If I buy a brand X CF WiFi card, can I use a brand Y WiFi AP?
The short answer is yes! The whole point of having WiFi standards (discussed below) is so all the equipment can work together. That’s not to say there aren’t reasons for buying all brand X equipment. Some manufacturers have created extended protocols so that their equipment is capable of greater speeds than the standards. Also, things like setting up WEP encryption using passphrases often does not work between different brands of equipment. So, while brand X will work with brand Y, if you are setting up a wireless network from the beginning, it may be beneficial to buy it all from one brand. Also, if you have trouble in this situation and need to call tech support, it’s much more difficult for them to put the blame some other piece of equipment.
