Hi All,
I'm just getting into AREDN and after looking at some youtube videos and forums I want to build my own parabolic reflector antenna. The only issue with this is that it seems like I need some sort of converter/encoder/transceiver to go from the antenna coax to ethernet. I've seen one person do this on youtube with a ubiquiti bullet M2 but I'm wondering if that is necessary because its not cheap. Ideally I'd like to make my own 2.4/5ghz parabolic antenna and then just have that go to the microtik hAP ac lite (because that's been recommended as cheap and usable).
I guess to condense my question down: how would I connect a normal antenna to my microtik hAP ac lite?
Thanks! Happy to reply to anyone.
I'm just getting into AREDN and after looking at some youtube videos and forums I want to build my own parabolic reflector antenna. The only issue with this is that it seems like I need some sort of converter/encoder/transceiver to go from the antenna coax to ethernet. I've seen one person do this on youtube with a ubiquiti bullet M2 but I'm wondering if that is necessary because its not cheap. Ideally I'd like to make my own 2.4/5ghz parabolic antenna and then just have that go to the microtik hAP ac lite (because that's been recommended as cheap and usable).
I guess to condense my question down: how would I connect a normal antenna to my microtik hAP ac lite?
Thanks! Happy to reply to anyone.
Many of us (including me) have one or more hAP nodes used for AREDN, but generally they are only used for RF at VERY short range (like one room to the next in your house). Mostly mine are used for tunnel (internet) connections, or to link in other nodes that just in storage at my house so the stored nodes can be tested or updated. A common use of the hAP is as an inside node that is connected to a 2.4 or 5 GHz outdoor node via an Ethernet cable that is providing power and a data connection to the outdoor node - what we call a Device to Device (or DtD) connection.
If you are considering an outdoor antenna, then
it is more cost effective to buy an outdoor rated router.
I still recommend a commercial outdoor antenna and radio combination.
You can find outdoor rated commercial radio/dish-antenna routers from
Just under $60 to ~$120 depending on dish-gain.
If you are considering building an indoor_antenna+dish_reflector,
go for it.
73, Chuck
My goal with the DIY antenna was just to make something that worked acceptably at both 2.4ghz and 5ghz but I hear what you're saying about the radio and losses. My ultimate goal (which might be unrealistic) would be to bring it with me on POTA and then use it to be able to self spot when i'm out of cellular data :)
I do have two questions remaining.
1. Could just plug in the ethernet out of the Mikrotik LHG 5 Light Head Grid 5 GHz, Integrated Dual Polarization 24.5 dBi Grid Antenna straight into a computer? skipping the hAP lite in the process.
2. do you have any 2.4ghz antenna radio you recommend?
Thanks!
Yes.
2. do you have any 2.4ghz antenna radio you recommend?
(Regarding AREDN, the advantage of 5.8 GHz over 2.4 GHz is
"intuitively obvious to the most casual of observer".
That statement is intended to be both accurate and humorous.)
For outdoor use, I do not recommend anything '2.4 GHz'.
73, Chuck