Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 8:19 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: On Mar 8, 2010, at 1:58 PM, Clark Martin wrote: One problem with this lashup is that the relay AEBS may or may not get a strong enough connection to the main AEBS. That is because all it's WiFi traffic would be going through the Cantenna. While it is a directional antenna there is still signal pickup around it in all directions. But whether it will be strong enough you won't know until you try it. If you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the two AEBSs then this won't be a problem. I should add, this is also faster as the relay AEBS would have to receive and send every packet, taking twice as long. Hey Clark, If I hook the two AEBS's up together like you said, I should see them both in airport utility, right? then I want to configure the one with the cantenna to simply extend my network? OR join my network which one is better? Jeff The main AEBS should be as it is now. The relay AEBS would be set up to just act as an access point. I'm not sure of the terminology, the only AEBS I have doesn't use those phrases. But I think you want extend my network. This should do what you want. Make sure the two use different channels from the choice of 1, 6 and 11. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 10:52 PM -0600 3/8/2010, Ralph Green wrote: On Mon, 2010-03-08 at 11:54 -0500, Dan wrote: I can see where a client computer could have problems if it's too close to a high powered WAP, by being overwhelmed etc. But it would have to be darned close. Never heard of lower performance etc. No idea where you'all are getting that. cite? This is anecdotal, but I did observe it first hand. At the 2008 PyCon, the wireless network performance was very bad at first. Our head network guy made 2 changes. He changed the channels on some of the access points. The wireless contractor had set them all up on the same channel. Our guy also lowered the power on the access points. He told me that both changes were needed. The higher power was causing multiple problems, he said. I did not give a lot of details before, because I don't know them. But, our wireless network worked much better after both changes were made. The rooms were pretty big, and so people were not always close to the access points. Too many WAPs in one location, so close that they overlap and step on each other, probably with flourescent lighting here and there -- that's a whole other house of pain! You can cure some of it by repatterning the coverage - changing the channels. And when that's not enough, then you need to reduce the power to further reduce the overlaps. In this particular thread, however, we're talking about needing to provide coverage over a distance, to a place where there is no coverage at all! No overlaps etc. - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/9/10, Dan dantear...@gmail.com wrote: At 10:52 PM -0600 3/8/2010, Ralph Green wrote: On Mon, 2010-03-08 at 11:54 -0500, Dan wrote: I can see where a client computer could have problems if it's too close to a high powered WAP, by being overwhelmed etc. But it would have to be darned close. Never heard of lower performance etc. No idea where you'all are getting that. cite? This is anecdotal, but I did observe it first hand. At the 2008 PyCon, the wireless network performance was very bad at first. Our head network guy made 2 changes. He changed the channels on some of the access points. The wireless contractor had set them all up on the same channel. Our guy also lowered the power on the access points. He told me that both changes were needed. The higher power was causing multiple problems, he said. I did not give a lot of details before, because I don't know them. But, our wireless network worked much better after both changes were made. The rooms were pretty big, and so people were not always close to the access points. Too many WAPs in one location, so close that they overlap and step on each other, probably with flourescent lighting here and there -- that's a whole other house of pain! You can cure some of it by repatterning the coverage - changing the channels. And when that's not enough, then you need to reduce the power to further reduce the overlaps. In this particular thread, however, we're talking about needing to provide coverage over a distance, to a place where there is no coverage at all! No overlaps etc. Personally, I think the best solution would be to purchase a cell tower. Sure the FCC might eventually come knocking on your door but until then and as long as your network is secured with a very strong password... g -- Best Regards, John Musbach -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
Howdy, Higher power may not be the right answer. I helped run the wireless network for a large conference. The network expert who was in charge explained that higher power sometimes causes worse performance. The company who had been hired to setup our network had brought in high powere access points and the performance was terrible. Our guy turned down the power and changed some of the channels and drastically improved our network. But, maybe you need high power. One good nic is like the one on this ebay auction. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=250568544838 I don't know that seller, and I am only suggesting you look at the nic he offers. When I want an access point, I take an embedded computer like a soekris box and add a mini-pci nic and run openwrt. You can build a setup like this for about $100, even with a high power nic. Some people want more of a canned solution, but I like better capability and security. Good luck, Ralph On Sat, 2010-03-06 at 13:11 -0500, iJohn wrote: On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 12:31 PM, Dan dantear...