Desktop Antenna/Receiver for WiFi-UPDATE-;-)

[kd5kfl]

The spec the "max output power of 7watts".

not likely, and not legal. Max legal power out = 1 watt. government users can use 2.

Now, can that be true/possible connecting to a USB port?

Not directly from the port. USB spec: 5V at 100 mw = 500mW max. 7 percent of 7 Watts.

I use Linksys WRT54G routers with DD-WRT firmware set up as wireless bridges. 14 Db flat panel patch antennas.

[gumpy]

This brings up another question that I've been wondering about, and I'm sure there are some on here that know more about wireless than I.

Is it possible to use a wireless G router to extend a local area network?  For instance, you're in a campground. Could you connect the wireless router to your computer with ethernet, and then use the wireless of the router to connect to the campground wifi?

[kd5kfl]

Is it possible to use a wireless G router to extend a local area network?

some will do this right out of the box.

some can be converted to do this by changing the firmware. I have 17 Linksys WRT-54Gs, 16 running DD-WRT firmware.

you can make a DD-WRT equipped router act like a client ( the onboard wifi card in a computer ) or a repeater: it will pick up an access point, store the recovered information and retransmit it.

if you need another addiction, less expensive than converting buses, DD-WRT is a good one.

[Dreamscape]

OK Group, here's what we purchased and it's working very well. Hawking Hi-Gain Wireless-300N USB Adapter.

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=60&ProdID=379

It took about 10 minutes to hook it up and the signal and performance is great. I hooked it up on our desktop and aimed the dish, Man it was easy.

Thanks for all of the help. Especially ekhedge for pointing me to it!

Paul

[bobofthenorth]

It sounds like this comes too late for Paul but if somebody else wants a really cheap solution that gives some additional distance, I wrote about what we use here.  Its very low tech and it won't work miracles.  It has however given me a connection where one wasn't otherwise available several times, including right now.  We're on the Husky parking lot north of Saskatoon.  Without my collander I could see the connection but couldn't get connected.  With it I'm online with a useable link.  FWIW.

[Dreamscape]

Bob, That is very interesting, almost too easy huh.

Is that your blog?

Paul

[Eric]

Glad To See it worked out for you!! Oh and Bob Of the North "Google" Pringles can WiFI antenna you'll get a kick out of it!

[Hartley]

I setup an AP-Repeater system for a buddy.

Went to eBay and got a Lynksys WRT54G that has the DD-Wrt software setup so that it can be put in repeater mode. It sits up high where his signal from his shop is pretty good and links to the network at the shop. Boosts the signal and repeats it with a 150 mw power setting in the lynksis. The distance is about 1,000 feet.

It connects on channel 1 and repeats on channel 6, It does take some speed away but only a little. Not bad for $55 and it works.

I have a similar WRT54G that is setup with DD_wrt here with 7dbi gain omni antennas that sits on a shelf in my office building. The power level is set to 175mw and reaches all the way to the far end on my property which is about 1,500 feet as checked with my laptop and no external antenna.

Good stuff to get around short ranges. By the way normal Wireless routers are set at 30mw from the factory. The only way you can get the power up is to use DD_WRT software or buy a high power AP like an Enoch unit from  http://www.wlanparts.com

Dave....

[loosenut]

Not sure what you want but I have a wireless adapter in my PC.  It works well.  I use it connect to the internet and a wireless printer/scanner.  It is a card like a video card that is installed in the computer.  Set up is painless with a Vista machine.

It is not as fast as a wired connection but I don't notice the speed difference most of the time.  I will look up the brand if you're interested.

Mike

[belfert]

This brings up another question that I've been wondering about, and I'm sure there are some on here that know more about wireless than I.

Is it possible to use a wireless G router to extend a local area network?  For instance, you're in a campground. Could you connect the wireless router to your computer with ethernet, and then use the wireless of the router to connect to the campground wifi?

What advantage would this give you over just having wireless at each computer?  I suppose a router could have a stronger radio and better antenna.

[Nusa]

This brings up another question that I've been wondering about, and I'm sure there are some on here that know more about wireless than I.

Is it possible to use a wireless G router to extend a local area network?  For instance, you're in a campground. Could you connect the wireless router to your computer with ethernet, and then use the wireless of the router to connect to the campground wifi?

What advantage would this give you over just having wireless at each computer?  I suppose a router could have a stronger radio and better antenna.

To answer Gumpy, yes you can do that, although you may have to replace the routers firmware to get that functionality.

As for advantages, I can think of several:
* Communication between computers, printers, or file servers on your wired LAN can talk at the full speed of the router switch, not the limits of wireless. File transfers are where you'd notice this the most.
* If you're paying for the wireless access, you can use multiple computers on the same connection. Of course, if you start stringing wires between vehicles, expect the management to bang on your door when they notice.
* Don't forget this is more than a simple access point. It's also a router, which allows you to firewall your LAN to just the ports you need for internet access. Your first layer of security.


And a note for those of you cranking up the transmit power. Yes, it'll get you a stronger signal (more bars) TO your client. However, unless your clients signal is also boosted, your actual range isn't going to increase much because two-way communication is required. Also, stronger signals bleed into adjacent channels more, reducing their throughput (and vice versa...strong signals on adjacent channels screw with you). Also if you go straight for max power, you may find your routers cooling solution isn't up to the task and you end up with a dead router. Try a modest increase if you must try it.

[Dreamscape]

I will say that with what we did our signal strength is much better, more bars and 11.0 Mbps, whatever that means. We are probably about 600' from the parks tower. It also boosted the power of the laptop, which is fantastic. I don't think we need to do anything else. It's almost like we are on a hardwired land line, at least our speed is improved and we have what we wanted. One desktop, one laptop on line talking to the WWW. 

Paul

[Nusa]

Directional antennas do help, so long as you avoid the ones that are pure hype. I've actually seen a few antennas on USB-sticks that are purely cosmetic...they are actually just plastic sticks that aren't connected to anything at all.

I've seen Wireless-G used at 3/4 mile with acceptable results. Of course, they used an carefully aimed external 2.4 Ghz parabolic antenna in a situation with completely clear line-of-sight with nobody else around to create interference (remote hanger at an airport surrounded by farmland).

[PADoug]

While doing a search of the above mentioned "Pringle's Can" idea, I ran across this. Not sure it's true, but worth mentioning to "stir the pot" on this thread a little bit. I honestly hope I don't offend anyones sensibilities by posting this. It is a 4-year old link:

http://www.engadget.com/2005/07/25/wifi-cantennas-now-illegal

[Nusa]

Far as I can tell, that's just bad journalism, not useful information of any kind. The comments there bear that out.