extending range of 802.11

[malofquISt]

anyone have experience extending the range of an 802.11 wireless link? if I wanted one in a car and wanted to talk to a stationary computer, how far could I go?

directional antennas, or lower noise amps, and PAs will help, but PAs are FCC violation i'm sure. but more sensitivity is the answer, i'm sure.

wwyd?

Mark

 

[IRstuff]

Realistically, probably not more than 1/2 mile. Some base stations claim 1500 ft and you can get repeaters to move out even farther, but why do you want to do that?

TTFN

 

[dpc]

I think a better (higher) antenna system is your best option. But keep in mind that the transmission line losses will be very high at this frequency, so you will need to have the transmitter (generally in your wireless router) very close to your antenna.

At 2.4 gHz, propagation is strictly line-of-sight. So if you are trying to connect to a base station from a car, getting the antenna as high as possible, and outside, should help.

 

[IRstuff]

A more detailed explanation of what you are trying to accomplish may reveal a better overall solution.

TTFN

 

[VEBill]

Another 'Honda-project' no doubt...

"more sensitivity" is the answer only to a certain point. Once you can hear every 2.4 GHz microwave oven and every 2.4 GHz cordless phone in the city, then further sensitivity doesn't help. You'll be lucky to get a city block with Wi-Fi to a car.

Wi-Max (and Mobile Wi-Max) is coming in a few years.

 

[alunh]

With directional aerials, miles is possible.
Need line of sight obviously.

For example see here :

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/wireless/2001/05/03/longshot.html

Alun

 

[VEBill]

The OP was asking about a link to a car. The concept of using a directional antenna on a moving car is not really very practical. And, given that the car is moving, it's not even practial to use a directional antenna on the other end (the fixed end) of the link - unless you plan to have a full-time staff to keep it aimed.

 

[Yashu]

American FCC specs 1 watt max at the antenna input. Research appropriate antenna characteristics to determine the range you will receive.