WAP11 External Antenna(s)

hkelley · 05-29-2002

Given that the Linksys WAP11 uses a diversity antenna system, what would be the proper way to extend the range through the use of higher gain antennas?

Is it appropriate to replace the two whips with an identical pair but higher gain antennas?

If you were to use a pair, how should you treat the separation between the two?

Can you terminate one antenna connection, e.g., with 50 ohm stub or resistor and use just one side?

TIntruder · 05-29-2002

Remember there are 2 versions of the WAP11 (and the BEFW11S4)

Those that are "v2" are the newer non-SNMP type have antenna selection in the firmware. (I know my BEFW11S4v2 has this, and I assume the WAP11v2 does as well)

At least it is worth a look...

hkelley · 05-29-2002

I have both the standard (original) WAP11 and the Version 2.2. Linksys site says ver. 2.2 requires no firmware nor drivers. I will investigate the selection option for ver 2.2.

I would like to adapt both APs with higher gain antennas if possible. I am surprised that Linksys doesn't sell a line of high gain antennas for their systems. It would seem natural vertical marketing.

istumble · 05-30-2002

I did a lot of research for AP selection. And I stumbled across some information that said the WAP11 has a connector for External antennas?

Is this true? If not can you suggest any AP that does allow you to connect an external antenna.

I would like to post this link that has an excellent Setup using the Linksys WAP11 AP.

http://www.d128.com/wireless/Dcp00639.jpg

If you see this image. You can seen an external antenna has been connected.

hkelley · 05-30-2002

That's a fascinating photo and you are right that the owner is using one of the antenna connections to attach a single external antenna. But, it also appears that the left antenna is unterminated and that does not appear to me efficient or sound engineering from an RF point of view. Perhaps, it is appropriate to connect things in the manner but my old ham radio days leads me to believe that it shouldn't be done this way.

Dr3D1zzl3 · 05-30-2002

little ot but is that south padre island?

Thorn · 05-30-2002

It is possible to change the antenna on a WAP11. At least on the v1. I haven't seen v2 yet, so I can't say if you can on that model. The v1 WAP11 uses Reverse Polarity TNC (RP-TNC) connectors.

The dual antenna design is for diversity to reduce multipath problems. You can safely turn off one antenna in the firmware.

Here's a simple HOWTO:

1) Get antenna and cables. For an omni, I like the SuperPass Model SPG120. www.superpass.com About $40 US.

2) Get appropriate cables and connectors. You will need the correct length of LMR (or equiv.) and at least one each RP-TNC male and N male connectors. I have used both LMR-195 and LMR-240 for short cable runs. (>20 feet)

3) Assemble the cable and connectors, mast, etc. Install PoE if required.

4) Go into the firmware settings of the WAP11, and set the antennae to just one side for both transmit and receive. Personally, I prefer using the Atmel SNMP application, but the Linksys SNMP works well too. Or I imagine you can do it through the MIB if you are so inclined. I do not think the USB control app has the antenna controls, but they may be there. (I have not used the USB app. very much.)

Make sure you to choose the side to which you have attached the antenna and cable.

That's it! Very simple and it works well. In testing, I have achieved 11mbs at 1.5 miles using this setup, and a 19dB panel on the client end.

Cheers,

lullabud · 05-30-2002

in addition to what thorn is saying, i saw that fab-corp had the linksys to n-type cables on auction at e-bay.

hkelley · 05-31-2002

Thorn, thanks for taking the time to outline the steps. While I didn't use the same antenna, I did accomplish the same thing with a different style of antenna using your connection technique.

This is what forum groups do best. It's appreciated.

lincomatic · 05-31-2002

how impt is it to turn off the other antenna? my friend has a dlink di-713p and it doesn't have antenna selection. can i just leave one of the original antennas connected? i don't want to connect dual external antennas. TIA.

hkelley · 05-31-2002

Diversity antennas are designed to operate in pairs. They switch back and forth looking for the stronger of the two. Their physical spacing and identical electrical characteristics are such that they can improve the utilization of the coverage area by overcoming some shadows and reflections by the short physcial offset.

Because of the switching, it is generally regarded that one needs to be taken out of action if a single high gain antenna is employed. Some AP's don't give you a way to disengaged one antenna in the pair.

lincomatic · 05-31-2002

so do i just disconnect the spare one or do i have to terminate it?

lincomatic · 05-31-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr3D1zzl3
little ot but is that south padre island?

it's egypt

Thorn · 05-31-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by hkelley
Thorn, thanks for taking the time to outline the steps. While I didn't use the same antenna, I did accomplish the same thing with a different style of antenna using your connection technique.

This is what forum groups do best. It's appreciated.

hkelley,
No problem. Glad to be of assistance. As you said, this is what forums do best.

As far as the actual antenna goes, I mentioned the Superpass for two reasons: 1) I've used that one with the WAP11 and know it works well, and 2) Superpass make great antennae for very good prices. They've always been good about answering questions, too.

I know of one other guy who's used a 24dB dish on the WAP11 on a Point-To-Point setup.

Quote:

Originally posted by lincomatic
how impt is it to turn off the other antenna? my friend has a dlink di-713p and it doesn't have antenna selection. can i just leave one of the original antennas connected? i don't want to connect dual external antennas. TIA..

lincomatic,
It is very important that you turn off the antenna port not being used. Actually, you turn off an electronic switch inside the radio. If you do not turn off the switch, the radio can possible go into a state where it locks on the wrong antenna port, or just always oscillates between the two ports.

Quote:

Originally posted by lincomatic
so do i just disconnect the spare one or do i have to terminate it?

First search this forum and the web for the latest firmware and control software for the Dlink. You might find something that will left you do what you need. The Atmel firmware for the WAP11 may even work. Atmel makes the RF chipsets and basic software for many 802.11b sets.

