WiFi – It’s the Krypton Factor

[Mistroma]

OK, sorry Nigel. (It was possibly Mistroma). I'll be very interested to hear your observations on the -NHR when you've had a good play.

Probably was me as the older H version was always better than the NH for locking on to b/g APs. However, that doesn't mean it is always the best choice. Perhaps you are using newer n APs and then it is better (must be as H version is only b/g ). Other factors as well (as Nigel has found) with stability of driver s/w for certain tricks.

I'll probably buy a newer version myself and use most appropriate model for job in hand.

AWUS036H still works for me, I was checking mail and downloading GRIBs about 5nm+ away from an AP today (must have been, unless it was on a submarine). Pretty old kit now though.

I've never been 100% certain about actual output using Alfa driver nowadays. It allows selection of power from 0-100% but I remember seeing "EU driver" option somewhere so that might limit it to 100mW. I've never managed to find confirmation of actual output with Windows vs. region. However, I do know that it can default to 100mW output on LINUX. A short trip to Bolivia sorts that out and power can then be ramped to 1000mW if needed (or you could always save the air fare and pretend by typing "iw reg set BO" ).

 

[VicMallows]

Thanks Nigel and Mistroma for the input. I have been using an unbranded (realtek chipset) b/g unit for many years with good success. Most of the open APs I connect to are BT WiFi homehubs which are usually by default n. I now want to add an R36 to facilitate tablet access .... hence my renewed interest in the subject.

It will be interesting to see if the R36 will support my Skypephone for tethering.......I currently 'enjoy' a PAYG rate of £5/2GB/month with the phone whereas a standalone data dongle is £10/1GB/month (or around £7.50 on ebay).

 

[nigelmercier]

... A short trip to Bolivia sorts that out and power can then be ramped to 1000mW if needed (or you could always save the air fare and pretend by typing "iw reg set BO" ).

Have you ever found that the device gets hot?

I've been playing with Kali, for educational purposes of course
https://forums.kali.org/archive/index.php/t-4129.html

 

[KAL]

Thanks KAL.

So, when I suggested my last question was final, I hadn't fully thought it through........

If I want to enable sharing of more than one network, in preparation for travels and so on, can I di that in aavance, by duplicating the code? If I can, do I duplicate all of the code, or merely the line including the ssid and password information?

I know I would experiment with these things, but I'd rather not clog up my system with superfluous code, if I can avoid it.

Many thanks, as usual.

Sorry MM, missed your post of a few days ago. Not sure what you are trying to achieve with sharing of more than one network? Are you trying to set up more than one WLAN? AFAIK, you will only be able to connect to or broadcast one at a time. I may have misunderstood.

 

[MiracleMaud]

Thanks for getting back to me KAL.

I wanted to set up several potential connections for other places we regularly go, but would only be connected to one at any given time.

In reality, though, I never got it to work, and eventually chose to buy and ship a new Alfa from the states, thereby addressing the original issue, without delay. The Alfa was delivered to Miami today, and should be on an onward flight to us on Thursday. So, in theory, we should have the status quo re established by the weekend.

Memo to self: don't blow this one up!!

 

[Mistroma]

Have you ever found that the device gets hot?

I've been playing with Kali, for educational purposes of course
https://forums.kali.org/archive/index.php/t-4129.html

Yes, it can get quite hot. Not too bad in shade but a real problem if sun gets added into the equation. I've been known to put a damp paper towel on top and cool by evaporation. I try to avoid full power as much as possible to avoid giving other boats problems. I remember reading that you do the same, but sometimes do need full power.

 

[KAL]

Thanks for getting back to me KAL.

I wanted to set up several potential connections for other places we regularly go, but would only be connected to one at any given time.

In reality, though, I never got it to work, and eventually chose to buy and ship a new Alfa from the states, thereby addressing the original issue, without delay. The Alfa was delivered to Miami today, and should be on an onward flight to us on Thursday. So, in theory, we should have the status quo re established by the weekend.

Memo to self: don't blow this one up!!

If it was me I would just wait until arrival, then do a scan for the strongest signal. SSIDs do change and you might limit yourself to a relatively poor connection if you pre-configure. Just a thought.

 

[MiracleMaud]

Sorry Kal, there may have been a misunderstanding.

I still have the original wifi card/antenna, which I can use with a laptop, but have not been able to manage to configure the laptop to share the signal. It is the R36 router I blew up.

When the new router arrives (with spare card/antenna, just in case), it will be configured and be commissioned. It will be wired into a fused switch and be untouched by (my) human hand, to prevent any further mishaps. So, I'm hoping the Windows config will go back to being superfluous software flab.

It would have been good to have achieved the sharing potential, but hey ho...... Life's too short in Paradise to get (too!) worked up about MS Windows.

I'm trying not to get sucked into Nigel and Mistroma's geekery, boosting power. But, where are those changes made?

Thanks for your input everyone.

 

[MiracleMaud]

Although updating the firmware doesn't scare me, I have in fact checked with Allendale (one of the 2 main UK Ebay suppliers of the R36) and the units they currently supply are pre-loaded with the -NH code. (You would have to reload the firmware if you wanted to use it with an -H).

(The R36 is available for a good bit less direct from China, but the price is at that awkward point where IF you get caught for duty/vat + RoyalMail fee it would end up costing considerably more ).

My understanding -and I may well be wrong - is that if BOTH ends of a link are able to function using 'N' this will give best performance ...... but if either end of the link can only work using 'G', then you would in fact be better off if BOTH were 'G'

Normal service is now resumed, here in Paradise. Aeropost delivered to us in just over a week, including two weekends, which isn't bad, considering the shipment routed via their export depot in Miami.

Just for completeness, I did have to reload firmware to run the NH, but once done, it's back in its spot and broadcasting strongly. Having done the firmware upload before, it wasn't too scary! It's just such a shame the firmware is so model specific. Oh, and the mega antenna upgrade is ginagerous. If it isn't secured, it makes the wifi adapter topple over. But, on the upside, one doesn't half pick up some SSIDs.

Thanks again guys.