Improving coverage by moving WiFi antenna

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Improving coverage by moving WiFi antenna

dpw

843 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#75504 19-Jan-2011 09:13

Hi folks,

I have given up on our Linksys WAG160N and moved over to TD-W8960N. So far it's performing much better than the WAG160N but I have to say it ain't the prettiest unit out there! That got me thinking - the antennae on this unit are removable - does that mean I can detach it, stick some kind of extension cable, and hide the unit while having the antennae somewhere "exposed"? I'm not sure if such accessory exist, and where I can get something like that in Christchurch, or New Zealand in general.

Any ideas/suggestions please?

Taa muchly.

Android user, software developer, a semi-typical (not a gamer) geek, and a Bernese Mountain Dog nut!

http://savitarbernese.com | https://nz.linkedin.com/in/danywu

oxnsox

1923 posts

Uber Geek

#428705 19-Jan-2011 09:23

Yes you can get acessory antenna at several places... I think even Harvey or Noel could help, or DSE.
Otherwise Computer Dynamics (somewhere out behind Addington raceway) should be able to help, although they are primarily a wholesale supplier so don't expect much more than a trade counter

dpw

843 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#428708 19-Jan-2011 09:34

I found it at Dove: http://www.dove.co.nz/jump/4561 - will it do the trick? And also, the TP-Link unit has two antennae, do I need to move them both together with one extension cable each? I'm not sure if each one operates independently, or one transmit and the other receives...

Android user, software developer, a semi-typical (not a gamer) geek, and a Bernese Mountain Dog nut!

http://savitarbernese.com | https://nz.linkedin.com/in/danywu

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#428713 19-Jan-2011 09:48

www.gowifi.co.nz are a great source of parts.

dpw

843 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#428714 19-Jan-2011 09:53

sbiddle: www.gowifi.co.nz are a great source of parts.

Thanks - looks like a fantastic shop! I'm a bit confused though. There are a few coax cables with various connectors there - acronym galore! What type do I need for my TP-Link? I have one of these: http://www.tp-link.com.au/products/productDetails.asp?class=wlan&pmodel=TD-W8960N

Android user, software developer, a semi-typical (not a gamer) geek, and a Bernese Mountain Dog nut!

http://savitarbernese.com | https://nz.linkedin.com/in/danywu

mxpress

376 posts

Ultimate Geek

#428715 19-Jan-2011 09:56

HI

TP LINK offer a wide range of antenna for both insdie and outdoor use. I operate an extensive WIFI network using their gear. I don't know if i am allowed to post supplier contact details here but if you PM me, I can pass them on to you.

mxpress

dpw

843 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#428719 19-Jan-2011 10:01

mxpress: HI

TP LINK offer a wide range of antenna for both insdie and outdoor use. I operate an extensive WIFI network using their gear. I don't know if i am allowed to post supplier contact details here but if you PM me, I can pass them on to you.

PM sent :o)

Android user, software developer, a semi-typical (not a gamer) geek, and a Bernese Mountain Dog nut!

http://savitarbernese.com | https://nz.linkedin.com/in/danywu

raytaylor

4014 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#430095 23-Jan-2011 04:00

Yea check tp links website and order those antennas - they are cheap enough and that way you know you are getting the right connection - there is about 5 different connection types.

Now the important thing they wont tell you

COAX LOOSES SIGNAL FAST

For every metre of antenna cable, you will loose (rx and tx signal) about half of it depending upon the cable quality. Its best to get the signal into the air sooner than run it down a cable that resists the signal.
So it is best to extend your cat5 and power leads and reposition the whole router rather than move the antenna alone.

This is very important to be aware of.

I would not advise extending the antenna cable any more than 1 metre otherwise you will loose alot of your coverage.

Ray Taylor

There is no place like localhost

Spreadsheet for Comparing Electricity Plans Here