The best setup we like uses two wifi-routers. The first one is used for the link to the shore-station. We use a LinkSys loaded with
different firmware to allow a "client-routed" configuration. This is something you only want to do yourself if you really know computer stuff. Ask a geek to do this for you otherwise.
Software choice: Talisman, DD-WRT, Tomato. Beware that you need specific models of LinkSys for this to work.
Google will enlighten you ;-)
When you have this router configured for client-routed, the shore-station sees only 1 MAC address, while the Internet connection is available on ethernet
ports of the LinkSys. This cable may be up to 100 meters long so you can hoist the router up high etc. But we opted to change to external antenna and even have an amplifier available for when the going gets tough.
Next, you could connect
computers with ethernet to the LinkSys but we need wifi for many gadgets aboard like iTouch, squeezebox, iPAQ etc. So we have a second wifi router:
Here you can use a standard configuration one and we really like the DLink DGL-4500. Just connect it to the LinkSys like if the LinkSys is a DSL
modem. Choose different wifi channel for this one. Now you have your own boat's wifi
service and can also connect with ethernet to the DLink.
About wifi routers, keyboards, mice, laptops etc.: we found that the "gaming" versions of all are much better quality. They need to be able to take the abuse of gaming ;-) We use: DLink DGL-4500 gaming router, Logitec G5 mouse and G11 keyboard (both gaming grade, the mouse-cord even has a polyester outer-braid!) and a Dell XPS gaming laptop. We also have a Dell 24" LCD
monitor which doubles as entertainment
screen for watching DVD's.
cheers,
Nick.