problems extending the wireless network

Question

FONT size=2> I currently have an existing wired network with about 8 computers all running on a router with a server on that router as well (in house A).  I am trying to add wireless computers to that network...two doors down (house B).  I have an access point on the end with the router (house A).  My question is, how can I connect more than one wireless computer in different areas of house B without buying a powerful antenna for both (the standard 2 dBi antennas don't make it)?  In other words, in house B, can I rebroadcast that signal from a single directional antenna to the entire house B from the receiving desktop computer in house B that has a 14dBi antenna?

johnallg · Answer

Can you put a directional antenna on the router in A?  Another idea is to use two wireless bridges with directional antennas to link the two houses.

pmkirkland · Answer

I plan to get a 14dBi antenna on both ends (house A and B) eventually.

Can I connect a bridge in house B with a AP in house A and then have everyone in house B access that bridge?

The network and router in House A already has DHCP and I would like to use that for all the computers. Does a bridge simply repeat the signal, or does it try to reassign its computers? Can the DHCP be disabled?

Can I put a directional antenna on the bridge in house B so that it can communicate with house A, and still have it broadcast a signal to the rest of house B? Does it have two antennas? Please help. Thank you.

johnallg · Answer

This pic should explain it better - except in the middle where the router sits your's would be wireless. You wouldn't need the right bridge, only the left one that would be at house b.

Think of the bridges as a long ethernet cable.

Message Edited by johnallg on 11-14-2003 04:31 PM

pmkirkland · Answer

How about simply an AP in house A (I'm using a D-link 800 AP+)with a 14dBi directional antenna, and a D-link 800 AP+ configured as a repeater in house B with a decent omni-directional antenna...enough to communicate back with house A obviously, but also then strong enough to repeat the signal to house B? There wouldn't be more than 3 computers using the network in house B, probably only one at a time actually. I don't see why that wouldn't work. Seems like the cheapest route for sure. I already have an AP, and would have to have to buy two bridges more. Let me know. Thanks for all the help so far.

johnallg · Answer

That should work - maybe someone else will confirm that.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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