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Weatherproof AP Enclosures
The Golden Rule - Good, Short Antenna Cables
As a rule, it is always best to minimize the signal losses in the cable that
joins the antenna to its WiFi radio. To minimize these losses;
- Use good quality, low-loss
cables and connectors
- Keep the cable length to a minimum.
Because we need to keep antenna cables short, FreeNet Antennas
generally recommends;
 | buying stand-alone WiFi radios, typically 'Access Points'
(AP) with client mode. |
| locating the AP as close as possible to the antenna. |
| connecting the AP to the local LAN via a length of CAT5
(ethernet) cable. |
When buying an AP, the important features are;
| External antenna connections (i.e. removable antennas) |
| Ability to select only one antenna connector (if more than
one). |
| Configuration over ethernet |
| 'Client' mode, allowing connection to a WiFi radio running
in AP mode. |
| Robust firmware (i.e. works reliably for long periods
(months?) without 'crashing'. |
| Low Price |
FreeNet Antennas sells and recommends the
Minitar MNWAPB Access Points
as they meet all the requirements above.
Locating your AP - Two options
If your external antenna is within 5m (?) of a dry environment (such as the
space below the roof) you can locate the AP in that dry environment, run a coax
cable between the antenna and AP, and run a standard ethernet (CAT5) cable from
the roof space to the local LAN. Alternatively, it may be preferable to mount
the AP externally in a Weatherproof enclosure - e.g. up a mast/tower near the
antenna.
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Dry Environment. This is the easiest and cheapest (usually) option.
But you will need to provide power to the AP. Most APs come with a
plug-in-the-wall power pack, that requires a power point (socket). If you
don't have a suitable power point, you can:
- Pay an electrician to install a power point for you, or
- Use a Regulated
Power-over-Ethernet (RPOE) Kit to pass the required AP power up the
CAT5 (ethernet) cable run between the AP and the rest of the building.
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External Environment.
If the antenna is located up a mast/tower, or
a long way from a dry environment, then the AP can be mounted externally in a
Weatherproof AP Enclosure, complete
with RPOE. |
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