Topic: Wireless (Airport-extreme) distance run/ best way?

[ArchivalAudio]

Hi
what I am tryign to do is set up my new 2010 iMac out in my detached garage (office/ shop/music/entertainment room) it is about 70' from our house. Currently I run my oldschool (space capsule style) Airport Extreme out of our cable modem/wireless router. In this way we have 2 networks and I can forward my ports properly.
The concept is that I want to have wireless out in the garage/office.
I have been thinking about  running conduit out underground and running a CAT5 ethernet cable out to the garage so I can easily connect the airport out there. ( I can get a 100' cable from markertek for $17
but perhaps I could just get an extension antenna and shorter BNC cable.
I think I would get a better signal if my Airport were in the same room as my computer and it would likely be  more cost effective then the (amplified?)antenna route  - though I have not research that yet?

can others please give me suggestions.
thanx
--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

would this be something that would be a better solution?
Hawking Technology HAO9SIP Outdoor Omni-Directional Wireless Antenna Kit
http://www.markertek.com/Interface-Solutions/Networking-Products/Newtorking-Interface-Accessory/HAO9SIP.xhtml?HAO9SIP

[ArchivalAudio]

or either of these:
Hawking Technology HAI15SC Hi-Gain Directional Corner Wireless Network Antenna
http://www.markertek.com/Interface-Solutions/Networking-Products/Newtorking-Interface-Accessory/Hawking-Technology/HAI15SC.xhtml
Hawking Technology HSB2 802.11g HiGain Signal Booster v.2
http://www.markertek.com/Interface-Solutions/Networking-Products/Newtorking-Interface-Accessory/HSB2.xhtml

[ArchivalAudio]

this looks cool too!
Hi-Gain Outdoor Wireless-300N Multifunction Access Point
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=122&ProdID=403

[ArchivalAudio]

this seems most cost effective:
[HSB2] Hi-Gain WiFi Signal Booster
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=72&ProdID=187

best price
http://www.amazon.com/Hawking-HiGain-Signal-Booster-version/dp/tech-data/B0009MYSHU/ref=de_a_smtd

but is 600% boost enough if I throw this sucker in the eve's of the attic can it go like 70 feet?

[ArchivalAudio]

oh
that one actually looks like it plugs into the computer not the router
what about this
is 7dbi a vast improvement?
Hawking HAI7SIP HiGain 7dBi Indoor Omni Directional Antenna
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=58&ProdID=214
http://www.amazon.com/Hawking-HAI7SIP-HiGain-Directional-Antenna/dp/tech-data/B000AD4JEA/ref=de_a_smtd

[DigiGal]

I tried one of these 7dB antenna units out once on the old UFO Extreme Router using a reverse polarity RP-SMA connector to Airport antenna connector adapter.  The antenna was useless it is no wonder it is discontinued now.

http://www.amazon.com/TERK-WF-O-Omni-Directional-WiFi-Antenna/dp/B000N7E4BQ

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Wired will be the most reliable way to do this (not to mention cheapest).

If you want to run wireless another possibility is to get a new wireless router (N type) that can run either Tomato or DDWRT firmware. That way you can crank up the output in case you're getting a weak signal in places. Placement of the router is also important. Keep in mind that when you crank up the output of the router you will decrease it's lifespan. Unfortunately I'm not up to snuff on what routers work the best with these firmwares. I'm sure a search on Google and/or NewEgg will help with that though.

[rastasean]

congrats on the new computer. maybe to offset the high price on the computer you need to sell your VM44 mics?

I think there are three options for this, imo.

1) buy a new router, specifically something with a long range like engenius brand.
my cursory search found this: http://tinyurl.com/2colces and this http://tinyurl.com/24poe66
I don't know how far your cable modem is from an outside wall but I do know this same company also makes routers that can be installed outside.
both of these just happen to be indoor routers.
if you want to use DDWRT, go to http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database and see if any router you own is in their database.

2) run a cable. We all know cat 5 ethernet cable would give you faster speeds and probably the cheapest route because you don't need to buy anything but the cable. It would just suck if it got damaged because you have to replace it again.

3) bring the computer inside next to the other computer/router and connect it via ethernet cord.

let us know what you decide.

[ArchivalAudio]

well
thanx all so far

( as for my new 21" 2010 iMac- it was gifted by a benefactor, so I won't be letting go of my VM-44's anytime soon - my Fostex FR2LE is another story...)

I not real keen on my first idea of digging a trench through the yard and under a cople of concrete sidewalks to set conduit and run a long eithernet CAT5 cable down. though suggestions thus far appear that that would be best
though most time consuming and labor intensive.

so would a wireless amplifier antenna not be enough?
would an outdoor antenna better?

would either of these work well?
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=58&ProdID=266
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=58&ProdID=266
[HAO14SDP] Hi-Gain™ 14dBi Outdoor Directional Antenna Kit
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=58&ProdID=267

my wife is kinda liking not diggin up the yard idea and would prefer I spent my time doing other projects...

thanx again
--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

above
Hi-Gain™ 14dBi Outdoor Directional Antenna Kit HAO14SDP
at amazon here
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B59J8I/ref=asc_df_B000B59J8I1271333?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-397-100-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B000B59J8I $83
just would need an extension cable
look like this would work
http://www.amazon.com/Hawking-Outdoor-Antenna-Cable-30/dp/tech-data/B00008V9D9/ref=de_a_smtd $40

that would be like $123
which would save time and we all know time equals money!

[rjp]

Note that DD-WRT has a "repeater bridge" option which does two things: it provides a boosted signal on a different SSID, and wired devices can also be plugged into the repeater bridge.

WDS could also be used in this situation, but I've found it to be a bit flaky with different brands of wireless cards and access points.

One thing to be aware of if you run a cable between buildings - proper grounding and lightning protection are important (yes, even for underground runs). Ground potential differences between buildings can be surprising, and lightning does weird things.

[ArchivalAudio]

oh and I'd
need one of these
Hawking SMA JACK TO APPLE CONNECTOR ( HACSA )
http://www.amazon.com/Hawking-JACK-APPLE-CONNECTOR-HACSA/dp/B0000DIESX/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added

[ArchivalAudio]

i'm not sure what's up with the ddwrt or why i need it?
my system works - ports forwarded and wep encryption running safe firewall...

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

i'm not sure what's up with the ddwrt or why i need it?
my system works - ports forwarded and wep encryption running safe firewall...

DD-WRT or Tomato will allow you to "upgrade" compatible routers to broadcast a stronger signal to help you maintain higher speed at longer distances.

Personally, I would recommend either to most people here (both are comparable in quality). Advantages are much more control of what your router can do (adding features for example). Disadvantages are voiding the warranty and decreased router life (in the case of increasing the broadcast power).

All in all I think it's worth it, but if you get something that works without upgrading and you don't feel comfortable doing so...there isn't much of a reason to do it other than the dork factor (which many of us fall victim to).