Outdoor 802.11 enclosures

[Eteq]

I need to set up a small amount of Networking equipment (Cable Modem, Router, 802.11) outdoors, but the problem is that I live in Minnesota. It can get far below freezing and stay that way for a long time, not to mention frequent snow. Anyone have any ideas as to how I could construct or purchase a cheap heated enclosure of some kind on a Home or SOHO budget?

 

[WannaFly]

I am not too familiar with wireless and I dont know if this helps, but some SOHO wireless routers have a jack you can connect an external antenna to. That way only the antenna is outside.

 

[ktwebb]

Nema boxes can get pretty elaborate with mods. We've run em in florida so they can handle the extreme heat but I have no real experience in extreme cold. I would think heavy insulation might probably be enough however if you wanted heat then there is not question in my mind you could mod a Nema enclosure to fit your needs. EtherAnt, which is probably what WannaFly is talking about, is one enclosure. Panel antenna with an all in one box that the AP also sits in, so not transmission runs. Straight cat 5 to the box. Do a google search on EtherAnt. I believe YDI makes em.

Edit: Well, I did it for you. Operating range is -20C to +50C.

http://www.ydi.com/products/etherant-2-lr.php

Look at the PDF.

 

[Eteq]

The need isn't for an outdoor antenna - I can find those easily enough - what I'm looking for is an enclosure that can actually hold a cable Modem and router. I can get regular wall AC to it, but it still needs to be able to keep the cable modem and router/access point above freezing and clear of snow or water.

 

[Eteq]

Oh and when I talk about a home/SOHO budget, that probably mdeans sub-$400...

 

[Soybomb]

What do you have to have the modem and router outside too? Keep as much of it inside as you can, its better on the equipment and on you. When its icy and windy you can sit in your house and reset a modem or router. Do you want to climb a tower in the same conditions for any of those instances? I think the outdoor antenna internal everything else is probably going to be better........

That said listen to ktwebb and look into nema boxes online or in your favorite hardware store. You can find them with built in electric heaters.

 

[Eteq]

That's the entire point - It isn't near the building where my computer is. I can't run a cable to the house, but I can run a cable to a point outdoors that has a clear line-of-site to the house, so I want an outdoor enclosure for the modem and 802.11 router/access point.

 

[ktwebb]

http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/hypercel.html

http://www.nema-enclosures.cc/

Or a google search on Heated Nema enclosures. I doubt seriously you'll be under 400 for a climate controlled box, Nema or otherwise though.

 

[Eteq]

ok, well, thanks anyway

 

[Startide Rising]

The www.seattlewireless.NET group has members with plenty of experience in outdoor antennae. If there isn't something on their website that deals with what you want, post a message on one of their mailing lists.

Example of waterproof box antenna at www.seattlewireless.NET