How to Use High Gain Grid Parablolic Antennas For Long Range Wifi - WLAN
Want to extend a Wifi - WLAN connection up to several miles or pick up a distant Wifi signal? Here is how.
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Instructions
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Determine if you have the space to place an outside grid parabolic antenna WiFi. You will need a clear line of sight to the distant router wireless adapter you wish to connect with. You can use a grid parabolic antenna to connect to a distant Wifi network to which you are authorized or which is open to public use such as a community Wifi network. Recently a record was set of over one hundred miles between a wireless router and a wireless adapter using two parabolic antennas re-purposed from old satellite dishes . Here is how to establish a somewhat shorter connection with off the shelf grid parabolic antennas costing around $100.
Parabolic antennas offer the highest gain of any antennas. That is why they are the choice of NASA to connect to spacecraft millions of miles away.
Grid parabolic antennas are a variation that use an aluminum grid instead of a heavy dish. The are available in the 2.4 GHZ (gigahertz) range which is what most Wifi networks use, and offer extremely high gain factors of up to 24 Decibels or more. -
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Get the proper antenna cables and of the right length to reach the outside grid parabolic WiFi antenna. Most come with an "N" type connector on the antenna. Most wireless routers and wireless cards use the RP - SMA type connector. You will need to find a cable, as short as possible but still long enough to reach the antenna mounted outside the home, and connect the antenna to your computer's wireless card. If your wireless card does not have an external antenna connector you can purchase a PCI, Mini PCI, PCMCIA or USB type wireless adapter online at a variety of retailers specializing in long range Wifi equipment and antennas.
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Using your Window's Wireless Zero Configuration program or a third party program that comes with your wireless adapter, move the pole or pipe the antenna is mounted on in very small increments while re-clicking "search for available networks". When the one you are trying to connect to comes into view, adjust the antenna in smaller increments for the best signal and then secure the screws. For more on how to set up a long range WiFi connection see the resources below.
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Tips & Warnings
Only connect to Wifi networks that you are sure are safe and to which you are allowed to.
It is a crime in most states to hack into a secured wireless network. Don't do it.
Don't do sensitive transactions over an unsecured network. Your identity can be stolen.
Don't use gear which is not FCC approved. Check with the manufacturer or your router or wireless adapter for antenna compatibility.
Resources
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Comments
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Doodlebugs
Apr 02, 2009
Just an extra note, Grid parabolic antennas aren't for stealing someone's WiFi. You can make an agreement to split the cost and use their WPA or WEP key or pick up unsecured networks for public use, such as municipal wireless networks. -
Ann Weaver Hart
Dec 05, 2008
Great article. Thanks.
