I have a WAP54G version 3.1. Is this supported for use with the mesh?

It has 2 detachable antennas with N connectors. I have seen some 2.4GHz amplifiers (up to 8W) on eBay.  Has anyone had any luck using amplifiers?

Sorry but the WAP54G will not be able to load the BBHN firmware as it doesn't have the CPU nor sufficient memory as it's a simple access point, not a wireless AP/router like the WRT54G.

Insofar as using amplifiers -- unless you ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY **NEED** it for a distant node, you are doing more harm than good, especially at 8-watts. This is not HF and more power does not always equate to a better signal. Use of quality antennas and better placement thereof will get you a far better link as history and experience has shown.

If I am going to be looking for a device anyway, I may as well get something with 5GHz support too. My first step into SHF.

What makes a good quality antenna at 2.4 and 5 GHz? Any recommended sources? I don't have the tools or skills to fabricate my own.

Hi Erich,

If you plan to play around with mesh, then just pick up a WRT54G and build a Pringles can antenna.  You can find the plans by Google'ing it.  These configurations are great for learning about mesh and constructing neighborhood networks.  

If, on the other hand, you plan to tower-mount an antenna and participate in a broader mesh, then I'd recommend you find others in the area who have done, or plan to do the same.  Likely they will be using Ubiquiti devices, many of which have attached, high-gain antenna and all run significantly higher power.  You will also benefit from learning which band the local mesh group is operating.  We currently support 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.  Any given device will operate on only one band: Linksys is 2.4 GHz only.  Ubiquiti is 2.4 GHz (M2 series) or 5.8 Ghz (M5 series).  We continue to work on supporting other bands.  Eventually we intend to add the Ubiquiti M9 and M3 devices.

I hope this helps.  Have fun with it!

Andre, K6AH