Introducing The Wi-Fi-Mobile

tech writer writes "A Twin Cities tech entrepreneur has retrofitted an old TV-station truck to serve as a roving hot spot for Internet access. His technology firm has blanketed the metropolitan area with WiMax transmitters atop local skyscrapers, so all he needs to do is grab bandwidth using the truck's telescoping mast and convert it to Wi-Fi for use in the vehicle's immediate surroundings. The dude happens to be in a band, so his wireless arrangement has been great for streaming outdoor Savage Aural Hotbed performances!"

Comments

Is this technology adaptable to fixed networks?

[Dancin_Santa]

In my current abode, I only have a single WiFi access point which is the wireless router. It seems to work fine, but for times when I'd like to use my laptop downstairs (approx. 2 storeys away) the signal strength is always poor with signal dropping out every now and then. With the least amount of cash outlay, I'd like to get more signal into other parts of the igloo.

Obviously, this DeVaan guy is a networking whiz. I'd like to replicate this same 'rebroadcasting' of WiFi coverage inside my home. The article does not mention the type of machinery he uses beyond the media van that it's all stored in. Do any of the networking engineers here at Slashdot know of a way to boost the signal strength of my home wireless network?

Re:Is this technology adaptable to fixed networks?

[RealProgrammer]

The truck is basically a WiMax to WiFi router. It doesn't just act as a WiFi repeater, since WiMax and WiFi are different radio signals. From an Intel site:

An implementation of the IEEE 802.16 standard, WiMAX provides metropolitan area network connectivity at speeds of up to 75 Mb/sec. WiMAX systems can be used to transmit signal as far as 30 miles. However, on the average a WiMAX base-station installation will likely cover between three to five miles.

WiFi is IEEE standard 802.11, usually 802.11b or 802.11g. It operates over short distances, usually under a mile. You can get lots further with paired line-of-sight antennae, but most uses are short range.

The simplest way to add more coverage in your house is connect a second base station by wire.

Re:Is this technology adaptable to fixed networks?

[polecat_redux]

for times when I'd like to use my laptop downstairs (approx. 2 storeys away) the signal strength is always poor with signal dropping out every now and then. With the least amount of cash outlay, I'd like to get more signal into other parts of the igloo.

Well, you could run some cat5 downstairs to another access point, or if you have a Linksys wireless router, you could purchase another AP and set it up to repeat the signal from one floor below (depending on the model). Barring that, you may have some luck with the Linksys high-gain antenna, or even one of these.

Re:Wi-max gear retailers

[Dorsai65]

From Google:

Results 1 - 10 of about 1,340,000 for wi-max. (0.25 seconds)

generic

[poptones]

there are chipsets but I've not seen any retail products yet. Don't be confused by the "generic" name - wimax is really just a standard that pools together lots of previously proprietary and competing products within the 2-11ghz band. If you have the money to go to one of these guys you can do it today - I know someone in LA who has supposedly been using a 5GHz system to provide nlos coverage on the west side of town. It's cost effective there because you can get enough subscribers to pay the costs of the base equipment but not exactly something most home users would go for.

Given the hefty prices these folks charge for their antennas and base units, I think it's obvious why many would drag their feet on adopting a "standard" that would, ultimately, drop the price of competing equipment to commodity levels.