Wi-Fi Antenna

If you have a Wi-Fi network (802.11a/b/g), then you need to understand the importance of your Wireless Access Point's (WAP) antenna. The better your antenna, the better the transmissions signal will be for sending and receiving data.

Like most people you're probably using the standard antennas that came with your WAP. These antennas provide you with a few hundred feet of signal transmission strength, as long as it is not impeded by walls or other type of interference (such as microwaves, other Wi-Fi networks, etc..). By using a better antenna, the farther your signal will go and the better it will be received.

The needs of your Wi-Fi network, will determine the type of antenna you need. For example, there are several different types of antennas, like: unidirectional, omnidirectional, etc.. Each type of antenna, does something different, the omnidirectional antenna send the signal out in all directions, and unidirectional only sends the signal in one direction.

Wi-Fi Antenna Resources:

• FreeAntennas.com - DYI antenna resources
• Metrix Communication LLC - 802.11 wireless networking gear
• Building a Wi-Fi Antenna Out of a Tin Can
• Wi-Fi Antenna made from a Diskette