworks.com/

[Knight]

Does anyone know of any progs to use in an windows enviroment?

[M/Q]

I have not used this one personally, but it might help.

http://bandwidthcontroller.com/index.html

If you are looking for something to help with this side of it.

[james]

There are several wireless network management suites available for Windows, but they are generally for enterprise networks and are very expensive. Your best bet is to learn a little about linux and get started... there are many robust tools available that are free to use. You can get all the Linux documentation you'll need at www.tldp.org