[TriLUG] OT : Long distance Wireless Access Points

[al johson]

There is something very simple which you can try to increase the range of
any wireless device which is working in the VHF and UHF spectrum. You can
experiment with moving the antennas on the sending and receiving units
within the room(s) in question both horizontally and vertically, remembering
that very small changes can make a big difference in signal strengths.
The nature of these frequencies, especially when used inside buildings!,
create "hot spots" from place to place and not just horizontally but also
vertically!! Since we're talking about moving TWO antennas, I suggest you
start by moving the location of just one of your antennas to various places
until you find the strongest signal and then do the same for the second one.
The signal strength of  line of sight frequencies can vary drastically even
within very small differences of location (a few feet or so) due to many
different factors determined by the nature of the materials used in
construction of the building.
    Naturally you might be able to get better results by using different
antennas which have vertical and horizontal gain, but it is much cheaper
just to move the antennas you already have around in the room both
horizontally and vertically and see if you can find the "hot spots" (and
there will usually be more than one!!). Once you find the "hot spot" for
each antenna, mark it with some tape so you can return to it time and again.
It is also helpful to have a signal strenght indicator on the equipment you
are using. Good Luck.---AL, KQ4FP.
=================
----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Meador <linux at alien.biochem.wfubmc.edu>
To: <trilug at trilug.org>
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2002 4:27 PM
Subject: Re: [TriLUG] OT : Long distance Wireless Access Points


> I guess it helps to read the posts of the previous day - sorry for posting
> basically a repeat of of what someone already said.  I checked out some of
> the links that Mike Johnson sent and that has been interesting.  I don't
> know which antenna we would need though - for starters the 2 initial LANs
> would be about 1 - 1.5 miles part without a clear view.  Thanks for your
> help.
>
> Joe Meador
>
> > Does anyone know of a wireless access point or another wireless
> > networking product that has a range of at least 3 miles?  A friend of
> > mine and I would like to connect two LANS together with Linux
> > masquerading servers.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Joe Meador
> > joe at alien.biochem.wfubmc.edu
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TriLUG mailing list
> > http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/trilug
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TriLUG mailing list
> http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/trilug