Tips on Selecting Antennas

All wireless devices require an antenna of some sort to function. Although APs and adapters come with antennas, you may wish to install a third-party antenna to improve signal reception, or extend the broadcast range of a device. This isn't possible with all Wi-Fi devices, and even those devices that do allow for antenna upgrades often have proprietary connectors. Indoor Wi-Fi antennas range in price from $20 to over $100, depending on the type of antenna and its function. Antennas are either directional or omni directional.

Directional antennas broadcast and receive in a single direction and are used for precise point-to-point transmission. This is useful when extending a network between buildings or in other design applications where having a signal broadcast in a single direction or light beam is desirable.

Omni directional antennas broadcast the radio signal in all directions at once. This is useful for providing coverage indoors to specific rooms or floors of a building. Most APs and adapters come with omni directional antennas.

If you decide that you need to upgrade your antennas on either your cards or AP, you need to review the manufacturer's instructions and purchase a compatible antenna and connector. Many antennas require a pigtail connector. A pigtail is a length of cable with a connector on each end. For example, one end may have a connector to attach to a wireless NIC, and the other the appropriate connector for an indoor omni directional antenna.

On the Internet you can find plans for "home-brew" antennas made of everything from floppy disks to potato chip cans. Making an antenna and attaching it to a device is not for the faint of heart or the technical neophyte. If you decide to try this, you may damage your device and void your warranty.