To strengthen the signal wi-fi router oh, you can use different ways, from settings wireless connection before installing a primitive reflector or purchasing a repeater. But before purchasing additional equipment or making reflective screens, you need to understand what factors affect the signal range.

What determines the size of the coverage area?

The range of a Wi-Fi signal is influenced by a number of factors:

• Incorrect router location.
• The presence of walls in the signal path, their material.
• Interference from other devices operating on the same frequency.
• Number of wireless networks around.
• Antenna power, etc.

For example, if you place the router in the farthest corner of an apartment, then the signal on the tablet through a couple of walls will be noticeably weaker than on a laptop that is located in the same room as the router. In addition, if the device detects many neighboring access points, this also affects the signal quality - wireless networks intersect, creating interference.

These shortcomings can be eliminated at home without any special financial costs, but if you want a real increase in coverage area, or you just have a large house with several floors, then the best way The signal will be strengthened by purchasing a repeater. But first, let's see what can be done without purchasing additional equipment.

Setting up the router

If you purchased a router and found that it cannot cope with the coverage of your apartment or house, then do not rush to buy another router or wi-fi signal repeater. Try setting it up wireless network– for example, find more free channel. The more wireless networks that use the same channel, the weaker the signal. Use inSSIder to find the least busy channel.

1. Launch the program and click "Start Scan".
2. See what channels are occupied by your neighbors' routers.

The channels partially overlap, so you won’t be able to stay alone. But if everyone has channel 1, and you set it to 8, then the influence will be minimal. To change the channel:

1. Open the router’s web interface in a browser (the address, login and password must be indicated on the case).
2. Go to the main section Wi-Fi settings and indicate the free channel number.

In the router interface, you can select 12 and 13 channels, but if you want maximum compatibility with devices, then set the value from 1 to 11. Some devices do not support 12 and 13 channels, so, for example, on Android the wireless network simply will not be detected .

Another way to strengthen signal reception on your phone is to set the 802.11N operating mode in the router settings. Most routers have a mixed mode of 11bgn mixed by default, but if you force the broadcast to N, the coverage area and speed of the Internet distributed over the wireless network will increase.

1. Open the router interface in a browser. Go to the section with wireless network settings.
2. Select 802.11 N mode and save the configuration.

Unfortunately, there are limitations here too. Older devices do not support 802.11 N mode, so it will not be possible to detect an access point on them. In this case, you will have to set the mixed operating mode back, which will negatively affect the quality of the signal. On some routers, you can additionally increase the transmission power. On D-link this is done like this:

1. Open the web interface, go to advanced settings.
2. In the "Wi-Fi" field, go to additional settings.
3. Set TX power to 100.

Usually the default is the maximum value, but it’s better to check this point. On ASUS and TP-link routers, the order will be slightly different, but the essence remains the same - you need to specify the maximum possible transmission power.

Using additional equipment

You can find it on Youtube different variants designing amplifiers and reflectors that users make with their own hands. Silver-plated mirrors, foil and even cut tin cans are used. The principle of operation of the reflector is simple: the signal from the antenna does not diverge in all directions, but receives a specific direction.

But if you want to significantly increase your coverage area, you should consider using special equipment. Three options can be offered:

• Buying a new router operating at a relatively free frequency of 5 GHz.
• Purchasing more powerful antennas (suitable if the router has removable external antennas).
• Wi-Fi installation repeater

The best option is to install a repeater, although buying a new router is also a good idea. Replacing the antennas will work, but the effect will be less. In addition, really powerful antennas are not cheap, so it is more profitable to take a repeater or boost the signal using another router operating in repeater mode.

The repeater does not create a second network, but only amplifies the signal from the router. Let's say the router is in the room, but in the kitchen the wireless network is no longer available. If you install a repeater in the middle of the path, the signal will be strengthened and a wireless network will appear in the kitchen.

Setting up a repeater usually does not raise any questions and consists of simultaneously pressing the WPS buttons on both devices. It is important that you will not notice that the laptop or phone is connected to the repeater and not to the router: the network still remains alone, that is, you can easily establish a local connection.

It is not necessary to buy a repeater: if you have a second router, you can configure it to operate in repeater mode. Let's see how this is done using ASUS network equipment as an example:

Not all routers can operate in repeater mode. But if the interface has the ability to enable repeater mode, then there will be no problems with indoor wireless network coverage, because a combination of two devices will provide a signal to all corners of the house.

