Antenna Orientation

[physicsguy]

I have a Linksys WRT600N router. I'm wondering what the optimal orientation of the antennas would be. I assume for downstairs clients, the dipoles should be horizontal if the router is upstairs. But what about that strange flat thing in the middle? It can be adjusted in two dimensions, up and down like a flap thing, and rotated. Linksys user manual and just about every where else I looked is silent on antenna orientation. Thanks for any help.

 

[stevech]

I wouldn't align the external dipole antennas horizontally. Half your power will go skyward which is useless.

The issue can be if clients are directly below (or above) the dipole, because there's a weak signal null off the two ends. The radiation pattern is like a dimpled sphere.