[Hidden-tech] Sharing wifi between apartments

[Jan Werner]

I can recommend the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH, a high power single band 
b/g/n router/access point that costs about $80 from Newegg or Amazon and 
is designed for extended range and problem reception areas. It can also 
run DD-WRT or Tomato open source firmware if you really want to tweak 
things.

If you need even more range, you can add another and configure it to 
extend the your router. All the Buffalo router/APs can be configured for 
that purpose, and the cheapest (WCR-GN), which sells for about $30, 
seems to be a popular choice for extending wireless networks, even those 
based on other manufacturer's routers.

Jan Werner
_____________

Kevin Phillips wrote:
>     ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>     ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
> So to sum up what Jim is saying, try the $40 Netgear wireless router from
> Staples and see how it goes !!!
>
> Kevin Phillips
> KPIT Computer Consulting
> kevin at kpitconsulting.com
> Office (413) 420-0212
> Cell (413) 330-7789
>
> www.kpitconsulting.com
> www.wmassforums.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
> [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of
> ussailis at shaysnet.com
> Sent: Monday, January 10, 2011 6:47 PM
> To: sreed at avacoda.com; hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net
> Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] Sharing wifi between apartments
>
>     ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>     ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
>> From the radio standpoint there are a few issues that usually can be
> overcome.
>
> 1. Use the slowest speed WiFi signal that you find. Contrary to popular
> opinion, faster speeds require more radio bandwidth, which requires more
> power to achieve the same signal level at any given remote point.
>
> If 802.11b operating at 1 Mb /s provides a range of 100 feet, then, all
> things equal, 802.11b operating at 11 Mb / s will provide a range of
> roughly 35 feet.
>
> Worse the 802.11 flavor that runs at 100 Mb / s will provide a range of 10
> feet.
>
> The good news is most access points / wireless routers have a circuit that
> automatically backs off on speed as the signal gets weaker.
>
> {as an aside, does it make sense to have a 100 Mb / s router when DSL is
> under 1 Mb / s?}
>
> 2. Get the most powerful router you can find. Several years ago Senao
> offered one that ran 200 mW (milliwatts). In North America one watt is the
> legal maximum for normal installations. Not so in Europe, where it is 0.1
> Watt (100 mW). Most routers run 100 mW so they can be approved everywhere.
>
> When you set up your router, if you are offered a choice, ALWAYS set the
> service location to USA. This set-up action often changes the power output.
>
> 3. Consider a "repeater." Often these gadgets run a power output closer to
> one watt, since their purpose is to increase range. Look for one that is
> only permitted for sale in the US or Canada.
>
> 4. A lower frequency will give more range. Almost all 802.11 devices
> operate in the 2.45 GHz band. 802.11a operates in the 5 GHz band. There is
> no reason to prevent a manufacturer from making a WiFi router in the 900
> MHz band.
>
> So all things equal, a 900 MHz router will have more range (and be slightly
> less bothered by multipath signals). You will probably only find 2.45 GHz
> and 5 GHz units, tho.
>
> The 5 GHz version tends to be designed for campus facilities, so more power
> is usually offered. Check this. You will need twice the power in an 802.11a
> router to be equal with an 802.11b router.
>
> 5. Antennas. You can get an antenna with more gain. BUT, all antenna gain
> comes from the "beaming" of the signal towards one direction at the expense
> of other directions. Such directionality might work in some situations, not
> work in others.
>
> Also be careful of the BS factors with regard to antenna gains. The gain
> may be far from true. Extra fancy "elements" might be added to the antenna
> just to catch the eye of the owner. (very common in TV antennas).
>
> 6. Multiple antennas on the router. This is a common device to improve
> signal strength when signals are traveling by two or more paths
> (multipath). If it is implemented properly, it works. The antenna with the
> better signal is selected for a given set of conditions.
>
> The selection of both antennas at all times doesn't work.
>
> Good implementations existed when the WiFi components were made in the USA.
> I don't see that anymore.
>
> 7. Finally, the building can be an issue.
>
> If the building is newish, check the sheetrock. There is a metal backed
> sheetrock that was common in apartment buildings built about 25 years ago.
> It might still be used, and in some places it might be code. Don't expect a
> WiFi signal to go far in this building.
>
> Then there can also be metal studs in the walls even if non-metal backed
> sheetrock is used. This will attenuate WiFi signals a very small amount. It
> is much more of a problem with FM radio signals.
>
> Some 19th century buildings were built with rock. If this is the case, you
> will want to evaluate WiFi transmission thru the walls before you spend a
> lot on components.
>
> The same goes for converted mill buildings. At 221 Pine St in Florence, for
> example, I found that transmissions thru some parts of the building were
> good for 60 feet or more. Other parts were worse, far worse. That building
> was constructed in several stages over the years. Some interior walls are
> wood, some brick, some concrete. Some floors are wood, others concrete with
> rebar.
>
> Concrete with rebar is not good for WiFi transmission.
>
>
> Jim Ussailis
> jim at nationalwireless.com
>
>
> Original Message:
> -----------------
> From: Scott Reed sreed at avacoda.com
> Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:23:57 -0500
> To: Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net
> Subject: [Hidden-tech] Sharing wifi between apartments
>
>
>     ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>     ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
> A friend asked me for advice about using wifi to share an internet
> connection among a group of apartment dwellers. Does anyone have
> experience or advice? Is it possible without wires except in the unit
> with the internet service? What kind of equipment is required?
> Thanks,
>    Scott
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