Nowadays it is difficult to find a smartphone, laptop or tablet that does not support wireless networks - Wi-Fi. Not only them, but also many modern household appliances can be connected to the network. Even multicookers are connected to Wi-Fi, so it is important to ensure good reception in all corners of the apartment or house. But a significant problem is the excess of wireless networks. In this article we will look at how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router with your own hands.

Reasons for a bad signal

Before we consider ways to strengthen the signal, we will talk about the reasons for its fading. The main ones include:

1. Wall material. The most common problem is a significant difference in signal levels in different rooms of an apartment with concrete walls.
2. Router location. In order for the Wi-Fi signal to be uniform over the entire intended coverage area, you need to place it in a place equidistant from all the far corners of the coverage area. Otherwise, every wall, cabinet, shelf or other piece of furniture will degrade the Wi-Fi signal.
3. Antenna gain. Cheap wifi routers usually have one 3 dbi antenna installed - this is a rather weak option.
4. Incorrect router settings.
5. Bad Wi-Fi receivers.
6. Many networks running in parallel.

How to strengthen Wi-Fi

Now that we already know what leads to deterioration in the propagation and reception of a Wi-Fi signal, let's look at each problem and its solution separately. To strengthen Wi-Fi you need:

1. Find the ideal place to install your router.
2. Set its operating mode.
3. Replace the antennas with more powerful ones.
4. Install reflectors.
5. Install repeaters or strengthen the network with another router.

Correct location of the router

If you want to boost your Wi-Fi signal, before you do anything, make sure your router is positioned correctly and minimize sources of interference and reflections. The router must be located so that a normal signal level is provided in each room.

If you have chosen the optimal place, but did not get the desired results, pay attention to the recommendations:

1. Microwave ovens, remote controls remote control and other equipment operating at high frequencies, in particular 2.4 GHz. If such equipment is located nearby, move either it or the router.
2. Neighborhood Wi-Fi. You can improve the situation slightly if you install the router in a place where the signal level is the lowest. You can determine this if you walk around your apartment with your smartphone and pay attention to the level of signal reception from your neighbors. You need to install the router where all signals will have the lowest level. The Wifi Analyzer program for Android will help you with this.

Configuring the router correctly

Before you run to the store for a new antenna, Wi-Fi receiver or router, let's go to the settings and check what parameters are set there. To do this you need to address bar browser, enter the address of the router, usually it is indicated on a sheet pasted on its bottom. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1

First of all, you need to look at the standard in which it operates. In different models of Wi-Fi equipment, settings and web interfaces differ significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, we will try to give general recommendations.

You need to connect to the router via the web interface and find the list of modes. Their names begin with the numbers 802.11, followed by letters, for example, 802.11b/g/n. To strengthen the router’s Wi-Fi signal, you need to select the item with the type name:

802.11n only

You should already see an increase in the Wi-Fi signal.

After this, you can try to increase the transmitter power; to do this, look in the settings for an item called transmit power type. It can be specified either as a percentage or as:

• High;
• Medium;

In any case, you need to set the maximum possible percentage value closer to 100% or High.

We have completed the basic settings for signal amplification. Now let's check the computer. If you have a laptop, check your power mode settings. In power saving mode, the signal gain from the built-in receiver is reduced, which causes problems with unstable connections and reduced speed. Set the mode to "normal" or "high performance".

Duplicate the network

If you need Wi-Fi reception at 100 meters or more, then you won’t achieve this with a regular router. Their coverage range also depends on the number of obstacles, transmitter power and antenna gain. On average you can count on 30-50 meters. The easiest way to strengthen the signal is to install a Wi-Fi repeater. This is a signal repeater that simply plugs into an outlet.

The outlet should be located in an area where the signal is not too bad, but not next to the router. You can amplify the signal with one or two repeaters to obtain a larger coverage area. But you need to configure it - select a network and enter a password for it. This reception distance is often required in a private home in order to have a signal in the yard.

The second way is to increase coverage with another router. Some models support operation in repeater mode. This can also be done by connecting the first and second routers with a simple network cable with rj-45 type plugs, as you would do when connecting the cable to network card computer.

