Networks UK wifi regulations?

Can anyone actually link me to or provide info on UK wifi regulations. I've been searching the web but come up short (googles done the unthinkable and let me down) I even tried the ofcom site but that left me completely lost.

Obviously regular wifi networks are legal but me and some friends are contemplating trying to set up a long range wireless network using routers with custom firmware, and also with directional antennas however amplifiers are not currently included in the plan. We just want to make sure we are not going to be breaking any major laws

Stuart

 

Most regulations when it comes to radio transmission (including wifi) allow a certain output power and are only concerned with the addition of amplifiers or with potential for interference.

You shouldn't have any problems because:
1: You are not going to be adding any amplifiers.
2: You will be using directional antenna's which mean the focussed signal although being stronger due to the focusing will be limited to the direction it is pointed and will be in such a confined 'beam' that it is unlikely to cause interference.
3: If you will be using routers as repeater stations, as long as they are conforming to 1 and 2 above should not be an issue.

Unless you add amplifiers or use equipment with a higher output than unlicensed equipment there should be no problem.

If you wanted to use amplifiers or 'industrial/commercial/corporate' type wifi that needs a license to operate because it goes above a certain output level and therefore needs to be used with caution to prevent interference then you would need a license for that equipment.

 

You are allowed 300mW ERP IIRC on the UK unlicensed bands. This is actualy pretty low and it is easy to surpass this - in the USA I think it's 4W. There are hefty fines for going higher than this...