@gmail.com wrote: Companies such as SMC make higher powered WAPs that could be used to bridge such distances with no problemo. ... Folks keep saying there are higher power WAPs out there. I'd appreciate it if they would also include a few model numbers so we -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 3:52 AM, Ralph Green sfrea...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Howdy, Higher power may not be the right answer. I helped run the wireless network for a large conference. The network expert who was in charge explained that higher power sometimes causes worse performance. The company who had been hired to setup our network had brought in high powere access points and the performance was terrible. Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. -- Best Regards, John Musbach -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 11:21 AM -0500 3/8/2010, John Musbach wrote: On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 3:52 AM, Ralph Green sfrea...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Higher power may not be the right answer. I helped run the wireless network for a large conference. The network expert who was in charge explained that higher power sometimes causes worse performance. The company who had been hired to setup our network had brought in high powere access points and the performance was terrible. Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. I can see where a client computer could have problems if it's too close to a high powered WAP, by being overwhelmed etc. But it would have to be darned close. Never heard of lower performance etc. No idea where you'all are getting that. cite? Higher powered transceivers punch thru more walls and go the distance, etc - MUCH better than standard units. From the OP's description - needing distance and to punch past a couple of RVs... a higher powered router may be a perfect solution. Note please that I did not recommend a full-on commercial grade outdoor unit - 800mW. That would be overkill and then some. - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 11:21 AM, John Musbach johnmusba...@gmail.com wrote: Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. I'm afraid I wasn't able to parse thinner broadcast radius. What shape (??) results from a thinner (??) radius? Also, FWIW, I always understood that line of sight was more related to the frequency of the transmission rather than the power of the transmission. So I guess I'm doubly confused. -irrational john -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 12:14 PM -0500 3/8/2010, iJohn wrote: On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 11:21 AM, John Musbach johnmusba...@gmail.com wrote: Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. I'm afraid I wasn't able to parse thinner broadcast radius. What shape (??) results from a thinner (??) radius? It's a three term geekism! Mr Spock must to elaborate! :) Also, FWIW, I always understood that line of sight was more related to the frequency of the transmission rather than the power of the transmission. So I guess I'm doubly confused. Different frequencies punch thru certain objects better than others. Object includes the air mass, with all its varying densities, moisture content, and other particulates. Power = range (distance). The real controlling factor the sensitivity of the receiving device. If the signal's power has faded too much (inverse square law) then the frequency is moot. - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
I can't believe that no one has mentioned the Pringle's can antenna. It was a big deal when 802.11 first became popular and folks were reporting a couple of miles across a lake. one on each mobile home rooftop pointer at each other ought to work pretty well. It must be Googleable. Pringle can antenna -- -- From the U S of A, the only socialist country that refuses to admit it. -- -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 8:54 AM, Dan wrote: At 11:21 AM -0500 3/8/2010, John Musbach wrote: On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 3:52 AM, Ralph Green sfrea...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Higher power may not be the right answer. I helped run the wireless network for a large conference. The network expert who was in charge explained that higher power sometimes causes worse performance. The company who had been hired to setup our network had brought in high powere access points and the performance was terrible. Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. HUH? Do you mean a narrower arc? That would imply a directional antenna. Using a directional antenna is one way to get more radiated power in one direction. But increasing the transmitter power will increase the range. I can see where a client computer could have problems if it's too close to a high powered WAP, by being overwhelmed etc. But it would have to be darned close. Never heard of lower performance etc. No idea where you'all are getting that. cite? Higher powered transceivers punch thru more walls and go the distance, etc - MUCH better than standard units. From the OP's description - needing distance and to punch past a couple of RVs... a higher powered router may be a perfect solution. Note please that I did not recommend a full-on commercial grade outdoor unit - 800mW. That would be overkill and then some. If you just use a higher power transmitter on a base station it will only help a little. That's because while the base station signal can reach farther the computer is still transmitting at the same power level so the base station isn't receiving any stronger of a signal. Either the base station would have to have a more sensitive receiver or the other end of the link has to have a stronger transmitter. I'm not sure