WiFi Range With 7dBi Antennas #1

I've replaced all of the antennas on my network with omnidirectional 7dBi antennas. I've set my three seperate WAPs on different channels so it's easier to see the signal levels of each.

WRT54G is on channel 1 (in blue, on the left).
DIR-655 is on channel 6 (in purple, in the middle).
The crappy ambit modem from my ISP is on channel 11 (in green, on the right).

Obviously, bigger humps/higher readings indicate better signal strength. Note that there is a little bit of lag in the refreshing/updating of the signal strengths... that's just how the program works.

In this video, I get decent reception from my DIR-655 while over 2 blocks away from the WAPs. Note that the limiting factor at that range tends to be line of sight, not distance.

Ways I can improve signal even more:
-Move WAPs up into the attic or to the rooftop to make it easier to be in the line of sight
-Crank up output power to the antennas (they can handle up to 2W each, but I don't want to fry the radios in my WAPs)
-Use a directional antenna such as a dish

Comments, suggestions, and ideas for experiments are welcome... I'm looking for more wireless projects!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• D-link
• DIR-655
• Linksys
• WRT54G
• wireless
• WiFi
• networking
• network
• mod
• modification
• mods
• hack
• hacks
• dell
• laptop
• antenna
• antennas
• 7dBi

[PoisonWaffle]

Cont'd:

No, they don't have to be 802.11n specific, as 802.11n uses the 2.4GHz frequencies, too. I have my DIR-655 configured to not use 5GHz (which is an option for use in areas where the 2.4GHz range is crowded). You'll get the best range and speed on an open 2.4GHz channel (manually set, at 20MHz 802.11n only (not g)).

These antennas also work very well on my WRT54G... and they should work well on anything you can put them on, as long as the output is under 2w (their max power rating).

[TheAngryAmericanwon]

where did you get the antenna's, I want to increase my wireless router which is the D-Link 655. I'd like to put bigger antenna's on this wireless router only because I share my internet with a few neighbors. I share now but I want to ensure a good connection!

[gonzagnr2]

hello, whats the name of the software you are using in the video???

the swap of the antenas and use its potential, its just plug n play or you need to change something in the routers frimware???

thank you.

[XareSoft]

oh you are orthodox :)

[LALOMAN18]

Wow that crazy.... if 7dbi antennas on a router can give you that great of range now imagine what a pair of 17dbi 2.4Ghz antennas that I just bought with one magnet base all for $10 will do!!!

[derouyag]

Where can I buy a set of those 7dbi antennas? Loved your video and would like to replicate the performance using my DIR-655!

[SideFXUK]

Hi If I was to use 9dbi antennas what tx power should i use? Im using a linksys wrt54gs v6 running dd wrt.

[CyberWolf52]

Yo why the Hell didn't D-link Dir-655 come with those antennas or at lease with medium size antennas like with there Dir- 825 cause the range of Dir-655 signal strength are poor con pair to other D-link routers.

[thetechnician22]

DIR-655 Owns. Try three 10dBi omni ants, its ridiculous.

[Griffrez]

What is the use of this? So people have access to your network and crack the password use your internet access and also access your computers from a long range? That's kinda useless. But a very impressive and interesting experience, nontheless.

[PolishGuy89]

Nice, I want to extend my range of my wifi network. How much feet did you go until signal dropped? I literally want to extend my range to at least a 5 block radius. I want to own the sky!!