How to Choose The Highest Power Wireless - Wifi Network Card or Adapter

Most wireless network adapters or wireless cards that come with laptops or desktops are very low powered and are for short range such as around an office. There are wireless adapters or network cards that offer very long range.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know that most Wifi - wireless adapters transmit power is at or below 100 milliwatts, which is fine for using around the home. However, for job sites that are large or offices that are several thousand square feet you may need a more powerful wireless adapter. Determine whether you need more range than what your wireless adapter is giving you. If so, you might need to step up the power.

2. Choose a high power WiFi adapter that fits your computer. There are both PCMCIA and mini PCI adapters with external antenna connections and there are USB type wireless adapters. There are USB wireless adapters made by Engenius, which is sold under the name Senao overseas, that transmit with up to 600 milliwatts of power. This is more than enough to establish a solid wireless connection with a router as far as a half mile away, just with the small rubber duckie antennas sold with them.

3. Consider using these higher power wireless adapters that feature an external antenna connection and adding an antenna. You may find external antennas that are omni-directional (pick up signals from all directions) or directional antennas such as panel antennas or yagi beam antennas. These focus the signal in a very small area and can pick up very distant wireless networks. Check with the manufacturer's customer service department for which antennas will not violate FCC rules.
   You can find antennas to put on the router as well. Most routers use what is called a RP-SMA connector. Your antenna may have another style connector, such as the "N" connector so you will need a different cable connector at each end of the coaxial cable. Sites such as Radiolabs.com offer cables that match both. Choose the heavy, low loss cable for maximum performance. You don't have to live with bad wireless network performance. Consider upgrading to a higher power router and adapter, both with external antennas that can be placed as high as possible for maximum reception. For more info see my article on long range WiFi antennas.

Tips & Warnings

• The farther you broadcast a Wifi signal the higher chances are it will be hacked. Always enable WPA or other encryption.

Resources

• How to Use Long Range WiFi Antennas For Free Internet

[Alishamitchum]

on 12/10/2008 wow, I had no idea. Thanks.

[hazelknows]

on 12/10/2008 This is good information thnks.