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Wireless Router Antenna Suggestions

Gunslinger08

Gunslinger08

Lifer
I've built a wireless network at a mechanic shop/garage, with one of the computers being in a separate building from the router. It's about 75 feet away from the router (802.11g), and probably 6 or 7 feet lower in elevation. There are 2 walls separating the computer from the router. The computer gets very low/no connectivity to the router. Would this be a good application for an omnidirectional antenna, or should I get a directional one and point it straight towards the computer? The router (Linksys WRT54G) has two antennas, so replacing one with a directional antenna shouldn't affect the other computers, right?

Also, where can I buy these antennas?
 
Well, the answer to this totally depends on the other machines that are/are going to be installed on this network.

If you are going to have other machines around such as laptops and everything you may want to look at an omnidirectional to allow everyone to be able to connect... If the 'problem machine' is the only one connecting to this network then I would only suggest a directional antenna.

Now you have a few choices... Since the Linksys router has two antennas on it you can leave one alone for the machines that are near the router... hook a directional up to the other side and aim it directly at the machine that you want to have on the network... IF you notice you are still having problems connecting you can also purchase another directional antenna and aim it directly at the router. Now you will have them meeting in the middle.

Another choice that you have is to setup a directional antenna on the machine that is not getting signal, and an omnidirectional antenna on the router. This gives you more flex space for "aim" while trying to shoot it directly at the other antenna.


In my situation I have an omnidirectional at my base, and directional hooked at the other locations aimed at the base station and it seems to be working just fine.

- As for purchasing these there are many places. Newegg may sell them, or Bestbuy... I live in Canada and have purchased all of mine at Staples/Business Depot.

Good luck!
 
An Indoor Antenna approach to Entry Level Wireless Hardware is "Iffy" at best.

If you can get/borrow an Antenna to experiment try, otherwise, the Pro way is to lay one wire and use a second Access Point (or a Wireless cable/DSL Router as an access Point, or to use WDS system, Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ).

Money wise it does Not matter since an inexpensive Wireless Cable/DSL Router cost about the same or less than a good Antenna.

The best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Envioroment.
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 envioroment 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.

:sun:
 
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