Wireless antenna question

[PurdueRy]

I have a US robotics wireless card and get fluctuations between low and Very good reception from the receiver. I was wondering if these extra add on antennas you can buy help at all. Specifically the US robotics 5dB gain antenna available at most stores for $20. Any thoughts?

 

[ScottMac]

If the fluctuations are happening without anyone / anything moving around, then the problem is interference (signal quality), not signal strength.

If that's the case, then adding a higher gain antenna probably won't help (it will apply the gain to the interference as well as the desired signal).

You might do better to try other channels. If you download and run NetStumbler (it's free) and run it, it'll give you an idea of the signals & interference for your location.

Select the least used / least interfered-with from channels 1, 6, or 11. These three channels ( in North America) are the only ones that don't overlap each other. If you pick something between 1, 6, or 11, then you'll get interference from both sides (as well as any other traffic on the channel).

Good Luck

Scott

 

[feelingshorter]

buying another antenna does work but not as good as making your own tin parabolic disc type thing...I dont know what its called but google "wireless range extender". Sooner or later you will find a website that tells you how to make these thing that you can put on ur current antenna that actualy works better than retail antennas that cost 30-40 dollars.

 

[clarkmo]

Reading up on it now Text

 

[JackMDS]

Directional Antenna boosts the signal, but as the name is suggesting it is doing so by directing the signal. I.e. if one needs General local coverage, directional Antenna might not be the solution.

Making your own directional Antenna would save some money, however, in most cases, a commercially made antenna of the same type is probably better.

There are few methods to extend the range of a Wireless system. The best method depends on the specific situation and not on the Exotic nature of the solution.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

In general, the best Method involves using multiple units connect with wire to the source.

Or WDS ( Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) system using Hardware of one Brand across the board.

:sun:

 

[clarkmo]

Yes, but nowhere as near as much fun as this Text
pic

 

[feelingshorter]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Directional Antenna boosts the signal, but as the name is suggesting it is doing so by directing the signal. I.e. if one needs General local coverage, directional Antenna might not be the solution.

Making your own directional Antenna would save some money, however, in most cases, a commercially made antenna of the same type is probably better.

There are few methods to extend the range of a Wireless system. The best method depends on the specific situation and not on the Exotic nature of the solution.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

In general, the best Method involves using multiple units connect with wire to the source.

Or WDS ( Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) system using Hardware of one Brand across the board.

:sun:

actualy thats only if you want to put your antenna on the router, im talking about putting the antenna on the wireless card from your PC. Difference? Yes. Thats just my case since my router, a linksys wrt54GS, has the option to boost signal strength up to 281mw from the legal limit of 42mw. Gotta use 3rd party firmware but it works. Its obviously a bad idea to use a directional antenna when you have multiple computers in the house all in different directions so thats why you gotta put the directional antenna on your adapter.