BajaNomad

802.11b/g Hughes Net configuration

MrBillM - 2-11-2007 at 08:45 AM

I've been asked to setup a wireless net with 2 or 3 remote locations in different directions (up to 600 feet) and differing elevations at a location farther South in Baja. Since I'll need a DSL Router feeding an omni-directional external antenna for the host location, I'm looking at the products which have removable stub antennas (SMA or TNC connectors). While I've had good results in other applications with the Linksys routers, a concern for this application is the fact that they have (two) antennas. I'm wondering how it will affect the output balance and resultant output performance if I connect one of those two via coax to the outdoor antenna. I've sent a Q to Linksys support, but so far, no answer.

Alternately, there are a few D-LINK and Netgear Routers which have a detachable stub antenna.

????

[Edited on 2-11-2007 by MrBillM]

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 09:22 AM

I am using a WRT54G with one on the stubs out thru LMR400 of about 50 feet to an OMNI antenna and providing signal for about a mile.

The receiving units are using a variety of adaptors. One is connected to a Parabolic antenna, again with LMR400 into a PCI card (Linksys) in their desktop. Great reception.

Most others are using Linksys WUSB adaptors, B/G mixed. Signal is about 4 bars 1/2 mile away over and thru trees.

Seven users at the present time. Fewer in the summer.

The OMNI antenna came from Freeman Anderson http://www.fab-corp.com/
and I ordered it with a pigtail to go from the lightning arrestor to the router.

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 09:29 AM

BTW, chances of getting a response from Linksys are pretty slim. I believe their techies are hooked up on the cable break of late in the orient.

You can get good answers from Freeman/Anderson. This is what they do.

Outstanding

MrBillM - 2-11-2007 at 09:33 AM

Thanks for the info. What you're describing is identical to what I had in mind, except that my reception distances are less. I'll check out the referenced website.

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 01:43 PM

The older Linksys Routers do allow change in diversity, however the newer WRT54G does not seem to have that function.

The upside of it is that you can MAC Filter 40 addressees on the WRT54G.

My setup is running an OMNI off one antenna, and the other is in use for local/inhouse use. No loss of service to either.

With a limited distance run I would suspect that changing diversity would not make much difference, however, if needed, the Linksys WAP11 will provide the ability for diversification, but a fewer number of allowed/disallowed MAC addys.

On the Way.

MrBillM - 2-11-2007 at 02:04 PM

Just before noon, I finished ordering all of the necessary equipment, including the Linksys WRT54G. I ordered the antennas, cabling and USB Network adaptor from the www.fab-corp.com website that you recommended. As presently envisioned, the site will have one host and three remotes, but I'm sure that might increase with time.

Thanks for the info.

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 02:10 PM

If you are using Hughes system for this operation, I might suggest that you upgrade your service to the Pro Plan. The faster(?) up/down makes a significant difference if more than one client is online at the same time.

This will be fun BTW, only thing the host has to be on 24/7 or you get some po'd peeps.

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 02:12 PM

Oh Bill,

Make sure you get the pigtail in other than the LMR400, and that its RP-TNC. Just let FabCor know what you are connecting to. They will fit you up properly.


Dang it, I am really building my post count up. Look out you posters!


[Edited on 2-11-2007 by losfrailes]

mexibob - 2-11-2007 at 02:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by losfrailes
If you are using Hughes system for this operation, I might suggest that you upgrade your service to the Pro Plan. The faster(?) up/down makes a significant difference if more than one client is online at the same time.

This will be fun BTW, only thing the host has to be on 24/7 or you get some po'd peeps.


By 'host', do you mean a computer or the HN modem?

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 02:16 PM

I hope that host means the modem. Cause without the modem there is no real reason to have a network working.

The 'host' computer has no relative bearing on this idea. It can be turned off as long as the modem, router and any other signal booster is turned on.

Considerations

MrBillM - 2-11-2007 at 02:49 PM

A few weeks back, when I was approached with the questions, I put together a sheet of "considerations" for the parties involved. At that time I noted that the "Host" supplying the Hughes Net access via the Wireless Router might consider a higher service level IF it was anticipated that there would be concentrated usage by any of the participants. Of course, the reply was that it would be mostly for e-mails and "some" casual browsing, but I've heard that before. I also noted on the sheet that the only equipment that MUST be on at all times for remote service was the Modem and the Router.

This is the (original 8 1/2 x11) sketch I created at that time. The bottom edge of the original is cut off in this view.

