This might seem like an odd question but what the hell ;D!

Im expanding a network and by doing so I obviously need to pull some extra cable... now the easiest solution would be to put some of the cable outdoors, where I come from (Sweden) we have temperatures from -20 C to +30 C (the coldest periods doesnt last long, just painting a picture of how a nasty winter would look like). Soo... the question: would it be okay to put some cable outdoors or do i have to somehow protect it from overkill temperatures?

Now, to not make this post totally Linux-free: I have a wireless acces point and I guess that I could expand this one since I have a dwl-520 (the one that will work with correct kernel, upgrading soon, Debian) lying around. The acces point is pretty crappy distancewise so I need to get a BIG antenna to make it go where I want to go (uhu!!! does it ring a bell ). Anybody have any experiance with this kind of problem, what would be most cost/work effective?

Cheers, Klod

Make sure that you're using copper sheathed CAT 5

I'm sorry let me correct you bax. There is no copper sheathed category 5 cable. Your probably thinking of Cat 5 STP which has an aluminum shield around the conductors plus a drain wire. Don't worry about that though. You don't to work with that type of cable since 1) It requires special RJ45s to use 2) It's plain annoying to work with it if you never have before. Just find any cat5e cable that is rated for the temperatures you need. A quick search brings up the rating of -10 to 60 degrees Celsius. I've never dealt with wireless antennas but look into a better one if you want longer distance. Google up the topic. You can probably make your own.

--tarballedtux

http://www.cantenna.com/

Check out these guys to expand your AP.

Thanks for your replys, checked out Glocks link and googled around. Glocks link showed of some weak points: since Ill have to put the antenna a few metres away from the actuall acces point (think I have to put it outdoors aswell) Ill apparantly lose performance if I dont get a wireless bridge (the page suggested a Linksys Wet11). Ive checked out some of D-links antennas and they aint cheap! Ill probably see if I can somehow shield or protect a trustworthy old cat-5 but keep on brainstomring!!! Its greatly appriciated!!!


Cheers, Klod