Pimp the Barn, with WiFi-bling (Split from : Help with 1 mile network setup!)

Sleeping Dog · 03-07-2006

I am also trying to design a wireless system for my sister's business. There is a distance of 1000 plus feet between the house (that has the DSL connection) and the horse barn. The barn will have three computers in it. (one desktop, one laptop WiFi built in, and one older box that just handles the video monitors for the birthing stalls and burglar/fire alarms.)

Hardware wise, I have selected the Linksys WRT54g at each end with identical Yagi antennae.

There is a company called SVEASOFT that sells a firmware upgrade for the WRT54g that boosts power by 900% and adds some additional control and security features. All of the reviews that I have read about them are great and it only costs about 20 bucks. Check out:
http://www.sveasoft.com/

More regarding Yagi antennae that I chose can be found at:
http://sharperconcepts.zoovy.com/product/YSC-HG2415Y

I will probably use the 14.5 dBi version because it only costs about 55 bucks.

The WRT54g router doubles as a 4-port hub/switch so the hardwired components at each end are almost a non-issue.

Beginning to end, I'm looking at 250-300 bucks in hardware and shipping for everything including the antenna cables.

My questions are:

1. Is this overkill for the distance even though the security box is always on sending real-time video?

2. What setup recommendations would you have for full duplex communication between the WRT54g's?

3. What setup problems with a rig like this can you think of that other people have had?

4. Would you suggest using different or other brands of hardware?

5. What caveats should I look for? (After all, forewarned is forearmed!)

Thank you all again for your help and input. It is greatly appreciated.

Sleeping Dog

Sleeping Dog · 03-07-2006

Oops...the Yagi link that I posted earlier is bogus. The correct link is:
http://sharperconcepts.zoovy.com/product/YSC-HG2415Y

Sorry 'bout that...

SD

Thorn · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

Oops...the Yagi link that I posted earlier is bogus. The correct link is:
http://sharperconcepts.zoovy.com/product/YSC-HG2415Y

Sorry 'bout that...

SD

Fixed. In the future, please just edit, rather than posting again. You may edit any post you've made.

Dutch · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

I am also trying to design a wireless system for my sister's business. There is a distance of 1000 plus feet between the house (that has the DSL connection) and the horse barn. The barn will have three computers in it. (one desktop, one laptop WiFi built in, and one older box that just handles the video monitors for the birthing stalls and burglar/fire alarms.)

Hardware wise, I have selected the Linksys WRT54g at each end with identical Yagi antennae.

There is a company called SVEASOFT that sells a firmware upgrade for the WRT54g that boosts power by 900% and adds some additional control and security features. All of the reviews that I have read about them are great and it only costs about 20 bucks. Check out:
http://www.sveasoft.com/

More regarding Yagi antennae that I chose can be found at:
http://sharperconcepts.zoovy.com/product/YSC-HG2415Y

I will probably use the 14.5 dBi version because it only costs about 55 bucks.

The WRT54g router doubles as a 4-port hub/switch so the hardwired components at each end are almost a non-issue.

Beginning to end, I'm looking at 250-300 bucks in hardware and shipping for everything including the antenna cables.

My questions are:

1. Is this overkill for the distance even though the securitybox is always on sending real-time video?

2. What setup recommendations would you have for full duplex communication between the WRT54g's?

3. What setup problems with a rig like this can you think of that other people have had?

4. Would you suggest using different or other brands of hardware?

5. What caveats should I look for? (After all, forewarned is forearmed!)

Thank you all again for your help and input. It is greatly appreciated.

Sleeping Dog

1) 14.5 dB gain might be overkill, and if you also are going to be upping the tx-power of the WRT's then you definitely will be violating the maximum EIRP limit for PtP usage of the 2.4 Ghz band. Something the FCC doesn't look kindly upon. Unnecessary RF polution.
Do the math, calculate the link budget and fresnel zone, check for RF-LOS, then choose an appropriate antenna, with enough gain. More isn't allways better.

2) No such thing as full duplex wrt to WiFi. All transmissions between devices adhering to the WiFi standard are half duplex. Remember that this is radio based devices. Unless you have seperate transmitters and receivers in the device, it can't be full duplex.

3) As long as you do the math, and plan things correctly, there shouldn't be any problems in setting such a system up. Either as a standard bridging setup, or if you don't mind the overhead, as a WDS setup.

4) For consumer/SoHo setups like this sounds like, the WRT54g's are a good choice. Just make sure that if you want to use third party firmware, that you get WRT54G's with a version number under 5, or go for the WRT54GL's.

5) Main caveat : If you don't do the math, then you can only blame yourself for any lousy performance, and/or possible fines from the FCC.

Dutch

streaker69 · 03-07-2006

Might I recommend that this thread be split at Post #46 so as to avoid the confusion of the OP's post?

Dutch · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by streaker69

Might I recommend that this thread be split at Post #46 so as to avoid the confusion of the OP's post?

Get OUT of my head, you damn psychic amish...