a more sensitive receiver is likely, such a thing could be put in any WiFi equipment and would likely already be standard. A stronger transmitter on the far end would mean a relay since I don't think there are any laptop cards with higher power output. Now what would work is to use a hi-gain directional antenna, at least on the base station end. This would work for both sending and receiving. One could also use such an antenna at the other end. Some PC Card Wifi cards (such as the Orinoco) have an antenna connector built in. Or a relay device could use one. Another trick that is used is to use a USB dongle. This can either be connected to an external antenna or placed at the focal point of a parabolic dish. One advantage of the USB dongle is that you can use a long USB cable to connect it. Within the limits of USB connectivity the cable won't degrade the Wifi signal. An antenna cable on the other hand will badly degrade the 2.4 GHz signal used in 802.11b or g in a matter of feet. -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
A cantenna would be a neat project, but there isn't an easy way to hook it into a macbook's antenna. It would need to be connected to a wireless bridge, which he would have to get, anyway. On Mar 8, 2010 11:43 AM, Doug McNutt dougl...@macnauchtan.com wrote: I can't believe that no one has mentioned the Pringle's can antenna. It was a big deal when 802.11 first became popular and folks were reporting a couple of miles across a lake. one on each mobile home rooftop pointer at each other ought to work pretty well. It must be Googleable. Pringle can antenna -- -- From the U S of A, the only socialist country that refuses to admit it. -- -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, ... -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 10:43 AM -0700 3/8/2010, Doug McNutt wrote: I can't believe that no one has mentioned the Pringle's can antenna. It was a big deal when 802.11 first became popular and folks were reporting a couple of miles across a lake. one on each mobile home rooftop pointer at each other ought to work pretty well. It must be Googleable. Pringle can antenna ROFL! Good catch! I forgot about that trick. Wave guides are good for directing a signal at a specific location. But since they're not actually increasing the signal's overall power, it's really just improving the line-of-sight range - they don't give it xtra ability to punch thru xtra walls. - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 9:44 AM -0800 3/8/2010, Clark Martin wrote: Note please that I did not recommend a full-on commercial grade outdoor unit - 800mW. That would be overkill and then some. If you just use a higher power transmitter on a base station it will only help a little. That's because while the base station signal can reach farther the computer is still transmitting at the same power level so the base station isn't receiving any stronger of a signal. Either the base station would have to have a more sensitive receiver or the other end of the link has to have a stronger transmitter. I'm not sure a more sensitive receiver is likely, such a thing could be put in any WiFi equipment and would likely already be standard. Higher powered WAPs *do* have more sensitive receivers. That's a standard feature. What would be the point of offering such a product without it? - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 12:14 PM, iJohn zjboyguard-ggro...@yahoo.com wrote: On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 11:21 AM, John Musbach johnmusba...@gmail.com wrote: Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. I'm afraid I wasn't able to parse thinner broadcast radius. What shape (??) results from a thinner (??) radius? Basically, in lower power access points--like consumer Apple airport base stations the signal is broadcast in a circular fashion around the base station. But as the power increases, the signal becomes more and more narrow until at the highest powers the signal is simply broadcast in a line from the access point to the receiving end. At least that's how I understand it. -- Best Regards, John Musbach -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 11:18 AM, John Musbach wrote: I'm afraid I wasn't able to parse thinner broadcast radius. What shape (??) results from a thinner (??) radius? Basically, in lower power access points--like consumer Apple airport base stations the signal is broadcast in a circular fashion around the base station. But as the power increases, the signal becomes more and more narrow until at the highest powers the signal is simply broadcast in a line from the access point to the receiving end. At least that's how I understand it. No. Directionality is mainly a function of the antenna design, not power. You can get directional access points, but an Airport Base Station connected to a cantenna will accomplish the same thing. In the OP's case, a bridge or WAP in his daughter's trailer with a cantenna aimed at his trailer would suffice. But then, at 75 feet she can probably get by with just a WAP acting as a bridge device... Higher power WAP's simply broadcast a stronger signal omnidirectionally, if they have an omnidirectional antenna attached. Again, you can get highly directional devices, designed to bridge long distances with the signal, but these are point-to-point bridge devices, not general purpose wireless access points. