[NTLUG:Discuss] wireless network

[Jack Snodgrass]

On Tue, 22 Jul 2003 09:13:41 -0700, Tom Tumelty wrote:

> I want a wireless network that will work in either of
> 2 buildings which are about 500 feet apart. i.e. i
> want to be able to be at home and access data at my
> office without tying up a phone line, etc , or without
> running a cable if possible between the two buildings.
> there are some trees (not many) and a square area
> between the two buildings enclosed by a cyclone fence.
> 
> the only other obstacles i know of wojuld be the
> walls...possibly needing to penetrate  up to 3
> sheetrock walls and a brick exterior. but i could
> always move it near a window :-)  .
> 
> I would also like to access the internet through this
> network, my connection is only a 56k dialup which
> connects any where from 28k to 41k
> 
> if i was to get the better antennas (full wave length
> i think) would that allow me to do this? 
> 
> 
> Thanks,


ok... this is a lot different than what most people do/think 
with the wireless craze of today. ( you should have been 
more specific in your original question ) 

If you want to have any chance of success with your project 
you're going to have to have a pair of Wireless Access Points
( WAP ) with Externally mounted, directional antennas set up 
as a Wireless Ethernet Bridge. 

Locally... you can use either wired or wireless to talk to 
the local WAP, but the two WAPs will have to use the externally
mounted, directional antennas. You're going to have to order the 
antennas off of the web and they will have to be designed to 
work/fit your WAP. Some people have made directional antennas out
of Pringles Cans but your probably going to want to go with an 
off-the-shelf setup. 

Some of the DLink and NetGear WAPs have firmware updates that let
them act as bridges. You'll most likely have to have a matching 
pair of WAPs. You won't be able to bridge two different models. 

jack