On 31 May 2004 at 12:13, Frank Suszka wrote:

> Doug Kit wrote:
>
> David Gillett wrote:
> >The physical location of the Ap is probably not as important as the
> >location, shape/type, and, for some types, the *orientation* of the
> >antenna(e).
>
> >I have no complaints except it's weak signal 1 1/2 floors from the
> >base station,
>
> Dave made a good observation on the subject. Again, experimenting with
> placement may help. I would try putting it as high as possible. As for
> boosting the signal, one response was to build "parabolic antennas" Which
> for the most part seems reasonable however, there may be some point where
> the signal is not omni directional which may defeat the purpose.

  A parabolic antenna boosts power by turning what would be, by default, an
omni-directional signal INTO a directional one.  The "boosted" power is
accounted for by the loss of power in every other direction.

  The antenna rigs on most wireless network gear are not (quite)
omnidirectional; they tend to provide stronger signals in some directions
than others.  In air, the difference might not be enough to notice, but
through walls, floors, pipes, furniture, houseplants and people, they can
begin to add up.
  Most manufacturers *probably* aim for best signal spreading out
horizontally.  If you want signal through floors, a horizontal orientation
may certainly help, and placing the device near the floor between (either
near the upstairs floor or the downstairs ceiling) can't hurt.

David Gillett

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