I've been wanting to create a WiFi meshnet around my neighbordhood for a while now, and I was wondering if anyone has gone about doing it themselves? I've been picking up WRT54G routers whenever I see them for a few bucks. I currently have about 10 of them, and a few APs that can't be flashed. I haven't really found the right software that can autolink nodes and such.
Also, I've been looking to broadcasting my WiFi to a friend who lives about 1.5 miles away. He has Hughesnet which is throttled beyond belief and makes it almost as viable as dial-up. I can easily acquire a dish to broadcast the signal and even one to use as a receiver for him. As before, has any one done this?
Thanks!
While I can't answer your question, unless you're on a business account with your ISP (and even then it depends upon their rules) you're likely to run into some legal issues.
[QUOTE=cdlink14;42187989]While I can't answer your question, unless you're on a business account with your ISP (and even then it depends upon their rules) you're likely to run into some legal issues.[/QUOTE]
I have a business account because it was $5 more a month, so why not. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have any legal issues because I'm not selling it to him.
Plus, I really don't care.
I'm almost certain you would rin into issues with the FCC without some sort of license?
[QUOTE=FrankPetrov;42188271]I'm almost certain you would rin into issues with the FCC without some sort of license?[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure why I would. I'm basically just creating my own network. And in the case of the P2P, I'm just shooting the WiFi signal in a tighter pattern so it will reach farther.
Yeah but you're asking to be able to send a signal across a distance that may very well interfere with other's items. Obviously I have no clue in this matter I'm simply suggesting it's a possibility.
[editline]14th September 2013[/editline]
also, here's this. could use it for sending and receiving i'm sure. [url]http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Get-WIFI-Signal-From-14-Mile-Away-or-more/[/url]
I think what he's saying (if i'm right) is he wants to set up a chain of routers, which would not be violating any laws (they could all be owned by different people for all intents and purposes).
[QUOTE=rhx123;42188439]I think what he's saying (if i'm right) is he wants to set up a chain of routers, which would not be violating any laws (they could all be owned by different people for all intents and purposes).[/QUOTE]
Well unless his neighbors like him quite a lot, i don't see how he's going to do that without plugging the routers in at other people's homes.
[QUOTE=FrankPetrov;42188380]
also, here's this. could use it for sending and receiving i'm sure. [url]http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Get-WIFI-Signal-From-14-Mile-Away-or-more/[/url][/QUOTE]
This is the one I found a while back. [url]http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/[/url]
[QUOTE=FrankPetrov;42188271]I'm almost certain you would rin into issues with the FCC without some sort of license?[/QUOTE]
So long as the power output stays within legal limits, the FCC won't give a shit. (and you won't be able to exceed that without some sort of external amplifier attached between the router and the antenna)
That said, 250 milliwatts (the max) is not gonna carry for 1.5 miles, and if it does, it won't even be within the relm of usable as packet loss will be immense.
Now, if you [I]really[/I] want to get deep on this stuff, licensed ham radio operators can use some of the same bands as Wi-Fi uses. With a license, the legal power limit increases from 250 milliwatts to 1500 watts. 1500 watts is insane, you won't need anywhere near that much, 2-3 watts will do. But there are a few hitches to this plan.
1. You need to be a ham operator, which requires a license, which means taking a test.
2. Both stations will need an external amplifier.
and the biggest
3. Ham Radio rules say that all signals sent as a ham operator may not be encrypted, or if they are, the key must be published publicly.
It's an interesting idea, but not really viable as an internet sharing system. I mention it because it's still super fascinating and I've always wanted to try it.
[QUOTE=FrankPetrov;42188271]I'm almost certain you would rin into issues with the FCC without some sort of license?[/QUOTE]
ISM bands are free to use in the US with no special licenses, and a part of the regulation is a requirement for fault-tolerance.
You don't need a license for killing your neighbour's wireless network with a microwave oven.
[QUOTE=nikomo;42240587]ISM bands are free to use in the US with no special licenses, and a part of the regulation is a requirement for fault-tolerance.
You don't need a license for killing your neighbour's wireless network with a microwave oven.[/QUOTE]
Like I said, you are limited to 250 milliwatts. Microwave ovens are an exception because of shielding. And causing interference on purpose is super-duper illegal. You'll probably never get caught if it's one time, but if you do, the FCC will not be happy.
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