What is a good external antenna?

[p0ntif]

Can anyone refer me to a good review of external wireless antennas?
Or can anyone make any good suggestions? I'd like to add 3-4 bars to my received signal strength. Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

Omni Directional or Uni Directional?

What it is going to conncet to?

What are the general condition of the setting?

:sun:

 

[promposive]

I have used a lot of antennas from this ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-TechWireless-Group

and have been 100% satisfied.

Just remember, placement is (sometimes) more important than the antenna.

 

[p0ntif]

I want to get a better signal all ar/ound for a relatively portable computer (not a laptop, but can be moved and situated somewhat). I don't know if omni directional is a better solution that unidirectional. If it is unidirectional, do I just point it at the WAP? What is the angle of play with that? Does it have to be spot on, or can I be off by 15-30 degrees? Am I missing the point? Does it offer much benefit over unidirectional? My signal is connectable, but it is very low and patchy, which means I have to either lug my computer closer to the WAP (not what I want to do obviously) or get an external antenna, and position it appropriately. It is connecting to a belkin wireless router (the pre-n one) and it is going from one wood building to another (across about 200 ft of vegetation and trees).

 

[JackMDS]

Thank you for clarifying. I am glad that I was asking instead of sending you to buy an Antenna because I know of places that sells Antennae.

Bridging 200 feet through Vegetation is Not a picnic and might be that No matter what you do it will not work unless you creating a direct line of sight.

However if you are willing to try.

A Directional Antenna is Not an easy ?Luggable? device and you have to put it in Windows facing the Wireless source. Therefore, you cannot put it on a computer inside the room and ?schlep? it around.

That means that you have to buy a good directional Antenna like this, (http://www.cantenna.com/ ), and install it on a Windows facing the Wireless source while connecting it to a Wireless Router/Access Point that can do WDS and provide a signal to the remote computer. (The whole thing should cost around $100).

This page describes few scenarios for Bridging. Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

This page explains about WDS and other Wireless modes. Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

:sun:

 

[p0ntif]

Thanks Jack, Would an outdoor antenna be an option? perhaps help a bit?

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah, Outdoor would be even better.

However you have to take into consideration that outdoor antenna has to be protected so it would not turn into a Lighting Rod.

:sun:

 

[p0ntif]

Thanks for all your help!


Got any reccomendations for a good outdoor antenna?

 

[JackMDS]

The Antenna is connected via coax cable. Take into consideration that 2.4GHz coax cable looses the signal fast. I.e. if you install and external Antenna you have to install it in away that the receiving unit (AP) is no more than 6? away otherwise you would lose in the coax what you gain with the Antenna.

Antennas are rated in dbi you want a unidirectional that is about 8dbi (or better). So choose an Antenna that fit your specific environment and the physical nature of the installation.

This is an example, Good Antenna and good price.
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/antennas/2.4gig/2.4-backfire-echo.php

:sun: