Big Radio or Big Antenna???

[agent007]

This is probably a question for an RF junkie...

From a technical perspective for maximum range and signal strength, is it preferrable to have a higher powered AP and a lower gain (directional) antenna, or a lower powered radio and a higher gain antenna?? This is assuming a single outdoor AP trying to cover an unobstructed area from a rooftop and at a distance of about 4-5000', and gain maxing out at FCC limits.

Thanks!!

[FlaWireless]

Sounds like you should go with a high gain antenna. Not only are more focused on the transmission side but also on the receive side. It helps you from spreading your RF and keeps you from hearing anyone else’s.
Sounds like a job for the Cisco 1300/1400.

[ConnClark]

Since your only trying to go one mile your probably better off with a high gain antenna and a lower powered radio. This is probably the cheaper of two equally effective solutions. If you were going to push the range out further or needed to go with an omni directional antenna to cover an area, I would recomend the higher power radio with a lower gain antenna. We have found in the field that a high radio power propogates better than a higher gain antenna.

Conn Clark

[wirelessoceans]

Hi,

First it depends on what type of clients you are trying to connect. If it is laptop users then you would want to use both especially at 5000 feet. Thats if you are even able to get that far (highly unlikly even unobstructed). FCC truly only limits the eirp on onmi antenna's. With directionals and amps you can surpass the FCC "limit" if the "SYSTEM" is FCC certified. (system consists of card, amp and antenna). I cant wait to hear how wrong I am about that but read it closely you may agree with me. 36+db is far surpassed if you were to take a high gain direction grid dish add a YDI 1 watt outdoor amp and AP+ and that solution is FCC certified.

Anyway you really are better of with a balance of the two, becuase one without the other is pretty pointless. High Gain + low power = low signal stregth
And
low gain + high power = unfocused energy

If you are try to connect to a bridge or CPE than again I would say balance it out. Good luck