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Wireless Antenna

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by xavi792002

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Hi all
i want to extend my WIFI range to cover circular with diameter of 1 KM, so are there any Equipments(Amplifier, mast,..) we can add to the wireless router(linksys) to extended the range

Regards

27 replies

by the scummy one

you should post more about the requirements/needs and more information about the hardware that you have, the wireless devices used, etc..
If you are going to post a short generic question -- then expect a short/generic answer!

Also note: you posted this in discussions -- you really should post it in the questions area.
So, gather more information -- make a thoughtful post, along with what you have looked into already, and re-ask there.
However, be warned -- without more ifo -- you may expect the same answers again and again. We tech's use google/yahoo often to figure shlt out.

by jdclyde

it does suck to be you.... :D

I do wish the dude would make an alternative site that says justF'engoogleit.com so it wouldn't show up in the filters. B-)

by nicknielsen

The maximum power output of WiFi devices is limited by international agreement. Even a high-gain antenna (http://www.cesell.com/product.php?productid=31260) will not provide enough additional radiated power to cover a full kilometer.

You have two options:
1. Build a grid of WIFI access points in a 150-200m pattern throughout the desired coverage area. You will need to run power and data connections to each device.

2. Place wireless repeaters (http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRE54G) throughout the desired coverage area, also in a 150-200m grid pattern. This option has the advantage of only requiring power connections for the devices.

In either case, you can attach a high-gain antenna to each device to improve coverage.

by dhcdbd

You will need an omni directional antenna, a 5 watt bi-directional linear amplifier in the 2.4 Ghz range, an FCC broadcast license, and a staff to to handle the complaints from the cellphone users who have just been knocked off the air in the 26 mile radius to the horizon.

If you were enterprising, you could separate the receive and broadcast antenna's by about 50 feet and simply repeat all signals in the range, but you would still need an FCC license.

Point to point, without amplification, you could convert a couple of Direct TV dish antenna's to the 2.4 Ghz range from the normal 12 Ghz range, wire those into the WiFi card and have a range of up to a mile depending on weather conditions.

by xavi792002

thanks guys

the idea behind it is to extend the range so that few ppl can get access to the Internet while they are far from wireless router , without the need to run cables for power or for access point just one omni Antenna transmit with high power and high gain to cover the one Km circle

by michael kassner

If you have clear line of sight, it may be possible to achieve your goal. It will require more equipment than you think though.

At the AP site, you will need to have multiple radios, I'd use four and place them as close to the antennas as possible. Then I'd get four antennas similar to what are shown in the link:

http://www.gnswireless.com/GNS1414.htm

That way, you get optimal radiated power from directional antennas and since four are used you have omni-directional coverage.

The next problem is the remote computers. Up to a point they will be able to associate with the AP site, but increased distance and line of site issues will obviously degrade the signal. At that point the remote computers may need an external antenna and/or external radios to increase the chances of getting a viable association with the AP site.

by xavi792002

Hi Michael
thanks for your replay
i am interesting by your solution, can you plz give me more details how to connect these Antenna to the the WIFI Router and range of these router with standard transmit power from these devices

by michael kassner

If you use the sector antennas, you will need 4 routers, one for each antenna. I would make sure to use routers that can be powered via PoE and run four Ethernet cables up the mast to the routers and then have short coaxial cables running from each router to the designated antenna.

Using four routers can create some interference issues, I would suggest using channels in a similar clock-wise arrangement.

Antenna Sector 1 (channel 1)
Antenna Sector 2 (channel 6)
Antenna Sector 3 (channel 11)
Antenna Secotr 4 (channel 6)

BAck in the server room, you can connect all four Ethernet cables to a switch and direct their traffic to where ever you want.

by dhcdbd

But I still like my approach better. My approach, while smart aleky was intended to illuminate many different problems that often are not thought of. Licensing, interference with other things operating in the 2.4 Ghz. range, commercial interests, etc.

You should have seen my cellphone carrier complain when I wanted to install a repeater in my home in a weak signal area for my cellphone. I wanted a system that was no where near the five watts I gave above; I just needed enough boost so as to not drop a connection from room to room, say 3 db. This depends on the carrier though, some encourage it as a way to expand their coverage in weak signal area's on another's dime.

by michael kassner

If you prefer you can get 120 Degree sector antennas and only use three routers. It will not have as strong a signal at the 1 km distance, though. Still, it may be enough. Hard to say, it will require testing to know for sure.

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