On Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:14:25 -0700, dualdflipflop
<dualdflipflop@gmail.com> wrote:

>klim wrote:
>> I'd like some advice on setting up our new satellite internet system.
>>
>> I need to connect 3 computers to a satellite internet modem.
>
>Damn, and you got my hopes up that you were making a sweet ass darknet
>going.
>

Thanks for taking time to offer such good information. I've never set
up a network of any kind so this is quite an adventure.

>
>> Computers 1 and 2 are in a building with steel siding, within 25' of
>> one another and in two separate rooms.
>> Computer 3 is in a separate wood-sided building 350' away in direct
>> line of sight.
>
>Are they all in the same direction from the point of view from any
>location close to where the router could or will be?

The router and modem could be next to computer 1 or 2. They both will
be 30' from the dish.
>
>> Place a draft-N (or would g be better?) wireless router (connected to
>> satellite modem) next to computer 1 and connect by cat6 cable to
>> computers 1 and 2.
>
>Between draft-N and G. Personally, I'd go with G, .....

That's the conclusion that I've been nearing after doing research and
reading all the reviews I could find.
>
>As for computers 1 and 2, would it be functional to place CAT-6 in that
>room?

Yes, router will be right next to one computer and I could run a cable
25' to the other.

>> Roof mount directional antenna above computer 1 (12' distance to roof)
>> and aim it at the building 350' away where computer 3 is located.
>
>Why above computer 1?

Shortest route from the router, which will be next to computer 1, to
the roof. From the roof, the antenna will be in direct line of sight
to the building where computer 3 is.

>> Questions:
>> Which router do you suggest that will connect to an external roof
>> antenna on the roof?
>
>A 12' antenna, grounded of course, is not at all a big issue. Assuming
>you know what to buy. I think Hawking sells a pre-wired antenna cable
>system that would work just fine.

I'll check that out

An early revision of a WRT-54GS with
>DD-WRT would be my first choice for Router.

That's one that's high on my list, mainly for the fact that it has a
detachable antenna, which makes me think it will be simple to connect
the roof antenna cable to the router antenna jack. It seems to me that
the WRT-54GS rated pretty low for long range signal (CNet), but I'm
hoping the antenna will compensate for that. You think?

>> Which directional antenna do you suggest?
>
>I would go with a helical on this one. It is directional, but if you
>protect it correctly for outdoor use (birds like to land on antennas and
>ruin them) it's quite a nice antenna. A backfire antenna is also a good
>choice. You can buy pre-made ones of either or be like me. The helical
>and backfire don't suffer as much from the directional-ness of a
>parabolic, and cantennas are not the best for static use in my opinion.
>A properly enclosed biquad would be another choice for me because its
>got more coverage area, hence making it easier to set up, but I don't
>know of any commercial biquads.
>
>If you're a DIY-kinda-guy: http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Antennas/WiFi/

Great site! Thanks for the lead.
>
>> What other product recommendations or setup ideas do you have to make
>> this network work?
>
>That's pretty much it. Just make sure you don't spend more time trying
>to be cheap and get the "best deals". Typically, that ends up where you
>save a little money up front, get bad gear, and have to replace it later
>when it dies. Make sure you do your homework before slapping down
>plastic or paper.

Homework in progress.
>
>Ground your antenna.

Luckily, I have an 8' copper rod in the ground next to the building
left over from an electric fence charger ground.

Do you know of a surge protector I could put between the antenna and
the router?

One other question:
Computer 3 will be inside a wood sided building 350 feet from the roof
antenna. I am thinking of using a USB Wireless G adapter on that
computer (I've read they actually pick up better than internal cards).
What do you think the chances are of picking up a good signal with
that setup.

>Good luck.

Thanks again for your excellent comments.