WiFi
The Trident-2.4GHz WiFi Antenna
The Trident-2.4GHz WiFi Antenna by MP Antenna is an easy to install solution that plugs directly into the antenna port of your existing wireless device to increase wireless speed and connectivity in homes, buildings, parks, marinas and any real world obstructed environment. A large problem with many wireless networks is the poor coverage area of standard wireless devices due to inefficient antenna design. Unlike standard antennas, the Trident combines stunning visual design with Multi-Polarized antenna technology to create a spherical-like signal pattern.The Trident can be used in numerous applications where standard antenna technology can not maintain an adequate signal. In almost every Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) situation where obstructions wreak havoc on signal integrity, the Multi-Polarized Trident improves the connection, stabilizes the signal and increases data throughput. It is not magic. It is Multi-Polarized science.
For a quick and easy evaluation, find areas where you typically encounter a weak or sporadic WiFi signal. Install the Trident on the router or your wireless device and go to the same areas. The signal will be more stable allowing even a weak signal to provide faster data throughput. The secret lies in the science of the multipolarization. With built in spatial and polarization diversity the Trident locks onto and reduces instantaneous signal loss which slows data throughput. By holding the signal wireless devices maintain data integrity and data transfer. Due to its high data content, streaming video provides the most dramatic results.
Multi-Polarized antenna technology provides improved wireless communication in “Real World” obstructed non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments. For ultimate performance use MP Antenna technology to further improve connectivity, throughput and network performance on all wireless devices.
Supports routers requring antennas with RP-SMA and RP-TNC connectors.
You can find the Trident antenna datasheet here: http://www.mpantenna.com/products/trident.php
Wifi Performance
The performance of a Wi-Fi home network greatly depends on signal strength of the wireless router or wireless access point (base station).
If a given wireless client falls out of range of the base station signal, obviously that network connection will fail or “drop.” Clients situated near the edge of the network range will likely experience intermittent dropped connections. But even when a wireless client stays within range consistently, its network performance can still be adversely affected by distance, obstructions, or interference.
To position your wireless equipment for optimal network performance, follow these guidelines:
First and foremost, don’t settle prematurely on a location for the wireless access point or router. Experiment; try placing the device in several different promising locations. While trial-and-error may not be the most scientific way to find a good spot for your equipment, it is often the only practical way to assure the best possible Wi-Fi performance.
Strive to install the wireless access point or router in a central location. If you have only one wireless client, installing the base station near this client is best. For WLANs with multiple wireless clients, find a good compromise position. Clients too far away from the base station will manage only 10% – 50% the bandwidth of clients nearby to it. You might need to sacrifice the network performance of one client for the good of the others.
Next, avoid physical obstructions whenever possible. Any barriers along the “line of sight” between client and base station will degrade a Wi-Fi radio signal. Plaster or brick walls tend to have the most negative impact, but really any obstruction including cabinets or furniture will weaken the signal to some degree. Obstructions tend to reside closer to floor level; therefore, some folks prefer to install their wireless access point / router on or near the ceiling.
Avoid reflective surfaces whenever possible. Some Wi-Fi signals literally bounce off of windows, mirrors, metal file cabinets and stainless steel countertops, lessening both network range and performance.
Install the wireless access point or router at least 1 m (3 feet) away from other home appliances that send wireless signals in the same frequency range. Such appliances include some microwave ovens, cordless telephones, baby monitors, and home automation equipment. Any appliance that transmits in the same general range as 802.11b or 802.11g (2.4 GHz) can generate interference.
Likewise, install the unit away from electrical equipment that also generates interference. Avoid electric fans, other motors, and fluorescent lighting.
If the best location you find is only marginally acceptable, consider adjusting the base station antennas to improve performance. Antennas on wireless access points and routers can usually be rotated or otherwise re-pointed to “fine tune” Wi-Fi signalling. Follow the specific manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
If using these guidelines you still cannot find a suitable location for your wireless gear, there are alternatives. You can, for example, replace and upgrade the base station antenna. You can also install a Wi-Fi repeater (often called a “range extender” or “signal booster.”) Finally, in extreme cases, you may need to configure a second base station to extend the range of your WLAN.
How to Make a Wi Fi Booster Using Only a Beer Can
Stressed out because your WiFi is too slow to get your work done? Crack open a cold one. Then dry it, slice it, and mount it on your router’s antennae. That’s right, you can boost your wifi just by doing some simple surgery on a beer can.
WikiHow has the complete instructions, but basically what you do is cut the bottom off a beer can, slice down the middle of the side, then cut between the top and the sides almost all the way but leaving an inch so the side is still connected to the top. Then you pry open the sides of the can into a radar shape. Stick the antennae through the hole and point the wings so they open out into the room and boom, more wifi signal.