Wireless Router High Gain Antenna

Recently I had a need to get substantial improvement in my wireless
router's performance, and thought a yagi antenna would help. Whoa! It
did indeed help, so I have posted some pictures and a short how-to on
the web at:

http://www.ab9il.net/wlan-projects/wifi7.html

It is the same 15 element yagi used for extending the range of USB
wireless adapters, but connected via pigtail to a router. I can now
connect indoors through concrete and plaster walls or provide wi-fi
connectivity to laptop and Ipod touch users up to 300 meters away, in
the presence of interference.

Maybe it can help some of you trying to cover some large areas with
your routers.

Phil AB9IL

 

The only downside is that the router yagi will concentrate the signal
path over about 30 degrees, which greatly restricts the coverage the
access point is able to provide.

I have also played about with this type of antenna and you might find
my write up of interest - refers to a $25 cheap Chinese yagi compared
to other antenna types.

http://users.picknowl.com.au/~gloaming_agnet/ant1.html

Hardly worth trying to make one at that price.

 

The record was set using 2 parabolic dish reflectors, as I recall over
100km at both ends. Dish reflectors by design I think provide the largest
gain but are difficult to aim. I am using a homemade 1/2 parabolic to focus
the signal onto a 5 inch wubber duckey antenna that came with my USB radio.
Works fine, no need to purchase manufactured antennas for the home user
just wanting to connect to the net.

 

Isn't it necessary to boost the signal of the receiving equipment as
well, or is it sufficient that the sensitivity on the router antenna
has been improved enough to still receive the weaker connected device?

Thanks

 

Antennas work for both transmit & receive, so higher gain is in both
directions for any radios+antennas within it's field of coverage.
Weaker or not.

It's when you up the transmit amp alone that you get lopsided
effects. Thus the general rule is to address weak connections with
antenna gain not radio amps.


Steve