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Trying to increase my range and reception for wifi. I am barely able to get my cable company’s wifi signal at the dock (connecting at 11Mbps). It was good enough to log on the web and to connect to my slingbox and watch tv on the computer.
Can anyone recommend an antenna or a system that would increase my range and improve signal strength. Also, what type of an antenna is best and where should it be mounted for maximum reception? Do these systems connect directly to the laptop’s network card, or do they need to connect to a router or Access Point?
Thanks guys! The season is upon us here in the North East!!
Rodd Leeds
“Windseeker”
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There are a number of ways you can go. What I’m doing is as follows:
Ubiquiti Bullet 2 WiFi Bridge ($85) connected to a a Digital Antenna wifi
antenna ($90) mounted on the mizzen mast.
There is an ethernet cable (use direct burial cable) that runs up inside the
mast to the radio which mounts to the antenna. This cables powers and
handles the data traffic.
This connects to a Linksys WRT54G wireless access point and is my boats
wireless network, the Ubiquiti bridge is the “internet uplink” at home this
would be your DSL or cable modem.It’s still laying in the yard (almost done) but I ran it at the dock and it
worked great.You could mount it deck level or hoist it set it up temporarily as well.
Pics and details to be posted on my site when the rig is back up.
-p
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s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.comOn Sun, May 30, 2010 at 5:29 PM, Rodd Leeds <> wrote:
Trying to increase my range and reception for wifi. I am barely able to
get my cable company’s wifi signal at the dock (connecting at 11Mbps). It
was good enough to log on the web and to connect to my slingbox and watch tv
on the computer.Can anyone recommend an antenna or a system that would increase my range
and improve signal strength. Also, what type of an antenna is best and
where should it be mounted for maximum reception? Do these systems connect
directly to the laptop’s network card, or do they need to connect to a
router or Access Point?Thanks guys! The season is upon us here in the North East!!
Rodd Leeds
“Windseeker”
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Owners no more...
Thanks Dawn and Patrick! -
Rod,
Not knowing what you are using to connect to WIFI, makes it difficult to
recommend something better. Patrick’s recommendation for a POE system is
probably the most efficient system, but not a little costly, complicated and
and with a somewhat involved implementation. A simple solution might just
be higher powered USB adapter. I’ve used the Alfa adapter with good success
in marginal conditions (e.g., anchored in the Bahamas). It has a long
enough USB cable to be put on the top of the coach roof while working the
computer at the dining table or the nav desk and pull in signals a mile or
more away. I also purchased a directional antenna that connects to the
Alfa, but I only used it a couple of times as it is too directional for use
when at anchor. While in Marsh Harbor, winter before last, several cruisers
complained that they couldn’t stay connected to the local WIFI service, one
of whom said they had a POE system. Durng this same time I was having no
problems staying connected with the Alfa.
If you are an IT professional like Patrick, the POE system is probably the
way to go. If you want something you can purchase and install immediately
then something like the Alfa might be the way to go.
One of the drawbacks to the Alfa is it requires two standard USB ports on
your computer (to get enough power)). If you have a newer computer with a
powered USB port you can get by with just that port. Also the antenna must
be brought into the cabin during inclement weather. I’m sure Patrick’s
solution is all-weather.On Sun, May 30, 2010 at 8:39 PM, Patrick “Peaboy” Walters <
> wrote:There are a number of ways you can go. What I’m doing is as follows:
Ubiquiti Bullet 2 WiFi Bridge ($85) connected to a a Digital Antenna wifi
antenna ($90) mounted on the mizzen mast.
There is an ethernet cable (use direct burial cable) that runs up inside
the
mast to the radio which mounts to the antenna. This cables powers and
handles the data traffic.
This connects to a Linksys WRT54G wireless access point and is my boats
wireless network, the Ubiquiti bridge is the “internet uplink” at home this
would be your DSL or cable modem.It’s still laying in the yard (almost done) but I ran it at the dock and it
worked great.You could mount it deck level or hoist it set it up temporarily as well.
Pics and details to be posted on my site when the rig is back up.
-p
—
s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.comOn Sun, May 30, 2010 at 5:29 PM, Rodd Leeds <> wrote:
Trying to increase my range and reception for wifi. I am barely able to
get my cable company’s wifi signal at the dock (connecting at 11Mbps).It
was good enough to log on the web and to connect to my slingbox and watch
tv
on the computer.
