Beginner's Guide
From Pretoria Wireless Project
This page is still being edited, please feel free to contribute
Contents |
Participation
Please have a look at the organisation page for details on how the project is managed and organised. Also see the policies page for participation guidelines and code of conduct.
Active participation is needed. The core team does not have time to chase members around to get things done.
Feel free to contact the core team on IRC or send us a mail at support@pwp.za.net for information.
Determining coverage in your area
Register on the Wireless Nodes Database and look for active nodes near your area. You will be able to check LOS to existing nodes and contact the administrators of these nodes. It is also recommended that you join our PWP IRC Server.
Please note the Wireless Nodes Database uses decimal degrees coordinates. Degrees, minutes, seconds coordinates can be converted to decimal degrees using this converter.
If there is no coverage or/and you are in a good location, consider starting a PWP node in your area and expanding coverage. Start by adding your node on the Wireless Nodes Database and contact all nodes who may benefit from your node to judge interest and arrange possible funding.
Recommended hardware
Choosing the correct hardware can be a difficult task. All platforms have advantages and disadvantages.
Wireless routers
Mikrotik routerboard (Recommended)
Mikrotik kit provides some of the best performance available but at a cost. This is currently the recommended kit for new users.
When buying a routerboard for an end-node you will need to buy the following equipment:
- RB133
- RB52/CM9
- Pigtail
- Power supply
WRT54GL (Avoid)
Avoid the use of the WRT54G or WRT54GL access points if at all possible.
- Note: The WRT54G comes out in many different versions, please ensure that you don't buy a version 5.
Other custom routers
Routers can be built from old computers part by loading various operating systems. This route is only recommended to those who can't afford a Routerboards or just want a challenge.
Antennas
There are a large collection of antennas on the market. PWP endorses the conservation of frequency spectrum by using only the needed equipment to establish a reliable link.
2.4 Ghz & 5.8 Ghz
2.4 Ghz and 5.8 Ghz antennas can not be used interchangeably.
Types
* Grid * Omni * Panel * Sector * Waveguide * Yagi
Cabling
There are a few different types of cable on the market with different cable losses, using high quality cable (lmr400) is usually the best option. Very short runs of lmr195 can be useful for short runs of cable.
One must also try keep RF cable lengths to a minimum. Cable lengths of more than 5m with lmr400 is not recommended while lmr195 runs should be kept to below 1m.
Amps/Boosters
PWP does not endorse or allow the use of boosters on our network. Members found using these will be kicked off the network.
The maximum output power allowed is 100mW or 20dBm while lower power settings are still recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: Your chances of establishing a high-quality and reliable link are considerably better by running as low a possible transmission power on the radios, contrary to belief that a high power radio will give you better signal or performance.
Obtaining an IP range
Please note that to maintain a stable network that works, you must be allocated an IP-Range by the individuals doing IP-Allocation.
To acquire a dedicated IP-range for you to operate in, please send a mail to support@pwp.za.net. Please include the amount of ip-space needed, the type of ip-space (Host/Backbone) and your location. If you are unsure what is needed, please come into IRC.
For immediate allocation of IP resources allocation, please talk to an operator on the IRC channel.
