wifi over distance

tyerone

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
963
Hi Guys,,

just quick one, wana share my internet with a bud about 400m away one or two trees in the way, i have a netgear access point which i can attach a different antenna to, i want to know how do i/what antenna do i need to get the signal thier ie so that they can get a access point and access the wifi connection i am broadcasting?? omni or single direction??? any ideas???
 

.Froot.

Executive Member
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Aug 6, 2007
Messages
9,261
If you want everybody to try and hack the pole sticking out of your roof, get an omnidirectional antenna. If you only need point to point communication between you and your friend, get an outdoor single direction antenna with as high dB measurement as you can in order for him to get the best reception possible. Note that a clear line of sight is preferable, although a tree or two won't kill your birdie.

For the antennae, something like this should be in order. Just make sure the antennae are able to do the range. http://www.prophecy.co.za/dlink-ant242100-24ghz-21dbi-outdoor-high-gain-conner-antenna-p-20347.html

You will have to upgrade your wifi connection the the maximum possible speed that you can. It will allow for some extra distance (as you should know, the Mbps you receive deteriorates over distance and interference). Also, use as little antennae cabling as possible, you lose signal strength across cabling too.
 

jmulder01

Active Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2005
Messages
54
Wireless security is just as important as signal strength.
As froot said someone will try to hack it.
 

HavocXphere

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Oct 19, 2007
Messages
33,155
PM a dude called Ryder_JHB. He can probably hook you up with an equipment/advice/info you need for this kind of thing. If you are in the right area, you could even hook up to the WUG.
 

.Froot.

Executive Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
9,261
PM a dude called Ryder_JHB. He can probably hook you up with an equipment/advice/info you need for this kind of thing. If you are in the right area, you could even hook up to the WUG.

I'm not too familiar with all the WUG stuff but assuming you get a decent connection between yourself and your friend via the WUG (the costs would be similar to a private p-p connection between you two) you could try setting up a vpn link. Then you should be able to share your internet with him.
 

Xarion

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Mar 28, 2006
Messages
155
pls dont open up a wisp now :p oohh and please do not say WUG and internet in the same sentence
 
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frozt01100101

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Jul 23, 2007
Messages
276
PM a dude called Ryder_JHB. He can probably hook you up with an equipment/advice/info you need for this kind of thing. If you are in the right area, you could even hook up to the WUG.

What about no?

Please consider the following points before you do what you intend to do: it is illegal to offer commercial services over the ISM band (which is what wi-fi runs on), and is punishable by law with a very hefty fine, not to mention that you might very well end up spamming the ISM spectrum, making it unusable for anyone else in your line-of-sight to your friends' node.
 

HavocXphere

Honorary Master
Joined
Oct 19, 2007
Messages
33,155
What about no?

Please consider the following points before you do what you intend to do: it is illegal to offer commercial services over the ISM band (which is what wi-fi runs on), and is punishable by law with a very hefty fine, not to mention that you might very well end up spamming the ISM spectrum, making it unusable for anyone else in your line-of-sight to your friends' node.
I'm quite aware of the problematic nature of powerful wifi. Which is why I referred him to someone who is knowledgeable about this & who knows the legalities better than you or I. Definitely better than the OP flying solo and buying a powerful omni antenna and amp on ebay.
 

frozt01100101

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Joined
Jul 23, 2007
Messages
276
I'm quite aware of the problematic nature of powerful wifi. Which is why I referred him to someone who is knowledgeable about this & who knows the legalities better than you or I. Definitely better than the OP flying solo and buying a powerful omni antenna and amp on ebay.

Shot, I agree with your intention then. But yeah, to the thread starter, what Xarion said as well: pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase don't start a new WISP and spam the spectrum.
 

tyerone

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
963
thanks guys for the info, my intentions are not to do anything malicious.
 

shadow_man

Executive Member
Joined
May 27, 2005
Messages
6,204
Holy crap a 21dbi antenna for 400m are you on crack advising him to spend R2100 , man something small like a yagi should work and would cost nowhere near the R2100 price mark you have somehow erroneously reached.

J

If you want everybody to try and hack the pole sticking out of your roof, get an omnidirectional antenna. If you only need point to point communication between you and your friend, get an outdoor single direction antenna with as high dB measurement as you can in order for him to get the best reception possible. Note that a clear line of sight is preferable, although a tree or two won't kill your birdie.

For the antennae, something like this should be in order. Just make sure the antennae are able to do the range. http://www.prophecy.co.za/dlink-ant242100-24ghz-21dbi-outdoor-high-gain-conner-antenna-p-20347.html

You will have to upgrade your wifi connection the the maximum possible speed that you can. It will allow for some extra distance (as you should know, the Mbps you receive deteriorates over distance and interference). Also, use as little antennae cabling as possible, you lose signal strength across cabling too.
 

mancombseepgood

Executive Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2004
Messages
9,351
Hi Guys,,

just quick one, wana share my internet with a bud about 400m away one or two trees in the way, i have a netgear access point which i can attach a different antenna to, i want to know how do i/what antenna do i need to get the signal thier ie so that they can get a access point and access the wifi connection i am broadcasting?? omni or single direction??? any ideas???