Upgrading or changing the antenna

If the router does not have an antenna, then the only way amplification - software, optimal settings we have already considered. The next option to boost your Wi-Fi signal is to experiment with antennas.

Experiments could be as follows:

If you are a fan of constructing something, then a biquad antenna can help to strengthen the signal for Wi-Fi reception at 200 meters; its drawing is shown in the figure below:

And this antenna, a Wi-Fi gun, will help transmit the Internet over 1 km or more (depending on the installation height and the accuracy of the signal direction). Its developer claims that he managed to achieve reception at a distance of up to 10 km.

In this way, it is possible to organize communication between houses remote from each other, or an apartment and a dacha, for example.

Important! It is not correct to talk about the range of the antenna. This figure depends not only on its design, but also on the installation location, the number of obstacles, and, importantly, the antenna of the device that will receive the signal. If in the field a regular router with a standard antenna can transmit a signal over 50-100 meters, then in concrete buildings there are problems with communication when moving to the next room.

We looked at the main available methods to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router, as well as increase the coverage area. If you follow all the recommendations, you will achieve an improved signal, but you need to take into account the quality and serviceability of all equipment. For example, if after all the manipulations done, the quality of signal reception on the phone leaves much to be desired, it may be due to a weak Wi-Fi module and built-in antenna.

Materials

Living in a spacious apartment is undoubtedly good, but the problem is that the larger the room, the more difficult it is to ensure that the Wi-Fi signal covers it entirely. The main “evil” here is concrete walls. It is they, the insidious interior partitions, that prevent you from freely using the Internet.

Do you want to solve the problem radically? Set aside the sledgehammer and hammer drill. Today we’ll talk about how to boost your router’s signal using twelve proven methods without destroying your home.

The first group of methods: fast, simple, without risk

Updating the router firmware

A low Wi-Fi signal level may be a firmware bug. To solve the problem, it is often enough to install a more recent version by downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.

Select a free channel

In apartment buildings and large office centers, the channel wireless communication that your network is using may be overloaded. This is indicated by dips and frequent dropouts of the Wi-Fi signal, as well as repeated failures when trying to connect to your own access point.

Changing the channel in the router settings will help solve the problem.

You can select the most free one either experimentally or with the help of free application inSSIder, which shows all Wi-Fi users in the computer’s visibility range and what channels they are on.

Optimal placement of the router in the apartment

The question of where it is best to place the router cannot be answered unambiguously. The layout of the rooms, and the appliances themselves, are different for everyone. The optimal location is considered to be the center of the apartment, but not always and not for everyone, so it will be better if you experiment a little.

You definitely shouldn’t place the router close to heat sources. The reason for the deterioration of the performance of some models, especially those prone to overheating, is an excessively hot “climate”.

Wi-Fi signal can be turned off Appliances(electric stoves, microwaves, radiotelephones, “frost-free” refrigerators) and power cables (even those laid inside the walls), so try to make sure that there is nothing like that on the path between the access point and the “dead” zone in the apartment (the place where the signal does not penetrate). It is also advisable to remove mirrors, aquariums and other objects with reflective surfaces from there.

Blocking access to the network to arrogant neighbors

Too simple - a temptation for not too honest people to use your network. If some cunning “hacker” has connected to your access point and is playing online games (watching movies, downloading torrents, sitting in video chats), problems with Internet speed are guaranteed.

To check if this is the case, look in the router settings. The presence of uninvited guests on the list is a reason to immediately change the password to a more complex one and prohibit unauthorized connections by filtering MAC addresses.

If a “particularly advanced hacker” is interested in your network, then bypassing a tricky password is not a problem for him, nor is masking the MAC addresses of his devices. In this case, it is best to create a filtering rule that allows only your PCs and gadgets to connect to the access point and denies everyone else.

Some routers have one unpleasant property: the longer they work, the more the Wi-Fi signal level decreases. After a reboot, the signal is restored, lasts 1-2 days and drops again.

If the device is in an accessible place, simply reboot it as often as necessary. For those who do not have such an opportunity (or desire), methods have been invented to automatically reboot routers on a schedule. Scripts designed for this are often posted on forums dedicated to networks and network devices. However, they are not created by device manufacturers, but by third-party developers, so I cannot guarantee their functionality.