Good idea, and done.

Dutch

Thorn · 03-07-2006

Split

Thorn · 03-07-2006

Boosting power is not a good idea on a WRT54G. It splatters Noise all over the band.

Dutch · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorn

Split

LOL.. I liked my title better.. :P

Dutch

streaker69 · 03-07-2006

SD, if you haven't bought your hardware yet, I think you might want to look into the Rootenna over at Fab-Corp. You can install your WRT54G's inside them so they're safe from the elements and then power them with POE.

I believe they'll give you the same amount of gain as the antenna's you linked to.

streaker69 · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch

LOL.. I liked my title better.. :P

Dutch

I did too.

Thorn · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by streaker69

SD, if you haven't bought your hardware yet, I think you might want to look into the Rootenna over at Fab-Corp. You can install your WRT54G's inside them so they're safe from the elements and then power them with POE.

I believe they'll give you the same amount of gain as the antenna's you linked to.

I second that. I just used some on a similar Point-to-Point link. They are great for this type of application.

streaker69 · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorn

I second that. I just used some on a similar Point-to-Point link. They are great for this type of application.

Plus the other advantage is you cut down on your loss over the Coax. Overall it's a good solution.

Barry · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by streaker69

SD, if you haven't bought your hardware yet, I think you might want to look into the Rootenna over at Fab-Corp. You can install your WRT54G's inside them so they're safe from the elements and then power them with POE.

I believe they'll give you the same amount of gain as the antenna's you linked to.

I'm still waiting for someone to send me one to test at extreme cold temps.

Dutch · 03-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry

I'm still waiting for someone to send me one to test at extreme cold temps.

How to test for extreme cold temps in women :
She's a cold beatch : When a tear freezes to ice before passing the nosetip.
She's an extreme cold beatch : If the central heating boiler starts, when she spreads the legs in the bedroom...

Dutch

03-07-2006	#1 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Pimp the Barn, with WiFi-bling (Split from : Help with 1 mile network setup!) I am also trying to design a wireless system for my sister's business. There is a distance of 1000 plus feet between the house (that has the DSL connection) and the horse barn. The barn will have three computers in it. (one desktop, one laptop WiFi built in, and one older box that just handles the video monitors for the birthing stalls and burglar/fire alarms.) Hardware wise, I have selected the Linksys WRT54g at each end with identical Yagi antennae. There is a company called SVEASOFT that sells a firmware upgrade for the WRT54g that boosts power by 900% and adds some additional control and security features. All of the reviews that I have read about them are great and it only costs about 20 bucks. Check out: http://www.sveasoft.com/ More regarding Yagi antennae that I chose can be found at: http://sharperconcepts.zoovy.com/product/YSC-HG2415Y I will probably use the 14.5 dBi version because it only costs about 55 bucks. The WRT54g router doubles as a 4-port hub/switch so the hardwired components at each end are almost a non-issue. Beginning to end, I'm looking at 250-300 bucks in hardware and shipping for everything including the antenna cables. My questions are: 1. Is this overkill for the distance even though the security box is always on sending real-time video? 2. What setup recommendations would you have for full duplex communication between the WRT54g's? 3. What setup problems with a rig like this can you think of that other people have had? 4. Would you suggest using different or other brands of hardware? 5. What caveats should I look for? (After all, forewarned is forearmed!) Thank you all again for your help and input. It is greatly appreciated. Sleeping Dog Last edited by Thorn : 03-07-2006 at 01:27 PM.

03-07-2006	#5 (permalink)
streaker69 Psychic Amish Stumbler Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Virginville, BlueBall, Bird In Hand, Intercourse, Paradise, PA Posts: 11,590	Might I recommend that this thread be split at Post #46 so as to avoid the confusion of the OP's post? __________________ "One of these days, I'm going to cut you to pieces." If you're offended by this post, please feel free to report it to one of the many helpful moderators of this forum. Thank you.

03-07-2006	#7 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 9,965	Split __________________ Thorn "You guys'll be chalk outlines without me."

03-07-2006	#8 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 9,965	Boosting power is not a good idea on a WRT54G. It splatters Noise all over the band. __________________ Thorn "You guys'll be chalk outlines without me."

03-07-2006	#10 (permalink)
streaker69 Psychic Amish Stumbler Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Virginville, BlueBall, Bird In Hand, Intercourse, Paradise, PA Posts: 11,590	SD, if you haven't bought your hardware yet, I think you might want to look into the Rootenna over at Fab-Corp. You can install your WRT54G's inside them so they're safe from the elements and then power them with POE. I believe they'll give you the same amount of gain as the antenna's you linked to. __________________ "One of these days, I'm going to cut you to pieces." If you're offended by this post, please feel free to report it to one of the many helpful moderators of this forum. Thank you.

03-07-2006	#2 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Oops...the Yagi link that I posted earlier is bogus. The correct link is: http://sharperconcepts.zoovy.com/product/YSC-HG2415Y Sorry 'bout that... SD

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