Re: Municipal wifi antenna

Just out of curiosity, which version number is your WRT54G and version
of DD-WRT? What cantenna did you use? Where was it placed when you
tested it? What are the settings on the DD-WRT? Is the municipal
wireless a captive portal, does it have client isolation, what are some
of the security factors?

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This is how I'd do it:

1. Go into DD-WRT settings under Wirless > Advanced Settings.
Check TX Antenna Right and RX Antenna Right
Xmit Power 150 - 200 (initially, see how hot it gets under load)

2. I would get a plastic weather proof box, drill two holes in it, one
for the antenna and one for the Ethernet cable. If you don't want to
play the power over Ethernet game you may need to get a power extension
cord through there so the wall plug can stay inside. Use silicone around
the holes to keep it weather proof. Alternatively you can use a solar
panel with lead acid battery setup like me.

3. Once in place, attach the antenna (the cantenna should be fine for
400 meters) TNC RP plug in the, looking from the front of the device
(side with lights), on the right side antenna jack. (If you don't get
any signal, switch it to the other antenna)

4. Acquire an antenna grounding adapter (they can be found online or at
computer stores), this is in case of lightning. In your DD-WRT
configuration Status > Wireless > Site Survey page, you will start
seeing signals after adjusting your antenna direction. When you found
the municipal wireless access point, click the join button.

5. Run the long Ethernet cable that should be coming out of your weather
proof box down to your desk or computer location. You may attach a
switch to it so you can use more computers. Your router is acting as a
bridge for that access point.

6. It is wise to acquire a surge protector. One which supports RJ45
cables. This is also in case of lightning. It will fry the cable, but at
least your computer may still be intact.

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This is why I wouldn't do it in the first place:

If they don't have client isolation, your security is seriously
compromised instead of mildly compromised. VoIP is not secure
inherently. Your clear-text passwords will be vulnerable to the rest of
the users of that network. E-Mail and chat sessions can be read.
Browsing habits can be watched... etc.

Never play that "who's going to do that" card, you never know.

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If you can't do it my way, there are workarounds, but most of them are
not pretty. Don't think you can run a simple antenna cable a long
distance, the Ethernet cable does not endure heavy signal loss at as
long lengths as Ethernet cables can. Mounting a large antenna out your
window will not be sufficient in most cases if there are a lot of things
in the way to scatter the signal. The roof provides a clearer line of
sight. If they use an omni directional antenna at the access point
location, try to find out where it is. Omni directional antennas work in
such a way that being outside its Fresnel ellipsoid, can seriously
hinder signal strength on your side. If they provide roof access, you're
in good shape.

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Answer the top questions, and think about how you can replicate my way
(using some creativity on your part). We'll see how far we can get with
this endeavor.