[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux Compatible WIreless PCMCIA card

[terry]

Richard Strittmatter wrote:

>If you are wanting maybe a higher power card ( better distance )
>
>get a 100mw card from www.demarctech.com.
>
>They work great in linux, and are stable. The little antenna removes,
>so you can plug in a big one.
>
>On Sat, 7 Jun 2003, Stephen Davidson wrote:
>
>  
>
>>Greetings.
>>
>>
>>What would work for PCMCIA 802.11b, and where would I get one (apparently not at CompUSA, I just spent a couple of wasted hours at one trying stuff out).
>>
>>Regards and thanks,
>>Steve
>>
>>--
>>Java/J2EE Developer/Integrator
>>214-724-7741
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>https://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>>
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>>
>
>_______________________________________________
>https://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>
>.
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>
For distance increase, your best bet is to look to antenna enhancements. 
 You can make or by a "cantenna" that'll give you about 10 or 15 db 
gain, (over and above the dipole antenna).  I've seen these little can 
antenna's for about $15 or so and it's nothing more than a soup can with 
an N type connector with about 1&1/4" element inside.  They appear to do 
a really good job.

It's helpful to note  that frequencies as high as 2.4 GHz desperately 
need unobstructed "line of sight" between devices.  They do not 
penetrate solid obstructions very well, glass is okay, but wood or metal 
or sheetrock or other opaque obstructions, depending on density and 
thickness, severely attenuate and/or may even block the RF signal 
entirely, (especially metal obstructions).  A high gain antenna will 
help, (probably more than anything else due to relatively low legal 
power limit restrictions on these devices), but depending on the number 
of walls or the accumulated density, you still may not be able to 
penetrate them at all.  You must either find ways around them, or find 
"line of site" routes. Just bombarding them with as much RF as you can 
muster may not be enough.  At any rate, high gain antenna may be your 
best and easiest place to start.

Some home-brew antenna designs: 
 http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html
For availability, descriptions and pictures of connectors and pigtails 
see:  http://www.fab-corp.com/

(Point of reference ):(I think it goes something like this):  Doubling 
power output will give you about 3 db signal gain (at best), so a 15 db 
gain antenna is, (obviously), like multiplying your RF power output by 
factor of five.

It may also be noteworthy, (to some), that the 2.4GHz  frequencies these 
wireless nics use is within the privileges of technician class and above 
Amateur Radio license holders who are authorized much higher power 
output on these frequencies, (as long as it's not for commercial use). 
In other words, if you're a  holder of ARS Technician class or higher 
license, and as long as it's for personal use only, you may legally 
build or acquire and use an amplifier on these frequencies.

-- 
Registered Linux User #188099
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