actual WLAN chipsets and transmit power

hickson · **Joined:** Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:20 pm **Posts:** 11

Hi,

I'm getting more and more confused about the WLAN chipsets and the maximum transmit power of current Meshlium devices. Did they change recently?

I have a previously saved old datasheet here, which says for 802.11a high power WiFi:
chipset: AR5414
power: 600mW - 28dBm
range: 5-50km

When I have a look at the actual datasheet available at the webpage 802.11a (no more high power) WiFi section says:
chipset: AR5213
power: 18dB
range: 2-50km

I think you mean 18dBm, not 18dB. Are the new Meshliums no more equipped with high power 802.11a radio? Are now both WLAN interfaces (a and b/g) working on the same WLAN module based on AR5213? Nevertheless, the possible transmission range hasn't changed a lot from 5-50km to 2-50km. Strange for me! And, which outdoor range (free line of sight) can be expected with the standard 8dBi (for 5GHz) omnidirectional antennas?

Thanks for your answer!

libelium-dev · **Joined:** Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:06 pm **Posts:** 7516

You're in reason. Recently we've stopped selling meshlium with High power wifi card. Now the standard is the Winstron CM9. We'll correct the datasheet, but in the mean time you can see detailed data in this webpage.

hickson · **Joined:** Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:20 pm **Posts:** 11

Ok. Can you please tell me, which cards were used in former times? I guess it would be still possible to exchange the WiFi modules (of course with loss of warranty)? Why did you decide to switch to low power modules? Because of regularities regarding transmit power and licensing in europe?

hickson · **Joined:** Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:20 pm **Posts:** 11

... or would it be a problem because of the increased power consumption?

libelium-dev · **Joined:** Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:06 pm **Posts:** 7516

The change was a production issue, not a power consumption issue. Previously we've been using the wlm54sag23 card.

hickson · **Joined:** Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:20 pm **Posts:** 11

so, the meshlium would still be compatible with these devices? just in case the transmission range is too low.

in general, can you provide some detailed information about the main hardware platform used in meshlium? thank you in advance!

libelium-dev · **Joined:** Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:06 pm **Posts:** 7516

It's a pc board with the following:

Also you've to add to the previous some customized hardware. Sorry, I cannot give you more info about this.

hickson · **Joined:** Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:20 pm **Posts:** 11

I understand that. I just want to know (regarding space and power supply) if it is possible to exchange the Wi-Fi cards. Sorry for the questions and thanks for your patience.

libelium-dev · **Joined:** Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:06 pm **Posts:** 7516

There is no problem in changing the wifi cards, but you've to note that opening meshlium you're voiding the warranty. The meshlium comsumtion is 6W without any wifi card connected, and the power adapter we ship with it is able to supply 21.6W, so is enough power left for any mini-pci card you want to plug.

smolek · **Joined:** Wed Sep 05, 2012 3:11 pm **Posts:** 1

libelium-dev wrote:

There is no problem in changing the wifi cards, but you've to note that opening meshlium you're voiding the warranty. The meshlium comsumtion is 6W without any wifi card connected, and the power adapter we ship with it is able to supply 21.6W, so is enough power left for any mini-pci card you want to plug.

LOL,its interesting thx