are 2 small wifi antennas better than 1 large one?

[rh71]

My FIOS Actiontec router with wifi was replaced and the old one had a long large antenna on it. It's a Revision F router while the new one is Revision I with 2 smaller antennas. I'm guessing they changed it for a reason but since I still have the old one I am still able to swap it if indeed 1 larger one is better.

Since I stand the router up vertically on the provided stand, both antennas are facing upward... seems wasteful. What's the optimal way to do it - the router is on the first floor while I need coverage on the 2nd floor as well.

 

[imagoon]

Depends on how they are used. Optimum length of 2.4ghz is 4.9 inches but 1/2 length and 1/4 length works fine at that frequency. Note this is the wire length and not the "rubber" you see on the outside.

Normally dual antennas are multiplexing of some sort and the slight variance in the position generally allows them to get around interference better.

Generally the antennas should point upward. Most common rubber antennas fire out in a mushroom shape around the antenna 90 degrees from antenna direction. If you need coverage upstairs you can tilt the antennas to throw signal up more.

 

[hclarkjr]

Depends on how they are used. Optimum length of 2.4ghz is 4.9 inches but 1/2 length and 1/4 length works fine at that frequency. Note this is the wire length and not the "rubber" you see on the outside.

Normally dual antennas are multiplexing of some sort and the slight variance in the position generally allows them to get around interference better.

Generally the antennas should point upward. Most common rubber antennas fire out in a mushroom shape around the antenna 90 degrees from antenna direction. If you need coverage upstairs you can tilt the antennas to throw signal up more.

ok, i am confused now. i just bought the black knight router and read that you are supposed to point the antennas in the direction you need the coverage. iis that wrong?

 

[imagoon]

ok, i am confused now. i just bought the black knight router and read that you are supposed to point the antennas in the direction you need the coverage. iis that wrong?

Are they standard "Omni" antennas? IE the rubber ones? If so then no you don't point them at anything.

 

[hclarkjr]

yes, they are the ones that come with the router

 

[imagoon]

Those should point up. The signal projects perpendicular to the antenna.

 

[Agamar]

The only way two antennas would be better is if it is a "N" wireless AP and it is using MIMO. Otherwise, if you want more distance, go with a slightly higher db antenna.

I think the default antennas are 3dbi, so a 6dbi antenna would give you twice the total output. Say your AP puts out 100mw (which is about normal), and you have the 3dbi antenna. That gives you a total of 200mw of effective power. With a 6dbi antenna, you would get 400mw of power (with a less rounded wireless "bubble" area of coverage).

 

[hclarkjr]

thanx for the advice guys. i will order some replacement antennas for it.

 

[hclarkjr]

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