5km wifi antenna

[keegster17]

guys looking to pick up my work internet. I am 5km away from work, is it possible to have a set up to reach my work signal? I want to get a wifi antenna then run whatever cable required to either my laptop or my DD-Wrt router. Is this possible? this would not be a fancy business set up, just looking to get internet from my work, work does not care.

[FTA]

i dont think you will be able to go 5 km thats pretty far the furthest i have been able to pick up is ~1 mile using a dish tenna and wifi card. i knwo when we did wireless internet with whip antennas it could go about 15 km BUT the base and an amplifier designed to broadcast the signal . good luck

[daryl1964]

Google parabolic dish antenna, you could build it yourself from an old 18" dish, get dish as high as possible and point down at horizon towards your work.

[FTA]

yes line of sight is definitly needed for it ... yer gonna need somethign like 13dbi and antenna with line of sight

[keegster17]

what would something like this cost me approx.? cables antenna?

[Terryl]

I have done links up to 10 miles, but that is using old BUD dishes and 2 watt power amps.

You may be able to receive the WIFI from your work, but getting your signal back to it may be a bit of work, at most the standard WIFI router's RF output is around 200 mW.

After you factor in the coax cable loss, and the gain of the antenna, you may be looking at 10 mW ERP (or much less) at the antenna, this may not be enough to reach you work WIFI.

You can try one of these hummers,
http://www.illumi-nations.com/brass-modular-yagi-usb-antenna-80211-n

It will get around the coax signal loss, and having to use a 2 watt RF WIFI bi-directional amp to get the signals there and back. (remember it's a 2 way street)

You may need to get it up in the air to see your work site.

[Terryl]

Here is another way to go.

I have used these, for a 3 mile link.


http://www.wifi-link.com/product.php?action=product&class1_id=13&class2_id=392&class3_id=585&product_id=1658

[keegster17]

gets a little pricey going by the sites. I do have a old tv antenna I can attach it to so it would be high in the sky. my cable run, might be 75ft?

[Terryl]

The cable run is going to be the problem, at 75 feet, you would have to use RG-214 coax, your router can only supply 100 to 200 mW of RF, by the time it gets to the end of a 75 foot run it will be useless to be used to try and get a 5 kM link.

You will have to look into a WIFI adapter that has a CAT5 interface, and a power over cat5 injector, they make a device called a WIFI repeater, it can be mounted up at the antenna, and then you won't loose all that signal from the coax run.

Take a look at this one from Hawkings Technology, you can use a good 2.5 GHz Yagi for the long run, and the short stubby antenna for your local area.


http://hawkingtech.com/products/hawking_products/wireless/HOW2R1.html


But anyway you try and do this, it isn't going to be cheap and easy, 5 Km is a long haul at 2.5 GHz, and you have to go both ways with a good signal or you wont get a link.

So your going to need a good Yagi antenna, and some sort of RF bi-directional amplifier to get the job done, my path calculations come up with at least a 13 to 16 dBI Yagi, driven with 2 watts of RF, and you will need the bi-directional amp, this will get the incomming signal up to a level that will make it down the 75 feet of coax.

Or the better way is to use the WIFI repeater I posted, then the Yagi connected to one of it's antenna ports, it is outdoor rated and won't eat up the signal by using the coax to connect to your system, it will all be wireless.

[satchick]

Another problem that hasn't been addressed yet is the strength of the wifi signal you're trying to pick up. I'm guessing you're trying to connect to an access point in your office? If so, you're probably going to have reliability issues if you can connect at all. The only way a 5km link even has a chance is with a pair of directional antennas.

[Terryl]

Good info Satchick,

That is why I use a bi-directional RF amp, it not only amplifies the outgoing signal, but the the weak incoming signal as well, I have used them on single Yagi antennas at one end with good results, you just need a good high gain Yagi to get the job done.

If you know the TX power and TX antenna gain, this little app will help in the path calculations.


http://www.afar.net/rf-link-budget-calculator/

[satchick]

But if the transmitter happens to be an omnidirectional access point an amp might not help too much, not to mention if this thing is inside a building...

[poolguy.]

guys looking to pick up my work internet. I am 5km away from work, is it possible to have a set up to reach my work signal? I want to get a wifi antenna then run whatever cable required to either my laptop or my DD-Wrt router. Is this possible? this would not be a fancy business set up, just looking to get internet from my work, work does not care.
I found this to be interesting ...

14892

14893
Panel USB 14 dBi bgn 500mW
Mini-Panel Antenna 14 dBi with built-in USB Wi-Fi 802.11-BGN adaptor

see how many networks we can get using this mini-panel compared to regular WiFi card.


Now 5x STRONGER (500mW)
Up to 10 MILES range
New POWERFUL CHIPSET - Ralink3070L for extremely high reception sensitivity

Share Internet signal up to 10 miles range! Our Mini-Panel is an outdoor and indoor antenna designed for reception from a distant source (access point), You can also share the Internet signal up to 10 miles using 2 antennas (in clear line of sight).