[Edited on 2-11-2007 by MrBillM]

80211.jpg - 48kB

losfrailes - 2-11-2007 at 03:19 PM

Bill,

reading your initial post on this thread you point out that you would be needing ' DSL Router feeding an omni-directional external antenna ', please remember tht the Linksys WRT54G is NOT a DSL router and probably would not work.

Also remember that the OS should be XP not some earlier version. This was pointed out to me by Mexibob, who found tons of trouble trying to get ME to work with the router. It was no joy!

NOW I'm Confused !

MrBillM - 2-11-2007 at 05:16 PM

The descriptive literature on the WRT54G specifically states that it functions as a DSL Router to connect broadband to the Network. From the Website:

Top Value Buy.
Linksys WRT54G 54Mbps 802.11g Wireless Router.
Wireless-G is the 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times as fast as the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country — but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Since both standards are built in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

"The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection, files, and other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The connector issue also leaves me wondering since all that I read, including an adaptor table on one of the supplier websites shows the Linksys (all models) with RP-SMA connectors, not TNC.

What am I missing ?

bajalou - 2-11-2007 at 06:41 PM

I have been using the Linksys WRT54G with Telnor DSL for 2-3 years with no problems.

Don Alley - 2-11-2007 at 06:58 PM

I use a Linksys WRT54G connected to the DSL modem supplied by Prodigy, and we've run as many as three Macs over the wireless network, plus our stereo. And for a while I think a neighbor got on too.

I assume that Bill's satellite modem delivers a broadband signal to the WRT54G that it can broadcast.

mexibob - 2-11-2007 at 08:22 PM

All of the above information is correct. This part,

"Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection, files, and other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space."

is also correct. However, this doesn't state the Linksys router is a DSL modem but connects to a DSL modem.

That was the clarification that needed to be made. It appeared by your post that you may have thought the Linksys router was a DSL modem, it isn't but works and plays well with a standard DSL modem such as Infinium, those used by TelMex. This is also verified by Don Alley's post.

Check closely again about the connectors on the Linksys router and WAP. Unless something has changed within the last year or so the connectors are RP-TNC.

The idea of this type of connector was to keep users from using anything other than the rubber ducky antenna that was approved by the FCC. This was to keep the wireless signal within the limits set by the FCC.

However, someone decided external antennae could be connected to the Linksys equipment if this strange connector was duplicated. It was and they have.

Radiolabs.com will list the correct connector for you starting with the Linksys WAP.

wiltonh - 2-11-2007 at 10:30 PM

I have connected a number of different antenna to a WRT54G and it works just fine. I normally set the appropiate antenna in the software but auto will still work just fine. Be careful as some software counts right and left from the front and other software does it from the back of the router.

The weak link in the WRT54G is the switch that switches between antenna. If you lock it to one antenna that switch is not working and you may well get a longer life. Here are some Antenna that I have tested and you will find a picture of a WRT54G connected to a 3 foot dish.

http://windsurf.mediaforte.com/wifi/wifi_antenna.html

Be careful if you load after market software, that you get a version that works with your router. The full feature software works with the WRT54G version 1-4, WRT54GL, and WRT54GS. Version 1-4 are no longer made. Version 5-7 take a much smaller version but they can be updated.

If you choose to flash to DD-WRT #23 SP2 it will make this little $69 router into a box that would normally cost over $1000.

My 3 foot dish is running a link ths is over a mile and it works well. The real problem is getting it all water proof. I have ruined one router by getting it wet. Even afer it was cleaned and dryed, it had lost some of its receive sensitivity.

--Wilton

Good Information - Thanks

MrBillM - 2-12-2007 at 08:55 PM

There are a number of interesting points brought up and one clarification which indicates that I should have not relied on the Connector table which I did. That table had shown the Linksys Router connector as RP-SMA. After being advised via this thread, I went to the Linksys website and verified that the correct connector for that Model Number is an RP-TNC. I sent a correcting e-mail to the supplier, but as a hedge, I'm ordering some connectors to correct the cable myself if necessary.

I'm not sure why there was some confusion regarding the "Modem" / "Router" function. I had always intended to connect the Router TO the Hughes DW6000/7000 Modem. Also, when I discuss DSL, I'm including the Satellite Broadband. If it functions with DSL Broadband, it functions with Satellite Broadband.

