WiGLE.net

I've searched all over and finally decided to come to the pros with a problem.Here's the deal. We've recently had the internet locked down at work. However, there is a constant source of free wi-fi available approx 1/4 mile away line of sight from an airport terminal free wi-fi service. We have access to the roof of our building, machine and avionics shop and any supplies needed. What we want is to build (or buy) an directional antenna, and redistribute this signal into our building through a wireless router for approx 5 laptop wireless users at a time. Windows users only. Can this be done? What equipment would we need? Thanks!

I've searched all over and finally decided to come to the pros with a problem.Here's the deal. We've recently had the internet locked down at work. However, there is a constant source of free wi-fi available approx 1/4 mile away line of sight from an airport terminal free wi-fi service. We have access to the roof of our building, machine and avionics shop and any supplies needed. What we want is to build (or buy) an directional antenna, and redistribute this signal into our building through a wireless router for approx 5 laptop wireless users at a time. Windows users only. Can this be done? What equipment would we need? Thanks!

The thing to remember,wireless is a two way conversation. Think of it this way.Your standing in a field,1/4 mile straight across the field is a friend and you both have lights. Your light is a narrow beam high power light and your friend has a flood light. To cover the field with light the two need to touch.

The same apply s to wireless.You have to make a link,the ap is a flood.
You are going to need a spot.With that said ask IT for a password for the network.

But if you want to try, well then.
wet54g bridge
wrt54g router
directional antenna
up to 330 feet cat5e cable
poe adapter(if needed)

Thanks for the reply. Do you think we could pull this off with a bi-quad element on a dish tv dish? I understand some are capable of @12dB gain. Would you try to keep the antenna cable between the element and the bridge as short as possible and have a longer cat5 to the router or would that not matter so much? Either way we're looking at about 250' between antenna and a suitable spot for bridge & router total. Does it matter which hardware/firmware versions of the bridge & router are used? Thanks![/quote]

Do you think we could pull this off with a bi-quad element on a dish tv dish? I understand some are capable of @12dB gain.

You will need to do the math first but you don't control the ap so this isn't going to help.

Would you try to keep the antenna cable between the element and the bridge as short as possible

Keep it a short as you can

and have a longer cat5 to the router or would that not matter so much?.

yep cat5 can go 330 feet without help.

Either way we're looking at about 250' between antenna and a suitable spot for bridge & router total. Does it matter which hardware/firmware versions of the bridge & router are used? [/b]Thanks!

Nope there cheap You know your best bet is to call IT and ask why the ap was locked. Then ask if you can have the password.