RECAP: Going Wireless

WiFi Antennaes and Signals

As a strong supporter of this technology, and also avid user, installer, technician etc... I have used / am using most of the hardware there is about WiFi.

Important Notes.

1. ROUTER/ACCESS POINT BASICS

What is a router?
A router is essentially a 'hub' which as usually 4 LAN ports, and is connected to an ADSL modem, cable or satellite modem.
If you do not intend to use Wireless, then a router is all you'll need, to share the internet - up to 4 computers.

What is an access point?
An access point behaves like a router but without wires, and it is virtually unlmited in its connections, the only thing is that it does not have any LAN ports.
It is good for remote deployment for WiFi (Wireless LAN) connected to a satellite modem or another.

What is a Wireless Router?
It is in fact a router and an access point built into 1 device. It has the best of both worlds, a wired AND wireless connection.
This is very useful if you use your computer near your cable or satellite or ADSL modem, why?.. well you can use a LAN cable to connect to the router, without experiencing WIFI signals and point-blank range.
The first step is disabling your wireless radio on your computer.

2. GOING FOR WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Rule number 1.
Always.. always choose an access point or wireless router with a 'DETACHABLE' antennae. why? so you can upgrade your antennae at any time which you will soon enough.

Rule number 2.
BRAND LOYALTY is also important. why? because
a) same brand devices connect 'out' of the box, meaning you can immediately use with your other devices without much configuration.
b) virtually no signal loss due to compatibility issues or software/firmware conflicts.
c) most repeaters, range boosters in actual fact only work with their own brand devices, SOMETIMES only with a similar model. ALwAYS READ THE SMALL PRINT.

Rule number 3.
If you're trying to increase your signal range there are 2 options, the more expensive option is going for the new Wireless N standard which utilizes three antennaes with MIMO technology for reception. The BAD news is that most laptops with their inbuilt centrino WIFI chips cannot take advantage of this range and bandwidth, sticking only with wireless G.. don't believe the salesperson that it would make a difference, it would only have made signficant improvement IF you buy 'the same brand' and same model, PCI card OR Notebook PCMCIA or Express Card network adapter.
Now.. another lesson.. this ONLY works INDOORS!!! beware, if you are upgrading to Wireless N just so you can get a signal in another house next door.. good luck... because wireless routers / access points have 'indoor' antennaes!

TRUE STORY.
Day 1... Purchased the so-called 'famous' Belkin N1 wireless access point ... oooohhh..! soo futuristic... and cool looking.. costs me 9000 baht (RM 900), the mission was to 'share' the internet with another housenearby. (roads in between).. on the box they PROMISED almost 500 metres!... ok. so I thought all I need is 250 metres, and what do I get??? nothing!... anyhow I went back to the store the same day and asked them why.?? They told me I needed to get a wireless N adapter for my notebook for PEAK efficiency and maximum range... btw. a wireless N card is not cheap either.. costs me 4000 baht (RM 400) Belkin N1 Notebook Adapter ...
So after turning on the modem (1 adapter) ... router ... (1 more adapter) .... and the Belkin Access Point (1 more adapter) ... TOTAL 3 adapters to turn on... and plugging in my new N1 notebook adapter in my own pcmcia slot... had to disable the other inbuilt WIFI radio... and waited!!!.. outdoors..... nothing.... but worked really well indoors.. even until the 3rd floor... amazing... range increased by 30%.?? ... but no change outdoors...
Another problem with BELKIN.... there are dropped signals every 5-10 minutes on other wireless devices which are USB plugged it ie. zyxel wireless USB adapters.. works okay with D-Link..... a few compatibility issues....
So anyhow I wasn't satisfied .. so day 3... what happened to day 2???? well there was ALOT of configuration setting from the modem to the router to the access point blah blah... blah.. plus going out in the streets with my laptop looking for a signal.. plus going up and down the floors... what a workout!
Anyhow.. Day 3... I returned the Whole darn setup... bad news is that I couldn't get a cash refund.. so I had a whole lot of other junk..dvd's. inkjet paper, scanner, printer etc.. and finally I settled with the DLINK-604 WIRELESS ADSL ROUTER --- built in modem... 1 power adapter ALL THREE DEVICES into one... I was never happier.. cost??? 3000 baht (RM 300)....
FINAL RULE...INDOOR antennaes are meant to be INDOORS.. It doesn't matter how many dbi's it is.. it just won't work outdoors.. believe.. I tried 'hanging' an indoor external antennae out the window of the second floor.. it won't work... I even hung the access point out the window.. held only by the power cord and LAN connection...
JUST buy the OUTDOOR antennae.. works great both indoors and outdoors.... just beware of COSMIC radiation... !!
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