Something interesting I also noted when looking at the Linksys Website is that they offer 5.0db "High-Gain" antennas to replace the 2.5db stock units. Those apparently don't exceed the FCC limits noted above.

joel - 2-12-2007 at 10:45 PM

Does anyone know where I could find a shopping list for a set-up where I want to share a connection between one house with a Directway connection and a second house 1/3 mile away? Both have 120v.

I'm looking for a simple, not hugely expensive set-up that I can rig up at a friend's place which I'm going to use for the summer. I'm hoping to borrow the internet connection from his main house.

Russ - 2-13-2007 at 06:54 AM

joel ... go to the site recommended by losrfrailes. http://www.fab-corp.com/ I did and the sent them an e-mail. They got right back to me with a list of the basic needs for a half mile system. Russ,

Thank you for contacting FAB-Corp.

I recommend that you connect an access point to one of the ethernet ports on your router. The access point plus an outdoor antenna will become the point of connectivity for your neighbors. The router with the stock antenna will be your point of connectivity around your house.

Below please click the links to my website to view the necessary equipment for network:

http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=2378&cat=2... (Access Point)
http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=2425&cat=2... (antenna)
http://www.fab-corp.com/product.php?productid=660&cat=24... (cable)


Best Regards,

Robert Leiby
Marketing Manager
Fleeman Anderson & Bird Corporation

[Edited on 2-13-2007 by Russ]

Pescador - 2-13-2007 at 07:52 AM

I just happen to have an antenna and all the equipment needed to do this in San Lucas which is south of Santa Rosalia. I was going to use this system to broadcast a wireless signal to the trailer park but found that it took more electricity to run than I was producing with a single solar panel.

Another Rambling Thought

MrBillM - 2-13-2007 at 09:15 AM

The person who is installing the Hughes/Direcway system, Linksys Router, Antenna, etc. is contemplating buying a Mac for the use. It appears that Macs are compatible from what I've read, BUT I have ZERO experience working with Macs so I'm wondering if there are any issues involved when the Mac is the "Administrator" on the system. ??

Russ - 2-13-2007 at 09:20 AM

I have had three Mac work with Hughs The old clam shell iBook, G4 iBook And now and iMac intel. They all work fine with Huges. Have fun! The new Macs will run Windows XP. It is interesting but the Mac OS is Superior! What did I Start? Sorry off subject.

[Edited on 2-13-2007 by Russ]

psmith - 2-15-2007 at 08:36 AM

"Also remember that the OS should be XP not some earlier version."

W2000 works fine here.

best, paul

losfrailes - 2-15-2007 at 09:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by psmith
"Also remember that the OS should be XP not some earlier version."

W2000 works fine here.

best, paul


Where is 'here'.

XP

MrBillM - 2-15-2007 at 09:59 AM

The DW6000 will support W98SE. I'm not sure about the Router. My Netgear 802.11G supports 98SE. However, there are so many problems with continuing to use it, that I finally gave up, although I loved my IBM T22 Laptop. The perfect size notebook. I replaced it with a Dell that's twice as heavy, bulkier and has (like most new ones) the Wide-Screen display which I HATE. XP auto-detects and operates devices that 98 has to have drivers downloaded for.

Unfortunately, if you're buying New off the shelf, the choices are very limited in other than the latest POS "Vista". A frriend asked me how soon he should buy his Laptop. My answer "Last Month" before Vista came out. Tough Luck now.

BCSTech - 2-25-2007 at 12:55 PM

Quote:
The DW6000 will support W98SE. I'm not sure about the Router.
Routers (and DW6/7000 modems) are pretty much "agnostic." They don't really care what you connect to them on the LAN ports. It's not a case of them supporting anything other than just simple Ethernet, and any OS or network device that can use Ethernet can work.

OS was/is an issue with the old DW4000s because, to work at all, they need software and drivers installed in the connected computer and DirecWay originally only supplied Windows-compatible software. DW6000s and 7000s are self hosted modems and don't even require a computer to be connected or turned on in order to operate.

It's just more of a hassle using 98 (or any older OS) with any kind of networking because it's network support is more kludgy and complicated to manage. Wireless is really a hassle and almost always requires some kind of Third-party wireless networking management tool to make any sense out of it.

Bob and Susan - 2-25-2007 at 06:48 PM

"It's just more of a hassle using 98 (or any older OS) with any kind of networking because it's network support is more kludgy and complicated to manage. Wireless is really a hassle and almost always requires some kind of Third-party wireless networking management tool to make any sense out of it."

