I am confused how to calculate the legal limit.. I have a linksys WMP54G PCI card, and i have a TNC 9dBi High Gain Antenna with a adapter so it fits on a SMA connector... Would this be considered legal due to FCC standards? if not, how can i make it legal?
It seems, that the FCC allows up to 36 dBm (~4000 mW). http://www.wlanantennas.com/wlan_faq_fcc.htm According to Linksys the WMP54G has a default output power of 15 dBm (~32mW) in 54Mbps mode and 19 dBm (~80mW) in 11Mbps mode. So when using 54Mbps mode, your may use an antenna up to 21 dBm and in 11Mbps mode an antenna up to 17 dBm. Even if 36 dBm/4000 mW is allowed, It may be a good idea to stay below 30 dBm/1000 mW. At least unless you have a good health insurance, that is also paying for cancer treatments.