antenna position
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I am not overly impressed with the signal strength (distance) of this device.
If the the device is at the top of a hill and i wish the signal to primarily go downhill (primarily in one direction/small angle) is there a particular position i should put the antennas in?
Also just a general question. I always had read that (in general) that 2.4ghz goes further and 5ghz is faster. But the marketing materal for this device says 200m for the 2.4ghz and 300m for the 5ghz. is this because it is outdoors (no obstructions)? just curious even those numbers must be from a test in a complete vacuum or something, cause there isn't anyway you are getting near those numbers.
Hey
Hopefully be able to answer this for you, well try too! :)
If the the device is at the top of a hill and i wish the signal to primarily go downhill (primarily in one direction/small angle) is there a particular position i should put the antennas in?
The device comes with Omni Directional aerials and will therefore broadcast in all directions evenly from the aerial (see image below), therefore the aerial should be either vertical or if the hill is steep / large drop then at at 45degree following the hill . Personally, I would go vertical straight up as this gives you no issues with phasing
Also just a general question. I always had read that (in general) that 2.4ghz goes further and 5ghz is faster.
Yes.. and No sadly. In theory, yes 2.4 has a lower amplitude and longer length, therefore should travel distances better. However the type of modulation of the signal also affects this, older B and G grade 2.4 will be roughly the same distance as newer AC on 5Ghz. This is due to the modulation / multiplexing of the signal and not specifically the frequency its broadcast at.
The amplitude of the signal increases speed at expense of range (wavelength), therefore yes 5ghz is faster at a reduced range (on average)
If you are looking to send a signal down the hill in a very specific / tight angle then this antenna is wrong for you. As said Omni Directional broadcast in all directions, thats not what you are after and you might be better with a different setup.
1. Change to a directional antenna (Sector or Omni with Reflector) . These are usually shaped like a square box / pringles tin, all the signal strength goes in one direction, vs evenly in all directions. Example below shows this from a top down view, notice the extended range on Onmi R and Sector (Sector is better)
2. Other option, if possible..return the outdoors AP and go for a CPE510 or similar. These are directional outdoor APs designed to span distances - I use them for coverage of loading bays, parking lots and signal between buildings
https://www.tp-link.com/uk/business-networking/outdoor-radio/cpe510/
But the marketing materal for this device says 200m for the 2.4ghz and 300m for the 5ghz. is this because it is outdoors (no obstructions)? just curious even those numbers must be from a test in a complete vacuum or something, cause there isn't anyway you are getting near those numbers.
I cant find the material you refer to for this, and would expect it to be the other way round (2.4 ghz longer) but that aside... These numbers are the theoretical distances of the wavelength in a perfect scenario from one edge of the signal, to the other 1 - AP - 2 . Outdoors is good, but not perfect.. indoors worse again.
Bit like MPG on a car, its tested on a rolling road.. Highway will be good but not what is stated, town less so.
Also bear in mind, signal isnt the end goal here. I live in the countryside and can walk 100meters over fields and still pick up WiFi signal.. its weak and totally un-useable.. but its there.. Technically the signal has went 100m
Rough finger in air guess, outdoors with just flat land (no trees, buildings etc) you can expect a "usable" signal at 50-70m with onmi directional on 5ghz. Directional that should pass 100m but each case is different.
Hey
Hopefully be able to answer this for you, well try too! :)
If the the device is at the top of a hill and i wish the signal to primarily go downhill (primarily in one direction/small angle) is there a particular position i should put the antennas in?
The device comes with Omni Directional aerials and will therefore broadcast in all directions evenly from the aerial (see image below), therefore the aerial should be either vertical or if the hill is steep / large drop then at at 45degree following the hill . Personally, I would go vertical straight up as this gives you no issues with phasing
Also just a general question. I always had read that (in general) that 2.4ghz goes further and 5ghz is faster.
Yes.. and No sadly. In theory, yes 2.4 has a lower amplitude and longer length, therefore should travel distances better. However the type of modulation of the signal also affects this, older B and G grade 2.4 will be roughly the same distance as newer AC on 5Ghz. This is due to the modulation / multiplexing of the signal and not specifically the frequency its broadcast at.
The amplitude of the signal increases speed at expense of range (wavelength), therefore yes 5ghz is faster at a reduced range (on average)
If you are looking to send a signal down the hill in a very specific / tight angle then this antenna is wrong for you. As said Omni Directional broadcast in all directions, thats not what you are after and you might be better with a different setup.
1. Change to a directional antenna (Sector or Omni with Reflector) . These are usually shaped like a square box / pringles tin, all the signal strength goes in one direction, vs evenly in all directions. Example below shows this from a top down view, notice the extended range on Onmi R and Sector (Sector is better)
2. Other option, if possible..return the outdoors AP and go for a CPE510 or similar. These are directional outdoor APs designed to span distances - I use them for coverage of loading bays, parking lots and signal between buildings
https://www.tp-link.com/uk/business-networking/outdoor-radio/cpe510/
But the marketing materal for this device says 200m for the 2.4ghz and 300m for the 5ghz. is this because it is outdoors (no obstructions)? just curious even those numbers must be from a test in a complete vacuum or something, cause there isn't anyway you are getting near those numbers.
I cant find the material you refer to for this, and would expect it to be the other way round (2.4 ghz longer) but that aside... These numbers are the theoretical distances of the wavelength in a perfect scenario from one edge of the signal, to the other 1 - AP - 2 . Outdoors is good, but not perfect.. indoors worse again.
Bit like MPG on a car, its tested on a rolling road.. Highway will be good but not what is stated, town less so.
Also bear in mind, signal isnt the end goal here. I live in the countryside and can walk 100meters over fields and still pick up WiFi signal.. its weak and totally un-useable.. but its there.. Technically the signal has went 100m
Rough finger in air guess, outdoors with just flat land (no trees, buildings etc) you can expect a "usable" signal at 50-70m with onmi directional on 5ghz. Directional that should pass 100m but each case is different.
@Philbert thanks for
the detailed response, it all makes sense.
here is the image from Amazon with the 200/300m claims. For 70 bucks I would not expect that, but would expect at least half of that hill or no hill. You can probably tell I am pretty disappointed with this thing.
