Gain Antennas, are the worth it?

well, I've been considering getting a set due to the fact that I get about a half strength or less signal in my room.
So,my question is this, would a gain antenna be benificial, is it worth it, and is there a better solution?

thanks in advance for your help

Fry

 

I use a +9db high gain antenna on our DL DI524 wireless router. Had to get this to improve signal in my daughter's room. Signal has improved from 1-2 bars to 4-5 bars on a consistent level.

 

Well I know a few things you can do, its all a matter of what will work best for you and cost the least.

A new antena im not sure how much that will help or how much it cost but I do know:

> Certian routers are compatible with WRT firmware and part of that firmware allows you to boost your signal power.

> You can get cheap AP's and put them in repeater mode, I just got one for 50$ but they are cheaper than that even seen some in the 25$ range on sale. As a repeater it will pick up your old signal and rebroadcast it.

> There are some intresting devices like one that plugs into your wall and sends the singal thru your electric system in your house, forget the name of it, works great esp for really harsh areas like a basement, but it was pretty expensive.

 

I think I missed something, what's an AP?

 

Access point

 

some routers have the same function too.

 

what funtion, the repeater mode?
I can get a gain antenna for ~$40, that is provided it is compatable with my router. How can I tell if it has this repeater mode, if it is able to boost the signal by itself?

 

if the one you have now does repeater mode that does you no good. What that means is you put a AP/Router with repeater mode somewhere between you and the original wirless connection.

It will take the signal and repeat it, sending it back out from the closer point. Just think if you could place your router closer to you instead of where it is at, or having the signal come from more than one point.

If your router is compatible with the wrt software, it should give you an option to boost the signal power. Thats something you can do without buying anything. Post up your router model and stuff and one of us can see if its compatible with the software.

 

I have a westell1725 wirerless router/modem.
is there anything else I should post?

 

No thats fine, I dont think that is compatible with the 3rd part dd-wrt software.

So now you just have to decide if you want the better antena or a 2nd source for the signal with a 2nd AP.

If you already have found the attena thats probably better for you. No need to go thru the hassle of setting up a repeater or dealing with finding a good place for it and stuff.

 

well, I did find an antenna, but I'm not sure it will be compatable. Are all antennas universal or do I have to find one that is suitable for my particular router?

 

I think your router has to support an upgradable antenna... not sure tho im setting up my first wirless network myself sometime here shortly. You will have to wait for one of the more wireless knowledgabe guys to come answer.

 

well, I suppose all I can do is wait.
good luck with setting up your network, and may you have better luck that I did when I set up my first wireless network.

 

Check the antenna connector of your wireless router. There are 2 types - SMA and TNC. Make sure you get an antenna with the correct connector.

 

how do I tell the difference? will it be label, or will I just have to know what they look like?

 

Here's a good link to check out. The antenna's are properly labeled if it has the SMA or TNC connector. Fairly easy to figure out the connector type your router has...visually

http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/rubber_duck_antenna.php#24

 

Thanks fry, I think my setup should be pretty easy, just going to plug it into my exsisting wired network and use it as a wireless AP, so for the most part plug and play. Then need to tweak it for security I guess. For that I just plan to turn off the broadcasting fuction and then nobody should be able to see/use my wireless but me.

 

thanks, I'll look at it tomorrow. I need to get some sleep now.

 

I took a look at that site you gave me, but I couldn't find one that looked exactly like the ones I have.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY8Wi7XRXCA

infinite solutions.

 

Check the frequency of your router. I believe most are on 2.4ghz. Then check if the antenna connector of your router is SMA or TNC. The site has antennas ranging from 1dbi to 9dbi gain - both SMA and TNC.

 

How do you check to see if it is SMA or TNC. I really am all thumbs when it comes to network hardware.

 

This link may help you http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/connectors.php

You manual may tell you too.

 

It's a female thread on the antenna with this hole in the center for the copper wire to connect.
I'm not exactly sure which it is but I've narrowed it down to SMA or TNA.

 

Most are using SMA, RevSMA and a few are using the larger TNA.

 

EVERY ROUTER is technically capable of utilizing a high power antenna it just depends how much work you want to do if it doesnt come with a removable one.. but they can all be opened up and soldered to the board or use a pigtail to mount a external antenna..

i have found the three best choices/cost wise imo

the buffalo whr-hp-g54
the buffalo whr-g54s
and the linksys wrt gl model

cost / performance wise with aftermarket firmware these cant be beat for range. the hp model of the buffalo uses a second amplified circuit internally thus the hp or high power rating..

 

well from what your replies are telling me, it's a SMA. Thank you all for your help. If I can ever get the money, I will buy some. till then I'll stick with what I have.