Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2007 19:15 Post subject: USB port as WAN port
Question: assuming a supported router with a USB port, could the USB port be used with a USB wireless adapter as the WAN port?
Why I ask: I have an RV and often stay at campgrounds with free WiFi, which is usually only available around the campground office. These are usually open networks, with no security to make connecting easy for users. I've seen various methods of using a USB Wifi adapter with parabolic reflector to improve range and make it directional. RadioLabs also makes a omnidirectional "antenna" with a built in USB wifi adapter (http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/waverv.php). That works but limits laptop use to being connected to the USB adapter, and only one PC at a time can connect to the usb adapter. I wonder if I could use one of these adapters plugged into the USB port of my router running dd-wrt and then have this router broadcast with a different SSID and channel for my own private network.
Would this work? I know you can sometimes use WDS, but that would mean the campground's router would have to support it, and not all do.
Thanks!
Thanks, I found the Univerasal Repeater wiki article after posting. The univeral wireless repeater mode might work for my purpose, but does not address how to pick up a weak signal. If I used an external directional antenna to point at the campground hotspot, what would happen to the signal I want to broadcast in the RV? If a router has two antennas, could I extend one and use the other inside? Using a USB adapter is a preferred solution, because it is very low loss over and can go up to 15 feet, unlike an extention on an antenna lead. (http://www.seattlewireless.net/AntennaHowTo) I can put a reflector with a usb adapter on the top of a 10 pole and point it at the hotspot.
Thanks!