WOW!!!
Could you explain this in more REDNECK words???
What's "kludgy"???

we have wireless on our 7000direcway...no problems using it

BCSTech - 2-25-2007 at 07:10 PM

Sorry, didn't know kludgy wasn't a "redneck" word? :biggrin:

Comes from the word "kludge"

I meant that Windows 98 was developed before home wireless networking became really popular and cheap. Windows XP has it's own Wireless Network Manager built in. Windows 98 does not, and isn't really "wireless ready."

If you're using 98, you most likely have some kind of wireless network manager application from Linksys, D-Link or Netgear that's able to detect your wireless network and connect your computer to it. Windows 98 can't do it without some help.

Has nothing to do with your DW7000/wireless gear and everything to do with windows 98, y'all. :)

[Edited on 2-26-2007 by BCSTech]

BajaJim - 2-26-2007 at 06:27 PM

I appreciate your diagram for setting up multiple homes on a single internet system.

Question???
Is it possible to have the external antenna connect to the 802.11 (receiving home) via a local wireless access point?

So in other words, instead of hooking directly to a computer hook the external antenna to a device that will re-distribute the signal to my local laptops etc?
Thanks in advance
Quote:
Originally posted by losfrailes
Bill,

reading your initial post on this thread you point out that you would be needing ' DSL Router feeding an omni-directional external antenna ', please remember tht the Linksys WRT54G is NOT a DSL router and probably would not work.

Also remember that the OS should be XP not some earlier version. This was pointed out to me by Mexibob, who found tons of trouble trying to get ME to work with the router. It was no joy!

BCSTech - 2-28-2007 at 06:21 AM

Hi BajaJim,

You can use a wireless access point like the Linksys WAP54G with two antennas, and set it for "repeater" mode. You may need to place the unit by a window with line of sight to the distribution point, or put one antenna outside with a cable to connect it to one of the antenna ports on the access point. The connecting coax cable must be kept as short as possible, within 20' or less. The other antenna on the access point serves as your inside distribution point.

The tough part is getting the right connectors and coax, and attaching them properly. But you can order pre made cable sets with connectors for this sort of thing from the sources listed.

BTW, to get better range and less dropped connections, configure everything to run in wireless "B" mode. You don't need "G" mode for wireless internet access because the satellite or DSL modem is always the smallest "pipe" in the system and limits the maximum speed to much less than B mode allows.

wornout - 2-28-2007 at 05:55 PM

If your end users of the system are having signal problems, such as they might if they are using a laptop with a built in antenna, then suggest they get a USB antenna. That way they can place the antenna near a window and don't have to rearrange you house in order to get a signal. I did that very thing last summer in the RV Park where I stayed because the signal dropped out before it reached my laptop. The USB Wi-Fi antennas were less than 10 bucks on eBay and I used a 6' extension with the 6' cable that came with the device.

wornout - 2-28-2007 at 06:00 PM

One other thing, need more distance? Here is a site that tells you how to build a Wi-Fi antenna out of a DirecTV antenna for range extension of up to 8 miles!

With just a handful of cheap parts, a salvaged DirecTV dish and a little soldering, we were able to detect access points from over 8 miles away. Using consumer WiFi gear we picked up over 18 APs in an area with only 1 house per square mile.

Got a 10' antenna? Then you can push the distance out to over 100 miles. I don't always believe everything I read but this was fun reading.

http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biqua...

Wireless B Speed

BCSTech - 2-28-2007 at 07:14 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by BCSTech
BTW, to get better range and less dropped connections, configure everything to run in wireless "B" mode.



How interesting! I've never compared-- why is that?


A broadband modem (satellite or cable) operates at only 0.1 to 2.0 Mbps peak for up or downloads. No matter how fast your wired or wireless network may claim to be, your network speed can be no faster than the broadband modem it's connected to.

Wireless B is rated for up to 11 Mbps but most B networks typically run at only 2-3 Mbps. This is still faster than the satellite modem can handle.

Wireless G can only provide some boost over B if you're moving files between local computers. The rest of it is just marketing hype. Wireless B is less demanding and more stable than wireless G, so it's easier to maintain a good connection over distance using B.

BCSTech - 3-1-2007 at 09:16 AM

We've installed systems running default Wireless G and noticed fewer dropped connections when we switched to B but nothing I can give you hard numbers on.

Wireless G uses the same standard (DSSS) as wireless B for speeds up to 11 Mbps and then switches to another standard (OFDM) at higher speeds. That's why Wireless G is backward compatible with wireless B networks. At speeds below 11 Mbps, both wireless G and Wireless B are more or less identical.

