Re: Question on range testing

you will need to run the antennas in horizontal polarization for links over 
water.  this will make all the difference.

tyler



Tyler van Houwelingen
Founder and CEO
Azulstar Networks, Inc.
1051 Jackson, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1117 Rio Rancho Blvd 13, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
1-877-AZULSTAR
www.azulstar.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Hubley" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 2:37 PM
Subject: Question on range testing


>
> We have been attempting to test the range of two Engenius 2511 200mw cards
> over water.  Unfortunately we have not been able to setup a reliable test 
> platform.
> ( ie. sometimes I can't get it to connect when it's 10 feet away! ). 
> What we have
> are:
>
> 2 - Engenius 2511 EXT 200mw pcmcia cards
> 1 - BitsyX ( Soekris-like embeded linux board ) with pcmcia slot
>       running wireless-tools and hostap drivers.
> 1 - Windows 2K laptop with windows Engenius drivers loaded ( + cygwin
>      package for tools like scp etc ).
> 2 - 15db Omni antennas
> 1 - 15db Panel antenna
>
> Software setup:
>
>  BitsyX:  iwconfig wlan0:
>                             mode: ad-hoc
>                               essid: "bitsyX"
>                            encryption: None
>                ifconfig wlan0:
>                           ip: 10.0.0.1
>                      bcast: 10.0.0.255
>                         gw: 10.0.0.1
>
>  Windows:    "bitsyX" appears in available networks when the two units
>                       are close together.  Added "bitsyX" to preferred 
> network list ( only one ).
>                       TCP/IP for the wireless card:
>                                   ip: 10.0.0.2
>                               bcast: 10.0.0.255
>                                 gw: 10.0.0.2
>
> When the planets align ( which is most of the time in our house ) we can 
> ping
> the embedded computer from windows.  This is a relatively calm ( radio 
> signal )
> environment where only one other wireless network exists.
> When we go to our test site ( lots of other wireless equipment in the 
> area ) we
> run into connectivity problems ( cannot even ping the other computer ).
> The interesting thing is the imbedded computer "sees" lots of ap's in and 
> around the
> general geographical region of the windows box.  Although the signal 
> levels are in
> the -70 to -80 range.    The windows box is useless....as the drivers 
> don't appear to
> tell you correctly what "networks" it can see or an accurate signal level
> ( it appears to cache them from when the computer's were close together ).
> Ok...so you can see our frustration.  My direct questions are:
>
>  1. Could it be that setting up ad-hoc mode with no encryption is allowing 
> other
>      wireless devices in the area to "steal" one of my test devices and 
> thus not
>      allowing a connection?  I thought it was sufficient to set the ESSID 
> to something
>      agreed upon and most likely unique.
>
>  2. Are there any nice tools for monitoring the real status of the 
> wireless
>      card on a windows box and monitoring what it can "see"  in real time?
>
>  3. Are there any standard configurations used in this type of "bridge"
>      range tests?
>                                   BTW....we tested over Elliot Bay ( 
> Myrtle Edwards/Elliot Bay Park to Hamilton Viewpoint Park
> in West Seattle ).  4 meters off the water.  One panel antenna and one 
> omni.  Also tried
> both omni.  Saw lots of networks over in Magnolia from West Seattle ( all 
> locked down ).
>
> Any pointers would be greatly appreciated,
>
> -R
>
>
> -- 
>
> "irreligous progressive liberal!"
>
> irreligious = "not controlled by religious motives or principles"
> progressive = "favoring improvement, change, progress, reform"
> liberal = "Not narrow or contracted in mind; not selfish"
>
> Sign me up for irreligious progressive liberal status right away, these 
> are all the things I've always wanted to be!
>
> -Alan Partridge
>
> Look!
> I just want sharks with frikken laserbeams attached to their heads!
>
>
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