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.

What a fantastic Hack!

[Johnny Fusion]

This is some capital out-of-the-box thinking. I am sure it has applications outside of what DeVaan is doing with Da Van. With Wi-Max having a range of 30 miles or so, I am thinking something similar could be used for temporary internet access where needed.

The first things that pop in mind is ruarl schools can have an "Internet Day" when the truck pulls up in front of the school, or possible military operations, extending internet out into the desert or jungle, or high steppe, or wherever they want to go next.

Wi-max gear retailers

[Wapiti-eater]

OK, so who's got links to some places online where a guy could actually buy some of this mystical Wi-max gear? A single, strategicly placed, Wi-max base in my town could easily cover ALL OF IT. Yea, pretty small town. What with the lack of DSL coverage, something like this would make a real invenstment opp for some eager geek (me?!).

I find one place "Wi-lan.com" via google - but not only are they not in my country (type accepted???), they've got some marketing channels outside of what I'd prefer to use.

Come on slashdoters - share the 'insight'!

Re:Wi-max gear retailers

[legend]

URLs of the Day:
www.apertonet.com
www.alvarion.com
www.tra ngobroadband.com
www.smartbridges.com
www.motoro lacanopy.com
www.part-15.org
www.dslreports.com/ forum/dslalt
www.isp-wireless.com

Not all Wi-Max, not even all vendors, but good reads nonetheless