Build an all-weather outdoor WiFi access point for $50
Okay, the $50 in that headline is actually just for the box you'll put this in, not for the AP, wires or other equipment, but it's sure a lot less than you'd pay for a custom ruggedized enclosure, right (and we did get your attention, didn't we)? However, Dan Santillan has put together great step-by-step guide that'll have you extending your wireless network out to the pool, tennis courts and golf course (or at least that's what it'll accomplish at the Engadget Mansion, anyhow). All you need is a a WiFi router (such as a reprogrammed
Linksys WRT54G), a juicy amplifier
(which may or may not violate FCC rules; Dan basically says it "is still within the 2.4ghz ISM band but not the way wi-fi band was allocated"), and a little elbow grease. Oh, and Dan says he bought the box in a "local electrical store," but considering that he's based in Saudia Arabia, YMMV in tracking down a similar one (though we suspect it still won't be too hard to find).