Nano Routers are all the rage now, as they race to the bottom to the smallest device that still maintain the functional ability. These devices can be tasked to several different functions, such as Wireless Access Points, Wireless Client Adapters, and Wireless Bridges. But what if you could run a Nano Router off normal, unimproved (!PoE) Ethernet?
One of the first problems to face is power. Depending on the speed Ethernet can have a potential difference of between 2 and 5 volts. Each speed is different and signals are also different depending on the bandwidth. But there's a problem with distance and Direct Current (DC). The low voltage is only at that point at the source and the further you get away from the source, the lower the voltage will become. So it might be smart to only use such a device within a very short distance from the source.
But what would you do with such a tiny device?
Oh, I can think of several things, mostly having to do with power, but also discreetness. First off, most people don't care about broadcasting the signal more than a few feet, maybe up to 25 feet (8 m). So if your signal is weak, you can blame the low voltage. But a device of such size won't really need much power. And due to the fact that it won't need an external power source, it wouldn't require an additional power port or a power adapter.
But the second purpose, discreet use, is the fun part. A device that is barely larger than the head of an ethernet cable could be very discreet and portable.
Right now the smallest routers are about the size of a pack of gum, which is quite small. But these devices still require external power. But with something as small as the jack itself, it might be pretty cool (if not very useful).
