Omni-directional antenna designs?

[LotharJade]

I've read quite a few interesting home how-to projects to make directional replacements for wireless antennas. This is because as with all things, stock SUCKS! Im curious though, has anyone worked to design improved OMNI-DIRECTIONAL wireless antenna designs?? Preferably in a at home how-to project (something I can tinker with in the garage).

It would seem to me, this would be desired for various applications, such as a Large hangar.

 

[ScottMac]

There are a number of good antenna books with designs and formulas to calculate for the frequency block available through the ARRL (Amateur Radio Organization).

Aside from some clever stacking with quarter, half, and 5/8th wavelengths, there's not alot you can do with a monopole omni.

Most of the time, it's not the stock antenna that sucks, it's the cheap-ass radios used in consumer-grade access points. I have taken some of the antennas that "suck," put them on my Cisco access point, and they work *great*

Knowing a little about the antenna's design and shortcomings (there is no such thing as "free gain") tends to make things work a little better too.

So, if you start with an access point that doesn't suck, put on some stock antennas (that also don't suck), and use the system as intended, wireless life will be good for you.

So says I ...


FWIW

Scott

 

[JackMDS]

Link to: http://www.seattlewireless.net/index.cgi/OmniDirectionalAntenna

:sun:

 

[LotharJade]

You all rock!