[P1] External Antennae for Airport

[Chris Beaumont]

This isn't true, you would need to have an *extremely* high gain 
antenna with the tiny 30 mw output of the Airport to break the FCC 
regulations. It might not even be possible with the highest gain 
antennas available (parabolic dishes which max out at 27 db gain)

Many WISPs run 1000 mw amplifiers with low-gain sector antennas and 
stay within the ERP limits..

You know one could make an argument that using fairly high gain 
*directional* antennas make you a better net citizen because you 
concentrate the signal in the direction you need it and reduce the 
signal in others.

Many companies sell directional antennae. They would not be able to do 
so if they were illegal..

Plus, the regs have just been relaxed.

-Chris



On Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at 06:29  PM, Ian Sidle wrote:

> Not trying to crash the party  here but *beware*...
>
> Using an non-compliant antenna (A.K.A. one not created by the 
> manufacturer or one certified for the model) is *illegal*. 
> 802.11b/WiFi/Airport/etc operate under part15 (unlicensed) rules of 
> the FCC. (http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/part15.html) [digest-version] 
> and (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/47cfr15_01.html) 
> [legalese] are good starting points.
>
> Without an doubt, using an "cantenna" and other home-made creations 
> are out of line.  Even if using an commercial antenna but one not 
> designed for that model may exceed the regulations.  These same rules 
> apply also to those "walkie-talkie" radio's you can pick up at 
> radio-shack (FRS-Family Radio Service). In fact, they have greater 
> rules then part15 (like no external antenna's period).
>
> Interestingly, some of the frequencies are share ones that (ham) 
> amateur radio uses. So some people have modified the cards and are 
> using them legally using their ham radio license.
>
> Of course, there is what is against the law and what you can get away 
> with... A lot of these probably create an lot of interference, and 
> everyone shares the airways so please be an good neighbor ^_^. You 
> might boost your airport range but then might make wireless (2.4ghz) 
> phone usage impossible to your neighbors.
>
> thanks,
> Ian Sidle
>