There are also hardware solutions to this problem. For example, adapters for sockets with a timer (they turn off the power to the connected device at a specified time) or IP sockets (“pingers”) that control availability network devices and if there is no response from any of them, the access point is restarted. The price of such devices is approximately $5 to $50.

Transition to 5 GHz frequency and 802.11n/ac standard

If your access point operates in two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), switch to the 5 GHz frequency. Few people use it yet, so it is practically free.

Also, if possible, disconnect devices that operate according to 802.11a/b/g standards from the network - their low speed reception and transmission slows down the entire network.

Increasing transmitter power

Most modern routers support changing the transmitter power. On some, it is set to medium by default. Switching to high often solves the problem of short radio range.

Second group of methods: with moderate costs and effort

Replacing access point antennas with more powerful ones

If your router is equipped with removable antennas (or non-removable ones, but you are “friendly” with a soldering iron, and the device is not under warranty), you can replace them with longer-range ones. The antenna gain of the majority of home routers is 2-5 dBi. Instead, you can set it to 7-10 dBi.

Making a homemade amplifier

A tin can, a little wire, foil and the ability to work with your hands is almost all you need to create homemade amplifier Wi-Fi. I don’t know for sure how much such devices amplify the signal, but many craftsmen claim that it’s not bad. If you don’t mind that the device will not look very aesthetically pleasing, why not try to make it? Manufacturing instructions are easy to find on the Internet.

Third group of methods: with significant costs or risk

Installing alternative DD-WRT firmware

The DD-WRT firmware can significantly expand the capabilities of a home router, including increasing the transmitter power to the permissible maximum and strengthening the Wi-Fi signal. DD-WRT supports a device that extends Wi-Fi coverage by several tens or hundreds of meters by receiving a signal from an access point. The solution is convenient and simple, but not at all budget-friendly. The cost of such a device is approximately 2/3 the price of an average router, and sometimes more.

By the way, you can use another router as a repeater if you have one.

Buying a more modern and powerful router

This method is the most effective, but also the most expensive. Choose a new router from 802.11ac class models with dual-band support - they are by far the fastest and will be relevant for at least the next 5-7 years.

I hope at least one of the 12 methods will be useful to you. Happy experimenting!

A weak signal from a home router in an urban environment is no longer news, but every active network user has faced the question of how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of a home router. There are several reasons for such problems with reception, these are: malfunctions of the device itself, interference created by other electrical appliances operating in the house, and other reasons. It should be recalled that there are no less ways to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal on a router; the services of a specialist are not needed.

Often, the transmitter power of a router is adversely affected by electrical appliances located nearby. For example, microwave ovens, Cell phones with powerful electromagnetic radiation. Boost signal wifi router It’s simple if you place the equipment away from each other.

The router needs an open space that is freely accessible, not behind a closet or sofa. If for some reason the microwave is located close to the router, you need to strengthen the signal using a second router (additional). It's a win-win.

Strengthening the signal in the router settings

In most cases, this, of course, does not solve the problem, and the signal is still rather weak. The ability to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of your router is in the device and its settings. The signal of insufficient strength is “designed” in the default home router settings; this happens due to the reluctance of users to change them individually for themselves. I often don’t want to tinker with the settings, read anything, or delve into the process. Therein lies the problem. Neighbors living across the wall think the same thing, and their devices located nearby operate at the same frequency, which leads to system slowdown.

Increasing the router's transmission power

You can improve a weak signal by increasing the transmit power of your home router. True, regulators are not installed on all devices and it is recommended to do this only if other methods do not help. Uncontrolled intervention in the system may damage or overheat the device. Therefore, before resorting to this method, you should carefully read the instructions (after all, read them), remember that the power indicator should not exceed 45 mW. And improve the signal strength as follows:

1. In the settings, open the “Advanced network settings” section.
2. Go to the perimeter Wireless Transmit Power – “Transmission power”.
3. Values ​​are expressed either in “%”, or High – high, Medium – average, Low – low.
4. In the first case, you need to increase it to the maximum: 100%.
5. In the second, select “High” and set the value to “20”.

