Mike Stanbro
Portland, Oregon
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Is it possible to have a wireless (WiFi) router, or bridge, or whatever it might be called that can access an RV park's WiFi public network and share the network connection across multiple laptops in my RV?
I want to create the following topology:
- A local wireless network between two laptops that can see each other and share files using conventional, low-power radios built into the laptops.
- A shared connection to the park's public network using a router (or whatever) that drives a 500mW signal booster and an external antenna.
* This post was
edited 08/19/08 04:42pm by Mike Stanbro *
Mike Stanbro
Portland, OR
Crossroads, Paradise Pointe 34CK,
Silverado 2500HD, Dmax, Allison, Crew Cab, 4x4
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Kamphiker
South Florida (this 'aint paridise anymore)
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Check out this RV owner solution.
Universal wireless repeater
I'm using similar but without the external antenna.
The DD-WRT firmware is awesome
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creeper
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Mike Stanbro wrote:
using conventional, low-power radios built into the laptops.
What is that?
Blog and projects page
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Link Exchange
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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I can't speak directly to your questions but for something as complicated as that to rely on the typical weak campground WiFi perhaps you should look into accessing the internet via a cell phone or card directly into your computer then check out Windy 31 to use your computer as a router.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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Mike Stanbro
Portland, Oregon
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Thanks for the replies; special thanks to Kamphiker -- just what I was looking for. I am off and running.
As for what are "low-power radios", I am referring to the 70mW WiFi equipment that is integrated into the motherboard on almost every laptop built today. 70mW is generally too little power for getting out to the RV park's receivers. If you are interested, look into boosting your signal and/or mounting the antenna externally.
Following are links to a signal booster and external antenna from Hawking Technology:
signal booster
external antenna
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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I think you have 2 very distinct questions here.
The first:
I have been told you cannot share files across the internet (Wifi) - but you can with a LAN. Is that what you are trying to accomplish?
No idea what your 'radios' are.
Second:
Antennas - I havent a clue.
===
I think I got this right if this helps.
A modem is used to connect a PC to a phone line or cable to provide the transport of data.
A router is used to connect a modem to multiple PC's - thereby routing simultaneous information to the proper PC, either hard wired or wireless.
A wireless router allows multiple PC's to use the same antenna and manages getting the right data to the right wireless card.
Bruce & Carolyn Wittmeier
Viet Nam Vet 1968-69
I was born in Great Falls, Mt. My parents moved when I was 5.
I found them when I was 10 - they were in California.
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magicbus
LBI, NJ
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wittmeba wrote:I have been told you cannot share files across the internet (Wifi) - but you can with a LAN. Not sure who told you this but they are mistaken. A router that supports wifi can easily share files and printers. You are correct that a Local Area Network (LAN) is required but that is what is set up by the router. Wifi has little to do with the Internet except as a means to get to it via connection to some Wide Area Network (WAN) access point.
Dave
Life doesn't come with a safety fence around it... enjoy it anyway.
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Im glad to be wrong 
I have a Netgear wireless router, Cox cable modem.
I have a desktop hard wired,
I have a desktop and laptop wireless.
How do setup to share files?
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magicbus
LBI, NJ
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Simply turn on file and print sharing. Assuming XP you can right-mouse on any printer or folder and left-mouse on Sharing. If you have not enabled sharing it may be easier to start with your printer by going to Start->Help and entering Printer Sharing for detailed instructions. As I recall Printer Sharing will also enable File Sharing.
You need to make certain both computers are in the same Workgroup. Right-mouse on My Computer then left-mouse on Properties. Click the Computer Name tab and if both are not the same click Change.
BTW, you should not use file sharing over wifi unless it is secured so outsiders cannot connect or they will also be able to "share" your files.
Dave
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creeper
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Mike Stanbro wrote:Thanks for the replies; special thanks to Kamphiker -- just what I was looking for. I am off and running.
As for what are "low-power radios", I am referring to the 70mW WiFi equipment that is integrated into the motherboard on almost every laptop built today. 70mW is generally too little power for getting out to the RV park's receivers. If you are interested, look into boosting your signal and/or mounting the antenna externally.
Gotcha, Wi-fi is generally not referred to as low power radios, well in fact I've never heard it referred to as that, until now.
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