Buy Those "b"s NOT "g"s

MrBillM - 3-1-2007 at 11:57 AM

During my many years working in Tech fields, I have always been the guy who counseled customers to stay well behind the leading edge. I am always fond of saying that being out on the leading edge just leaves you bloodied and short of funds.

There is still a bountiful amount of 802.11b gear out there if you look around the many discount and clearance operations. For awhile, I thought it had dried up, but I just bought a number of Linxsys USB Wireless "b" adapters for $9.95 and $12.95 (new). Last year, I bought an 802.11b Router, USB Adaptor and PC card Adapter for $19.95 complete. There is NO reason at this time for any DSL or SAT Broadband customer to be using other than "b". Certainly not "n draft".

One clarification, though, regarding the DirecWay and Win98SE. During the time I was using W98, I experienced NO difficulties related to its interface with DirecWay. It performed satisfactorily in that regard. My final move away from the O.S. related to it's incompatibility with other, newer software, Java being a prominent one. Additionally, many providers are no longer providing W98 drivers or support. McAfee's 2007 version doesn't support it at all.

Concerning the current Sat Wireless Net that I'm putting together, I have supplied the WRT54G Router with an 11.5db omni-directional external antenna for the host side and an 8.5db directional panel antenna for the first wireless customer feeding into a USB 802.11b adaptor. Since it hasn't yet been assembled, I'm not yet aware of any conditions which may have to be addressed, but I imagine there will be a few, most likely involving Router settings.

Because one of the customers wanted to go to a New Laptop, I was forced to order one with Windows Vista, breaking my rule to stay away from a new Win O.S. in the first year. The upside was that I've gotten a whole lot of "Vista" knowledge in the last two weeks.

elfbrewery - 12-19-2007 at 02:49 PM

There is a Hughes 7000 modem on-site in our gringo community. It was connected to two external antennas, but neither one seem to perform better than the internal antenna on the Linksys router. We would like to get more people using the wireless internet setup, but we don't know whether it would be better to buy an XR router or to add an amplifier to the antenna.
Hope someone can help. Thanks!

Bajabus - 12-19-2007 at 04:01 PM

The only thing I would add to this thread is to invest $10 more and go for the WRT54GL version of that Linksys router indicating that it is using linux open source firmware. Then you can search Through a multitude of after market firmwares for the router that greatly enhance it's functionality. For instance one that turns it into a hot spot (tomato is popular) so members can pay monthly on their own for the service, and institute QS so that no one customer hogs all the bandwidth. Other firmware that increases power and allows you to select one antenna or the other as the primary (Thibor). Lots of good stuff out there.

BTW I love Fab, great wireless stuff

External Antenna

MrBillM - 12-19-2007 at 04:40 PM

Discussing the system that I put together using the Linksys WRT54G (which DID use Linux firmware at that time), Replacing one of the "stock" antennas on the router with an external 16db omni-directional antenna resulted in a dramatic increase in range.

I noted on another thread awhile back that the preferred router NOW should be the "L" (denoting Linux) model. The available programs to enhance its performance (including increasing the transmit power) make it worth the purchase. The output capability of the unit is higher than the limitations set by FCC regs.

[Edited on 12-20-2007 by MrBillM]

BCSTech - 12-19-2007 at 04:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by elfbreweryWe would like to get more people using the wireless internet setup, but we don't know whether it would be better to buy an XR router or to add an amplifier to the antenna. Hope someone can help. Thanks!


Not knowing the layout and distances, it's difficult to say what you should do. Generally, we install an omni directional antenna at the distribution point, sometimes with an amplifier if users are spread out at a distance.

But that's only half of it. The distant users need to not only receive the wireless network, they need to have a radio strong enough to transmit to it as well. This usually means some kind of external directional antenna aimed at the distribution point, and cabled down to the PC or laptop. We sometimes will put a wireless client inside the house to redistribute the signal.

Also, how many users do you have? There are many installations where there are too many users trying to share a single HughesNet or Starband system and everyone is unhappy. The basic HughesNet services levels, Home, Pro, and ProPlus, are really designed for only one or two users at most. All you need is a couple of users downloading some large files or updates, and you quickly hit the FAP (Fair Access Policy) limit. Then the service slows to a crawl at about the speed of a dial-up modem.