Changing the channel to free

It is also possible to strengthen a weak Wi-Fi signal by switching to a free transmission channel. If the router is configured by default, there is a high probability that no actions were applied to the neighbors in this direction. This is one of the most common reasons for slow network speed. Being on the same channel with devices located nearby, its radius is significantly reduced. In order to increase communication speed, it is recommended to select several options for changing the channel:

• In the network settings, set the router to “Auto mode”.
• In the same settings, set one of the static channels.
• Use programs like inSSIDer or Acrylic that monitor free channels.

Changing the router broadcast mode

How to strengthen a weak signal from a wi-fi router in the settings is not so difficult to figure out. All that is needed is to change the existing standard of wireless networks, which usually operate in b/g/n mode. The new devices are configured according to the modern standard – 802.11ac, which is considered the most advanced. However, the outdated 802.11n is capable of increasing both the transmission speed and the network coverage range. But this will not work if the wireless router only has one antenna, or it does not support these standards.

Switching the network to the new-old mode is simple:

1. Go to the settings at the router address: 192.168.1.1.
2. Open the Wireless section – “Wireless network.
3. Go to Mode – “Wireless Network Mode.”
4. In it, select the value N only – Save – “Save”.
5. All that remains is to reboot.

Strengthening with additional devices

You can strengthen the router's signal by taking advantage of the capabilities of other devices specially created for this purpose. Additional antennas, amplifiers, and adapters will help to significantly increase the range and range if your home router has USB ports. Often these options are more effective than other means, especially in the case of outdated wireless devices.

Replacing the Standard Antenna

If the router has a removable antenna, replace it with a more powerful one. Although slightly, the range of the network increases. This is, of course, not the best option. The effect of such changes is insignificant, but when other methods do not help, this one becomes an alternative.

One of best antennas for wi-fi routers, TP-Link is considered: high-quality and relatively inexpensive. But not suitable for all devices of this type. For the result to be noticeable, you need to choose an antenna that has a gain of at least 8 dBi.

Installing another antenna or even two will help strengthen the router’s wi-fi signal, but this is only possible if the device itself supports them.

Installing a wi-fi amplifier (booster)

Strengthening the signal of a home router is possible using repeaters such as Range Extender Booster. These are good Wi-Fi signal amplifiers with superior antenna performance capabilities, and are cheaper. Other benefits of the booster:

• Suitable for all broadcast mode standards.
• Improves and expands the signal up to the edge of the coverage area.
• Supports the power of wireless devices from 2.4 GHz.
• Boosts transmission speed up to a maximum of 300 Mbps.
• Stable, safe to use.

Repeater installation

Repeater (repeater) is another signal amplifier, similar in principle to a booster, but much inferior to it. The repeater is capable of significantly increasing the signal, but this is where its capabilities end. And the booster, in addition, is able to expand the reception range. By the way, there is no need to buy this device; another router can act as such a repeater.

There are other ways to boost the signal. This may be possible using laptop settings or using improvised means or making an antenna yourself. It is possible to amplify a router without an antenna if you follow simple rules:

• Set it high.
• Do not place near flat metal objects.
• Avoid radio interference.

Setting up the receiver on a laptop or computer

Few people have thought about how to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal on a personal laptop and whether this is even possible. The solution to a problem, unnoticed by anyone, often lies on the surface. Often, users put their laptop into power saving mode to save battery power. At home, this is of no use, since the beech can be easily connected to the power supply at any time, but Wi-Fi networks “lose” significantly due to this, hence the weak signal. To strengthen it, just change the power settings:

1. Open "Control Panel".
2. Go to the “Electrical control” section.
3. Select "High Performance".

Homemade antennas

How to slightly strengthen the signal of a wi-fi router with my own hands without resorting to standard means, many people know. What is typical is that the methods work. Increasing the range of the device is possible by making unique wi-fi repeater repeaters with your own hands. This does not require anything special: the manufacturing scheme is quite simple. You need to take a piece of foil or cut an empty tin can, give it a curved shape and install it behind the router, preferably near the wall, artificially creating a directed wave. By reducing the angle, the waves are reflected from the surface of the improvised antenna, the signal is slightly amplified.

Replacing the router

If none of the suggestions help, then the problem lies in the device itself. In this case, there is only one thing left: replacing the wireless router.

