Wireless Networking Questions

arjan · 01-10-2006, 12:44 PM

I have been using the regular wireless networking stuff for a long time but the range is always sort of limited. I sell, service, and install climate control systems in greenhouses and at one site the had a wireless network which had a reach of about a mile. I am wondering if that's just another standart with better atennas or if it must have been something special.
I've seen the 802.11a stuff around and was wondering if that had something to do with it.
Anybody have any experience with this?

I am dealing with a farm situation where I need a connection from the greenhouse to the house, and optionally to another building which has an office.

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arjan · 01-10-2006, 12:54 PM

I just checked this link. 802.11a is not an option, it has more to do with high performance and less range.

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/961181

jimrockford · 01-10-2006, 01:09 PM

You could accomplish what you're looking for with either a high gain antenna, wireless repeater, or both.

Most wireless routers come with omnidirectional antennas, meaning they broadcast in all directions. High gain antennas allow you to focus and aim the signal in a specific direction giving better range.

A repeater is a device that receives and retransmits the signal to extend the range. Repeaters should be placed between two areas where you want service.

As far as long range wireless technology that doesn't use repeaters and high gain antennas, I know there are cellular and microwave based technologies but I'm not very familiar with them.

arjan · 01-10-2006, 01:12 PM

I have heard of those things. There is nothing in between the buildings so repeaters wouldn't last long in our beautifull south western British Columbian weather. Maybe I should try an directional antenna.
If the router has two antennas does that mean you could hook up two directional antennas in different directions?

4Hummer · 01-10-2006, 01:14 PM

Look into the Cisco Aironet products, By far the best on the market,
Not your d-link linksys crap.

Heres a PDF File on the specs. Over 500ft range with some of these
http://epsfiles.intermec.com/eps_fil...s_spec_web.pdf

They also have Wireless Access Points, Wireless Bridges, AP to AP Bridges you name it.

Some of there stuff is meant for outside use,

BTW I have my cisco Cert, so any other info you need just ask.

jimrockford · 01-10-2006, 01:17 PM

I'm not sure. I know some routers have inputs for an external antenna while others have removable antennas that can be replaced. I would think it would depend on the router itself. I don't see any reason why two directional antennas wouldn't work though.

amusement · 01-12-2006, 03:39 PM

Ok, here's the deal. If you use the pringle can antenna system and ARE in the line of sight you CAN receive and send 802.11x with in a mile.

I suggest using Linksys WRT54G version 4 because there's a quick free aftermarket upgrade that will help boost your power. Google wrt54g and freeman for more information. Usually the Seattle wireless club has extensive information.

Under 200 bucks you to can use 2.4 ghz in a mile. Don't expect stellar performance .. but, there will be a connection.

Cisco nut case since 1995 ... former Cisco certified 98-2002. Air Force Satcom dumb bell since 86-91. And, Telecom Engineering graduate from a comedy college in Vancouver Washington, Clark College.

01-10-2006, 12:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
arjan Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mission, British Columbia Posts: 1,558	I just checked this link. 802.11a is not an option, it has more to do with high performance and less range. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/961181 __________________ 2006 4Runner V8 Sports Edition Red 1997 4Runner 3.4L Bushwacker Flares, 5spd, E locker

01-10-2006, 01:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
jimrockford Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Riverview, FL Posts: 542	You could accomplish what you're looking for with either a high gain antenna, wireless repeater, or both. Most wireless routers come with omnidirectional antennas, meaning they broadcast in all directions. High gain antennas allow you to focus and aim the signal in a specific direction giving better range. A repeater is a device that receives and retransmits the signal to extend the range. Repeaters should be placed between two areas where you want service. As far as long range wireless technology that doesn't use repeaters and high gain antennas, I know there are cellular and microwave based technologies but I'm not very familiar with them. __________________ Kevin 2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Sold Deckplate Mod, Rear E-Locker, Anytime Locker Mod, Commando FM-870, 2 1/2" Lift, 285/75R16 Bridgestone Dueler Revos Kenwood XXV-01D, Sirius Sportster Replay, Memphis 16-ST500D, Rockford Fosgate 4.6x, Image Dynamics IDQ-12, CDT EF-61i Last edited by jimrockford; 01-10-2006 at 01:10 PM.

01-10-2006, 01:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
arjan Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mission, British Columbia Posts: 1,558	I have heard of those things. There is nothing in between the buildings so repeaters wouldn't last long in our beautifull south western British Columbian weather. Maybe I should try an directional antenna. If the router has two antennas does that mean you could hook up two directional antennas in different directions? __________________ 2006 4Runner V8 Sports Edition Red 1997 4Runner 3.4L Bushwacker Flares, 5spd, E locker

01-10-2006, 01:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
4Hummer Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,975	Look into the Cisco Aironet products, By far the best on the market, Not your d-link linksys crap. Heres a PDF File on the specs. Over 500ft range with some of these http://epsfiles.intermec.com/eps_fil...s_spec_web.pdf They also have Wireless Access Points, Wireless Bridges, AP to AP Bridges you name it. Some of there stuff is meant for outside use, BTW I have my cisco Cert, so any other info you need just ask. __________________ Michael 1991 4Runner 22RE. CHOP www.obsessiveoffroadclub.com Last edited by 4Hummer; 01-10-2006 at 01:18 PM.

01-10-2006, 01:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
jimrockford Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Riverview, FL Posts: 542	I'm not sure. I know some routers have inputs for an external antenna while others have removable antennas that can be replaced. I would think it would depend on the router itself. I don't see any reason why two directional antennas wouldn't work though. __________________ Kevin 2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Sold Deckplate Mod, Rear E-Locker, Anytime Locker Mod, Commando FM-870, 2 1/2" Lift, 285/75R16 Bridgestone Dueler Revos Kenwood XXV-01D, Sirius Sportster Replay, Memphis 16-ST500D, Rockford Fosgate 4.6x, Image Dynamics IDQ-12, CDT EF-61i

01-12-2006, 03:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
amusement Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,509	Ok, here's the deal. If you use the pringle can antenna system and ARE in the line of sight you CAN receive and send 802.11x with in a mile. I suggest using Linksys WRT54G version 4 because there's a quick free aftermarket upgrade that will help boost your power. Google wrt54g and freeman for more information. Usually the Seattle wireless club has extensive information. Under 200 bucks you to can use 2.4 ghz in a mile. Don't expect stellar performance .. but, there will be a connection. Cisco nut case since 1995 ... former Cisco certified 98-2002. Air Force Satcom dumb bell since 86-91. And, Telecom Engineering graduate from a comedy college in Vancouver Washington, Clark College.

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