Hi,<br>
Based on one of our post-meeting pizza discussions last night I thought I would send an e-mail (something I do so rarely).<br>
<br>
Here is a site that has a good selection of WIFI gear (APs/amps/antennas).<br>
I have never ordered from them but they appear to have a good selection of radio gear.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.fab-corp.com/">http://www.fab-corp.com/</a><br>
<br>
A few ideas to remember:<br>
1)&nbsp; A stronger omni directional antenna (greater db numbers) will
improve both your transmit and&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; receive and both are
important for range for WIFI.<br>
2) Directional antennas must be aimed at the other radio.&nbsp; You get
more gain, but they are usually not the solution if you want to wander
your house/deck/yard with the laptop.<br>
3)&nbsp; Amplifiers have downsides; 1) another device to power&nbsp; 2)
another device to fail later 3) a good one runs around $200 with both
transmit amp and receive pre-amp.<br>
4)&nbsp; Antennas are rated in decibels (db).&nbsp; Most antennas on
access points are round 3db - 5db.&nbsp; In terms of signal strength an
increase of 3db is a doubling of effective power (Ex 3db to 9db is
roughtly 400% stronger).<br>
5)&nbsp; The weakest link in WIFI is usually the card and particularly the internal antenna in the laptop on the far end.<br>
6)&nbsp; You do not succeed unless both devices can both &quot;transmit&quot; and &quot;receive&quot; the other radio.<br>
7)&nbsp; Selection of a feed cable for an external antenna is VERY
important.&nbsp; At 2+ghz frequencies a long cable (&gt;1 foot) or a
poor quality cable will loose everything you are trying to gain with a
better &quot;numbers&quot; antenna.<br>
<br>
>From a local computer AND radio geek,<br>
<br>
Joel Desrochers<br>