Hi-gain wireless network card

Davey_Pitch · 26-08-2008, 11:49

Anyone have any experience of these? I'm trying to connect Lynne's mum's PC to my wireless network (her PC is in the house next door), but the signal strength is so low that half the time I can't even see our network, never mind connect to it. I'm thinking that a hi-gain wireless USB device, such as this one might be good enough to get through the 2 external walls with a decent enough signal strength to connect properly.

Any ideas/suggestions?

leowyatt · 26-08-2008, 11:52

Would a powered ariel for yours be any good? or for her network card?

Daz · 26-08-2008, 11:58

I'm not sure if the same thinking should apply to home wireless, but we run a few WLANs in different environments (office, factory, retail etc) and when it comes to range it's all about the aerials on the APs, rather than the client devices. The job I was doing last weekend was ripping and replacing a big factory network - we didnt replace all the AP's, but we did replace all the aerials, and the range increase was staggering.

I'll ask our wireless guy what he buys and how much they are. Not really my field, I was here rejigging lots of radius and certificate stuff in the backend

Burble · 26-08-2008, 12:02

Yep, you need to look at boosting the output signal of the AP first. Whilst the company I work for sell a lot of wireless kit it's all long range (50Km or so) backhaul equipment rather than SoHo stuff but I'll see if there are any suitable antennas floating about.

What router/AP are you using? There might be some tweaks to increase the output power.

Davey_Pitch · 26-08-2008, 12:03

So you're thinking a better antenna for my router might be the way to go? I'll do a bit of Googling and see what I can find for it

Davey_Pitch · 26-08-2008, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burble

Yep, you need to look at boosting the output signal of the AP first. Whilst the company I work for sell a lot of wireless kit it's all long range (50Km or so) backhaul equipment rather than SoHo stuff but I'll see if there are any suitable antennas floating about.

What router/AP are you using? There might be some tweaks to increase the output power.

It's the Sagem F@ST 2504 that Sky have provided for me

Edit 1: On thinking, I can't recall that router having an antenna. I'll check when I get home.

Edit 2: Just realised I put this in the wrong forum. Can it be moved to the computer forum please

Mark · 26-08-2008, 12:45

I have that exact model wi-fi card here (it just happens to be one of the most Ubuntu-friendly USB cards out there, which is why I got it). If we can figure out postage etc., then I don't mind you borrowing it to see if it helps. I agree though that the AP is the prime target, and a Google image search suggests you're right about the Sagem not having an antenna. That would be my prime target.

Burble · 26-08-2008, 13:21

It will have an antenna, but it'll be internal which makes upgrading the antenna a bit of a chore!

Davey_Pitch · 26-08-2008, 14:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burble

It will have an antenna, but it'll be internal which makes upgrading the antenna a bit of a chore!

Screwdriver and voiding warranty job? Not a problem having a go if I can do it without leaving any evidence should I accidentily kill it

Mark, thanks very much for the offer, I may well take you up on it, and of course cover postage. I'll let you know

Burble · 26-08-2008, 14:15

Screwdriver and possibly a soldering iron job of the existing antenna is soldered onto the board which considering it's internal wouldn't surprise me.

26-08-2008, 11:49	#1
Davey_Pitch I iz speshul Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Liverpool Posts: 6,296	Hi-gain wireless network card Anyone have any experience of these? I'm trying to connect Lynne's mum's PC to my wireless network (her PC is in the house next door), but the signal strength is so low that half the time I can't even see our network, never mind connect to it. I'm thinking that a hi-gain wireless USB device, such as this one might be good enough to get through the 2 external walls with a decent enough signal strength to connect properly. Any ideas/suggestions? __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

26-08-2008, 11:52	#2
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	Would a powered ariel for yours be any good? or for her network card? __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!"

26-08-2008, 11:58	#3
Daz The Stig Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Swad! Posts: 10,713	I'm not sure if the same thinking should apply to home wireless, but we run a few WLANs in different environments (office, factory, retail etc) and when it comes to range it's all about the aerials on the APs, rather than the client devices. The job I was doing last weekend was ripping and replacing a big factory network - we didnt replace all the AP's, but we did replace all the aerials, and the range increase was staggering. I'll ask our wireless guy what he buys and how much they are. Not really my field, I was here rejigging lots of radius and certificate stuff in the backend __________________ apt-get moo

26-08-2008, 12:03	#5
Davey_Pitch I iz speshul Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Liverpool Posts: 6,296	So you're thinking a better antenna for my router might be the way to go? I'll do a bit of Googling and see what I can find for it __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

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26-08-2008, 12:02	#4
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	Yep, you need to look at boosting the output signal of the AP first. Whilst the company I work for sell a lot of wireless kit it's all long range (50Km or so) backhaul equipment rather than SoHo stuff but I'll see if there are any suitable antennas floating about. What router/AP are you using? There might be some tweaks to increase the output power.

26-08-2008, 12:45	#7
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	I have that exact model wi-fi card here (it just happens to be one of the most Ubuntu-friendly USB cards out there, which is why I got it). If we can figure out postage etc., then I don't mind you borrowing it to see if it helps. I agree though that the AP is the prime target, and a Google image search suggests you're right about the Sagem not having an antenna. That would be my prime target.

26-08-2008, 13:21	#8
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	It will have an antenna, but it'll be internal which makes upgrading the antenna a bit of a chore!

26-08-2008, 14:15	#10
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	Screwdriver and possibly a soldering iron job of the existing antenna is soldered onto the board which considering it's internal wouldn't surprise me.