Rural High Speed Internet

[RobS]

Thanks everyone, sounds like it's not as big a deal as I had thought. I just want to have the router before he shows up so we can make sure everything works while he's doing the install.

 

[cqaigy2]

Wireless comes in several speeds. I'm running 108M connection to my laptop and kid's computer.

MR i think the 108 is marketing speak for the theoretical speeds of 54Mb simplex (one-way) connection you get with 802.11a or b, not full duplex like 100Mb usually is (200Mb in marketing speak) .

 

[MossRoad]

MR i think the 108 is marketing speak for the theoretical speeds of 54Mb simplex (one-way) connection you get with 802.11a or b, not full duplex like 100Mb usually is (200Mb in marketing speak) .

My router runs two 54M streams to get 108M. They say it can interfere with cordless phones and other wireless networks in the area, but we don't have a cordless phone or other wireless network in the area.

 

[RobS]

Here's an update to my High Speed Story...

Had the Broadband guy come out the other day and we tried his antenna up in the attic. He could see his tower but the signal wasn't strong enough through the window glass and that window does not open. Scoped the outside of the house but his ladder wasn't tall enough.

That afternoon, he came back with the owner. They got up to the peak of the garage roof but still recommended a tripod or something else to raise the antenna up more. Meanwhile, I had called to get a price on a lift rental to reach the house roof and offered to share that cost.

They did some more looking and came back with an offer to do my install for free (including lift rental) if I'd let them put a second antenna on our roof which allows them to hit houses in our area, even through the trees (must be a radio device of some sort). I agreed, so now it's just a matter of them lining up the rental lift or bucket truck and hooking me up.

FWIW, they claim faster speeds than satelite with no FAP limits.

Naturally, I'll post pictures when they come back!

 

[MossRoad]

That sounds excellent, Rob.

 

[riptides]

Here's an update to my High Speed Story...

..........

They did some more looking and came back with an offer to do my install for free (including lift rental) if I'd let them put a second antenna on our roof which allows them to hit houses in our area, even through the trees (must be a radio device of some sort). I agreed, so now it's just a matter of them lining up the rental lift or bucket truck and hooking me up.

I'd suggest a rethink on the idea of sharing costs. If they use your place for additional customers YOU need a better deal.

It is like the telephone company sticking a cell tower on your place.

I would be asking for a minimum of free access, or enter a short term leasing agreement with them.

-Mike Z.

 

[3RRL]

Rob,
riptides makes an excellent point. I would ask them to have free service at least. Normally, they pay big money to have a relay or tower like that set up. I know my Country Club did that and they get a monthly check (big $$$).

 

[RobS]

Yeah, I agree with you guys on the cost sharing. I think I will have another discussion with them before things are finalized. They are supposed to come out today with a bucket truck to finish but with all of our snow (15-25 inches), I doubt they'll make it. I sure am getting antsy for the service though.

 

[CurlyDave]

Rob:

There is something else to consider before letting them do this.

How much RF radiation are you exposing yourself and your family to if they put a relay antenna on your roof?

Typically there is not a problem for a single user antenna, but the relay is going to boost the original signal and rebroadcast it at a much higher power level.

I would have no problem with an individual antenna on my roof, but the relay one would have to be about a mile away for me to feel safe. Long term effects of this kind of radiation are not well known, and where the health of my family is concerned, this kind of stuff is guilty until proven innocent.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Rob:

There is something else to consider before letting them do this.

How much RF radiation are you exposing yourself and your family to if they put a relay antenna on your roof?

Typically there is not a problem for a single user antenna, but the relay is going to boost the original signal and rebroadcast it at a much higher power level.

I would have no problem with an individual antenna on my roof, but the relay one would have to be about a mile away for me to feel safe. Long term effects of this kind of radiation are not well known, and where the health of my family is concerned, this kind of stuff is guilty until proven innocent.

Very good point. You will want to know the transmission pattern of the relay antenna. This will tell you how much RF power goes in each direction. You want to know what portion comes downward into your living space. And you might want to check up on what they say by using a borrowed spectrum analyzer after, if you let them install.
larry