Maximum possible strength for a USB device! It has a built-in USB Wi-Fi adaptor which covers 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n with up to 27dBm (500mW) with a strong 14dBi Panel Antenna. (Extremely high reception sensitivity and high power output in a single device.) You wouldn't believe the reception sensitivity of this device

Install and enjoy! Just install the driver and then connect the USB mini Panel into the USB port of your computer and you are ready to catch a Wi-Fi signal. You do not need extra wires, or other cards. Our Mini-Panel Antenna has a built-in USB Wi-Fi adaptor.

We build what we sell.

We stay a step ahead among competitors! While most sellers doesn't build their own product, we develop and fully test all our products. Try our breakthrough Antenna free for 30 days. You will love it! BEFORE SENDING BACK THE PRODUCT, ask for a RMA (return merchandise authorization) and go to our return policy. on our Website.


Technical Specification

USB Plug and Play
Weatherproof
Table tripod Included.
Operating Systems
Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 Linux and MAC (OSX 10.4 - 10.7)

Size and Weight
Width: 8 inches (20.32 cm) Height: 8 inches (20.32 cm) Depth: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) Weight: 500 grams

Other specifications
Plug and Play product with a built-in USB 802.11 bgn WiFi Adapter
No need to buy extra Wifi Card (PCI or PCMCIA WiFi Card)
No need of Type N or Pigtail connectors
No Batteries needed (powered through USB port)
Weatherproof (for outdoor/indoor use)
No signal loss over the USB cable so you get 100% of the received signal directly in your computer
Made to catch signal up to 10 miles using 2 antennas (in clear line of sight).
Included in this package:
15 feet USB Cable
Extensible USB Cable on demand (with USB repeaters). *See bottom notes
Table Tripod Included
Ralink Chipset, RT3070L @ 500mw
Driver included
*Important notice about USB cable length*

Usually, USB length physical limitation is 16 feet. It is also possible to order a longer cable. If necessary, longer cabling is achieved with USB repeater. You can plug up to 2 repeaters of 16ft together for a total of 32 feet of extension cable + the existing 15 feet cable of the Mini-Panel (for a total of 47 feet). You can also use our 32ft repeater as a single cable.

Buy professional products at competitive prices

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTS SOLD BY OTHER SELLERS
We design and build our own products, so we know exactly what we are selling, This is why we guarantee them! We don’t want to sell you just a product, we want to sell you the best product for your needs.. If you have any question or need more information, please feel free to contact us through the contact web form or chat with US live!


Note: The distance, the bit rate and the signal strength will be altered by obstructions between the Mini-Panel Antenna and the signal source (buildings, trees and hills). If uncertain, please contact us to confirm achievable reception distances.
Dimensions: 8 in × 3 in × 8 in
Price: Sorry you will have to look the price up.

[Terryl]

But if the transmitter happens to be an omnidirectional access point an amp might not help too much, not to mention if this thing is inside a building...

You attach the bi-amp to the Yagi, this gives you the best bang for the buck, I have done this before.

Omni at one end, Yagi at the other with the amp.

[brofro80]

Great Thread Thanks

[homer_™]

guys looking to pick up my work internet. I am 5km away from work, is it possible to have a set up to reach my work signal? I want to get a wifi antenna then run whatever cable required to either my laptop or my DD-Wrt router. Is this possible? this would not be a fancy business set up, just looking to get internet from my work, work does not care.

The equipment that Terryl is suggesting would be your best bet, I think that yaggi is rated for a five mile line of sight radius.
Depending on your location chances are you may find an open wireless connection even closer than your work.
Do you have your work's wireless encryption password?

[keegster17]

poolguy looks nice. don't know much about these things but would this work to pick up random open wifi's or does this have to communicate with another antenna? not sure of the terminology on this.

[anyonomus]

I found this to be interesting ...

14892

14893
Panel USB 14 dBi bgn 500mW
Mini-Panel Antenna 14 dBi with built-in USB Wi-Fi 802.11-BGN adaptor

see how many networks we can get using this mini-panel compared to regular WiFi card.


Now 5x STRONGER (500mW)
Up to 10 MILES range
New POWERFUL CHIPSET - Ralink3070L for extremely high reception sensitivity

Share Internet signal up to 10 miles range! Our Mini-Panel is an outdoor and indoor antenna designed for reception from a distant source (access point), You can also share the Internet signal up to 10 miles using 2 antennas (in clear line of sight).

Maximum possible strength for a USB device! It has a built-in USB Wi-Fi adaptor which covers 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n with up to 27dBm (500mW) with a strong 14dBi Panel Antenna. (Extremely high reception sensitivity and high power output in a single device.) You wouldn't believe the reception sensitivity of this device

Install and enjoy! Just install the driver and then connect the USB mini Panel into the USB port of your computer and you are ready to catch a Wi-Fi signal. You do not need extra wires, or other cards. Our Mini-Panel Antenna has a built-in USB Wi-Fi adaptor.

We build what we sell.

We stay a step ahead among competitors! While most sellers doesn't build their own product, we develop and fully test all our products. Try our breakthrough Antenna free for 30 days. You will love it! BEFORE SENDING BACK THE PRODUCT, ask for a RMA (return merchandise authorization) and go to our return policy. on our Website.


