Difference between 2.4 Ghz Cisco & proxim grid antennas

hydrocynus · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2007, 05:54 PM

Hello, that might sound a stupid question.

My current setup is a desktop PCI WIFI card with a 30' long LMR -400 cable (RP sma on one end and Nmale on the other end) connected to an home made biquad.
My biquad has only a 3-4 dbi. I made others, but they were worse.. So I gave up and wanna buy a real antenna.

I wanna increase my WIFI 2.4 Ghz wireless range. So I am looking for an antenna with at least 19-24 dbi.
On ebay, there are two antennas that would meet my needs, but though they say they are 2.4GhZ grid antennas, they also mention proxim (19dbi antenna one) and Cisco (24dbi antenna one). Two different bands?

Now, what is the difference? and would these two meet my needs? I just wanna connect to the free access wifi (moslty linksys= Cisco?) of the neighborhood.

Thanks for your answers.
Hydrocynus.

wizz · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 07:45 AM

The antennas are the same. The 19dBi and 24 dBi are the gain ratings. Namely the 24dbi will reach further than a 19 dbi.

I used a 19dbi grid antenna for a 2km link and it was more than ample at 54Mbps link. All you need to know about the antenna is its connector type and operating freqeuncey (like 2.4GHz or 5GHz).

wizz

wizz · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 07:48 AM

By the way, if your buying antennas from overseas make sure any plastic parts on them will handle th UV radiation of the sun. It would be just as cheap to by one here.

I used to make my own antennas but after a lot of time put into building them it was just as easy to buy one.

wizz

hydrocynus · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 09:34 PM

Thanks.

Yes, they are indeed the same. The Cisco, Proxim or whatever is just to attract potential customers.
HOWEVER, the quality of these antenna on ebay is cheap. They will rust in no time and the dbi is not as advertised.

I bought a flat panel antenna that is completely waterproof. It is only 15 dbi but cost me 39 dollars. The dbi is the one advertised and the material to build it is top notch. (radiolabs)

Considering the money and time I have spent builiding cantennas, yagi, omni and biquad antennnas.... I think it is better to buy something made commercially.

my 0.02.

Serge