Subject: Re: Atheros tweaks
To: Jongwoo Han <jongwooh@gmail.com>
From: Marcin Jessa <lists@yazzy.org>
List: tech-embed
Date: 03/09/2006 02:26:56
On Thu, 9 Mar 2006 09:51:03 +0900
"Jongwoo Han" <jongwooh@gmail.com> wrote:

> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: tech-embed-owner@NetBSD.org 
> > [mailto:tech-embed-owner@NetBSD.org] On Behalf Of Marcin Jessa
> > Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 2:44 AM
> > To: NetBSD-embed
> > Subject: Atheros tweaks
> > 
> > Hi guys.
> > 
> > I created an image with NetBSD which will run on WRAP boards
> > for a buddy who runs an ISP. The WRAP boards are small 
> > embedded devices 
> > (www.pcengines.ch) and will act as wireless clients.
> > He wants to connect to access points over longer distances - 
> > more than 10 miles.
> > I think he uses StarOS now or RouterOS for the same purpose.
> > The system works pretty damn well in my lab but the distance 
> > is of course pretty short here.
> > My question is how to adjust atheros to work flawlesly on 
> > long range links? 
> > What sysctl values would need to be tweaked ?
> > I am using NetBSD 3.99.16 and ath HAL version is 0.9.16.13
> > 
> > Cheers,
> > Marcin
> 
> You cannot make a wireless lan deivce work over that long range with just
> software tweaks. Someone may tune it with additional range booster antenna,
> but the extended range is no more than 200 feet. I think you need another
> type communication hardware.  A pair of 10 miles of wireless communication
> devices with the bandwidth of 10Mbps will cost more than $1000... What you
> ask looks like to me that you are trying to turn your bike into a SUV with
> just a wrench. 

Do yourself a favour and don't try to be a smartass. 
Seems like you don't work much with wireless since you're totally wrong in every point. 
I already have ~10 miles links like that with atheros cards with the only difference 
being commercial atheros drivers instead of open sourced. 

Marcin