Long-range Wireless LAN (802.11b)

[joohang]

Here's a scenario that I am considering to go for:

1) A laptop or a server with 802.11b card + some form of antenna boost.
2) A CompactFlash network adapter with very good reception.
3) They will use the "ad hoc" mode to directly link to each other.

Throughput is not a concern. I want a long range.

My house is high up a hill and I hope to get a few kilometers of range, if that's possible. Are there any easy-to-install products out there that could accomplish this?

Thanks.

 

[MuffD]

Check out practically networked for all your information. They will help you decide on what you need. For the pc cards, for sure you want to go Orinoco. I tried D-Link and the Linksys but none compare to the Orinoco.

 

[oldfart]

Orinoco long range antennas

 

[joohang]

I am still not familiar with this.

So do I buy a 14 dBi antenna and attach it to an Orinoco PC card or USB? Will I require to attach an antenna to my iPAQ too?

Also, can anyone recommend a good 802.11b CF card?

I hope to achieve a range of about 1~2 km (3000~6000 feet), if possible.

Thanks.

 

[PRODD]

You would need an Access point which provides the signal. This is connected to your broadband connection or router. If you go with 802.11b, the standard configuration is limited to 150 feet @ 2.4Ghz. The Orinoco AP-500 (Access Point) supports external antenna's which can extend the range upto 1.6 -2 miles depending on which antenna you purchase. You also need the CF card which has its own antenna or a PC card etc... If you go with another vendor you have to make sure the access point supports external antenna.

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=252118

 

[JackMDS]

PCMCIA Cards, CF Cards, are not associated with ?range of kilometers? (1 km = .62 mile) their power is too limited.

You omitted to mention whether you need an "Omni Direction" or a "Directional" connection, it makes a big difference.

Mean time you can enjoy this: Wireless Networking Reference - Antennas / Range Boosting.

 

[ktwebb]

Well you can go a heck of a lot farther than 2 miles with the right equipment but the problem is the iPAQ. You could get the signal to the CF card with the right antenna and proper installation at the main site but getting it back would be the problem. At a mile you really need directional antennas on both sides and clear line of sight.


Edit: I ran some numbers with some general equipment data. If you can tell me the CF card and AP your getting, and a near exact distance from point to point, I could tell you what you would need to do to get the link right. *Height of antenna, db of antenna, etc etc... Would just be for fun, since if the antenna on the CF's cards are integrated the point is mute. Anyway, post your hardware if you want.

Duh, just reread your original post. Your looking for suggestions. Well, I won't go as far as doing the R&D for you but if you come up with some hardware picks I would still run some numbers. Cheers.