Can anyone recommend an antenna or a system that would increase my range
and improve signal strength. Also, what type of an antenna is best and
where should it be mounted for maximum reception? Do these systemsconnect
directly to the laptop’s network card, or do they need to connect to a
router or Access Point?Thanks guys! The season is upon us here in the North East!!
Rodd Leeds
“Windseeker”
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Regards,
John Stevenson
http://www.svsarah.com
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Rodd,
Check out http://www.islandtimepc.com/marine_wifi.html . Alan on the 424, UNABATED,
first told me about this, having used it on his boat for some time with
excellent results. I bought their antenna system. Also got the wireless
router so I’ve got wifi throughout the boat, mainly to accommodate guests. I
live at anchor full time and this rig has been a real boon, bringing in a
selection of strong wifi signals from a mile away and more (line of sight
required) when my laptop alone finds none. I believe the Island Time PC guy,
the owner, just packages the components. Bet you could buy them cheaper once
you know what they are and research sources. I didn’t have time for that and
am happy with what I got. That owner is also good about holding your hand
through the set-up process, etc., which made it easy for me. I mounted the
antenna + bridge on a main upper shroud, just below the spreaders. Had to
modify the antenna mount a little for that. The 25′ (powered) cord reaches
easily into the salon, where I put the router.Good luck,
Tor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Silver Heels, P-424 #17
http://www.silverheels.us
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Thanks Patrick and John! This info is great.
My use is to connect a single laptop to the Wifi antenna, mainly to get
stronger signal in my marina. I will not be using a router. Does the Alfa
connect directly to a usb port or to the network card? Or do you have a
choice?Again, how does the Ubiquiti Bullet connect to a laptop? does it need to go
to a router?How does the optional antenna connect to the alfa? via coax? if so, this
would be the lossy area of the setup, I assume.Rodd Leeds
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RODD: You may wish to check out these people – good luck here:
_http://www.keenansystems.com/store/catalog/default.php?cPath=27_
(http://www.keenansystems.com/store/catalog/default.php?cPath=27)
I have both the EnGenius POE/bridge-mast mount system and the long range
USB system, which plugs right in your laptop, is portable with a second
antenna, and is MUCH easier to configure.
good luck, BILL~~(__~~ (_~~~fair winds~~ (_~~
Capt. William Tice, USCG Master, 100 TonIn a message dated 5/31/2010 7:59:43 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:Thanks Patrick and John! This info is great.
My use is to connect a single laptop to the Wifi antenna, mainly to get
stronger signal in my marina. I will not be using a router. Does the
Alfa
connect directly to a usb port or to the network card? Or do you have a
choice?Again, how does the Ubiquiti Bullet connect to a laptop? does it need to
go
to a router?How does the optional antenna connect to the alfa? via coax? if so, this
would be the lossy area of the setup, I assume.Rodd Leeds
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Rodd,
I use the Alfa model AWUS036H. It connects to two USB 2.0 ports via a
provided cable (or a single power USB port). The antenna on the adapter
un-screws and a cable to a remote antenna then can be screwed into place.
This is a standard connector so you can just buy the Alfa and add an
external antenna, if needed, at a later time from a different supplier. As
I said I never use the external directional antenna. If the signal is so
far away that the external antenna is required, with the boat tied to a
floating dock it is still moving too much. I think it is best used ashore.
The antenna and heavy coax cable were purchased from an Alfa retailer and
are not made by Alfa.Alfa website: http://www.alfa.com.tw/in/front/bin/home.phtml
I purchased my adapter several years ago so there are probably later and
greater models. Again this is probably one of the least expensive and
easiest to install upgrades from a built-in WIFI. If you plan to go
cruising and will be spending time in the large anchorages such as you will
find in the Caribbean then more advanced installations such as Partick, Tor
and Alan use might be the way to go.BTW, in my experience one of the significant problems with using public WIFI
networks such as are found in marinas and harbors is not the
antenna/adapter, but Skype. You get 4 or 5 people calling on Skype and
suddenly there is no bandwidth for anyone else. I think that a lot of times
when people are having trouble connecting or staying connected to these
public WIFIs the problem is the volume of Skype calls.On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 8:02 AM, Rodd Leeds <> wrote:
Thanks Patrick and John! This info is great.
