D-Link DWL-900AP Hacking

Upon realizing that my main access point, a D-Link DWL-900AP+, was biting the dust (it kept resetting every five minutes), I searched through some old computer parts and found an old D-Link DWL-900AP that I had used in the past.  I had originally bought the DWL-900AP+ for school, and was using it again at home again since it had a web-based interface, instead of a proprietory SNMP interface.  However, before I replaced the new AP with the old one, I figured I would look inside.

Once I saw the inner workings of both access points, I decided to add an antenna to the DWL-900AP, using some parts from the DWL-900AP+, specifically the antenna connector.  Since both units shared the same connector, it was an easy job.

Here are some pictures of both access points, with and without the cover.

The DWL-900AP (on the right), being an older model, didn't have a PCMCIA card and adapter.  I unsoldered the antenna connector on the DWL-900AP+ and the wire connected to the 2nd antenna connection on the DWL-900AP.  Then I soldered the antenna connector from the DWL-900AP+ to the system board on the DWL-900AP.  It was a little long, but it would do just fine.

I then drilled another hole in the DWL-900AP plastic case for the additional antenna connector.  Ok, my dad helped me with this, I'm no good at drilling.  I put the case back on, and it booted up like a charm.  Hopefully I'll get some improved performance with both antennas connected, now.  I haven't tested this out yet, though.

Ah, the finished product.  Maybe I'll spraypaint the grey antenna a black color, so it matches.

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