Technical Specification

USB Plug and Play
Weatherproof
Table tripod Included.
Operating Systems
Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 Linux and MAC (OSX 10.4 - 10.7)

Size and Weight
Width: 8 inches (20.32 cm) Height: 8 inches (20.32 cm) Depth: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) Weight: 500 grams

Other specifications
Plug and Play product with a built-in USB 802.11 bgn WiFi Adapter
No need to buy extra Wifi Card (PCI or PCMCIA WiFi Card)
No need of Type N or Pigtail connectors
No Batteries needed (powered through USB port)
Weatherproof (for outdoor/indoor use)
No signal loss over the USB cable so you get 100% of the received signal directly in your computer
Made to catch signal up to 10 miles using 2 antennas (in clear line of sight).
Included in this package:
15 feet USB Cable
Extensible USB Cable on demand (with USB repeaters). *See bottom notes
Table Tripod Included
Ralink Chipset, RT3070L @ 500mw
Driver included
*Important notice about USB cable length*

Usually, USB length physical limitation is 16 feet. It is also possible to order a longer cable. If necessary, longer cabling is achieved with USB repeater. You can plug up to 2 repeaters of 16ft together for a total of 32 feet of extension cable + the existing 15 feet cable of the Mini-Panel (for a total of 47 feet). You can also use our 32ft repeater as a single cable.

Buy professional products at competitive prices

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTS SOLD BY OTHER SELLERS
We design and build our own products, so we know exactly what we are selling, This is why we guarantee them! We don’t want to sell you just a product, we want to sell you the best product for your needs.. If you have any question or need more information, please feel free to contact us through the contact web form or chat with US live!


Note: The distance, the bit rate and the signal strength will be altered by obstructions between the Mini-Panel Antenna and the signal source (buildings, trees and hills). If uncertain, please contact us to confirm achievable reception distances.
Dimensions: 8 in × 3 in × 8 in
Price: Sorry you will have to look the price up.

I needed a new antenna for the cabin as the cantenna has outlived its usefulness for now,,,;)
I will post back in this thread on how this works.. I just ordered one of them this morning. :)
hxxp://www.illumi-nations.com/taxonomy/term/82/all

[keegster17]

homer71 yes i have work password, small business. but yeah if i could find something closer even better. cheap and easy is what I am looking for, well if not cheap that is ok, as long as it is not difficult to set up.

[poolguy.]

poolguy looks nice. don't know much about these things but would this work to pick up random open wifi's or does this have to communicate with another antenna? not sure of the terminology on this.
Hello friend,
The youtube video below demonstrates it picking up open/ (authentication open) wifi, and secured networks
before and after connecting this device ...

[CODE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj8AnI9nVyQ&feature=youtu.be/CODE]

This example just uses one antenna attached to a pc and connects to other networks
who very likely, generally, use wireless routers ...

Businesses generally use repeaters, but as the main website demonstrates the ability to
extend the range past 16' with the use of repeaters if necessary ...

Hope this answers your question friend ...

[keegster17]

looks good. I like it as the connections seem simple, USB to Laptop. May have to get one of these. Anyonomus, keep us posted.

[anyonomus]

looks good. I like it as the connections seem simple, USB to Laptop. May have to get one of these. Anyonomus, keep us posted.

Chased these people since I ordered..
Seems like they shut there site/business down the day I placed my order..
I was looking forward to trying this baby..:(

http://www.illumi-nations.com/

[BPG]

Chased these people since I ordered..
Seems like they shut there site/business down the day I placed my order..
I was looking forward to trying this baby..:(

http://www.illumi-nations.com/

Was you able to get your money back bud ? I hope so ....

[anyonomus]

Credit card was not charged,, :)

[keegster17]

so is this company no longer in business?

http://www.illumi-nations.com/

[dishuser]

kill your live link
then read site rules

[anyonomus]

<p>

so is this company <strong>no longer in business</strong>?
http://www.illumi-nations.com/</p>
<p>
\</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
YUP... Site off-line.... Site Closed..</p>

[keegster17]

just reviewing this thread, and wondering since this one company site is closed, is there someone who might sell something the same?

[jvvh5897]

Similar, yes. ubiquity has a number of interestng products that are around $75US for 5GHz band. If you are interested in 2.5 GHz band you can get away with using something like the TP link 703 or even 702 router/bridge/AP small form devices. Early in the summer I went up on a hill near town--about 9 miles by road maybe 5 miles straight line--and with am 18 inch dish or a 12 inch rectangular horn with the 702 in the waveguide or focal point of the dish, I was able to get a resonably strong signal from a number of AP in town. Now the AP likely were near an open window or even mounted outside or otherwise with a clear line of site to the hill I was on. Link would have been a really good one if both the hill and town wifi were mounted with dish or horn. Horn was just cardboard covered with AL foil and with 30 angle into waveguide, but it worked as well or better than the dish with less need to play with mounting point.

[keegster17]

well can someone suggest a set up I could buy, I don't have the time to build something, I don't mind spending maybe a $100 to see if any open networks available in my area ranging a mile or two. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks JvvH5897 for your suggestion. I am in Toronto and just looking for a somewhat simple set up.