Omni's are not the best for longer distance, get a directional flat panel or make your own cantenna:
http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

Remember, you want to have your SNR (signal to noise ratio) over 20... signal strength is not as important as SNR.
 

tyerone

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
963
Holy crap a 21dbi antenna for 400m are you on crack advising him to spend R2100 , man something small like a yagi should work and would cost nowhere near the R2100 price mark you have somehow erroneously reached.

J


What would you recommend i get then???
 

.Froot.

Executive Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
9,261
Holy crap a 21dbi antenna for 400m are you on crack advising him to spend R2100 , man something small like a yagi should work and would cost nowhere near the R2100 price mark you have somehow erroneously reached.

J

I didn't tell him to buy anything. Simply pointed out a solution. If he wants to connect to a WUG, same price. Except that they're moving over to 5.8GHz now. Or at least here by me.
 

shadow_man

Executive Member
Joined
May 27, 2005
Messages
6,204
What would you recommend i get then???

I would go with something small and cheap - if that works then waste 2 grand, would try something like a yagi or a 14dbi flat pannel and see where that gets you - my panel mounted does way more than 400meters and I also have trees/electric fence etc as interference...

If you wish to join one of the WUGS as well then approach them and see if they will do a test at your place so you dont have to waste cash on items you might not need...

J
 

mancombseepgood

Executive Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2004
Messages
9,351
http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=25

2.4 GHz Grid Dish Kit (18 dBi)
R 287.00
The K-GRID-002-02 is a 2.4 GHz 40 cm Grid Dish Antenna. It has a 40 cm x 30 cm grid reflector which yields an impressive 18 dBi of gain. This antenna is unique in its excellent performance at the high frequencies since the grid density was from the star

* Antenna Type Grid Dish
* Application Outdoor
* Frequency 2400 - 2500 MHz
---
2.4 GHz Patch Antenna (8.5 dBi)
R 194.84
This indoor antenna is used for range extension.It can be used for both indoor and outdoor.

* Antenna Type Patch
* Application Indoor
* Frequency 2400 - 2500 MHz
---
2.4 GHz YAGI Antenna (14 dBi)
R 330.00

* Antenna Type Yagi
* Application Outdoor
* Frequency 2400 - 2500 MHz
The patch is much smaller and 8.5dBi should be OK for 400m... however, the yagi is prolly the best bet if you want smaller and better performance. Bear in mind that you will need the correct cable to connect directly to your equipment... http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=19
let us know what model netgear router you have so we can help...
I think it's the RP-SMA male to the router, but you will need to check with poynting direct what it is on the other side... their team will be able to assist over the phone afaik.
Oh, and you are looking for equipment in the 2.4Ghz range...
 
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tyerone

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
963
http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=25


The patch is much smaller and 8.5dBi should be OK for 400m... however, the yagi is prolly the best bet if you want smaller and better performance. Bear in mind that you will need the correct cable to connect directly to your equipment... http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=19
let us know what model netgear router you have so we can help...
I think it's the SMA Female to the router, but check with poynting direct what it is on the other side... their team will be able to assist over the phone afaik.
Oh, and you are looking for equipment in the 2.4Ghz range...

cool thanks for the info, this is the access point i have and most prob by one similar to this for the house +- R300 meters away

http://kbserver.netgear.com/datasheets/WG602_ds_23Nov04.pdf

hope this helps in anyway
 

mancombseepgood

Executive Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2004
Messages
9,351
cool thanks for the info, this is the access point i have and most prob by one similar to this for the house +- R300 meters away

http://kbserver.netgear.com/datasheets/WG602_ds_23Nov04.pdf

hope this helps in anyway

Ok, you need a cable with an RP SMA male or reverse polairty SMA male jack on the one end (that connects to the router - see here) and the antenna supplier will need to tell you what connector should be on the antenna side.

You will need a total of 2 cables, 2 antennas and 2 access points (unless you connect directly to a PC on the other end).
Oh, and the shorter the cable the better... too much cable can mean too many signal issues.

What I do is put the access point and power supply in an external waterproof housing (from your electrical supplier - or get creative with tupperware / ice cream tubs, hiltis to mount and sillicone to seal around the sides and top interface with the wall or whatever... :) ) and run my electrical and network cables into the housing via bog standard cable glands to power and connect the access point to the LAN. Then the access point sits outside right near where the antenna is going to be mounted to minimise antenna cable length and maximise signal. Under the house's eaves is a good place - away from direct sunlight and even most rain.

If you can avoid it, do 3m or less on the antenna... less is better.
Hope you come right and let us know if you need any more assistance...

*Edit* and in case you're not sure if that Yagi from poyntingdirect is good value for money, check out digitalplanet's 14dbi yagi...
http://www.digitalplanet.co.za/nsearch.aspx?keywords=antenna+yagi&x=0&y=0
eish...
 
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