3. The Product, Continued

My pre-production samples didn't come with any documentation and you probably won't need any. But I'm assured that currently shipping product comes with a quick install guide, which you can also download (PDF) from LiRR Network Solutions' website. (LiRR Network Solutions is Renasis' marketing rep. and is the sole source for ordering Renasis products.)

All you do to use the Booster is:

screw the antenna onto the BA24j (failure to do this before powering on can kill it) remove the antenna from the device to be boosted and screw on the BA24j plug the power wart's plug into the BA24j and the wart into AC power

There are little teeny Power, Transmit and Receive lights on the front of the Booster to keep you entertained and let you know that it's working.

Though you might think that you can use the Booster only with 802.11b and g Access Points and routers, you can actually use it with any wireless LAN product that operates in the 2.4 GHz band and has a connectorized antenna. This includes Bluetooth products as well as 802.11b/g wireless adapters and bridges.

You can even use it with products that don't have RP-TNC or RP-SMA connectors by buying adapter cables or "pigtails" with the proper connectors on each end.

You just can't use it on 802.11a products or dual-band products since 11a's 5 GHz frequencies are beyond the range that the BA24j's amplifiers will handle and the BA24j will act as a signal reducer.

One other topic worthy of note is whether using the BA24j will bring the FCC knocking at your door. The FAQ at LiRR's website have the usual weasel-words that basically say you're on your own. But given that the BA24j limits its output power to 800mW, it's unlikely that any guys in fedoras and sunglasses will come visit you.

You should be sensitive, however, to the effect your pumped-up wireless equipment has on any of your neighbors' WLANs and work with them to reach amicable solutions to any problems that might arise.