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 9:58 AM, Dan wrote: ROFL! Good catch! I forgot about that trick. Wave guides are good for directing a signal at a specific location. But since they're not actually increasing the signal's overall power, it's really just improving the line-of-sight range - they don't give it xtra ability to punch thru xtra walls. Actually they do. Since most of the transmitter power is now in a fairly narrow cone there really is more power to penetrate objects. Range through air or through objects, it's all the same. Air just attenuates the signal less over a given distance than most anything else. -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 10:18 AM, John Musbach wrote: Basically, in lower power access points--like consumer Apple airport base stations the signal is broadcast in a circular fashion around the base station. But as the power increases, the signal becomes more and more narrow until at the highest powers the signal is simply broadcast in a line from the access point to the receiving end. At least that's how I understand it. Definitely not the case. How, in that model, does the antenna know where the receiving end is? What happens when there is more than one receiver? The only effect that more power will have on an antenna is that ultimately at some very high power level the antenna will melt. WiFi operates at considerably lower power levels than that. No, increasing the power simply means more power out in every direction per the radiation pattern of the antenna. To get the power out in a narrow beam you use a directional antenna. But radiation pattern is independent of transmitter power. -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 1:19 PM, John Musbach wrote: Oh alright. I came to my conclusion when I was working on setting up the wireless network for my family at home. I noticed that the only higher power antennas I could find for my (now out of date) airport extreme base station were directional so I assumed that to mean that directionality was a function of power. I tried looking for omnidirectional higher power antennas for the airport extreme but I must've been looking in the wrong places because I couldn't seem to find any at the time. Antennas are not 'higher' or 'lower' power. You can attach *better* antennas that increase the range but they don't affect the output signal, merely attenuate it less on transmission. Directional antennas will get you farther range by confining the signal to a narrow region. Think a hose nozzle set to wide spray (omnidirectional) or narrow spray (directional) the water pressure, which is set by the spigot valve, is the same in both cases, but the narrow spray reaches much farther by confining the water (signal) to a smaller area. Some antennas come with an auxiliary amplifier built-in which will actually increase the signal power, much like the pump in a pressure washer will amplify the water pressure input. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 9:43 AM, Doug McNutt wrote: I can't believe that no one has mentioned the Pringle's can antenna. It was a big deal when 802.11 first became popular and folks were reporting a couple of miles across a lake. one on each mobile home rooftop pointer at each other ought to work pretty well. It must be Googleable. Pringle can antenna -- Ok, being the initiator of this fine thread... someone please tell me if this will work (as most of this stuff is over my head anyway:-) I have a new Airport extreme (dual band) on the wall that is currently my main access to the internet for all computers, ipods etc. Now, what I want to do is get an older (space ship) airport extreme, and it will join my existing network wirelessly, then with a connected cantenna (connected to the rear antenna port) shoots via line of sight to my sisters front room window, allowing her to connect via her macbook. Will this work? Jeff -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 13:18 -0500 3/8/10, John Musbach wrote: Basically, in lower power access points--like consumer Apple airport base stations the signal is broadcast in a circular fashion around the base station. But as the power increases, the signal becomes more and more narrow until at the highest powers the signal is simply broadcast in a line from the access point to the receiving end. At least that's how I understand it. There are government rules about transmitted power. And they really are necessary to prevent spoiling the whole idea of RF connection for others. So, given that the power is limited, the way to increase apparent power for specific usage is to use an antenna that concentrates energy in a beam. As long as the receiver is in the beam it's a good way to get better communication without violating the rules. A bussword is antenna gain which measures the ratio of directed power to a simple dipole antenna which radiates a disk or to, as dbi, an impossible antenna that radiates equally in all directions of 3D space. -- - The US of A is getting pelloreid - -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 1:31 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: Ok, being the initiator of this fine thread... someone please tell me if this will work (as most of this stuff is over my head anyway:-) I have a new Airport extreme (dual band) on the wall that is currently my main access to the internet for all computers, ipods etc. Now, what I want to do is get an older (space ship) airport extreme, and it will join my existing network wirelessly, then with a connected cantenna (connected to the rear antenna port) shoots via line of sight to my sisters front room window, allowing her to connect via her macbook. Will this work? Jeff One problem with this lashup is that the relay AEBS may or may not get a strong enough connection to the main AEBS. That is because all it's WiFi traffic would be going through the Cantenna. While it is a directional antenna there is still signal pickup around it in all directions. But whether it will be strong enough you won't know until you try it. If you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the two AEBSs then this won't be a problem. I had thought you didn't have clear