Experiences with WLAN Amplifiers

[Tarkin]

Hello,

does anyone have some experiences with an WLAN amplifier? I´m planing to use an 1 watt amplifier with a 24 dBi
antenna for a shot over 1,5 km (maybe 3,5 km) with 802.11b. I have no clear LoS. Will an amplifier do a good job in enhancing the range?

Thank you all.

Tarkin

[medaica]

A pair of 24dBi antenna can cover 4km with ease if you have LOS. If not, you could play with reflections to attain the link.

If you use a 1W amplifer in the transmit path you will be 6dB over FCC limit for unlicensed p-to-p link. Also keep in mind that you need a bi-directional amplifier for this scheme to work (with appropriate gain/power in the receive path so it won't burn your card). Alternatively you can use an (unidirectional) amplifier in the transmit path and add a 2nd antenna for the receive path.

[fibrsux]

Medica provided excellent input. To expand a bit, amplifiers will increase the signal transmitted but they'll also increase the SNR ratio which could actually cause your equipment to interfere with itself. Using high-gain antennas (provided you don't go over the FCC legal limits) is usually a preferred (and less expensive!) option for a stronger link over the use of amplifiers.