USB Wifi Dongle and an Amplifier

[shibby4555]

Hey guys,

I'm working on a project right now with my Raspberry Pi. I apologize if I say anything that sounds dumb, I'm not too learned in dealing with radios/transmission type stuff. Thats why I'm trying out this project.

Basically I am going to configure it as a wireless g access point, maybe using hostapd.

I want to see if I can create a wireless network with decent coverage. I need something that supports master mode. I am trying to figure out if it is possible to run a USB dongle through an amplifier to boost its gain. I don't see why it wouldn't be possible except for the power consumption through my USB drive, (around 3W).

I don't know, any comments?

 

[bill001g]

If you buy a good quality dongle they likely transmit at the maximum allowed power as it is. You can add antenna one some to increase the "effective" power.

Now in theory if you get a dongle with a external antenna connector you could put in a amplifier. I will ignore the fact that this is likely illegal and nobody will sell you units to do this and look at the technical issue.

The main problem with making a high powered microwave amplifier is that costs of the hardware that can switch signals very fast and still produce the output power. This is why most manufactures use a lower powered amplifier and antenna to get to the legal maximum. Because almost all manufactures use the same radios and antenna combination there must be a optimum price point for these. They do of course make very high powered microwave amplifiers since they are used by say cell phone companies to link their towers together.
So if you were to find a amplifier that could put out more wattage it would likely not be affordable.

The next issue you will find is most these amplifiers are not designed to be feed by the output of another amplifier. The output of the dongle will likely fry the input of the amplifier. Most these are designed to take the signaling at a very low level.

Other than playing with passive antenna you are likely wasting your time.