My use is to connect a single laptop to the Wifi antenna, mainly to get
stronger signal in my marina. I will not be using a router. Does the Alfa
connect directly to a usb port or to the network card? Or do you have a
choice?Again, how does the Ubiquiti Bullet connect to a laptop? does it need to
go to a router?How does the optional antenna connect to the alfa? via coax? if so, this
would be the lossy area of the setup, I assume.Rodd Leeds
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Regards,
John Stevenson
http://www.svsarah.com
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I just installed a WaveWiFi antenna and a netgear router on my friend’s boat
– simple to install, easy to use (just go to http://www.wavewifi.com and it sees
the antenna with a web page of all the nearby networks). It’s a POE thing
and the Netgear router is easy to secure.It took all of about 4 hours to install and configure, but they have a
powerboat and didn’t run the wire through the mast.The disadvantage, though, is the price – it’s about $399 and they sometimes
throw in the router.Bob
—
Bob Fine
s/v Pelican
Pearson 424 Hull #8
http://thesailinglife.blogspot.com
Follow me at: http://www.tinyurl.com/WhereIsBobFine
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I have a generic USB wifi adaper mounted on my rail in a waterproof box with
a 6db gain antenna. The thing works, but its range limited. The link below
looks great and the price is right. I wonder if they can package the think
with the higher gain antenna.Rich
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I used the Alfa all thru the South pacific and rarely could not do internet direct from the boat. Jim Roberts #219
— wrote:
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Tor, got it right when he told you about my WiFi set up from IslandTimne PC. The price is reasonable and I can generally get Wifi form 2- 3 miles away.
This winter I was in Tobago Cay and was getting WiFi from Union Island 3.5 miles away. Of course if the signal is WEPed… then it’s all for naught….
YMMV
alan
UNABATED— On Mon, 5/31/10, James Roberts <> wrote:
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Rod,
I have been using a Wave RV Marine antenna from RadioLabs since 2077 with
good results. http://www.radiolabs.com/index.php The electronics are built
into the antenna base and it connects with the supplied cable to a USB input
connector on the computer. I note, on their web site, that the price is the
same as I paid in 2007 ($169.95).They also have a new product called CaptiFi which appears to be smaller and
a bit lower in price, but, I have no information or experience concerning
that unit.I mounted my antenna on the stbd side of the stern pulpit with a standard
rail mount. The wire is run down along the pulpit leg and through a clam
shell wire seal unit (allows the USB connector to pass through the seal)
mounted on the coming adjacent to the leg , then to the nav. station .Phil Fontaine
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The island time looks to me exactly like the uquiti bullet which you can buy
for $50-$80 online.
http://www.ubnt.com/bulletm
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s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.comOn Mon, May 31, 2010 at 6:39 PM, Alan <> wrote:
Quote:Tor, got it right when he told you about my WiFi set up from IslandTimne
PC. The price is reasonable and I can generally get Wifi form 2- 3 miles
away.
This winter I was in Tobago Cay and was getting WiFi from Union Island 3.5
miles away. Of course if the signal is WEPed… then it’s all for naught….
YMMV
alan
UNABATED— On Mon, 5/31/10, James Roberts <> wrote:
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Owners no more...
Thanks Dawn and Patrick! -
You can probably get it for a little less by purchasing it all someplace else. By the time you add it all up though… not by much. The bridge, POE, antenna, the brackets, cables etc. Make sure you have all the specs though and that the antenna matches the bridge that you buy. The one I have is listed as 800 to 1000 mV.
I have no connection to IslandTimePC just a happy consumer.
alan— On Tue, 6/1/10, Patrick “Peaboy” Walters <> wrote:
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Here’s why I support Bob Stewart from IslandTime PC. I don’t know what kind of service Tor got from him having his unit shipped to Grenada, Tor will have to answer that.
When I was in Annapolis last Oct heading offshore, the Wifi suddenly died. I called Bob to find out what to do. He was surprised because he had never had one that failed. After an hour on the phone, he said he would over night me a new one and asked that I return the old unit when I had a chance. He didn’t wait for a return to check it out he just sent a new one and over night. I got it the next day (shipped to the Annapolis port captain). just like he said.
