Antenna problems

[Croqui]

Location: Mitchell, Nebraska
Posts: 1
Antenna problems

We have set up a wireless network between an Island and the mainland. The island site (primary cabin) receives a good signal via a Directional antenna (about 700 yards across water.
In order to go an additional 200 feet to a second cabin (the primary cabin receives the signal great) we replaced the stubby antenna on a DWL-900AP+ with a DLink ANT24-800 antenna (8dBi). The signal strenth is lost (outdoors) at about 75 feet.
We tried a second ANT24-800 connected to a DWL-810+ Bridge with a DWL-900AP+ attached to it at the secondary site. Still lose the signal at about 75 feet. An Antenna booster was also tried without success. This whole system works well within the primary site.
We are stumped at this point. DLink Tech support was not at all helpful.
Can this type of network be done and any ideas about what we have done wrong.?? Thanks

[golfnut]

If you have a good link and ping times from the mainland to the first cabin, can you create another bridge from the first cabin to the second cabin?

I'm guessing there are more obstacles between the mainland and the second cabin.

Greg

[Croqui]

Thanks Golfnut.
Actually, the antenna on my D link Airplus card goes the same distance as all the other antennae including with the bridge we tried.
In fact, in an unobstructed test over 50-100 feet of water (out in front of the primary cabin) the Airplus card did as well as the antennae.
So my conclusion is--it may not be obstructions so much as a weak signal from the antenna which is supposed to transmit at least 100 yards.
I may be getting a bit contrary, but I think these Antennae are junk.
It just seems to me that this system is not asking a lot out of a wireless setup. No steel, no buildings etc.
It may just be worthless products.
Thanks again.
Bill

[Chutsman]

Hi Croqui, I read your post in the other forum. At the second cabin, did you try getting the signal direct from the mainland, rather than from the first cabin?

I think the Dlink products are not all that good for when it comes to fringe signals, which is what you are probably dealing with.

What kind of wireless adapter do you have at the second cabin?

[Croqui]

Hi Chutsman,
Thanks for the reply.
We have not tried getting the direct signal but I think it is a great idea and will try it.
The adapter I am using is D-Link Air plus DWL-650+ card. I tried one of the G series but it didn't seem to work as well as this one. Any thoughts on these adapters?
I think you are right about the D link antennae.
Given that, we will try a directional unit and see. I think the alignment will work. We are not that many degrees off the signal to the 1st cabin.
Will post our results.
Thanks again for your help.
Bill

[Chutsman]

I can relate to that situation since I was trying to use a D-Link DWL-650 in a fringe area - I'm fortunate enough to have a hotspot that I can access in my living room.

With the DWL-650, I had to sit in a certain spot, and hold the laptop at a certain angle to pick up the barest of signal. Two other alternatives I tried were way, way better than the DWL 650.

The first was a Belkin USB adapter, F5D6050 and the second was on Orinoco Proxim Gold pcmcia adapter, which has both an internal antenna AND a connector for an external antenna. I went ahead and got an external antenna for it and the signal is rock solid. But it works well even without the external. The antenna is a Hawking 15dBi corner antenna, model HAI15SC which I have standing on the carpet right next to where I sit with the laptop. (I also needed to get a "pigtail" adapter to match the connectors on the card and antenna)

The reason the G series you tried did not work as well as the 650+ is that with the increase of speed in the G, or even if you tried a Super G, there is a trade off - you lose range.

[Croqui]

Chutsman,
Interesting about the adapters.
Actually my card works pretty good as far as I can tell. It has a range of about 75 feet. In fact, at home I have my router in my half-basement and go outside and wander around my very large yard and still get a signal.
But, that being said, maybe your idea about a card with an external antenna might do the trick as well.
It's just been frustrating--all I need is another 25-50 feet and things would work great. Thanks for your ideas. Will starting working on this next week when I get to the island.
Bill

[keenanj]

Use a 200mW client adapter like Engenius 2511 cd plus it will give you 3600 foot range with stock 2dBi antenna. They have between 3 and 9 times the range of other products out there.


Also dont use G adapter for range B only adapter will have a longer range they can use more power and go farther.

[Chutsman]

I will second what keenanj says ... the 200mW pcmcia adapters sometimes come under the brand name of Senao in addition to Engenius. eBay is a good place to get an idea of the cost. There is also a 300mW pcmcia adapter, but the name escapes me at the moment. I bought my Orinoco Proxim Gold - it is a B type - from eBay.