Aironet 1242 Signal Dilemma

[rocky23]

Hello Gurus,

I got 5 bars with 54Mbps connection at the same room where
the AP is located/setup but at the other room about 25 feet
i'm receiving only 1-2 bars.

I got also these two antenna setup outside the room which AP is located.
5 GHz 4.5dBi Diversity Omni w/RP-TNC connector (AIR-ANT5145V-R).
2.4 GHz, 5.2 dBi Ceiling Omni Ant. w/RP-TNC Connector (AIR-ANT1728).

About 100 feet outside the room(Wide Open) I can still get good
signal(3-4bars).

My question is,How do i know i setup the external antenna correctly?
Is there any CLI command to activate the external antenna?I am using
the web-based configuration and in the settings of Radio0-802.11G,External
Antenna configuration is disabled and Antenna Gain(DB) is disabled.Do i need to enable it? what antenna gain value(-128 - 128) should i put?

Please help me out.Thank you very much!

[umdivx]

the external antenna setting in the gui interface does NOTHING, other than lowering the power levels to set the AP power output and take the antenna gain into consideration.

are the antenna's directly connected to the AP or are you running a length of coax between the AP and the Antenna?

Also make sure your hooking up the antenna's correctly, 5ghz to the A side, and the 2.4ghz to the B/G side.

Finally if your still having issues in that room, it could be your having interference issues.

- Josh

[rocky23]

umdivx,thanks man.

I got the default 3ft for 2.4Ghz(AIR-ANT1728) & 5Ghz(AIR-ANT5145V-R).
I changed the location closer to the room and it's been working great for now.

another quick questions,
Is it possible to extend the length of coax cable?
can i combine two 2.4Ghz antenna omni-directional and directional in the same AP?

Thank you so much.
rocky