A Quick Guide on How To Shop For WiFi Equipments
In this chapter, we will review some price estimate, examples on how to shop for computer based equipments, and radio equipments Please note that this information is based on early 2003 experiences. It may likely to change significantly in years to come as more manufacturers producing the equipments at lower prices and higher performance.
To be honest, the easiest way to get these equipments is through your local computer store if any. Getting the equipment through the Internet may create a significant amount of headache. My experience shows that the local computer store price in developing countries may likely double the Internet price, as they have to ship the equipments and pay custom. Please note that most countries have a max Effective Isotropics Radiated Power (EIRP) allowed for both point to point and point to multipoint installations. Make sure maximum radiated power from the antenna fits with regulation. Normally, regulatory framework will limited the maximum radiated to reduce any possible interference.
Our experience in Indonesia, it would be beneficial if we can set some sort of WiFi community where all users, vendors, resellers, operators including some of regulator can get together regularly. In Indonesia, the platform used for the community gathering is a mailing list located at indowli@yahoogroups.com. IndoWLI stands for Indonesian Wireless Internet. It has currently 1000+ members all over Indonesia and going strong. Anyone who need help or looking for WiFi equipment can easily shout in the mailing list. It takes about 3-4 years to establish such community.