How Do I Set Up Wireless Access To Free ISP Node

[hackmole]

I'm trying to access a free wireless ISP node less than 1/4 mile away. So could some one tell me what I need to set this up. I already have the D-Link DWL-650+ wireless card. It does not have a port attachment for an antenna. So do I need to get a wireless access point box and then somehow get the signals relayed wirelessly to and from an omnidirectional antenna that I would place high up or on the roof. Or could I just relay the signals wirelessly from an antenna to my wireless card. I take it that with an omnidirectional antenna you don't need direct line of sight for short distances but that directional antennas you do. Since there would be a roof about 20 feet higher than my roof mid way to the wireless ISP node, a directional antenna would probably not work. But I still have no idea as to what type of omnidirectional antenna would be adequate to accomplish this goal like 5db or 14db or 80db. I am very much out of the wireless loop.

 

[JackMDS]

You probably do better with a Directional Antenna.

As for hardware, it depends on how long the Antenna would be from the Wireless unit (AP etc.) if you end up with very long Coax it will expensive and not productive since these coaxes lose signal with length.

Optimally you should get an Access Point that can act as client card with the capacity to fit an external Antenna (Example for 802.11b, D-Link 900AP+). As a first step you can plug the 900AP+ to a Laptop (or light desktop) move around and see if you can get something.

If you can lay a CAT5 cable from the position of the AP to a Wireless Cable/DSL Router that will serve as your Home Wireless Gateway (it has to be used as an AP with a Switch).

If the AP does not get a signal as are you will have to put an external Antenna use a short coax and place the 900AP+ inside close to the Antenna.

There other combination that will work but you at the beginning it is a matter of trial and error.

The following might further help:

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Link: How do I use a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point?

Link: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

 

[samuraijake]

You're definitely better off going with a directional antenna. If you're trying to pick up a signal a quarter mile away, you might be using a thirty degree signal. There's no reason to transmit to that other 330 degrees [with an omnidirectional antenna]. Not only would you be filling up the air waves unnecessarily [potentially interfering with other devices], but it could also be a security risk as your wireless network will become available to anyone within range of your signal.

For transmitting and receiving over a quarter mile, you wouldn't normally need much more than 5 dBi to establish a good link. However, with that roof there, you might have to boost the gain a little to get good link quality. Something around 10-12 dBi should do the job, but you won't know for sure until you try it.
10.5 dBi High Gain Directional Antenna

You'll have to get an adapter to connect the antenna to your access point, and you won't want more than three feet of wire between your AP and the antenna, i.e. your AP will have to be pretty close to your antenna. Power over Ethernet for the access point might aid in easier placement.

If you can lay a CAT5 cable from the position of the AP to a Wireless Cable/DSL Router that will serve as your Home Wireless Gateway (it has to be used as an AP with a Switch).

That's a good idea. Then you can turn on WEP or WPA and MAC address filtering and all kinds of fancy wireless security stuff to protect your network. Unless your still wiring your PCs, but anyway...good luck.

 

[hackmole]

Thanks for steering me in the right direction.