Secondly, You don't want to leave the port open, it is just feeding and infinite load. Instead, try terminate the center conductor to ground on the unused port, into a 50 Ohm, 1 Watt wire wound resistor.

The RF power on these things is probably too low to worry about such things, but I just hate the thought of any final not having some load. But I make no guarantees as to how well this will work. If you burn up your friend's Dlink, or burn down his house, don't blame me.

lincomatic · 05-31-2002

thorn,
thanks for the info

05-29-2002	#1 (permalink)
hkelley Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 98	WAP11 External Antenna(s) Given that the Linksys WAP11 uses a diversity antenna system, what would be the proper way to extend the range through the use of higher gain antennas? Is it appropriate to replace the two whips with an identical pair but higher gain antennas? If you were to use a pair, how should you treat the separation between the two? Can you terminate one antenna connection, e.g., with 50 ohm stub or resistor and use just one side?

05-29-2002	#3 (permalink)
hkelley Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 98	Have Both I have both the standard (original) WAP11 and the Version 2.2. Linksys site says ver. 2.2 requires no firmware nor drivers. I will investigate the selection option for ver 2.2. I would like to adapt both APs with higher gain antennas if possible. I am surprised that Linksys doesn't sell a line of high gain antennas for their systems. It would seem natural vertical marketing.

05-30-2002	#4 (permalink)
istumble Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 8	I did a lot of research for AP selection. And I stumbled across some information that said the WAP11 has a connector for External antennas? Is this true? If not can you suggest any AP that does allow you to connect an external antenna. I would like to post this link that has an excellent Setup using the Linksys WAP11 AP. http://www.d128.com/wireless/Dcp00639.jpg If you see this image. You can seen an external antenna has been connected. __________________ iStumble

05-30-2002	#7 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,360	It is possible to change the antenna on a WAP11. At least on the v1. I haven't seen v2 yet, so I can't say if you can on that model. The v1 WAP11 uses Reverse Polarity TNC (RP-TNC) connectors. The dual antenna design is for diversity to reduce multipath problems. You can safely turn off one antenna in the firmware. Here's a simple HOWTO: 1) Get antenna and cables. For an omni, I like the SuperPass Model SPG120. www.superpass.com About $40 US. 2) Get appropriate cables and connectors. You will need the correct length of LMR (or equiv.) and at least one each RP-TNC male and N male connectors. I have used both LMR-195 and LMR-240 for short cable runs. (>20 feet) 3) Assemble the cable and connectors, mast, etc. Install PoE if required. 4) Go into the firmware settings of the WAP11, and set the antennae to just one side for both transmit and receive. Personally, I prefer using the Atmel SNMP application, but the Linksys SNMP works well too. Or I imagine you can do it through the MIB if you are so inclined. I do not think the USB control app has the antenna controls, but they may be there. (I have not used the USB app. very much.) Make sure you to choose the side to which you have attached the antenna and cable. That's it! Very simple and it works well. In testing, I have achieved 11mbs at 1.5 miles using this setup, and a 19dB panel on the client end. Cheers, __________________ Thorn "Read Altas Shrugged. Compare it to today. Repeat as necessary" Last edited by Thorn : 05-30-2002 at 09:05 PM.

05-31-2002	#10 (permalink)
lincomatic Squaaawk! WiFi! WiFi! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tinsel Town Posts: 1,682	how impt is it to turn off the other antenna? my friend has a dlink di-713p and it doesn't have antenna selection. can i just leave one of the original antennas connected? i don't want to connect dual external antennas. TIA. __________________ ~lincomatic

05-29-2002	#2 (permalink)
TIntruder Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 163	Remember there are 2 versions of the WAP11 (and the BEFW11S4) Those that are "v2" are the newer non-SNMP type have antenna selection in the firmware. (I know my BEFW11S4v2 has this, and I assume the WAP11v2 does as well) At least it is worth a look...

05-30-2002	#5 (permalink)
hkelley Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 98	That's a fascinating photo and you are right that the owner is using one of the antenna connections to attach a single external antenna. But, it also appears that the left antenna is unterminated and that does not appear to me efficient or sound engineering from an RF point of view. Perhaps, it is appropriate to connect things in the manner but my old ham radio days leads me to believe that it shouldn't be done this way.

05-30-2002	#6 (permalink)
Dr3D1zzl3 Mental Penis Fencer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 371	little ot but is that south padre island?

05-30-2002	#8 (permalink)
lullabud Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 261	in addition to what thorn is saying, i saw that fab-corp had the linksys to n-type cables on auction at e-bay.

05-31-2002	#9 (permalink)
hkelley Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 98	Thorn, thanks for taking the time to outline the steps. While I didn't use the same antenna, I did accomplish the same thing with a different style of antenna using your connection technique. This is what forum groups do best. It's appreciated.

05-31-2002	#11 (permalink)
hkelley Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 98	Diversity antennas are designed to operate in pairs. They switch back and forth looking for the stronger of the two. Their physical spacing and identical electrical characteristics are such that they can improve the utilization of the coverage area by overcoming some shadows and reflections by the short physcial offset. Because of the switching, it is generally regarded that one needs to be taken out of action if a single high gain antenna is employed. Some AP's don't give you a way to disengaged one antenna in the pair.

05-31-2002	#12 (permalink)
lincomatic Squaaawk! WiFi! WiFi! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tinsel Town Posts: 1,682	so do i just disconnect the spare one or do i have to terminate it? __________________ ~lincomatic

05-31-2002	#15 (permalink)
lincomatic Squaaawk! WiFi! WiFi! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tinsel Town Posts: 1,682	thorn, thanks for the info __________________ ~lincomatic

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