Re: [ATM] Extending a wifi network

[Michael Peck <mpeck1@ix.netcom.com>]

At 18:31 12/7/05, you wrote:

>Do not use RF cables , attach the antennas straight to your linksys router,
>and move the router around to achieve best signal .
>
>  Use a longer Ethernet cable to connect the router to your PC, instead of
>having the router next to the PC and a RF cable betweent he router and
>antenna . Links of 10 miles are accomplished with these routers and
>appropriate antennas and installation.
>
>
>There's more, but you need to describe more accurately the first steps in
>order to diagnose the problem.

Matt, and everyone else:

Thanks for the suggestions.

What I'm trying to accomplish is exactly the project described in the 
July '05 S&T, namely automate my observatory and integrate the single 
PC out there into my home network. (BTW I notice S&T put that article 
in their amateur telescope making section so I guess this *is* on topic).

We actually did run conduit between the house and the observatory 
during construction, but I think the distance is a little too great 
for wired ethernet. Maybe I should check that though. Also, I didn't 
have the foresight to put any AC outlets outside along the drive -- a 
range extender midway between house and observatory would definitely 
do the trick but I have no reasonable way to power one.

 From the observatory I can see the corner of the house where I have 
an access point set up as a repeater through a relatively short 
stretch of forest. A roof mounted antenna at the observatory should 
have a relatively foliage free view even in summer. At worst I might 
have to clear some of  the understory plants, which I ought to do 
anyway since they're mostly honeysuckle.

One question. Are you suggesting avoiding the use of cable 
altogether? An outside antenna at the observatory would require maybe 
12 feet of cable to attach to the wireless card in the PC. I could 
get an outdoor access point, attach an antenna directly to it, then 
run ethernet to a switch indoors. I haven't priced the Linksys 
product but that's probably a relatively expensive solution. 
Alternately I could by another access point and place it inside the 
observatory with a directional antenna and a switch. I didn't have 
any luck with a range extender, but I just had the built in antenna. 
Perhaps a few decibels gain from a better antenna would get the 
signal through that last inch of OSB and siding.

Mike

_________________

Michael Peck
email mpeck1@ix.netcom.com
Wildlife photoblog http://wildlife-pix.com
Amateur telescope making http://home.earthlink.net/~mlpeck54/astro/astro.html  

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