My various attempts to use a normal wireless router with an external antenna for large signal coverage, all of which are more or less failed miserably and brought hardly an advantage over the use of the normal, small rod antennas that are mounted at the factory on the routers.
If you then explores in more detail with the matter, we quickly noticed that one is actually completely on the wrong track, especially the eventual signal advantage of an external antenna through the extension of the antenna connector - ie through the antenna cable - is actually done again completely destroyed and you possibly even a worse signal than in the standard version gets.
Quite different the approach of these professional outdoor solution. It includes a bipolar 12dBi directional antenna with a beam angle of 60 ° horizontally and 30 ° vertically. Along with the transmission power of the access point of 8dBm (Germany-setting) gives the maximum 20dBm; an attenuation by any extension cable is not here. The signal and power is supplied via a supplied PoE adapter with power supply, ie, the access point is completely supplied only via the network cable; the latter can be connected to the home network in every conceivable length (up to 60m), without sacrificing signal strength.
The wireless modes are really diverse and cover virtually all areas of application from:
- AP router
- AP Client Router (WISP Client)
- AP / Client / Bridge / Repeater
At interfaces there next to the network cable connector nor an additional RP-SMA connector for an external antenna and a ground terminal as lightning protection.
The establishment of the access points is done quickly and easily:
- Device to the home network via a network cable (of course, with PoE adapter) Connect
- Adjust the network card in your computer to the correct network address range (factory 192.168.0.x)
- Enter via the browser the IP address of the device: 192.168.0.254
- The configuration wizard guides you through the necessary settings in which you first select the correct mode.
- You can adjust in a train the network address on the home network, the Wi-Fi password determine (in delivery status open!) And of course change the access to the access point - finished
But first you should still download the latest firmware from the Internet and update the device, otherwise you have to make all settings and start fresh.
Result: An excellent and comprehensive signal over a really large outdoor area - at last!
Really scary is it when you go to the test mode in the regional settings and then the highest dB value of 27 sets dBm; then the signal seems to be almost limitless.
But beware: this is where you have to make it very clear: this is illegal AND SHOULD IN NO EVENT BE MAINTAINED!
Such a strong signal causes inevitably the Federal Network Agency on the scene and is looking for a few days after commissioning the measuring carriage to the troublemaker. It is a fatal mistake to believe, in the country you would be safe from the law enforcement officers. Exceeding the limits is a legal offense. The penalties for this are different in the individual Länder. With larger overruns to get into the area of fines, which can be 4 digits now and then. As an additional hardship, the Agency is entitled to ensure the whole disturbing technology. These include the antenna, the access point, the cables between these and possibly also connected computer. At worst, it is his whole computer going.
So rather choose good over the preset "Germany"; which corresponds to a setting of 8dBm, which together with the 12 dB of antenna the maximum 20dBm (equivalent to the permissible 100mW) arise. Incidentally, be careful with the Dezibällen: All 3 dB doubles the transmission power EIRP!
Conclusion: excellent outdoor solution without ifs and buts - thoroughly recommended!
