Jerry wrote:
If this was *my* project, I'd install a Wireless Bridge at the top of the
tower and supply it with both a CAT 5 cable and a pair of wires to power it.
I'd also have a Router at the ground for connection to the LAN.
What would be the problem with installing a Wireless Switch atop the tower
with it's CAT 5 and power wires to allow the ground based computer with its
RJ 45 port to "see" the signals from the nearby wireles sites? Wouldnt
that allow using only one CAT 5 device? Then, it is possible to connect to
the Internet (thru any WiFi site you are able to receive and enter) with
only one Wireless device.
I I thought it was possible to connect to the Internet with only one
Wireless device. And, a CAT 5 cable device is far better than a USB cable
for long cable runs.

You can also create a "MESH" network where the router acts as an access
point relaying data between nodes. I have a Linksys access point that
will do it with others of the same model, and the famous Linksys
WRTG54-L running one of the Linux distributions for it (for example
Tomato) can do it.

Then all you need is a router running a similar system near the
base of the tower, and one on top of it.

Using a gain antenna is also possible to increase your range, but
you have to be careful about gain. In the U.S. you can increase
the output power 10 times (from 100mw EIRP to 1W EIRP) for mobile
devices (up to 4W EIRP for directional point to point links).

Here in Israel, there is a limit of 100mW EIRP, no matter what,
even for licensed hams (25W limit for satellite use only).

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/