Extending Access with a Wireless Repeater

WiFi Repeaters Increase Signal
                                WiFi Repeaters Increase Signal Strength and Reach

Happy consumers love the ability to build their own wifi setup at home. The days of needing a hardwired connection are over. Those with the proper tools can use their laptops and other Web-ready gadgets from just about anywhere in their home. Most routers provide connection from a 100-foot radius. For people in an apartment, 100 feet may be more than enough, yet for those with larger homes a wireless repeater is a warranted purchase. A wireless repeater extends the availability of access, providing the opportunity to surf the Web in the backyard, on the third floor, on the front porch, and other remote spaces around the home.

You want your home WiFi setup to work as you intended. This means you don’t want any hassles regarding running cords or cables such as antenna cables or antenna wires. Home connections may become unreliable at the end of a base’s range. In these cases, a wireless repeater becomes an affordable and easy solution.

WiFi makes internet simpler
   Running Cords is a Hassle! Why Bother?!

If you have an issue with distance, then a wireless repeater is your targeted purchase. A repeater is fixed with a radio that receives and transmits wireless signals from the base station. It works in the same manner as your router, but acts as a go-between, connecting your router to your computer over a greater distance. Placing a wireless repeater near the end of a network’s range greatly extends usability.

Wireless Signal Strength Diagram
                                                            Wireless Signal Strength Diagram

An uninterrupted and reliable access point is the best advantage of purchasing an extender. Running wires or getting multiple routers can be a hassle and is an unneeded expense. Rather than your computer having to cut in and out and search for other access points, you can enjoy uninterrupted access from a sole access point.
Not all wireless repeaters are created equally. Such as device can be a disadvantage if it is of poor quality. Find a reputable vendor and make them aware of your needs and intentions regarding your repeater.

Dual Band Antennas Explained

Dual band antennas have lots of practical uses, especially for mobile devices. These antennas operate on two bands or frequencies (similar to radio stations) and can either work on these different frequencies one at a time or simultaneously, depending on the capabilities of the individual antenna.

The biggest advantage to dual band antennas is their ability to provide a strong, stable wireless connection  in often difficult to reach locations. For this reason they are often used in devices such as cellular or dual band wireless access points. The two most common frequencies used in these antennas are 2.4 GHz (802.11g/N) and 5.1 GHz (802.11a/N). These two “channels” have differences in terms of their abilities. The 5.1 GHz option has the higher frequency and subsequently, a smaller range. However, this higher frequency also allows the 5.1 GHz antenna to handle more information at any one time. The 2.4 GHz option inversely has a lower frequency; allowing the antenna to cover greater distances as well as penetrate surfaces more efficiently.

These factors lead to the conclusion the the 2.4 GHz option is superior for not only establishing a good, strong connection indoor where many surfaces and walls act as barriers to fully covering large ground plans, but maintaining these connections as well. Selecting the proper antenna can be very important for this reason. Some dual band antennas can use both frequencies at once. While others can switch between the two frequencies depending on which option provides a stronger connection in the given area.

Common household appliances also work these channels as well however. This can interfere with the connectivity of other technology within a home or office sometimes. However, that can occur in almost any situation where there are multiple devices operating at once. For many devices, dual band antennas are a stable, easy way to connect to the things you may need.

The Ethernet Cable Connection

Making Information Organization Easy

For many businesses, public services such as schools and libraries, and industries, an Ethernet cable connection is the most dependable option in information technology.

Information is the first necessity of any business. Ethernet cable connections make the transmission of information from one location or person to another easier and faster, allowing for quick communication between workers at a business without having to pass out memos, saving both time and paper. This also allows for quick and reliable internet access that is less prone to connectivity issues and is invaluable as a resource.

Ethernet Provides a More Reliable Network Connection
                  Ethernet Provides a More Reliable Network Connection

Schools and libraries also benefit from Ethernet. Libraries have complex databases that have to process a variety of information: everything from patron due dates and fines, to filtering and sorting materials and locations as well as inter-library loans has to be managed by the library. Having the computers connected via Ethernet cable allows these computers to process large amounts of information at the same time, schools can also use the connectivity to have students share information throughout the classroom and post lessons and homework on it as well.

Ethernet cable can connect equipment other than just computers. There are many devices for controlling machinery or for monitoring the machinery functions that can be interconnected by Ethernet and which can be useful in spotting problems and avoiding mistakes. If a process involves timing or temperature, the equipment that measures any of these variables can be monitored easily from different locations instead of having to be checked manually one by one.

In business, industry, and for libraries and schools, whether for a class project or company deadline, time and reliability matter. An Ethernet cable connection makes sending, organizing, and accessing information easier, more affordable, and faster.

The Power of the 802.11n

Understanding the Differences

Before making a purchase, people may ask how 802.11n antennas are better as compared to the IEEE 802.11b/g. The IEEE 802.11b was the first WiFi standard which was defined as 11 Mbps. Later 802.11g was defined providing 54 Mbps. This equipment works only on 2.4 GHz frequency.

The 802.11n gives Wi-Fi more speed and range. The benefit to 802.11n is that channel bonding is incorporated; in which two separate channels that don’t overlap at the same time can be used to transmit data. This also allows the amount of data able to be transmitted to increase. Rather than 20-MHz-wide channels, 802.11n can use 40-MHz channels. It also allows for more data to be placed in each transmitted packet. It is great for customers who like gaming and streaming videos because it provides a faster wireless Internet connection as well. With latest standards , any equipment is also backwards compatible with 802.11b/g networking equipment. This standard allows operation on either 2.4 or the 5 GHz frequency band. It provides wider channels and thus the ability to provide higher bandwidth, theoretically up to 300 Mbps. Actual throughputs may be much less.

Air802 equipment example
AIR802 offers several multiple output/input options.

With regard to antennas, multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna technology is used to transmit more data. These antennas increase both WLAN coverage and security. The 802.11n antennas have an increased range and allow numerous users do multiple tasks over the network.

Know Your Needs

If your need is short range and you have high bandwidth needs then 802.11n would be the better choice. However, if long range is your primary driving need, then opt for higher radio frequency (RF) powered wireless devices that can be found in many 802.11b/g devices such as the AIR802 model AP-G250 transmitting with 250 mW versus typical store 802.11n devices with 50 to 85mW. Power may be measured in either dB or mW.

With strong performance, better range and more compatibility, why not purchase the latest 802.11n equipment? Upgrade your home network today to improve your networking and online experience.

Hotspots Are the Place to Be

The Internet and social media are no longer a want, but a need for many individuals, companies, and students. People are continuously reaching for their laptop or tablet to connect with the rest of the online world.

Hotspots Become Social Gathering Points
                  Hotspots Become Social Gathering Points

Whether to post on Facebook, send a Tweet, blog or participate in a forum, the Internet is at our fingertips. And the location of where this takes place rarely matters now, because with the growing number of WiFi hotspots, the Internet is more accessible than ever.

Finding Free WiFi is Easier Than Ever

WiFi hotspots are now common at many places, including this ever-growing list of locations:

  • Restaurants
  • Shopping Centers
  • Libraries
  • Coffee shops
  • Airports
  • Train stations
  • Hospitals
  • Military Bases
  • Schools/Universities

Many hotspots use WiFi technology such as the Omnidriectional antenna to broadcast a signal, and can be set up as an open public network or closed public network. Compared to the Yagi antenna which is used outdoors between buildings and similar applications and radiates signal to a defined location, the omnidirectional antenna is the type used in hotspots and radiate signal in all directions. Consider setting up a WiFi hotspot today, and keep people connected at your location.