[ubuntu-us-nm] Measuring Wireless Signal and EPC

[Eric Krieger]

I found a great Linux app for measuring wireless signal and it's in the
Ubuntu repos --the app is called Wavemon.

http://www.janmorgenstern.de/projects-software.html

That said I'm heading over to EPC today to talk with Sam, Gigi, and
David about...

 
Running CAT5 option:
######################################

1- If there is conduit running from the building where the lab is to the
Waterman building how long is it and where are the entry and exit
points. 

2- At the exit point into the Waterman building is there space and power
to setup an IDF or a distribution point for multiple cables to the
resident rooms from the main cable run.  This looks like...

http://is.gd/8pIp

3- From the IDF location in the Waterman building what is the rough
distances to the furthest residents rooms. 

These are a few questions about running cable that we need to know
before we can evaluate if running CAT5 is going to be a possible option
based on cost.


Ethernet over Power option:
######################################


This option will still may involve running a CAT5 line from the building
that has the computer lab to the Waterman building IDF, which will
require some sort of EoP equivalent to the wired option.  Network
connectivity will be through the power lines in each of the rooms.   

This is relativity new in the networking world so I think we will need
at some point test this out...no promises if this will work.

No questions other then to know how an where the building power panels
are.  If the buildings are on different panels then a CAT5 run between
the buildings will be required.

At this point this option is looking a little on the pricey side for
hardware.

http://is.gd/8Fq5



Wireless option:
######################################


1 - There is some question about the construction of the residents
rooms.  If there is a lot of metal in the walls of the room there is a
possibility of them acting like a Faraday's Cage...

http://is.gd/8pQX

... thus preventing wireless signals from entering the rooms. We'll just
need to test this at some point.  (This can be done at a later date.)

2- We need to test putting Wireless AP's (Access Points) in either end
(north and east) of the building that has the computer lab. This will
test if the wireless signal from either AP will be enough to cover ALL
of EPC. (This can be done at a later date.)

3- We need to know the distances from, I'm a assuming, Gigi's router to
either end of the building.  To extend the wireless coverage of the EPC
campus the idea is running CAT5 to both the north and east sides and
putting a wireless AP at the end of each will extend the wireless
coverage of EPC. This will also require power for the APs at the end of
the CAT5 runs. If the signal strength can not full blanket the Waterman
building we could deploy signal repeaters.   

Webmaven has suggested that we look at the wireless mesh routers from
Open-Mesh. 

http://www.open-mesh.com/store/

...these devices look better and most cost effective than other options
I've found.  Here's what I've spec-ed out and I've built in a few
spares.

http://twitpic.com/n3tg


On a different note, with a wireless option we will still need wireless
adapters for the PC's.  Anyone have a suggestion for a good cheap
wireless adapter?  I've found one but it's got mixed reviews.

http://is.gd/8Fpn


I've added discussing EPC and networking options to the LoCo meeting on
Tuesday.


- Eric 

----------------------------------------
Eric J. Krieger
email: grammatoncleric at ubuntu.com


Random Quote:

"One must deal openly and fairly with one's
forces if maximum effectiveness is to be achieved"
        -D. Vader 

Sun Nov 23 06:30:00 MST 2008 
06:30:00 up 13:28, 1 user, load average: 0.20, 0.11, 0.09 
#1 SMP Tue Nov 4 19:33:20 UTC 2008 GNU/Linux