Generic antennae just as good?

[CowZ]

Hey guys quick question. So i am in the market for an indoor antenna. I'm looking at the 2.4ghz omni-directional indoor antenna to hook up to my wireless pci card. On newegg its rather pricey at 37 bucks (theres a 20 dollar rebate but i don't really wanna mess with that right now). Are generic antennae just as good for this application? Thanks for all feedbacks

 

[ScottMac]

Chances are that it'll perform like any other antenna of the type with the same gain figure, if it's a real concern, you should compare the radiation patterns of the antennas you are looking at. There are usually two "Smith charts" (grids on a circle) one represents the shape of the signal horizontally (an omni-directional antenna would be a circle), one represents the vertical pattern (like looking at the antenna from the side).

Keep in mind that passive gain (i.e., no amplifiers) is created by electrically gathering or redirecting signal from other parts of the pattern and concentrating them somewhere else. High gain omni antennas tend to have very narrow vertical coverage (less like a doughnut, more like a frisbee) and (design dependent) tilted somewhat skyward / toward the tip.

Placement can often be more critical than gain ... try putting a CD ~3" behind an omni to reflect some of the energy in the desired direction ... play with it, it might help.

 

[JackMDS]

There is on NewEgg a very good pci card with Antenna for less then $20.

Edimax - PCI http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833315041

In addition if you stay with your current card and get an Antenna it would be netter to get high gain directional antenna and aim it to your Wireless Router.