"fred" <fred@hotmaim.con> wrote in message
news:OKB5f.158769$qY1.93567@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> Anyone, please.
>
> I have a situation where there's a sales office and a construction back
> office. They both need to be on the same WiFi network. The two sites are
> located about 200 feet apart in wood frame structures with NO intervening
> obstructions. Trying to minimize cost and the number of gadgets and any
> outdoor temporary LAN cabling would be nice. What's the best option?
> What's a reasonable list of options?
>
> A fancy new wireless router with extended range like a Belkin Pre N seems
> an option to catch both sites with one gadget? Only B & G modes are
> needed. However if such doesn't reach both sites reliably then what's plan
> B? It's my understand that recent routers like the Belkin Pre N require
> that the three antennas are like a phased array such that one can't
> disconnect one antenna and put a directional high gain antenna there??
> So is there an optimal choice for a single B/G router with a few hardwired
> LAN ports that could have one antenna used for local WiFi and the second
> antenna removed and cabled to a high gain directional antenna?
>
> What overall are the reasonable options to attain this goal that may
> include step-wise experiments that don't require throwing out the elements
> of previous lack of success?
>
> Side question: I guess that the '802.11N' standard has now been formally
> agreed to. Does anyone know how that came out with respect to various
> mfg. 'pre N' implementations? It was speculated that some "pre N"
> products might work with a simple firmware upgrade for the final 802.11N
> standard. Anyone know how this has played out?
>
> Thanks.
Directional antennas are the way to go. Routers use two antennas (not
simultaneously) by 'choosing' the one with the best signal. If the
diversity system gives you any problem (it shouldn't), then replace the
remaining omnidirectional with a 50 ohm dummy load.

The higher the gain (on both ends), the better -- not only will it improve
signal quality, but it will reduce interference to and from others. High
gain antennas won't compare with WPA as a security measure, but it's less
likely someone in your general vicinity will pick up your signal unless they
are directly in line with your antennas.

Try using a wireless router or access point on one end and a
wireless-Ethernet adapter (wireless client) on the other. The alternative
is to use two access points that are capable of 'bridge' mode. If you do it
that way, use identical units on both ends and make sure the 'bridge' mode
means that it bridges two wired networks wirelessly.

Don W.