line of sight to the other mobile home, that other mobile homes are in the way. Or are you planning on mounting the cantenna very high? -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 1:58 PM, Clark Martin wrote: On 3/8/10 1:31 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: Ok, being the initiator of this fine thread... someone please tell me if this will work (as most of this stuff is over my head anyway:-) I have a new Airport extreme (dual band) on the wall that is currently my main access to the internet for all computers, ipods etc. Now, what I want to do is get an older (space ship) airport extreme, and it will join my existing network wirelessly, then with a connected cantenna (connected to the rear antenna port) shoots via line of sight to my sisters front room window, allowing her to connect via her macbook. Will this work? Jeff One problem with this lashup is that the relay AEBS may or may not get a strong enough connection to the main AEBS. That is because all it's WiFi traffic would be going through the Cantenna. While it is a directional antenna there is still signal pickup around it in all directions. But whether it will be strong enough you won't know until you try it. If you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the two AEBSs then this won't be a problem. I had thought you didn't have clear line of sight to the other mobile home, that other mobile homes are in the way. Or are you planning on mounting the cantenna very high? Well, I didn't think I had line of sight either till I gave it a good look at the trailer they'll be moving into... which is perfectly in view of her front room window! I do have an ethernet cable that I could use that's already under the floor... this might be the way to go another thought occurred to me, I could use the cantenna and AEBS at her end instead of mine? pointing the cantenna at my house, that way they could have a network locally? This stuff is fun to think about. Jeff -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 3:10 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: another thought occurred to me, I could use the cantenna and AEBS at her end instead of mine? pointing the cantenna at my house, that way they could have a network locally? This stuff is fun to think about. That's what I was about to suggest. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 10:18 AM, John Musbach johnmusba...@gmail.com wrote: On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 12:14 PM, iJohn zjboyguard-ggro...@yahoo.com wrote: Basically, in lower power access points--like consumer Apple airport base stations the signal is broadcast in a circular fashion around the base station. But as the power increases, the signal becomes more and more narrow until at the highest powers the signal is simply broadcast in a line from the access point to the receiving end. At least that's how I understand it. Maybe I missed something at the beginning of the thread, but why not just get a $99 Airport express and use it as a repeater/network extender. I have a client that I had to string several of these together to get signal out to a barn/workshop. Don't ask. --- The first time Microsoft produces something that doesn't suck will be when they start making vacuum cleaners --- -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 1:31 PM, Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com wrote: connected to the rear antenna port) shoots via line of sight to my sisters front room window, allowing her to connect via her macbook. Will this work? Jeff How far is her window? --- The first time Microsoft produces something that doesn't suck will be when they start making vacuum cleaners --- -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
50-60 yards? just a guess. Jeff On Mar 8, 2010, at 5:19 PM, Kyle Hansen wrote: On 3/8/10 1:31 PM, Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com wrote: connected to the rear antenna port) shoots via line of sight to my sisters front room window, allowing her to connect via her macbook. Will this work? Jeff How far is her window? --- The first time Microsoft produces something that doesn't suck will be when they start making vacuum cleaners --- -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/8/10 5:21 PM, Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com wrote: 50-60 yards? just a guess. Jeff Cantennae from her side pointed at your wifi would work. I got one over a hundred yards to a park I sit at and write. --- The first time Microsoft produces something that doesn't suck will be when they start making vacuum cleaners --- -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 8, 2010, at 1:58 PM, Clark Martin wrote: One problem with this lashup is that the relay AEBS may or may not get a strong enough connection to the main AEBS. That is because all it's WiFi traffic would be going through the Cantenna. While it is a directional antenna there is still signal pickup around it in all directions. But whether it will be strong enough you won't know until you try it. If you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the two AEBSs then this won't be a problem. Hey Clark, If I hook the two AEBS's up together like you said, I should see them both in airport utility, right? then I want to configure the one with the cantenna to simply extend my network? OR join my network which one is better? Jeff -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mon, 2010-03-08 at 11:54 -0500, Dan wrote: At 11:21 AM -0500 3/8/2010, John Musbach wrote: On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 3:52 AM, Ralph Green sfrea...