If you have not read GetStarted, you may want to read that first.
As is says on the DxNode page, a DxNode is nothing more than an 802.11b access point set up so that SeattleWireless clients can connect to it. So, to build a DxNode, the first thing you will need is an 802.11b AccessPoint. The easiest way is to use an off the shelf, hardware-based, access point like an Apple Airport or Orinoco Rg1000. As an alternative, you can build a linux box with a Prism based card and make a software access point. Check out the HardwareComparison and the WirelessSoftwareLinks.
Once you have the access point you will need to set it up with the proper settings for compatiblity with the SeattleWireless network. See AccessPointSetup for detailed instructions.
Now that the access point is up and running it is time to think about getting the 2.4Ghz radio waves out of your house and spread around your neighborhood. Remember, the radio waves are easily absorbed by trees, walls, almost anything solid (not regular glass but most modern windows use "low E" glass that also blocks microwaves). You will want to mount the antenna up high to have the best view of the surrounding area. If you don't have an external antenna, just putting the access point in your window is a good start. An external antenna will greatly increase the range of your access point. In most cases an antenna for an access point will be an omni directional antenna or in some cases a sector antenna. Check out the AntennaHowTo.
You will need to connect the antenna to the access point. The ConnectorsAndCable and PigTail pages will help you figure out how to do this. You have the choice of mounting your access point inside your house and using a long Coax cable (be sure to use a good cable, a long coax cable of the wrong type can greatly reduce the signal) or mount your access point in a water proof box outside. See WaterProofBoxes for some hints. You may want to supply power to the access point with power over ethernet. See PoE.
Other things you will want to do.
Build your wiki page about yourself. Sign the GuestBook and click on the ? after your name to build your page.
Send a message to the DEV MailingLists that your node is up and running.
Add your node to WhereToGetOn.
- Build your wiki page about your node. Click on the ? after your node name to build your page.
