Changing wireless power setting

[DrTeeth]

Originally Posted by got_milk

Higher output would mean a little more range but at the cost of increased radio noise, and subsequently lower throughput, so you could actually cut performance across the board by increasing the power output.

Higher output = increased radio noise? I would say it is quite the opposite. Could you please supply some references?

TIA,

DrT

[richto]

Originally Posted by boxst

Surprisingly changing the web interface has appeared to modify the power (here: http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=9986).

Although I've probably broken a whole bunch of EU laws though ...

There is no EU law that restricts WiFi transmit power, so you can legally set whatever you want.

The only limit is on ERP, so you just need to use the power setting with an appropriate antenna....

[DrTeeth]

Originally Posted by richto

There is no EU law that restricts WiFi transmit power, so you can legally set whatever you want.

The only limit is on ERP, so you just need to use the power setting with an appropriate antenna....

Power Levels

In Europe at 2.4GHz we are limited by ETSI regulations to 20dbmW.

That is 20dB gain above 1mW or 100mW Effective radiated power compared to an isotropic (0 gain) aerial. This figure includes the gain from the aerial and losses from cabling.

So to calculate the EIRP of your system:
EIRP=Output power of card or access point in dBm – cable loss in dB – connector losses in dB + aerial gain in dBi

A typical card gives out +15dBmW so the largest aerial allowed is +5dB. However on a typical installation an +8dB aerial can be used as there is quite often a 3dB loss on the aerial cable.

The exception to the above is France, where the maximum output power is limited to 7dBm (5mW EIRP) at 2.4GHz.

Above from http://wireless.navigator.co.uk/index.htm.

It's all slitting hairs unless some seriously directional antennas are going to be constructed,

[mikeg]

If I remember correctly 80 mW on both bands.

Originally Posted by RocketJSquirrel

What is the factory default value for transmit power on the 2 bands of the RT-N66U? I've changed it a few times and lost track of the default. Thanks.