Linksys WRT54G Router - Replacing ONE antenna?

[Def]

I've currently got a D-Link WiFi-G card that I equipped with a 4dbi gain omnidirectional antenna to even get a reliable signal where my computer is. I went with this antenna mainly out of convenience and the fact that I could move the antenna ontop of my desk to get a better signal.

It helps, but the signal is still quite weak at times and I drop a few packets or get dropped off the network completely(necessitating a reboot to get another IP... bleh). The windows WiFi network dealie usually registers "Very Low" with the signal sometimes fluctuating from "No Signal" but still barely on to "Low" at which point it hits a full 54Mbps and has pretty good transfer rates. Most times it sits around 18-24Mbps.

While dropping off the network doesn't happen often, I was noticing that there are "Rubber Duck" 5.5dbi gain antennas that fit Linksys routers for a reasonable price and it got me thinking of trying to make my setup 100% solid.

Now, in the interest of keeping the cost down to less than $20 for this upgrade, can I replace just ONE of the two antennas on the router? I read that maybe the router uses only one antenna for both transmit and receive, so I guess I should replace that one. I'm not even sure if that information is correct though, and a few google searches really haven't yielded the information I'm looking for.


I'm pretty sure going from a 2dbi antenna to a 5.5dbi antenna would completely eliminate any signal strength problems I might be having.

 

[SeTeS]

Well, I just replaced my stock antennae on my wrt54g w/ 2 of the antennae you mentioned... oddly enuf, i'm not seeing ANY improvement in signal. I believe however that this may be due to the placement of my router. I switched a cupla months ago from a compaq cp2w (b) router and am actually seeing no improvement in range or signal strength with the g router, _but_ i relocated the router at that time too, so I'm thinking it's getting interference from something in my office.

Re the antenna cost, I picked up the pair of antennae from ebay for under 30 bucks delivered, so replacing both isn't really too far out of your price range.

 

[ktwebb]

Replace both if your going to do it. You would see minimal gain adding one. It would help but the added cost of two would be worth it. Assuming your AP uses spatial diversity, the signal bounces back and forth between the two (not RX/TX as many think, it's both). That is to stop multipath (basically self interference). Spend the extra money and replace both if you want to improve your coverage. Don't expect however extremely dramatic increases going from 2 to 5 dBi dipoles. It will help to be sure but you won't go from Low signal strength to high. Should solidify that client association to the AP though.

 

[JackMDS]

When the Wireless equipment is Out Door and there is No Obstructions, replacing 2dbi Antenna with 5dbi or more might yield dramatic results.

In door the limited distance is due to obstructions that swallow the signal

Wireless works at 2.4GHz, the same as Microwave Ovens.

A Microwave Oven basically emits strong 2.4 GHz signal that is absorb by the food and thus "Giggles" the water molecules in the food and make it hot. That is why Dry food can not be cooked in a Microwave.

Similarly the Wireless Signal likes to be absorbed in Water Molecules rather to "Spread" around.

Moisture in Wood, Plaster, Humid climate, or any other such variables, might grossly attenuate the Wireless Distance.

So what ever swallows the signal form 2dbi Antenna swallowed form a 5dbi as well and thus the improvement is dismal.

The best in door is to use Midway a Repeater or to lay a Cable to a better position and put a secondary AP.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

P.S. The same applies to so Called Wireless Booster.

 

[SeTeS]

Has anyone tried this?

home-brew antenna boost

 

[Def]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I agree that my indoor conditions are definitely not optimal, and I'm not expecting a huge gain here. I'd rather try to solidify my connection since the transfer rates are just fine for what I'm doing(DSL connection) just until the signal dies.

So $30 for both antenna...

I might try to move the router and see if I can find a better location.


Thanks for the help guys.

 

[RushWilliams]

That homebrew attenna looks pretty ghetto, I just might have to try it out.

It looks a step up from taking a ball of aluminum foil and sticking it on the end of the antenna.

 

[knutp]

why not use a custom firmware that you can boost the power. You can change the power from 32mW to 84mW with most of the custom firmwares out there.

I have tried the sveasoft version with great success. this also adds WDS bridging and other great features.

http://www.sveasoft.com/modules/phpBB2/index.php

 

[SeTeS]

I'm running the sveasoft firmware on my wrt54g. Boosted the power to 84, but am still getting mediocre connections at a distance. That's why, between that and the added 5db antennae, i'm assuming it's got something to do with placement.

I would certainy recommend the firmware tho. The biggest plus for me is the ability to have dhcp issue specific ip's based on mac address. This has totally fixed a problem I had w/ my two replaytv's 'drifting' ip addresses.