Actually, after this, problems are eliminated provided that users do not skimp on the purchase, otherwise they will again have to look for the cause from the outside or do “handicrafts.” It is better to purchase a modern Wi-Fi router that supports operation at a frequency of 5 GHz, then you can forget about a weak signal once and for all.

Conclusion

Strengthening the signal of a router in an apartment with your own hands is an activity that does not require any special knowledge. You just need to delve into these recommendations and it will become clear that doing this at home is as easy as shelling pears.

"We have already created a fast, hacker-proof wireless network. It's time to increase its range.

Wireless networks of IEEE-802.11 standards are becoming increasingly widespread. However, many users and system administrators face problems covering their office or home with reliable communication. The worse the signal reception quality on the client’s computer, the lower the speed the connection will be established. This means that you completely lose speed, which could be higher. Another problem is providing stable communications for users on long distance from the access point. In both cases, before system administrator or a home user will have a very specific task: they need to make sure that the signal is received more confidently and at the highest possible level. It would seem that for this it is enough just to find network adapter or an access point with increased power - and the problem will be solved. But in the case of wireless networks, we are dealing with radio broadcasts, the use of which is strictly regulated by the laws of the relevant countries. Here in Russia, a frequency range of 2400 - 2483.5 MHz has been defined for wireless networks, in which transmitters with a power of no more than 100 mW can operate. If you exceed the power, you can meet friendly inspectors from Gossvyaznadzor. I suspect that you will not want to get acquainted with them, but will want to increase the range of your wireless network in other ways. There are two such ways. The first is to install repeaters that will repeat your signal over some distance, creating a corridor for your wireless network. An access point in “Repeater” mode can also work as a repeater. This is not always convenient, because... Often it is not possible to supply power to the repeater, and it is quite expensive. Another method is easier to implement - you only need a special Wi-Fi antenna. We will now talk about what types of Wi-Fi antennas there are and which one you need.

How does an antenna amplify?

It is a mistake to assume that a transmitting antenna can amplify the signal. When transmitting a signal, a conventional passive antenna only directs the spectrum in a certain direction and, due to its area, provides more reliable reception. The antenna works like a light reflector in flashlights. It directs the spectrum in a given direction. For example, you need to cover a large room with a strong signal. A simple solution will place the access point in the center of the room, but unfortunately this may be due to technical difficulties. It is much easier to install an access point in one of the corners of the room and send the signal to the opposite corner. To do this, you will need a directional antenna that will not send the signal to the wall behind it, where no one will need it, but will distribute the spectrum over the area with greater efficiency.

However, one of the main characteristics of an antenna is its gain, expressed in decibels. The gain of such an antenna is the ratio of the signal power emitted in a certain direction to the signal power emitted by an ideal omnidirectional antenna. It should be noted that the gain characterizes the directionality of the signal, and not the increase in output power relative to the input (as the name might suggest), therefore this parameter often also called the directional coefficient. This parameter is directly related to the antenna radiation pattern.

Any pin omnidirectional antenna can be made into a directional one, for which it is enough to install a reflective screen. For this, either a sheet of foil or a simple tin can will do. But this is unethical, unaesthetic and not ideal. The industry today produces enough antennas for various applications in wireless networks. Let's consider Various types antennas using the example of equipment from a German company Level One.

So, it's time to increase the range of your wireless network. To install wireless networks, we used equipment from a German manufacturer, Level One. This equipment is distinguished by the fact that it comes with convenient utilities that allow the user to easily configure all WLAN parameters. Horses are not changed at the crossing, which means we will choose antennas from the assortment of the Level One company. Well, let's recall our test configuration.

Personal Computer. To avoid possible problems, we used a computer built on the barebone platform Shuttle SB75G2, a stable platform that has proven itself to be the best in terms of absence of interference.

Test computer configuration:

• Processor Intel Pentium 2.8 (800 MHz, Hyper-Threading, 512 Kb L2)
• Hard drive - Maxtor DiamondMax 9, 80 Gb, 7200 rpm
• Video card - Albatron GeForce FX 5700
• Operating system - Windows XP Pro + Service Pack 2

This computer was equipped with 1024 MB of DDR400 memory manufactured by OCZ.

The OCZ DDR400 memory of the PC3200 Titanium series has CL 2-3-2-5 timings and provides us with maximum performance ().

