Re: Setting up free wifi for 500-1000 meter range.

Russell Senior wrote:
>>>>>> "Wes" == Wes Phibbs <[email protected]> writes:
> 
> Wes> Setting up free wifi for 500-1000 meter range.  Theres a farmacia
> Wes> here in the Dominican Republic (Samana) that wants to setup free
> Wes> wifi for 500-1000 meters range. The town is made from
> Wes> moslty cement buildings 1 - 2 stories high. *His is 2 stories*

> Wes> The problem i see is that it seems hard
> Wes> to find directional antenas that have a wide degree spread, i
> Wes> guess i would need 90deg on each at least.  

9 dBi 120-degree sector:
http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=2659&cat=263&page=1

9.5 dBi 90-degree sector:
http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=2657&cat=263&page=1

Both are around $55.

Looking around, there are lots of sector antennas in the $100+ range. 
Personally, I've never paid more than $60 for an antenna and I'm 
unconvinced those $160 sectors are worth it. Maybe someone else will 
disagree though...

> Outdoors without too many obstructions, an access point is going to be
> able to provide service for ordinary laptops in the space within a few
> hundred feet, maybe 100 meters.  To cover an area the size you are
> talking about is going to need numerous devices.

I tend to agree with Russell. However, don't be overwhelmed -- you can 
start by deploying gear on the one rooftop and then walk around with a 
laptop and see how far away it is usable. Then, pick another rooftop to 
extend the network in the direction of interest. If at some point the 
cost outweighs the benefit, you can stop deploying.

Those cement buildings are going to pose a problem. We've found that 
indoor repeaters ($50-100) can be helpful in this case.

When you start deployment, take pictures!

--
Caleb Phillips

-- 
The Personal Telco Project - http://www.personaltelco.net/
Donate to PTP: http://www.personaltelco.net/donate
Un/Subscribe:  http://lists.personaltelco.net/mailman/listinfo/general/
Archives:  http://news.gmane.org/gmane.network.wireless.portland.general/
Etiquette: http://www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/MailingListEtiquette