How could you build an amp for wifi?

Since wifi is 2.4 Ghz of RF, I imagine a small ampifier wouldn't be to hard to build?

More specificly, I would like to get 802.11g to at least 500 mW

I'm not talking about antennas here.

How will you switch between rx and tx?

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Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128

I don't understand. Wifi adapters are tranceivers. They send and receive. You can hook up an amplifier inbetween the adapter and the antenna.

Basically, I'm trying to build one of these:

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=332635&pfp=cat3

Yes, but will the amplifier be bi-directional?

Besides, what does this have to do with radio broadcasting?

And when we talk about building amplifier, we mean "building",not going
to a shop and buying it.

_________________
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128

Wifi is built using "radios" and you guys are really one of the few who discuss amplifying and sharing schematics.

I would primarily be interested in receiving. I definitely want to build as the store bought amplifiers cost an arm and a leg.

Just seeing what's out there.

This is a receiver/transmitter system, meaning you have to switch from receiver to the transmitter. This happens
very quickly and switching must be done electronically.

This switch is already in your router. This all means just an amplifier is not enough. Ideally you would take apart
your router, remove the switch, place amplifier in tx chain and add a rx/tx switch at the end.

This is all way out of your league, I'm pretty sure. The RX/TX switch and output tx stage and rx stage might all
be inside one IC so how will you go about it? You might have a chance if your router has separate rx and tx antennas.

Still, this would only work for communication with another modified router with increased tx power, not for regular
wlan pc cards since othwerwise they would receive your signal, but the router would not receive yours with regular
power.

Using a high gain antenna is easiest by far.

_________________
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128

What you're saying makes sense. It just makes me wonder how comercial units are constructed.

Thanks for the educated response. I'll post back if I dig up anything else.

You can detect when tx powers on and switch to transmission, but since this switching happens pretty
fast its not trivial to do it at home unless you have substantial prior knowledge.

Commercial units with such switches are not that great according to the tests I've read.
The proper way to go about it is to have router with separate rx and tx output and than you eliminate
the problem.

_________________
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128