[NTLUG:Discuss] wireless network

[Wayne Dahl]

> Antenna's are key.   You can get 20 or 25 db gain just from an improved
> antenna.
> (Doubling RF power output will only net you about 3 db.)
> For info on antennas, see:
>   http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/antenna_types.html
> 
> What you need is a combination of a high-gain antennas and "wireless
> bridges" (instead of "wireless network adapters")
> 
> For antennas, see:  http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/antenna_types.html

Terry is absolutely right here.  Spend the money on the antennas.  The
cost/watt ratio is MUCH higher using an amplifer and in this frequency
range, amplifiers can get hideously expensive, even for 2-5 watts. 
You're much better off spending more money on the antennas than an amp. 
You'll get more bang for the buck.

Just remember that these are Part 15 devices and as such, cannot provide
interference to any licensed services and must accept any interference
FROM licensed services.  As long as you use highly directional, low
beamwidth antennas (ie, long boom yagi's or dish antennas), you will be
less likely to provide or receive interference.

In answer to the question about having to be licensed, it depends on the
power level you're running, but Part 15 devices are governed by Part 15
rules, so there is *some* power level unacceptable to run, I'm just not
sure what it is.  If you're running ham gear, you absolutely have to
have a license and there are guys running digipeaters and packet radio
in the Metroplex.  There is also some debate in the amateur radio
community about running data over ham links.  Security is an issue, but
per FCC rules, encrypted amateur transmissions are not allowed.  This
means that anyone out there with the right equipment can see what you're
sending and receiving.

This is somewhat off topic, but there is a movement in ham radio to link
repeaters via the Internet.  There are different ways of doing it, but a
couple are Echolink and IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project).  There
are nodes all over the world that can be connected via the Internet
using sort of a VoIP protocol (it may be the same, I'm not sure) so you
could conceivably talk to Australia with a 5 watt VHF HT.  For those of
you familiar with the IRLP, do you know of anyone running a Linux node?

Wayne
WD5W