Laptop IRu Novia 3331W Combo. You can read the review of this laptop. This mobile computer, built on the Centrino platform, already has a built-in IEEE 802.11g Wi-Fi controller.

Network Level map One WNC-0300

USB controller Level One WNC-0301USB.

Access point WAP-0004

Antennas for indoor and outdoor use

You may need antennas for outdoor or indoor installations. It all depends on your requirements. Of course, if there is a need to cover your yard or the area in front of the office, you will need an antenna to external installation. Such antennas have a strong waterproof housing, protected from bad weather, gusts of wind and temperature changes. Such antennas have powerful brackets for mounting on masts or brackets and strong closed contacts.

Internal antennas are not protected from water, tea and coffee. They are compactly installed next to your monitor, on a bedside table or on the system unit. Such antennas are extremely convenient if your system unit stands under the table, where a significant part of the signal from the antenna of the built-in network controller will be damped. To increase the speed of the wireless network, lost due to poor signal quality, such an antenna must be installed at least on a desktop or mounted on a wall.

Directional antenna

This is perhaps the most common type of Wi-Fi antenna. Such antennas, as we have already said, are excellent for organizing a point-to-point network. If your computer must connect only to an access point or to another computer, use a directional antenna. In an office or at home, you can use this antenna to “break through” impenetrable walls, send a signal from a printer to a computer, or extend Wi-Fi to the garden of your summer cottage.

For outdoor installation, Level One offers the WAN-2118 Yagi antenna. This cylindrical antenna with a diameter of 89 mm and a length of 1000 mm is guided by its longitudinal axis like a pointing finger. The gain of Level One WAN-2118 is 18 dB.

The manufacturer promises reliable reception at a speed of 1 Mbit/s at a distance of up to 5 km, and at a speed of 54 Mbit/s - up to 1.5 km. Of course, such distances are not needed in an office, and tall employees will constantly bang their heads on such a meter-long antenna. Yagi antennas are usually very directional and are only suitable for connecting two stations or increasing the range of two connected stations. And don’t expect that with this antenna you will be able to connect the entire neighboring house.

For indoor use, it is more practical to use a panel-type antenna. Simply put, it is a flat rectangle emitting radio waves in one direction. The Level One WAN-1060 directional antenna has a gain of 6 dB and dimensions of 115x76x76 mm.

This gain will allow you to operate the network at a speed of 1 Mbit/s at a distance of up to 60 meters, and at a maximum speed of 54 Mbit/s at a distance of 25 meters.

If you can’t decide where to install the antenna, outside or inside the building, then feel free to buy the Level One WAN-2085 antenna. This is a universal directional antenna designed for both indoor and outdoor installation. Its dimensions, 120x120x43 mm, allow it to be installed both in a small meeting room and on the balcony of a house. And its gain is quite good - 8.5 dB.

With it, you can count on a confident 1 Mbit/s at a distance of 1200 m, and 54 Mbit/s if you do not move further than 350 meters.

Directional antennas - perfect option for connecting two points wirelessly Wi-Fi networks. For example, you and your friend live in neighboring houses, the windows of which look at each other. To connect via a wireless network, you will need two directional antennas pointing directly at each other.

The distance over which the signal can be transmitted depends only on the gain of your antenna. Some enthusiasts were able to transmit a signal for several tens of kilometers, so it would be much easier for two houses within sight to connect via Wi-Fi.

Omni-directional antennas

Omnidirectional antennas are the main type of antennas used in wireless networking equipment. Omnidirectional antennas evenly cover the territory throughout the entire range. If you have a Wi-Fi printer installed in your office that you are going to give access to to all guests with laptops, who may be in a meeting room, reception area, dining room or anywhere else, the printer should have an omnidirectional antenna installed. At the same time, if you want to install on the roof Wi-Fi at home transmitter, to give access to the network to neighboring houses, garages and summer gazebos, you need just such an antenna.

Typically, omnidirectional antennas are a pole mounted vertically. This pin propagates the signal in a plane perpendicular to its axis. So-called vertical omnidirectional antennas. Compared to directional ones, they have a significantly lower gain. A living example of this is the Level One OAN-2080.