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Higher power may not be the right answer. I helped run the wireless network for a large conference. The network expert who was in charge explained that higher power sometimes causes worse performance. The company who had been hired to setup our network had brought in high power access points and the performance was terrible. Not only that, but IIRC higher power means a thinner broadcast radius as well--eventually becoming strictly line of sight. I can see where a client computer could have problems if it's too close to a high powered WAP, by being overwhelmed etc. But it would have to be darned close. Never heard of lower performance etc. No idea where you'all are getting that. cite? Howdy, This is anecdotal, but I did observe it first hand. At the 2008 PyCon, the wireless network performance was very bad at first. Our head network guy made 2 changes. He changed the channels on some of the access points. The wireless contractor had set them all up on the same channel. Our guy also lowered the power on the access points. He told me that both changes were needed. The higher power was causing multiple problems, he said. I did not give a lot of details before, because I don't know them. But, our wireless network worked much better after both changes were made. The rooms were pretty big, and so people were not always close to the access points. Good day, Ralph -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 8:26 PM, Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com wrote: So, here's the deal.. I'd like very much to extend my network. Is there a way to do this? I use a current Airport Extreme Base Station mounted high on my wall inside my 14x55 mobile home and I'd like to share my internet with my niece who lives in another mobile home 75 yards give or take away... 75 yards!?!?!?! with 802.11g !?!?!?! :-) ~~! ROTHF LMAO !~~ :-) BTW, are you sure your niece is connecting to *your* network. You ARE using the highest level of wireless security you can, aren't you? (Hopefully WPA2). And non-trivial shared keys? (You can generate a random enough key by using tools on the Internet. For example, https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm currently she gets about 2 bars on her macbook. Is there a way of getting her 4 bars? by mounting some kind of antenna on the outside of the house? if so, where would I plug it into? It's amazing (to me) that she manages to get a signal as strong as that given the distance and the obstructions between your niece and your router. Probably a result of having mounting it high up on your wall. Again, I hope you are doing the most you can to secure this network because if the signal is that strong at that distance it's also a potential temptation to anyone else in a 75 yard radius (as in circle) of your home. You didn't say which flavor/version/vintage of the Airport Extreme you are using. But IIRC all of them are sealed models with the antennas inside the case. You'd have to open the case (voiding any warranty) and then fiddle around with the internal antenna connectors to mount an external. Is that really a route you want to try to take? As for the previous suggestion to try using Wireless Distribution System (WDS) you should first understand that, depending on how it is set up, WDS would probably cut your throughput by half. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Distribution_System But even skipping the potential throughput hit, I wasn't at all clear how WDS could be useful in your situation. Certainly you wouldn't want to try to mount an intermediate repeater unit outside of your respective homes, would you??? How would you be able to secure it? Don't know if they will help but here are some links to some generic wireless usage tutorials. How To Fix Your Wireless Network - Part 1 http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30182/98/ How To Fix Your Wireless Network - Part 2: Site Surveying http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30198/98/ How To Fix Your Wireless Network - Part 3: Increasing Coverage http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/30225-how-to-fix-your-wireless-network-part-3-increasing-coverage How To Fix Your Wireless Network - Part 4: Antennas http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/30546-how-to-fix-your-wireless-network-part-4-antennas -irrational john -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 11:11 AM -0500 3/6/2010, iJohn wrote: On Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 8:26 PM, Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com wrote: So, here's the deal.. I'd like very much to extend my network. Is there a way to do this? I use a current Airport Extreme Base Station mounted high on my wall inside my 14x55 mobile home and I'd like to share my internet with my niece who lives in another mobile home 75 yards give or take away... 75 yards!?!?!?! with 802.11g !?!?!?! :-) ~~! ROTHF LMAO !~~ :-) Companies such as SMC make higher powered WAPs that could be used to bridge such distances with no problemo. A burried cat5 would be faster/cheaper tho. - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 12:31 PM, Dan dantear...@gmail.com wrote: Companies such as SMC make higher powered WAPs that could be used to bridge such distances with no problemo. Perhaps, but what do they cost? My perhaps incorrect assumption is that once you leave the realm of basic home networking routers/WAPs the prices jump to another range rather quickly. (Though perhaps you could get something for 802.11g which was previously owned for less money now that the move to 802.11n is (possibly) happening). Folks keep saying there are higher power WAPs out there. I'd appreciate it if they would also include a few model numbers so we could get an idea what price points and hardware specs they are thinking of. A buried cat5 would be faster/cheaper tho. Amen to that! Wired still always beats wireless in lots of ways. Not as convenient though. Especially if you're trying to route the cable through a trailer park. Besides being a PIA lot of work to do even only somewhat properly the owner of the trailer park might not be as supportive of this project as one might hope for. (Well, then again maybe the OP is the owner? ;-) -irrational john -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 6, 2010, at 10:11 AM, iJohn wrote: On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 12:31 PM, Dan dantear...