changing antennas wireless N worth it?

[edscdk]

I see high gain antennas, and other such things advertised...

does anyone know anything about upgrading the antennas?

1) are there G and N antennas
2) does it have to be an antennas for a specific router
3) does it make much difference?
4) if the router has 3 antennas do you change all 3?

I have a setup in an office where the signal only just makes it to one area, some laptops get 1 bar, others get nothing, so I want to try and boost the signal... its not possible to get any equipment closer to the area..

(its in doors with 2 walls in the way)

thanks in advance for any info

 

[Duke]

1. No
2. Sometimes yes, most are the same fitting (note some Netgear antennas can't be removed)
3. Can help a little if the signal is borderline (assuming you're talking about the 'larger' standard looking antennas)
4. Yep although some N routers have only two external antennas so you can only change these

The first thing I would do is use inSSIDer (on a laptop or desktop that has wireless) and find other wireless signals in the area incase they are effecting each other, so you can change the wireless channel to improve coverage.

You could also look at using Home Plugs / Powerline adapters, one to go into the router/switch and one wireless access point one to put in the blackspot area.

There are also some directional indoor antennas you can get like the Dlink ANT24-0600 which can be pointed and give a more focused wireless signal.

 

[redeye_uk]

Nice link Duke. Does it recommend wireless settings based on its scan, or is that for the end user to work out?

Also you need to edit the link (remove ]inssider)

 

[Duke]

Edited the link, ta.

Nope just gives a live reading of all the wireless networks in the area and what channel they use. It actually picks up more than you find within the Windows wireless screen, although I expect its because they are very low signal strength.