Pico usage to exapand wireless service usage question

[jims]

I have a question on using a Picostation as a repeater for an external security building (shed) located about 90' from the corner of our main building that has netgear WG102 AP (near the window).

http://i40.tinypic.com/8x8075.jpg

Currently, the security shed can pick up our wireless (approx -70dBm as measured with Wi-Spy), however, depending on the laptop being used (some work, others seem less sensitive and/or output less signal) usage is marginal.

Would placing a Picostation as a station or station wds work in this type of configuration, or other options? Wireless users in and around the security shed are few – 2 to 5 at this time.

Eventually, I would like to investigate using an embedded systems (Lite/Router station as the base AP), as our needs grow, and would like to take baby steps (but not throw-away steps) as we work our way expanding wireless access.

Thanks

[UBNT-Mike.Ford]

Hello,

I would recommend setting up the laptop user's with our SRC or SRX card with an external antenna. This will significantly increase the range/ability of the laptops to reach the main office.

Option two is to use two Pico's to bridge the connection in that building and use a local linksys to provide the local wifi coverage.

Thanks,

Mike

[jims]

Thanks for the input Mike. I'll look into adding cards/antennas to the laptops. As for the second option, I was off the mark a bit I guess - thinking more of the second Pico 2 being able to run in a repeater bridge mode (ala dd-wrt http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Image:Repeater_Bridge.jpg)... obv I'm not as familiar with AirOS. So the second option is just a bridge setup:

Main Building 'A' LAN <-> Pico #1

<-- bridged wireless --->

Security building w/ Pico #2 <-> Linksys <-> wired or wireless laptops

Could a Bullet w/omni or panel antenna mounted external to the Main Building be a viable 3rd option?

Thanks again.

[rconaway]

As Mike stated, put the Pico outside pointed at the main building. Then connect it to your netgear inside on the WAN port and set the Netgear to AP mode. Same with the other location.

[rmichael]

If you can flash your picostation with dd-wrt you can set it up as "universal repeater" and will not need extra hardware.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Universal_Wireless_Repeater

[along5664]

Has anyone flashed dd-wrt on a pico and how did it go. I have a need to setup a few repeaters, and wanted to give the pico a go.

[rconaway]

You can do that with WDS. You don't need DD-WRT.

[WHT]

Personally, I'd place a second Picostation inside the shed. As the laptops can somewhat pick up a signal inside the shed, that means its not going to significantly block the signal between the two Picostations.

By having a Picostation inside the shed, the laptops' internal wireless cards would work fine. Save you money by not having to upgrade the laptops.

[along5664]

I found my answer on dd-wrt web site....not yet ready...

[gmidia]

2 Have two options as mike says but best way to go is 2 Picos for bridging then a third as an access point (wifi) in the shed for the laptops. This means that the users machines are less interfered with and any addtional user who comes just connects