wifi access point / hotspot

[Jeff]

I'm looking for a new wifi access point to create a strong perfectly consistent signal for a 1500 ft radius inside (wood and glass structure) and outside.
I haven't done much with wifi but want something a little better than the linksys/actiontec off-the-shelf small antenna units -- my first thought was to pick up something like http://www.compuvest.com/Desc.jsp?iid=1479623

Directivity : Omni-directional
Application/Usage : Wireless Data Network
Antenna Range : 4265 ft Outdoor
Gain : 9 dBi
Weight (Approximate) : 1.98 lb

and maybe the discounted http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833122325 to pair with it.

WG103-100NAS
IEEE 802.11g 40-bit (also called 64-bit), 128-bit, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Encryption, WiFi Protected Access Pre-shared Key (WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK)
Rogue AP detection
IEEE 802.1x authentication
MAC address filtering
8 BSSID
Secure SSL browser connection
Number of VLANs: 9

WPA/WPA2
WPA2

Antenna
External Antenna

Transmitted Power
20 dBm

Or would I be better off spending the same on a lesser antenna but newer n technology (for range and solid connection)

Any suggestions? (budget is a factor).

[Kevin]

I have had pretty good luck with my NetGear Pro Safe WNDAP350 (from before they added NAS capabilities to it) however I can't guarantee that kind of range out of it.

Have you considered the possibility if multiple cheap (but not cheapest) access points instead of one really high end one? That would add range much more cheaply and it what is done pretty much everywhere but people's houses and small coffee shops.

[Bob]

Have you looked at Ubiquiti Airmax products such as their PicoStation
http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#picostationm

Under $100 at Amazon, and a number of options.

I have one inside my house right now and it covers up to 120' outside as well but I am planning on moving it outside for wider (I hope coverage).

-Bob

[Jeff]

Thanks very much.

What I have is ~30' of indoor space with glass on one side and wood frame walls on the other sides. I can mount on the walls, ceiling, or roof or facia or outside walls. I want to cover the outside ~1500 ft area with the 30' office space in the center. I only have a few hundred dollars to spend on this, so with a low budget for this ~$300 now I am debating on whether to go with
1.) older but higher end antenna (above)
2.) or stick with newer N (is the range/connection solidity much better with N at the edge of the coverage area vs. the older G?)
3.) a good quality/office/business type access point that might support two cheaper antennas to place them 30' apart
4.) two cheaper access points to place 30' apart (but still provide seamless connectivity if moving between stronger coverage from access point a or b)

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Bob

Have you looked at Ubiquiti Airmax products such as their PicoStation
http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#picostationm

Under $100 at Amazon, and a number of options.

I have one inside my house right now and it covers up to 120' outside as well but I am planning on moving it outside for wider (I hope coverage).

-Bob

Thanks Bob. I wasn't familiar with the Ubiquiti gear. Looking at it now too. Thank you!

[Kevin]

Coverage area is really determined by power, frequency range, obstacles, and interference.

N actually has two different frequency ranges but most everyone uses the same range as G so there really isn't any difference in range. N can also use the same frequency range as A though not every N device can and few can do both at the same time. The A frequency is less capable of penetrating solid stuff but usually has less interference due to almost everyone using the G frequency range (there are only 3 dedicated channels despite the list of 11 of them).

[kitchin]

I've read the signal is strongest laterally, so consider that too.

[Jeff]

Speaking of antennas, multiple APs, etc., I was searching ebay for the 9db netgear antenna, and found there are a large number of cheap antenna mods available for various routers.

E.g.

Antenna Mod Kit $36
9dBi 4 Antenna Mod Kit No Solder Netgear WNDR3700 v3 WNDR3400 DGND3700 WNDR4000
Includes:
4x 9dBi High Gain Omni-Directional Antennas
4x U.FL to RP-SMA Female Bulkhead Adapters 7 inch from end to end)
This kit allows you to add high gain external antennas to many wireless routers that do not normally support removable antennas. This kit also includes high gain antennas.
All of the routers listed in the item title have internal connectors compatible with this kit, so no soldering is required. This item is also compatible with any models that have internal U.FL connectors.
Just open up the router, locate the connectors, connect the leads, and drill out holes in the router's enclosure for the external connector and mount.

Has anyone done this type of antenna mod upgrade and is it worth it? Would going further and moving a couple of the antennas via short cables work, and/or help maintain strongest signal around obstacles (trees, wall framing, etc.)?

[Kevin]

I have never actually personally witnessed a consumer wifi device with a non-standard antenna. Seems like the perfect recipe for manufacturer "hot potato" games.

But I have seen plenty of multiple AP setups. The school that my local LUG used to meet at had 2 wifi APs in every single class room on opposite corners. You could roam anywhere you wanted with only a minor blip in your connectivity.

Even my local public library which is a single room about the size of my city yard has 2 APs on opposite corners.

[Jeff]

What would be neat for park / large yard settings would be solar powered AP / extenders similar to the solar powered yard lights.