@gmail.com wrote: Companies such as SMC make higher powered WAPs that could be used to bridge such distances with no problemo. Perhaps, but what do they cost? My perhaps incorrect assumption is that once you leave the realm of basic home networking routers/WAPs the prices jump to another range rather quickly. (Though perhaps you could get something for 802.11g which was previously owned for less money now that the move to 802.11n is (possibly) happening). Folks keep saying there are higher power WAPs out there. I'd appreciate it if they would also include a few model numbers so we could get an idea what price points and hardware specs they are thinking of. Yes, that would be cool... to refresh here, the equipment I'm using currently is the Airport extreme base station (current). A buried cat5 would be faster/cheaper tho. Amen to that! Wired still always beats wireless in lots of ways. Not as convenient though. Especially if you're trying to route the cable through a trailer park. Besides being a PIA lot of work to do even only somewhat properly the owner of the trailer park might not be as supportive of this project as one might hope for. (Well, then again maybe the OP is the owner? ;-) Nope, I'm just a renter:-) Jeff -irrational john -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
At 1:11 PM -0500 3/6/2010, iJohn wrote: On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 12:31 PM, Dan dantear...@gmail.com wrote: Companies such as SMC make higher powered WAPs that could be used to bridge such distances with no problemo. Perhaps, but what do they cost? My perhaps incorrect assumption is that once you leave the realm of basic home networking routers/WAPs the prices jump to another range rather quickly. (Though perhaps you could get something for 802.11g which was previously owned for less money now that the move to 802.11n is (possibly) happening). Folks keep saying there are higher power WAPs out there. I'd appreciate it if they would also include a few model numbers so we could get an idea what price points and hardware specs they are thinking of. Google is your friend. Looks like they start at around $40 and quite a few vendors make 'em, beyond SMC. http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=home+office+router+high+power The metric to look for is the transceiver's power. Indoor/home units typically transmit only 50 milliWatts. Serious outdoor units do 100 to 800 milliWatts. Something along the lines of 200 mW is probably about right for this application. - Dan. -- - Psychoceramic Emeritus; South Jersey, USA, Earth. -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On 3/5/10 5:26 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: So, here's the deal.. I'd like very much to extend my network. Is there a way to do this? I use a current Airport Extreme Base Station mounted high on my wall inside my 14x55 mobile home and I'd like to share my internet with my niece who lives in another mobile home 75 yards give or take away... currently she gets about 2 bars on her macbook. Is there a way of getting her 4 bars? by mounting some kind of antenna on the outside of the house? if so, where would I plug it into? I need my wifi to be completely independent of my home computers (G5 G4 mdd). TIA Jeff Can you mount the base station so it has a view out a window to the other mobile home. Eliminating one metal wall would certainly help. Frankly she is getting a pretty strong signal right now considering how far away she is. You might look into setting up an Airport Express as a WDS relay at her end. With your Extreme and her Express both mounted near windows so they have a good line of sight connection it ought to work pretty well. -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 5, 2010, at 6:19 PM, Clark Martin wrote: On 3/5/10 5:26 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: So, here's the deal.. I'd like very much to extend my network. Is there a way to do this? I use a current Airport Extreme Base Station mounted high on my wall inside my 14x55 mobile home and I'd like to share my internet with my niece who lives in another mobile home 75 yards give or take away... currently she gets about 2 bars on her macbook. Is there a way of getting her 4 bars? by mounting some kind of antenna on the outside of the house? if so, where would I plug it into? I need my wifi to be completely independent of my home computers (G5 G4 mdd). TIA Jeff Can you mount the base station so it has a view out a window to the other mobile home. Eliminating one metal wall would certainly help. Frankly she is getting a pretty strong signal right now considering how far away she is. You might look into setting up an Airport Express as a WDS relay at her end. With your Extreme and her Express both mounted near windows so they have a good line of sight connection it ought to work pretty well. Well, for one, there is at least 2 mobile homes between us so line of sight is out of the question I think... It would be cool if there was something that I could attach to the outside of the house up high that would work like an airport express to extend the network I would hate to use an airport express that way simply because it would literally melt down in the summer months. thinking. Jeff -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
