In recent years, many businesses have moved to the convenience of WiFi. There is little mystery as to what a WiFi system is. Think of it as a radio that is used by computers to access the internet. If WiFi is the radio, then a WiFi antenna is the WiFi card’s speaker. To extend the range of the speakers, upgrade to a bigger antenna. Easy? Not so fast. There are numerous options including Directional Antennas,Omni-Directional, Point-to-Point, and Point to Multi-Point antennas. Which is best for a business depends on individual needs. Business owners who wish to extend the range of their company’s WiFi, however, should not just buy the biggest long-distance WiFi antenna they can afford. As with any technological upgrade, using a long-range WiFi antenna has its pros and cons to consider. Continue reading to find out the pros and cons of using a long-range Wi-Fi wireless antenna, like the GNS-1685-AX.
![Pros and Cons of Using a Long Range WiFi Wireless Antenna (1) Pros and Cons of Using a Long Range WiFi Wireless Antenna (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
WiFi Hotspot Package
Interference and Long Range WiFi Antennas
Long-range directional antennas divert radio frequency signal energy in one direction to increase the transmission distance. However, this reduces the beamwidth of the signal. Placement is key to achieving the maximum coverage and range. A major consideration and drawback when installing long-range WiFi antennas is signal interference. This packet loss issue can be caused by cordless phones, radar signals from traffic lights, to airports, even microwave ovens. However, the most significant concern, when extending range, is the increased possibility of data security breaches on shared channels.
To make the best choice when extending your WLAN network’s reach, consult with the professionals at GNS Wireless. Our staff will consider individual needs and capably provide the best long-distance WiFi antenna solution. Speak with us at (877) 209-5152, or submit your request via our contact form.
FAQs
Interference and Long Range WiFi Antennas
A major consideration and drawback when installing long-range WiFi antennas is signal interference. This packet loss issue can be caused by cordless phones, radar signals from traffic lights, to airports, even microwave ovens.
Are longer WiFi antennas better? ›
Now that we know how to position Wi-Fi antennas, there are some rules of thumb that help with getting good performance out of antennas: Larger antennas have typically better performance than smaller ones.
What's the maximum distance a Wi-Fi signal can be reached? ›
What is the Maximum Distance a Wi-Fi Signal Can Reach? Routers set to a 2.4Ghz frequency that are correctly placed should offer you coverage for 150 feet indoors and about 300 feet outdoors. This is the coverage for a one-level home without lots of obstructions.
How does a long-range WiFi antenna work? ›
Point to point long-range systems help stretch the internet connection between the two buildings. A long-range WiFi antenna (usually a directional WiFi antenna) and a WiFi repeater are needed to pull in the signal from the building with the reliable internet connection - the source.
What is the best height for a WiFi antenna? ›
Excerpt from doc:Generally, the higher an antenna is above the ground, the better it performs. A practice is to install your antenna about 5 to 10 ft (1.5 to 3 m) above the roof line and away from all power lines and obstructions.
Should WiFi antenna be high or low? ›
Make the antenna wire as straight as possible, avoiding any kinks and curving of the wire. Most of your sensors must be mounted at the same height as the gateway for optimum signal strength. The sensor signal strength will reduce if they're positioned higher than the gateway.
What is the best antenna placement for WiFi? ›
Pay attention to your wireless router's antennas.
As we know, our antenna signals are radiated vertically and outward. If you only need to use it on the first floor of your home, we recommend you place antennas vertically, so that the antenna coverage can achieve the best on the same level.
Does it matter what WiFi antenna I use? ›
Choosing the right WiFi antenna is essential for reliable and efficient wireless communication. Whether you are using it for personal or business purposes, the performance of your wireless network heavily depends on the antenna.
How can I increase my WiFi antenna strength? ›
10 tips to help improve your wireless network
- Choose a central location. ...
- Move your router off the floor. ...
- Replace your router's antenna. ...
- Reduce wireless interference. ...
- Replace your device wireless card-based network adapter. ...
- Add a wireless repeater. ...
- Change your wireless channel. ...
- Update your firmware or network adapter driver.
What is the world's longest Wi-Fi range? ›
The longest unamplified Wi-Fi link is a 304 km link achieved by CISAR (Italian Center for Radio Activities). New world record for long-range wireless broadband. Length: 304 km (189 mi).
Can someone access my Wi-Fi remotely? Yes, hackers can access your router and Wi-Fi remotely, especially if you have either of the following: Remote management is enabled in your router's settings. A weak router password that can be easily guessed.
What are the disadvantages of Wi-Fi antenna? ›
Susceptible to Signal Obstructions
They are highly sensitive to signal obstructions such as buildings, trees, or other physical hindrances. Any obstruction between the antenna and the signal source can weaken or block the signal reception.
Why are there 2 WiFi antennas? ›
Dual band WiFi antennas have two separate antennas within a single housing – one for 2.4GHz and one for 5GHz. These antennas are designed to operate on different frequencies and provide optimal performance for each frequency range.
How to pick up a weak public Wi-Fi signal? ›
A wifi range extender is a device that amplifies and extends the range of your wifi signal. It works by receiving the signal from your router and retransmitting it to a wider area, allowing you to pick up the signal from further away.
Are WiFi antennas useful? ›
The Role of WiFi Antennas
WiFi antennas are pivotal in determining the strength and reach of a WiFi network. These antennas help in broadcasting and receiving radio waves that carry data. Most routers come with one or more external antennas, while others have internal ones.
Which router is better with antenna or without antenna? ›
In theory, increasing the number of antennas will reduce signal coverage blind spots, but we have verified through a large number of evaluations that this difference is completely negligible in an ordinary home environment.
Can WiFi antennas interfere with each other? ›
One of the most common sources of WiFi interference is overlapping wireless networks from nearby devices in the local area, such as neighbouring businesses or public hotspots. When multiple networks share similar channels, congestion or slow speeds can occur. This is called channel overcrowding.
Do WiFi antennas need to point up? ›
Pay attention to your wireless router's antennas.
As we know, our antenna signals are radiated vertically and outward. If you only need to use it on the first floor of your home, we recommend you place antennas vertically, so that the antenna coverage can achieve the best on the same level.