Really interested in this project but not quite ready for a full set up. So to get started what would some of the more experienced users recommend for a dirt cheep build?
I am not worried about distance/range at this point just experimenting (actually shorter range may even be better to learn?)T are no nodes listed in my area on the map so this is strictly for learning at this point.
The cheaper the better. Again this is just for testing/learning for now.
Thinking about 3 nodes to experiment. I feel this would be the minimal to test and learn about mesh? Is this a bad idea?
initially I was looking at the ar150 bit my concern is of it's still in the researching stage it may be a bit much for someone such as my self just learning. I don't want to make the learning more difficult on myself then need be.
is there anything I am missing? There is allot going on here and I feel like I have allot to catch up on and learn.
I am not worried about distance/range at this point just experimenting (actually shorter range may even be better to learn?)T are no nodes listed in my area on the map so this is strictly for learning at this point.
The cheaper the better. Again this is just for testing/learning for now.
Thinking about 3 nodes to experiment. I feel this would be the minimal to test and learn about mesh? Is this a bad idea?
initially I was looking at the ar150 bit my concern is of it's still in the researching stage it may be a bit much for someone such as my self just learning. I don't want to make the learning more difficult on myself then need be.
is there anything I am missing? There is allot going on here and I feel like I have allot to catch up on and learn.
If you want a fully supported device, you can't beat the Mikrotik hAP AC Lite for price and features. It is an indoor only device, but has a network switch built in and is dual band (2ghz mesh, and 5ghz access point)
one (1) DtD port so that another node device may be attached,
one WAN port so that internet access may be provided, and
three (3) LAN ports providing IP addresses via DHCP.
If you wish to add more than one (1) DtD node, a managed switch is needed.
I hope this helps.
Chuck
MIMO devices can connect to non-MIMO. For outdoor nodes, you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, R-E-A-L-L-Y want MIMO.
Also - it makes no difference if you purchase the US or Internatonal version of these devices.
-Damon K9CQB
I never thought of using just a dumb switch on the DtD port. I need to connect 3 DtD devices to a hAP-ac-lite, but I only have 2 ports left open and I need them all to be DtD. I could just connect this $7 dumb switch to port 5 of the hAP and add those 3 nodes?:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-100Mbps-5-Ports-Fast-Ethernet-LAN-Desktop-RJ45-Switch-Switcher-Splitter-Hub/143060224024
Now, y'all... before you judge me for buying such cheap crap (a cheap $7 Ethernet switch, whaaaaat???!?!). I bought 4 of these things 3 years ago. I ran them all for months. One of the four stopped working after 2 weeks so I threw it away. The other 3 I've been running like a champ since. It's what I call "Quality Assurance through operation" (I made up that term).
The genius of these tiny cheap switches is that you can travel with a couple of them and they are powered by the USB port of the hAP-ac-lite.
-Damon K9CQB
Andre
Thank you,
-Damon K9CQB
Orv W6BI