[NTLUG:Discuss] wireless network

[Jack Snodgrass]

On Tue, 22 Jul 2003 11:32:23 -0500, Chris Cox wrote:

> 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.
> 
> There are some access points that are well known to
> be configurable with regards to power output (if the
> FCC/Feds comes knocking at you door you'll know why).

I had the FCC come to my house once when I did 9600 Baud 
Packet Radio. I was the first one in the DFW Area to set 
up a 9600 Baud packer radio link. They wanted to know what the 
'static' was that I was broadcasting. They thought it was 
interesting that I'd send a burst of static... and then the 
other end of the link would send back a burst of static. 
I'd respond it and went on and on.  I was located in 
Grapevine and the other end of the Link was in Denton. 

The FCC has unmarked cars. The directional antennas that they 
use are built into the columns that the car roof sits on. 
Pretty stealthy. I would have expected a truck with lots of 
antennas....

> I don't think antennas will do it... have to get more
> power.

It's power and antennas. The more directional the antenna, the
less power you need. You want really good directional antennas 
so you can 
1) direct your power to the right spot
and
2) not send your data to other places and people that you
   don't want getting your data. 

it's much better to send 100 watts of power to one direction
rather then send 25 watts in all 4 directions. 

> Or go with a dedicated microwave setup between the
> building... or point to point laser if you have
> the bucks.

I think with the right antenna setup and the ability / desire
to use externally mounted antennas, you can do it with fairly 
cheap hardware. 

jack