Which WIFI ariel is best for a boat

[fuss]

I used to use a wireless bridge, power over ethernet, more than one mile range, software upgradeable, really good.
But then came WPA, and slowly it became obsolete. I guess the company could have made it WPA etc compatible if they wanted. So now I use a USB ariel and its ok most of the time. Of course anchored off a town does not provide connections like before, but I guess I can live with that.
So now I want to buy one with a little more range without the wireless bridge expense. At the moment we have the new Dual band N protocol replacing G,B and A with WEP,WPA,WPA-2 and something else that I forgot. It is supposed to have more range and less dropouts.
Could anyone make a suggestion whats the best way to go at the moment?
Thanks
John

 

[geoffcollins]

This was mentioned in the media recently:

http://www.5milewifi.com/

 

[geoffcollins]

http://www.panbo.com/archives/2008/09/5milewifi_first_impressions_a_conundrum.html

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

My vote goes for this one - Repeatit USB

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/MFR/Category.asp?CategoryID=121&SupplierID=171

I've tried several and that was the best / easiest to use

 

[MacMan]

Another vote for Repeatit - I asked the same question about a year ago - got the answer Repeatit and used it on last summers voyage. Got signals in the many suprising of anchorages. It is directional however.

Get yourself a copy of Network Stumbler - free off the web - helps you track the best signals.

Of course it's illegal to "borrow" unsecured networks so I would never do that.

Broadband buyer seem as good a place as any to but it too. (No connection etc)

 

[Hoolie]

[ QUOTE ]
Repeatit USB

[/ QUOTE ]
Only 2.4GHz though, so won't handle dual band 802.11n as originally asked or 802.11a. Our boat is moored at le Cap d'Agde where free wi-fi is provided by 5.5 GHz 802.11a - for sound technical reasons we're told!

 

[gavina]

You can see the Repeatit Booster here http://www.seawhisper.co.uk/page118.html

 

[Refueler]

I was surprised how far I could get with a standard SWEEX USB WiFi plug and a long lead. My boat sits about 200m from the house and I only have a SWEEX WiFi router inside the house.
I hang the usb one on its' lead over the boom and bingo - excellent connection. Try with plugged in inside boat and zero.

 

[st599]

The 5mileWiFi thing has an ERP of 1W - so it's legal in US but not EU.

 

[Anonymous]

Re RepeatIT -- I have been using it for a year with great success BUT it is highly directional and if often totally useless at anchor. I was wondering whether to make a compass stabilised platform for it with bits from Maplins as a winter project....might still do that. Not a beginners project, tho'.

 

[JoeQ]

Here you go, just blast through!

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=61815&item=140292859198

Only kidding of course............

Check the seller's other stuff, lots of boys toys.