WiFi Access range extention?

[NavJitsU4]

I've been using the internet by connecting to my friend's AP; he lives down my street. The only problem is that the connection is not stable, i.e. connection drops, very low signal, can't find IP etc... but there are also good days when it connects just fine and i even get a good signal, by the way I am using a 22mbps D-Link USB adapter. However, i'm getting really tired of running around the house trying to find a good signal! So, i decided that its time for me to by a PCI card and get an antenna but I am not sure what kinda antenna would be best for me; what is the difference between a Cantenna and a YAGI antenna?

Currently I'm considering buying a cantenna; I hear that the shorter the length of the can the greater gain.. not entirely sure about that thou. I know that i can construct a cantenna of my own, but i rather get one of these, they look a lot cooler than something i could prolly cook up!

Cantenna

Any help/suggestions etc.. is appreciated

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I've actually used the Cantenna a couple of places, they work pretty well for the price. Keep the pigtail connecting the antenna to the WiFi device as short as possible, the longer the lead, the greater the signal loss. The Cantenna and the Yagi are both directional antennas, it really depends in the specific design of the Yagi as to the gain you'd get.

 

[ktwebb]

Cantennas are "homemade" yagis, though the link you gave looks like a better solution than most homemade directionals from cans. Looks don't mean awhole lot but it does look like there was some thought put into that design and materials. Not to mention 12 dBi is alot of juice. Since they make the pigtails to go with them, and they use LMR100 (fine for the length they are advertising), I'd just get the entire setup from them. 40 bucks for a decent looking pigtail and high gain yagi, homemade or not, is a pretty good deal. Assuming it's done well, as it looks like it just may be. If your association is intermittant with the default 2-5 dBi omni, that sucker would probably lock you in tight.

 

[QueBert]

I had read some articles on making one of those out of a Pringles can. That one looks really nice. Does the lid come off? I'd love to be able to store some chips in there

Too bad I have a crummy USB 802.11b adapter. I might have to look into a PCI card + Cantenna

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I don't think WiFi has enough power to warm up the chips, you're wasting your time.

 

[NavJitsU4]

If your association is intermittant with the default 2-5 dBi omni, that sucker would probably lock you in tight.

ktwebb

So, as long as i have it poined in the general direction of the AP i should not loose the signal, what about strength, should I expect to see a gain?
what is the best kinda antenna solution i could get within 50$ ?

 

[ktwebb]

The one you linked sounds fine. 12 dBi is alot of gain. As far as pointing, point the antenna in the exact direction of the AP.