Best Wifi Antennas? (5Ghz)

[Danielkl]

Hi,

I'd be interested to know what people would recommend for the best wifi antennas out there, ideally for 5Ghz. Currently I'm using a set of 6 of these 12dBi gain directional antennas as a triplet pointed at eachother to bridge over a wireless network. Adding a repeater / running cable / powerline / increasing TX power is not possible, and I'd be interested if there are decent options out there. Connection via standard RP-SMA.

I'm seeing a bunch of claimed "25dBi" Yagi antennas designed for 2.4Ghz and some panel type at 16-19dBi designed for 5Ghz on ebay. Anyone know if these are all they claim to be?

 

[stevech]

you may know: the higher the gain, the more narrow the beamwidth is. Just like a flashlight or spotlight. So it's always a tradeoff. The antennas you picture are sector antennas. And the one shown looks like a TNC or RP-TNC connector versus the more popular RP-SMA for unlicensed band gear.

In 2.4GHz, 12dBi omni antennas are sometimes used, BUT their VERTICAL beamwidth is just 7 degrees or so. Thus, they can't be put on elevated masts or rooftops and get good close-in coverage (do the trig).

At 5.8GHz, the gain is a bit higher than in 2.4GHz, for about the same-sized antenna.

I'd avoid more than 12dBi gain unless you are doing a point to point bridge link.
Gets too hard to aim and keep them aimed properly.

I use some 10-15dBi 2.4GHz Yagi's that have a 30 degree pattern or so. Good for certain situations.

In all, you have to avoid losses in the coax length and type.

Here's a good source:
http://www.l-com.com/

Bridge links (point to point) is best done with an all-in-one unit such as:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168092&name=Wireless-AP-Bridges

No coax losses, outdoor packaged, PoE, etc.

 

[TonyH]

Regarding antenna, gain is one of many factors. vertical/horizontal main lobe radiation angle, antenna height, polarization, feeder line, impedance matching, all matters.