On Mar 5, 2010, at 7:39 PM, Clark Martin wrote: On 3/5/10 7:23 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: On Mar 5, 2010, at 6:19 PM, Clark Martin wrote: On 3/5/10 5:26 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: So, here's the deal.. I'd like very much to extend my network. Is there a way to do this? I use a current Airport Extreme Base Station mounted high on my wall inside my 14x55 mobile home and I'd like to share my internet with my niece who lives in another mobile home 75 yards give or take away... currently she gets about 2 bars on her macbook. Is there a way of getting her 4 bars? by mounting some kind of antenna on the outside of the house? if so, where would I plug it into? I need my wifi to be completely independent of my home computers (G5 G4 mdd). TIA Jeff Can you mount the base station so it has a view out a window to the other mobile home. Eliminating one metal wall would certainly help. Frankly she is getting a pretty strong signal right now considering how far away she is. You might look into setting up an Airport Express as a WDS relay at her end. With your Extreme and her Express both mounted near windows so they have a good line of sight connection it ought to work pretty well. Well, for one, there is at least 2 mobile homes between us so line of sight is out of the question I think... It would be cool if there was something that I could attach to the outside of the house up high that would work like an airport express to extend the network I would hate to use an airport express that way simply because it would literally melt down in the summer months. thinking. Jeff You could still try the Express. To test it, put your Extreme in the window (the window will still help, even with other homes in the line of sight. Then hold your niece's computer in the window to see how strong a signal you get. If the reception is good then putting an Express in her window would relay from your Extreme to her laptop. Apple's Airport Express is the only WDS relay I've used or even know about but there (must be) others out there. The express uses only it's internal antennas. But some other products likely allow for an external antenna. Keep in mind that you want to minimize any antenna cable length, at 2.4 GHz a cable eats up signal strength fast. I have a WiFi antenna that, IIRC, has a gain of 9 dB but it's 4-5' cable looses about 3-4 dB. Great information looks like an airport express is gonna be in the up coming budget:-) I have one already but airtunes is pigging it. Jeff -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
Re: Airport extreme - How to extend my network?
You can also setup some wireless routers as a bridge, through firmware settings. A used wireless router is probably cheaper, though not as compact and neat. Just out of speculation, 75 yards seems like a good distance to cover, for a consistent and reliable signal. What happens when the wind blows? You should use your current express to test this out. You might need to spend some money on a nice Cisco wireless router? Lots of signal power- you can light up the whole neighborhood. On Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 9:50 PM, Jeffrey Engle macgu...@gmail.com wrote: On Mar 5, 2010, at 7:39 PM, Clark Martin wrote: On 3/5/10 7:23 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: On Mar 5, 2010, at 6:19 PM, Clark Martin wrote: On 3/5/10 5:26 PM, Jeffrey Engle wrote: So, here's the deal.. I'd like very much to extend my network. Is there a way to do this? I use a current Airport Extreme Base Station mounted high on my wall inside my 14x55 mobile home and I'd like to share my internet with my niece who lives in another mobile home 75 yards give or take away... currently she gets about 2 bars on her macbook. Is there a way of getting her 4 bars? by mounting some kind of antenna on the outside of the house? if so, where would I plug it into? I need my wifi to be completely independent of my home computers (G5 G4 mdd). TIA Jeff Can you mount the base station so it has a view out a window to the other mobile home. Eliminating one metal wall would certainly help. Frankly she is getting a pretty strong signal right now considering how far away she is. You might look into setting up an Airport Express as a WDS relay at her end. With your Extreme and her Express both mounted near windows so they have a good line of sight connection it ought to work pretty well. Well, for one, there is at least 2 mobile homes between us so line of sight is out of the question I think... It would be cool if there was something that I could attach to the outside of the house up high that would work like an airport express to extend the network I would hate to use an airport express that way simply because it would literally melt down in the summer months. thinking. Jeff You could still try the Express. To test it, put your Extreme in the window (the window will still help, even with other homes in the line of sight. Then hold your niece's computer in the window to see how strong a signal you get. If the reception is good then putting an Express in her window would relay from your Extreme to her laptop. Apple's Airport Express is the only WDS relay I've used or even know about but there (must be) others out there. The express uses only it's internal antennas. But some other products likely allow for an external antenna. Keep in mind that you want to minimize any antenna cable length, at 2.4 GHz a cable eats up signal strength fast. I have a WiFi antenna that, IIRC, has a gain of 9 dB but it's 4-5' cable looses about 3-4 dB. Great information looks like an airport express is gonna be in the up coming budget:-) I have one already but airtunes is pigging it. Jeff -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
