!!! Why?
An good way to improve the signal coming from the top of your antenna mast is to reduce the length of [CoaxialCable coaxial cable] used between your antenna and WiFi device.  The best way to reduce the length of [CoaxialCable coax] is to place your WiFi device on the mast above your roof - which means you will need to protect the sensitive electronics in your AccessPoint from the elements.

!!! How?
The idea is simple - put your AccessPoint in a Weather Proof enclosure.  Execution isn't always that easy, but is relatively straighforward all the same.

!!! Things to consider
Your average AccessPoint is not designed to live in the great outdoors, they have specific operational requirements:
* All electronics generate heat, hence all devices need some means of keeping cool.  Some devices fail at temperatures as low as 45 degrees celcius!
* Water is almost certainly going to destroy whatever it comes in contact with, including WeatherProof enclosures after long periods of time.
* Wireless is fantastic, but realistically there are some cables involved.  Power, ethernet and CoaxialCable will probably need to be plugged into your AP.

!!! Enclosures
The standard Weather Proof enclosure that MelbWireless members use is an IP-68 rated aluminum box.

!!! IP rating?
The IP (International Protection) rating is an index number specifying the level of "protection against accidental or inadvertent contact and against ingress of foreign bodies."
The first number indicates the protection against foreign bodies.
The second number shows protection against water.

!!! Links
(http://www.wiresncode.com/projects/wireless/dlink/ Weatherproof dlink 900AP)
(http://www.freenet-antennas.com/WeatherproofAP Weatherproof Minitars) for sale!

See also: [APInABox]