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Choosing
the
right
Wi-Fi
adapter
for
a
better
signal
at
your
campground
Advice
from
GNS
Wireless |
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If you are staying at a campground or RV park that promotes WiFi Internet, and the speed or service is either extremely slow, or just plain unreliable... There are some things you can do about it. If advising the campground owner to do a Wi-Fi upgrade is not an option, go with a more powerful Wi-Fi adapter. This will not only increase your chances of surfing at a faster speed, you will be able to pick up networks from further away.
Even if you think you know your
ABGs, there's a lot more to picking a Wi-Fi adapter than just snapping up the cheapest Wi-Fi card. What makes a good card? Think broad compatibility, excellent reception and fool-proof drivers.
Before you buy your next Wireless USB, or PCI device, look for the following details to get the best wireless range at your next stop. For recommended products, please
click
here.
Choose a Standard (A vs B vs G)
The first thing you need to decide is which type of card you need: 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, or a combination: Be careful of the new N series devices as you need to use the same manufacturer's card and access point to take advantage. The 802.11a and 802.11g both offer a rated 54Mbps. Although at different frequencies. 802.11a uses the 5GHz band, 802.11g uses the 2.4GHz band. 802.11g is backward compatible with 802.11b, and is the primary frequency used at Wi-Fi hotspots. 802.11a is popular mostly with consumer electronics vendors, and with enterprises interested in voice applications, as well as Point to Point backhaul solutions. The combination cards are useful when you are not sure what frequency will be available, and will be prepared for all three.
Antenna Design:
Antenna design is crucial to the performance you will get out of your USB adapter, or PCI card because it determines both signal strength and receive sensitivity. Most standard cards only offer about 30mW of transmit power when sending data, and a receive sensitivity of about -80dBm to ‑90dBm. Special high-powered 200mW cards with -90dBm to -96dBm of receive sensitivity offer huge increases in reception (a 3dB difference represents double the sensitivity). Cards with better sensitivity will let you get further away from the access point while still maintaining a usable wireless signal. Having a better card will allow you to park your RV or Trailer farther away from the main office Wi-Fi antenna, yet still surf the Internet at a reasonable speed. (Or you can mention to the park owner to call GNS Wireless LLC.)
GNS Wireless provides extended range, self managed Wireless Hotspots, as well as customized Wi-Fi solutions for RV'ers. Technical Support always included.
GNS
Wireless
website
GNS
Wireless
recommends
these
USB
Adapters
which
support
WEP
and
WPA
encryption
with
long
Wireless
Range!
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Wireless USB adapter
external antenna connector
200mW High power 802.11b/g
(Upgrade the Antenna for Long
Wireless Range!)
Price: $62.99
Click for More Info. |
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What
do
you
think?
...
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Readers'
comments:
(Latest
first)
fredb
:
What about the effect of usb 1.0 versus 2.0? That seems to make a difference if your antenna is plugged in to the usb port. USB 2.0 is over 40 times faster and should make a big difference in my opinion.
fredb
Bob_netadmin
:
I installed a 802.11b/g card in my dedicated computer. The card has a SMA/R connector which allows for an external antenna. When I have diffculties hitting a hot spot, I can adjust the antenna for maximum data flow.
802.11b is the older (not as old as 802.11a) and is usually the standard protocol, 802.11g is catching up. "B" and "G" share the same band, but "N" is not yet standardized and not accepted everywhere.
Providing free WiFi is no more expensive as providing a fire ring and picnic table.
Mike McFarland
:
My computer has a built in card and antenna. I have not spent any time researching upgrades for my system, but since we have experienced problems in several parks, I would be interested in a booster that would help. Most parks could improve their systems simply by using exterior antennas and relays. They are still being sucked into pay sights by those that sell them. We look for parks with free service.
CTC-42
:
We have used 2 EnGenius units for almost a year now. One with the standard and one with the high gain 7dbi mag mount antenna. Both are great.
used at over 500' outside thru bushes and trees with "N" router and antennas in a house shooting thru 4 walls to the outside. With a WiFi up to a mile or two with the 7dbi antenna.
7dbi mag mount antenna -$14.95 increases distance.
EnGenius 200mw 802.11BG USB 2 with rev. EXT SMA antenna connector $41.94.
Ken Grange
:
As I read it there's 2 things I need - one from the campground and one I need, an adapter. The campground I'm staying at has a pay system that's really bad. I spoke to them about this article. Also I don't think my system is good enough. Good article, thanks.
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