I hope the place you buy it from understands boats and cruisers and gives you service like that and that the few dollars you save is worth it. When you start cruising away from your home waters and getting anything done is a chore, with no car and unfamiliar cities, having someone who understands your plight….. you’ll appreciate people like Bob.
Like I said, I have no connection to IslandTime PC, just paying it forward.
alan
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Thanks all for your great info!! I will try to figure out which of the
recommended systems best fits my needs and price range.BTW, when I connect to my home wireless network I notice that my connection
speed is at 54 Mbps. At the boat my connection speed is at 11 Mbps,
sometimes at 5 Mbps. What is the relative difference in these speeds? It
would seem to me that as long as I am connected I will get all the same
info, it might just take a bit longer to download at the slower connection
speed. Is that accurate?Rodd Leeds
Windseeker, #214_______________________________________________
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Info is the same, just longer to get it.
Remember that WiFi is line of sight. I remember at my home Marina, in the spring we had great speed, as summer progressed the speed kept dropping. We discovered that a tree that was in the way needed to be trimmed. After a little pruning the speed picked up to what it was in the spring before the leaves blossomed. Wifi does not go through leaves…..
Speed it very depentant on the number of connections the router has at the time. Week days when the marina was empty was great. As the weekends came and more people showed up…. it dropped….
alan— On Tue, 6/1/10, Rodd Leeds <> wrote:
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Single channel routers will also switch down to the speed of the lowest
unit on the network. So if someone has a 802.11b unit, everyone will
get that speed (11). Again, that is for older (more common) single
channel routers/access points.Pete
On 6/1/2010 6:03 AM, Alan wrote:
Quote:Info is the same, just longer to get it.
Remember that WiFi is line of sight. I remember at my home Marina, in the spring we had great speed, as summer progressed the speed kept dropping. We discovered that a tree that was in the way needed to be trimmed. After a little pruning the speed picked up to what it was in the spring before the leaves blossomed. Wifi does not go through leaves…..
Speed it very depentant on the number of connections the router has at the time. Week days when the marina was empty was great. As the weekends came and more people showed up…. it dropped….
alan— On Tue, 6/1/10, Rodd Leeds<> wrote:
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Rich,
I don’t have any direct comparison with other products but it generally met
my needs in my 2007/2008 trip to Florida and the Bahamas. It worked fine at
most marina docks and when anchored out at ranges of 1/4 to 1/2 mile. I
managed to file my income taxes at that range in Elizabeth Harbor,
Georgetown. I do pich up stations at a mile or more but not always reliably.
Phil
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I’ve been researching this since I’m preparing to head out on vacation and need to do something about wireless access. our vacation this year will be by camper, but we’ll have the same problems over land as we’ve had by boat. There are a lot of free access points, but they are rarely close enough to use with standard equipment. As noted earlier, I made my own long-range WiFi adapter a few years back, but I get marginal performance. I think the issue is low power from the generic USB adapter I used. I can salvage the omnidirectional antenna and replace the adapter.
The Ubiquity Bullet noted below looks perfect. it comes in various flavors with power output from 100ma to 1000ma. As far as I’ve been able to determine, it hooks up to your notebook using a standard RJ-45 network cable and hangs on your network much like any network device. It gets power from a Power Over Ethernet (POE) device. These connect to your ethernet between the computer and Bullet and send 12v power down the ethernet. These run about $40.
You need to attach a 2.4ghz omnidirectional antenna (with type-N connector) to the top of the bullet. I already have one but they are available. I haven’t found one for a reasonable price on the internet but I didn’t look very hard. I got mine at a ham radio flea-market. A directional antenna won’t work on a boat. Like most radio equipment, you get better performance with a good antenna than you do with increased power output. The antenna not only boosts your transmit power but also improves received signal strength.
The bullet appears on the network using a local IP address as described in the AirOs manual on the Ubiquity website. You open a browser and type in the IP address in the address box as described in their quickstart guide. The browser will show a set of menus that can be used to configure the adapter. This is the standard way a wireless router is setup, but you can use it to set it up as a client too.
http://ubnt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21246I haven’t ordered anything yet. I’m still in research mode. The 1000mw bullet and POE run about $130.
Rich
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