So I'm getting involved by setting up a node at home. To this end I've been researching what hardware I could use and so far it's all pretty expensive.

Picture of my location:

I'm marked the point I'm currently thinking of mounting an access point but I'm also aware that it might need to be higher to reach any signal, depending on where the nearby network neighbours are. The tree in the fore ground on the left is very tall, I have vague heroic ideas of climbing to the top of that and mounting the AP there, and powering it by Power Over Ethernet. But I think thats probably too dangerous for many reasons. I'll post some pictures of my [lack of] view when the roof isn't so wet and slippery.

My wireless links:

• Sydney Wireless.
• Menora.net - Also check out the antenna.
• e3
• Australian Hardware Deals

Access Point Hardware List:

Hardware	Quoted Range (11Mbps)	Output Power	Sensitivity	Price (AUD)
Alloy WLF2454AP-S	300m	15dbm	-80dBm @11Mbps	$304
Dynalink RTW026	300m	?	?	$299
DLink DWL-1000AP	300m	14 dBm	2.7V to 3.0V (eh?)	$193
Netgear ME102	255m	?	?	$275
Netcomm NP7000	?	13 dBm	?	$316
Linksys WAP11	250m (11 Mbps), 500m (1 Mbps)	?	?	$198.24