Dedicated Wifi Ethernet link using two Netgear DG834G modem routers?

[nadeller]

I'm wanting to create a low cost dedicated Ethernet wireless link using two Netgear DG834G Modem routers that I have. In principle this sounds like a simple task. I am planning to connect directional antennas on each to beam to another building ~100m away. I do not want to connect any other devices wirelessly to the wifi of this link (its own SSID?). So a bit like a pair of Powerline adapters but using the wireless capability of the routers instead. I do not want the routers to carry out any DHCP function, that will be done by my main internet modem Router. Does this sound possible? I have searched for similar projects but no luck so far. If it is not possible with the existing Firmware, OpenWRT appears to be compatible with these routers and I am willing to flash the devices with this if this would help.
Any advice? Am I barking up the wrong tree?

 

[bill001g]

It is unlikely you get any firmware that will run on a device containing a dsl modem because of open firmware restrictions. If you could load open firmware most contain the ability to run in bridge mode like you propose.

Unless you already own the directional antenna and the microwave cable this is not a cost effective design even if you have routers that would work.

The cost of outdoor bridge equipment has come down so far that you can get a complete outdoor bridge for about what you would pay for just the directional antenna.

You can get devices in the $50-$75 per unit from engenius or ubiquiti. Also since these are all 802.11n they will be faster than your 802.11g devices.

 

[kanewolf]

If you want it to "just work" buy purpose built devices like these -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168114 Mount them outdoors and point them at each other. They use 5Ghz for minimum interference by competing WIFI.

 

[nadeller]

If you want it to "just work" buy purpose built devices like these -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168114 Mount them outdoors and point them at each other. They use 5Ghz for minimum interference by competing WIFI.

 

[nadeller]

Hi Bill001g and kanewolf,

thanks for these answers, but although I intend eventually to build a practical and robust link this is, at least initially, an experimental project, so I'm not too interested in "just work" solutions. I will also experiment with some of the home grown directional antenna ideas out there, based around food cans, Yagi antenna designs and even tv satellite dishes. The challenge of expanding my knowledge of microwaves and networking is all part of this.

 

[bill001g]

You still can not use the device you have because they do not have the feature in the factory firmware and you can not get firmware for devices that contain modems.

Pretty much if you look at antenna design stuff you will quickly find out like most things now days you can buy something cheaper than you can make it yourself. Start with the cables and you will quickly find out that the cost of microwave cable and the 2 ends to connect a router to a antenna starts to add up. You get massive loss if you do not use quality cable and the skill to solder the ends on the cable and not get more loss it fairly high.

Someone a number of years ago tested the so called pringle can antennas with the testing gear used to test commercial antenna. They found there was not much different to use a $5 stick antenna and many of the home built antennas actually lost more signal that they gained when tested at the router end.