In reply to a post by APTMAN:

When I looked after the local charity run schools computer network for free I set up a WiFi link using two Satellite dishes with a WiFi dongal at the focal point, one at the school high up on a chimney and another on the end of our house high up in line with the school over 1kilometer away.

This approach has to be done with care. You may be exceeding the power limits for unlicensed use (which are specified in a way that takes antenna gain into account), also you may be radiating excessive energy outside the band (as the gain will also apply to unwanted out of band radiation).

Many of the 2.4GHz projects are from amateurs, who can legally run higher powers on this band using their amateur licences. UK amateurs have access to 2400-2450MHz (equating to channels 1-6) with a power limit of 50W PEP for Intermediate licences and 400W PEP for Full licences. Foundation licences do not include this band. Of course, using an amateur licence to run higher powers puts the operation under amateur terms and conditions with respect to station identification and content of messages (which would prohibit communication other than with another licensed amateur).

There are possible safety implications of running directional antennas because of the on-axis field strength.


I'm not saying there was anything wrong with your installation. I just wanted to remind people that merely getting a radio based system working is not enough - you have to satisfy yourself that the installation is safe and legal.