WiFi antenna

You actually probably don't want an antenna. The typical laptop (some exceptions like some some panasonic toughbooks) and average wireless usb dongle don't even have a connector for an external antenna. What you probably want is one of two things:
- A device which integrates a wireless chipset and an antenna which attaches to your laptop via a long usb cable (like a plug-in usb wifi dongle with a *very* long cable). An example would be mailasail's wifi bat which I have.
http://www.mailasail.com/Shop/Wifi-Bat
Works well but is a little pricey and it plugs into a single device, so you'd have to do other things to share the connection with ipads, phones etc.
- a device which incorporates wireless chipset, antenna and router all in one package. The ubiquiti bullet is very popular in this space:
http://www.ubnt.com/bullet
I believe the antenna is actually separate but you have a choice of options and attachment is trivial.

If you really do just want an antenna (which I'm guessing you don't) the PBO solution requires you googling for the phrase "pringles cantenna"
 
ribrage said:
I have a wifi bat as well , yes it is pricey , but it works exceptionally well , no connection to the company just a happy customer
Click to expand...

For my use I don't think I could justify the price over Georgio's second suggestion which looks like the same chipset as the bat. From the blurb the main difference appears to be that the bat has a longer usb cable. That would be necessary for permanent mounting on most boats, but you could always add a usb extender (which is mailasail's solution if you need a longer cable run than they provide). Can't comment on any build-quality differences (the bat seems reasonably robust)
 
Georgio said:
Cricual can provide a longer cable if necessary, I'm happy with the build quality of the Aplha unit.

I have no connection with Crucial other than being reccomended to them by another forum member. The chap there was very helpful.
Click to expand...

+ for the Alfa from Crucial. Yes, it is a bit fiddly to get set up but once there it works well. All you need to purchase in addition to the kit is a 12v stabilised supply (ciggie lighter adapter) such as this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOGIK-L23...mm-/390401495744?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160 . I do think it is worth getting one of good quality.

Decide on the max cable run you will need. The Tube(N) to R36 is USB and 5m is the max unless you get an active extender. If you go that route, be careful where you have any connections so that they do not get damp! I used self amalgamating tape on everything wherever possible.

The only downside is that you have to access the R36 via a web browser at any new location to manually select the wifi hotspot you wish to use. I think that this is the same with many other solutions as well (certainly those in this price range).

Stewart
 
nigelmercier said:
Get an Alfa AWUS036NH 2000mW 2W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Range WiFi Network Adapter with 5dBi Screw-On Swivel Rubber Antenna and 7dBi Panel Antenna

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0041L3FI8/dolcetto-21
Click to expand...

A quick comment on the two antennas mentioned here. Generally a panel antenna is unidirectional, that means it works best when pointed directly at the chosen hotspot. This kind of antenna is perfect for marinas, ports or anywhere where the relative position of antenna and hotspot are fixed.The swivel rubber antenna is probably omnidirectional, this means it can pick up signals from the full 360 degrees (generally at a lower power than a unidirectional as we see in the examples here). This kind of antenna is perfect for a boat swinging at anchor.

This particular adapter and antenna combination is thus the best of both worlds, though it's important for you to fit the right antenna for your location. :)
 
ErikKiekens said:
I asked my hardware provider for a WiFi antenna for use on my boat (while anchoring). He had never heard of such a thing. Any suggestions?
Erik
Click to expand...

Whats your budget, before i flex my knowledge in this area.

I am currently using a Wifi system that allows me to connect to a marina wifi connection sharing it with every device on the boat via a router on board.
 
Jamesuk said:
I am currently using a Wifi system that allows me to connect to a marina wifi connection sharing it with every device on the boat via a router on board.
Click to expand...

The Alfa AWUS036NH will do that, no router required.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0041L3FI8/dolcetto-21

It supports Windows Hosted Network, and can create a hotspot even when it is receiving from another.

See "Using 2 computers from one Wi-Fi Signal": http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...rs-from-one-wifi-signal&p=4088870#post4088870
 
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My preference is for the AWUS036H 1000mW unit instead of the AWUS036NH 2000mW unit.

Wirie (basically an Alfa in a box + bits) support this on their web-site (see FAQs http://www.thewirie.com/faq.html, near bottom of page)
Wire published some test results http://www.thewirie.com/AWUS036NHtest.html (similar results to others I've seen)
I think that Alfa made similar comments on their own web-site and I saw it in a review somewhere (might look for the links if I have time)
I've had personal experience of picking up a weak AP about 5nm distant using AWUS036H when next yacht with AWUS036NH couldn't (same result when he brought it on board)

The units use different chip-sets and AWUS036H is believed to operate more reliably with weak "b/g" APs. The NH will be better on a pure "n" AP with no support for "b/g" but most public APs still use "b/g".

This is all a bit hurried, so wording not 100% accurate but you should get the point, it's late here so I didn't have time to expand. There are reasons to buy the NH model but don't just assume that 2000mW must perform better than 1000mW (transmission power isn't the main factor).
 
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