Wireless bridge antennas

[Sukhoi]

I need to pickup a wireless bridge for my house. It's hard to figure out what to buy because the antennas seemed to be rated differently. Here's what I'm seeing to buy in my range:

Netgear WG602NA - 2 dBi - $48.98
D-Link DWL-G700AP - 5 dBi - $63.50
Linksys WAP54G - 15 dBm - $62.98

Is the D-Link really a lot better than the Netgear, and what is the dBm on the Linksys? I'm not familiar with antenna power ratings. Thanks!

 

[ktwebb]

THe linksys you noted isn't the antenna gain, that is power to the antenna. 15 dBm is going to be about average for the SOHO AP's. Been awhile since I had to look at it but 15 dBm is I believe 30 milliwatts, though it could be 50 mW. So, the number you posted for the linksys doesn't really have anything to do with the other two. 2 dBi is typical for antennas. Higher gain on the antenna means a flatter radiation pattern so whether or not it will help you depends on your WLAN layout. If you only have one antenna then whether or not you have it positioned vertically or horizontally dramatically affects your coverage in those directions and that is heightened the higher the gain. The added gain does however concentrate the signal to horizontally polarized antennas pointing straight up will have a better range usually with a 5 dBi antenna vs a 2 dBi one.

 

[JackMDS]

Out of the three devices above the Netgear probably has the Higher Gain Antenna.

However Antenna is not the only component determined the distance achieved by a Wireless just like Wheels are not the only determent of the max speed of a car.

Unfortunately, in reality, there is almost No way to determine the performance of the Entry Level Wireless hardware by reading the Data Sheet.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

:sun:

 

[Sukhoi]

Wow, that's some confusing stuff. I didn't realize all the antenna "strengths" were about the same for home use. It doesn't sound like I necessarily want a high-gain antenna for my situation if it's going to flatten the radiation pattern.

I did notice the Netgear doesn't have WPA, so that's out. I won't need WPA at first, but I might in the future. I'm now looking at this Belkin:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833314202

Am I correct that since it has two antennas I can put one vertically and one horizontally to get maximum coverage? The access point is going to have to be put on the second floor of our house, but I'll be using the laptop mostly on the first floor.

 

[Dogma420]

I have the belkin....much better reception than the netgear I used to have (which died)....I have both antennas sideways but don't know if it matters...I get 45mps everywhere in the household, 1500 sq place....get 30+ over at neighbors....I'd recommend it. Has the WPA as well

 

[Sukhoi]

Nice, I think I'll order it. I don't want to deal with the rebate on the Netgear anyway.