Question about wireless router..

[FerrariF50]

I'm going to set up a wireless router soon.. And plan on getting a labtop with a wireless card.. a Linksys btw.. Now in the summer provideing it's not raining... Can I use it out on the back porch? I ask this question because the Router would be on the 2nd Floor and I would be outside..but outside the window is above me.. So I was not sure the signal would go outside...

[Áedán]

Basically, it all depends on what the signal has to go through to get to you. 802.11 (WiFi) is basically line of sight, but the signals will bounce off surfaces.

The radio waves can't go through brick - they bounce off instead. The radio waves can't get through wood easily - they've absorbed. The radio waves have difficulties with thick foliage as well, again getting absorbed.

The net answer is that with things bouncing and absorbing the waves it's difficult to predict how things will go.

A big bonus is that your AP (Access Point) is high, which tends to make them travel further.

When you do get your AP be sure to disable SSID broadcasting, and to enable 128bit WEP. If you can, lock the AP down to the MAC address of your wireless card. This will stop other people using your connection!

AidanII

[FerrariF50]

In my room is would be like 8-10 Ft. from the room.. If you look out the window and down..you will see the padio deck.. Or maybe I could arange it so the router is closer then the window and higher.. my point I don't want to be outside and know the signals are passing right over my head..

[The Spyder]

Considering the fact that my friend can acces his neighbor 2 houses down- dsl wireless setup using linksys- i think your fine-
SPyder

[Áedán]

Originally posted by FerrariF50
In my room is would be like 8-10 Ft. from the room.. If you look out the window and down..you will see the padio deck.. Or maybe I could arange it so the router is closer then the window and higher.. my point I don't want to be outside and know the signals are passing right over my head..

Generally, the higher the antenna, the better the coverage will be. The radiowaves travel outwards from a typical antenna like a sphere exanding outwards. You may be surprised at how far they do go..

AidanII

[robbie]

hummm maybe sell off some bandwidth to a neighbor if you have high speed internet. Just tell them to get a wireless connection and sub out some of your access. I bet the most they'll do is download mp3's or check email or something simple.

Sell it for like $10 - $15 / month. It will be too hard for them to pass up and a good way for you to cut down some of your cost for the high speed access.

I hope this is doable for you.

Rob

[It_The_Cow]

Originally posted by robbie
hummm maybe sell off some bandwidth to a neighbor if you have high speed internet. Just tell them to get a wireless connection and sub out some of your access. I bet the most they'll do is download mp3's or check email or something simple.

Sell it for like $10 - $15 / month. It will be too hard for them to pass up and a good way for you to cut down some of your cost for the high speed access.

I hope this is doable for you.

Rob

It's a shame it violates nearly every TOA of every ISP out there

[The Spyder]

Not true! Spilting the bill between office mates that are seperate businesses in the same building is NOT illegal- thats selling bandwith! LOL
Spyder