The gain of this antenna is 8 dB, diameter is 19 mm, length is 520 mm. It is convenient to place such an antenna on a mast on the roof of a house or car. With its help, you can work with a wireless network at a speed of 1 Mbit or 54 Mbit at a distance of up to 1800 meters or up to 600 meters, respectively. For indoor use, Level One offers a more compact antenna of the same type.

The OAN-1040 desktop antenna is made in the form of a kind of obelisk with a transparent stand. This antenna has a gain of 4 dB and almost perfect horizontal polarization.

As you can see in the diagram, the signal is evenly distributed around the antenna in the horizontal plane. The relatively large dimensions of the antenna (145x22x12 mm) promise to work with the network at a speed of 1 Mbit/s at a distance of up to 170 meters, and at a speed of 54 Mbit/s - up to 55 meters.

Another type of omnidirectional antennas is ceiling antennas. This internal antennas, suspended from the ceiling for better coverage of the entire room. They are conveniently placed in large halls in the center of the room. Such antennas must propagate the signal in two planes - horizontal and vertical. With the horizontal, everything is clear - the spectrum here is an almost perfect circle. But with the vertical the situation is a little different. The antenna is designed to broadcast from top to bottom, so the highest signal level will be achieved in the direction of 45 degrees from the horizontal plane of the antenna. Consequently, the gain of such an antenna is indicated not by one number, but by the minimum and maximum values.

The Level One OAN-1030 antenna has a gain of 2.5 to 3.7 dB. Below is a rather boring photo of this lamp-like antenna and an interesting vertical polarization diagram.

As you can see, it is better not to stand vertically, strictly under this antenna; the dead zone directly under it can be large. Well, if you can position yourself at an angle of 45 degrees to this antenna at a distance of 120 meters, you can operate at speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s. And at a distance of 40 meters - up to 54 Mbit/s. Keep in mind that this is the line-of-sight distance, do not forget to calculate the height of the gimbal and the distance you will move away from the antenna on the ground. The diameter of this antenna is 132 mm, height is 42 mm.

Which antenna to choose?

It is quite obvious that you should choose an antenna based on your conditions and the tasks that you assign to the wireless network. In a small office or apartment, a regular built-in antenna will be enough for you wireless adapters and access points. But if you want a larger range and work on high speeds over a long distance, you will have to install an antenna.

In order to provide the showroom with reliable reception right up to the back rows, it would be advisable to install omni-directional antennas, which can be placed under the ceiling or on the podium. An antenna with a gain of even 4 dB is quite enough for an audience of 400-500 people. For a large hangar, it will be convenient to hang a suspended omnidirectional antenna from the ceiling, which will cover a large area even with a gain of 2.5 to 3.7 dB. If you need all your neighbors at your dachas to be able to work with your wireless network, or if you want to move away from your dacha into nature and access the network there using a PDA, you will need an omnidirectional antenna mounted on a mast on the roof of the house.

Well, if you need to “break through” a wall from laser printer to the server, a directed one will suit you indoor antenna. It can also connect two servers in different wings of the building. You can also take a directional powerful antenna for indoor use if you are going to connect non-adjacent rooms and need to concentrate the signal in one direction. Or if you want to install a network between two houses whose windows face each other: just put these antennas on the window sills and point them at each other.

An outdoor directional antenna is useful for connecting two houses at different ends of a holiday village with a wireless network. Or in order to extend a wireless network to a remote site.

When choosing an antenna, try to find out its vertical and horizontal polarization diagram. It will show how the antenna propagates the signal in the vertical and horizontal planes and you can calculate dead zones and areas of poor reception based on the position of the antenna in your office or home.

And finally, don’t forget to ground the antennas. To do this, a special connector must be supplied with the antenna, plugged into the slot between antenna cable and network equipment. A lightning discharge in close proximity to the antenna can damage network hardware. This is especially true for external antennas. Connect the supplied connector and ground its special contact - and forget about the problems. Good network coverage to you!

We thank the company "SVEGA Computer", the official distributor of Level One in Russia, for the network equipment provided.

• The laptop "IRu Novia 3331W Combo" was provided by Metak-M.
• Barebone platform "Shuttle SB75G2" provided by "Club Multimedia" company
• Memory "OCZ PC3200 Titanium" provided by SVEGA Computer

Mikhail Degtyarev (aka LIKE OFF)
21/07.2005