Pros and Cons of Using a Long Range WiFi Wireless Antenna (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of a Wi-Fi antenna? ›

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 use my Wi-Fi from far away? ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.