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

[rjp]

If you don't need more than "g" speeds, the classic Linksys WRT54GL has external antenna connectors, and it's also compatible with DD-WRT firmware. Actually, any router that is compatible with DD-WRT and has external antenna connectors would do.

One of the nice features of DD-WRT is that you can set the the router for the garage to run in "repeater bridge" mode. This will do two things: 1) allow you to plug wired devices into it and have them immediately bridged to your house network, and 2) repeat the wireless signal using a different SSID, providing a strong signal in your garage.

Alternatively, you could use WDS, but I've never had good luck with that. WDS works in a similar way, but also keeps the same SSID on all nodes. However, it's a real bitch to set up, and some wireless adapters can't cope with it.

A nice source for wireless networking equipment is Fleeman, Anderson, & Bird - they have all sorts of antennas, cables, etc. I ordered cables and connectors from them when I built my cantenna.

[ArchivalAudio]

would adding one of theses on my computer end help?
http://www.premiertek.net/products/networking/HT-H10DN.html

amazon http://www.amazon.com/802-11N-ADAPTER-WRLS2T2R-DIPOLE-ANTENNA/dp/B00353ATA0/ref=sr_1_41?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1290713643&sr=1-41

it show it supports n band as does most of these types of use antenna adapters - but non look like they support the 5GHz band?
should I be concerned about that?

Using one of these or cheaper single antenna style USB adapters would also enable me to run an outdoor antenna  like the hawking -
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=122&ProdID=267
or
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=122&ProdID=266

 if  I needed to go that route - I think?

yes / no ?

thanx
--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

If you don't need more than "g" speeds, the classic Linksys WRT54GL has external antenna connectors, and it's also compatible with DD-WRT firmware. Actually, any router that is compatible with DD-WRT and has external antenna connectors would do.

One of the nice features of DD-WRT is that you can set the the router for the garage to run in "repeater bridge" mode. This will do two things: 1) allow you to plug wired devices into it and have them immediately bridged to your house network, and 2) repeat the wireless signal using a different SSID, providing a strong signal in your garage.

Alternatively, you could use WDS, but I've never had good luck with that. WDS works in a similar way, but also keeps the same SSID on all nodes. However, it's a real bitch to set up, and some wireless adapters can't cope with it.

A nice source for wireless networking equipment is Fleeman, Anderson, & Bird - they have all sorts of antennas, cables, etc. I ordered cables and connectors from them when I built my cantenna.

hey some how I miised your reply before my above post.
I am really hoping on getting n speeds now that I have  but since it was suggested before I'll check out the DD-WRT

Let me digest some of your thoughts before I reply more
thanx
again
--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

any news on this company
http://www.hiroinc.com/product_details.php?category_id=13&item_id=34
on tiger
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5625615&CatId=2704
and amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/H50194-802-11n-Wireless-Network-Adaptor/dp/B003516BJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1290728289&sr=1-1


I may try one of these USB antennas and see if that helps or then add an outdoor type.
reasons I shouldn't?

[rjp]

All I can say is try one and see if it works. I don't have a test lab.

I'd suggest something with an external antenna, that you can place where you need it.

[tim in jersey]

Keep in mind that when you crank up the output of the router you will decrease it's lifespan.

Did not know that. Good tip, thanks.

[ArchivalAudio]

this one looks very nice it's about $80
[HAWNU2] Hi-Gain Wireless-150N Window Adapter with Range Amplifier http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=60&ProdID=409

any know if I run a long amplified USB cable like this tripplite on amazon: Tripp Lite U026-016 USB2.0 16-Feet Certified Active Extension Cable  http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-U026-016-Certified-Extension/dp/B0002D6QJO/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp_T2

if it would still power this enough and NOT degrade the signal?

I think having a 12dbi boost would be very helpful!

--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

ok so I did get the above Hawking:
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=60&ProdID=409
my iMac is out in the garage - I am awaiting a 30' USB cable so I can mount the unit in the window aimed at the spot in the house where the Airport Extreme is.  my link quality is between 88% and 99 %
and the signal strength is listed as good about 72 + %
I am hoping once I can get the 13dbi antenna at the windo and properly aimed that I can  get a more solid signal.
it's (obviously) working better with D/L than U/L - but the point is finally I am connected wirelessly!
update as I find out more

--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

Today, I got my 10 meter- aka 32'  active USB cable and placed the above Hawking USB  Hi-Gain Wireless-150N Window Adapter with Range Amplifier
HAWNU2
- near my window - and aimed at the spot at the wall of the house  where the Airport Extreme is and I get much better results


also I found this helpful blog entry to force my AE into n 2.4ghz mode   
http://timabbott.com/networking/force-802-11n-on-airport-extreme/