Long Range Wireless Router Operation

Reach distant areas using a high gain antenna!

Extreme Wireless Access Coverage:

Many techniques of wireless network range enhancement focus on the use of high gain antennas at client end of the link. For example, the yagi seen on this page has been used for years on a USB wireless adapter. It facilitated connections to wireless hotspots over several city blocks, and distances of kilometers over open space. Generally, the access points were using wireless routers equipped with simple dipole antennas, and the yagi was quite necessary for full bandwidth connections beyond about 70 meters (and less indoors or in an interference filled environment).

Another solution to the distant wireless connectivity problem is mounting a high gain, directive antenna at the wireless hotspot / access point. Then, users with wi-fi enabled devices can enjoy faster and more distant broadband. For the ultimate in long range wireless broadband, high gain antennas should be used at both ends - and not simply at the client's location.

In the project shown here, a high gain wi-fi yagi antenna was connected to a typical wireless router and greatly increased the range and effectiveness of the access point. The author was able to connect, through interference, and enjoy broadband internet connections at a distance of 300 meters. A laptop was used as the client, without any other special antennas. In another test, wi-fi yagis with about 15 dB gain were used at both ends, and connections were possible at a distance of 1.5 km. In a more open, noise free environment, the yagi to yagi wi-fi link should be usable over several km.

Build the Wi-Fi Yagi and connect it to a wireless router.

This project is a relatively simple matter of replacing the router's mediocre dipole antenna with athe yagi. You need the following supplies:

1. One wireless router, with an external antenna connector.
2. One coaxial pigtail, compatible with the router. Note that the cable is deliberatly short to minimize signal losses.
3. A wi-fi yagi antenna. Build or buy one. You do need a high gain antenna on your router!
4. Duct tape or cable ties (they're non-metallic) for securing the pigtail and antenna.

To assemble the high gain antenna and router combination, accomplish the following steps:

1. Solder the pigtail to the antenna driven element. Center conductor to one side and shield to the other
2. Secure the pigtail with one or two cable ties, preventing movement and breakage
3. Replace the wireless router's dipole with the wi-fi yagi antenna.
4. Use tape and / or cable ties to secure the antenna to the router and prevent movement and breakage.

Carefully mount and aim the wi-fi antenna / router combination.

The wireless router / high gain antenna assembly should be directed toward the area to be used by intended clients. It can be aimed through walls for enhanced indoor coverage or placed by a window and aimed towards distant users outdoors. There ia also a usable signal outside of the beam for distances within about 10 meters.

Another mounting option, if very high quality / low loss coaxial cable is available, is to mount the antenna on a wall or other fixed structure, and run a length of coaxial cable to the router, affixed securely nearby. Run no more than one meter of cable! The shorter the better.

Avoid aiming through walls to access outdoor users; walls greatly weaken wi-fi signals. As much as 30dB is lost per wall!! Find a window or mount the equipment outdoors in a weatherproof container.

The combination of moderate to high power wireless routers and high gain antennas make possible the coverage of large areas with broadband wireless networks. The wi-fi link budget is greatly ingreased, while much of the burden is lifted from small laptop computers or low powered smartphones or other wi-fi enabled devices. Wireless connectivity is possible over extreme distances when high gain antennas and higher power are used on both ends of the link.