To get any higher service levels to support more users, you need a larger HughesNet dish and a 2 watt transmitter.

elfbrewery - 12-20-2007 at 06:29 PM

I haven't paced it off, but we have mixed types of housing ranging from stone to cement brick to petate, and the distance from the modem out to the users is, let's say, 500 feet. The network will be used by 8 to 12 users, but hopefully restricted to that. There was a functioning network in use, that's where the modem, router and antennas came from, but the newer router and antenna were removed (the owner/administrator walked off with them). We're trying to piece a system back together with little intelligence as how to do it.
The Hughes modem is a 7000 series, the Linksys router is a WRT54G and the antennas are whatever were used before. We have a pro service from Hughes and are watching our usage to learn what makes us hit the FAP.
Is there a quick fix to get the antenna boosted? Does it make more sense to buy a new router? Do all the users have to have additional hardware to receive/transmit at this distance?
Thanks for whatever help you can pass our way.

Antennas

MrBillM - 12-20-2007 at 09:45 PM

They were connected via TNC connectors up until version 8 at which time they were hardwired to save costs. Although I haven't bought a WRT54GL, from reading tech reviews, it appears that the "L" model still uses the TNC connectors.

I have purchased numerous antennas and cabling from the following noted website. Good pricing and excellent service. Note their recommendations on cable usage (LMR 195 versus LMR 400) when deciding on antenna placement. http://www.wlanparts.com.

With an external outdoor omni-directional antenna at the Host location, decent reception with internal or 3db stub antennas on the client side can be at least a few hundred feet depending on terrain and materials between the two. In any case, the various directional "pad" antennas offered are available at a reasonable price.

Ideally, it is most economical to set up the host and then experiment with a laptop for reception. If you get marginal or better reception without any additional antenna, then a relatively low-gain antenna addition will work fine. In many cases, if you can receive a useable signal with the Laptop internal antenna, an adapter with a fixed 3db antenna will work fine. I've bought Linksys 802.11b USB adapters with fixed antennas for under 20 bucks that made the difference. Remember, every 3db in gain represents a doubling of power. In any case, if you need an antenna at the client location, you'll need an 802.11 adapter that has a screw-on antenna (usually RP SMA connector). Hawking makes a good USB adapter for laptops or desktops. There are many PCI adapter cards available for Desktops also for as low as $9.95 from any computer supplier. I buy extensively from: http://www.tigerdirect.com. Again, excellent pricing and good service.

BCSTech - 12-21-2007 at 12:18 AM

This is all fine and good but doesn't fix the main problem with this system. 10 to 12 users on the HughesNet Pro service level is probably about 10 to 11 users too many.

Regardless of what kind of wireless gear you throw at this, you'll hit your daily FAP at 375 Mb. May sound like a lot but is anyone in your group downloading music or videos? Sending or receiving pictures of their grand kids? Anyone set their PCs to auto download OS, application or virus program patches or updates in the background? All you need is one power user among all of you to bring that system to a crawl.

If this system is running 24/7 and all of the users are connected 24/7, I'd be surprised if you didn't hit the FAP every day just from the automatic background downloads and updates.

If you're all sharing a 0.74 meter dish, the highest service level you can upgrade to is ProPlus. That may get you a little more down speed and add 50 Mb to the FAP limit. But what you really need for that many users is a larger dish, probably a 1.2 meter, and a much higher service level.

Buena Suerte!

WiFi USB Antenna

Russ - 12-21-2007 at 06:08 AM

I know there are a lot of personal favorites for USB antennas out there and here is mine. http://www.airlink101.com/products/awll3055.html
I have a Hughesnet system I share with neighbors. All have switched over to the airlink 101. With a 10db directional antenna an friend about 2 miles away with a clear line of sight to my antenna he can just get a good enough signal to get on line. Others much closer have some difficulty until they get their antenna in a mostly clear location like their roof line or patio but with the airlink they can get access now. You can purchase a USB extension cable to put the antenna in the best spot. Works for us. For $45 it's a deal but at times Fry's has them on sale for $25.

Airlink 101 USB.jpg - 42kB

Running afoul of FAP

MrBillM - 12-21-2007 at 10:32 AM

The question regarding Plan levels and FAP is different from the mechanics of setting up a wireless network to utilize Hughes Net Broadband.

Given the usage habits of most people, In all likelihood, that many users will be subjected to FAP. Your first alternative would be to simply try it and find out to what extent the FAP affects your service level. If said effects are unacceptable, simply buy a business class system. With that many users, the individual cost would be relatively small.

HNPlans.jpg - 46kB