Boost your WiFi

[VanGirl]

I see many of you are looking for ways to get better WiFi communications. I setup and configure outdoor wifi MESH systems for my job. We have to cover a 3 mi. diameter with WiFi (yes I said 3 miles). <br /><br />I will share with you what I use on my van. I have an external 8dbi antenna mounted permanently <span style="color: #00ccff;">(http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...8dbi-omni-directional-wifi-antenna-kit-(a8ex))</span> on the top. The signal comes into my van with a coax cable. It runs into a Hawking HSB2 Bi-directional signal booster. The Hawking has 3 built-in selectable power levels to choose from. From the HSB2 a cable runs to an external USB-n WiFi adapter (Sabrent brand) with an external antenna jack that is plugged into my USB port.<br /><br />To use this setup I turn off my built-in WiFi. You can't use both WiFi's unless your running Win7 64bit or Linux operating system with load balancing.<br /><br />On a typical free connection, say McDonald's, Panera Bread, Lowes, Home Depot ... I can achieve a 90 to 99% gain at 50 feet from the building. For those of you that do not understand all that tech talk, I pretty much have the speed that is coming out of the WiFi access point. Most of the time it is DSL or better. At most campgrounds I can watch YouTube or NetFlix with little or no problem.<br /><br />Yes this solution cost some money but it is professional looking on the vehicle and will help you keep looking stealth if you paint the antenna the color of you vehicle. <br /><br />VanGirl

 

[Guest]

Great news for the larger vehicles, Vangirl. Thanks for the info and explanation. I will look into it for my van when I return home.<br /><br /> I am on the road with my sidecar rig, using the wifi at a campground in Canada right now and REALLY WISH I had a smaller, more portable device just to plug into my netbook to increase my reception and transmission.....<br />Bri

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>Thanks for posting... I will check it out in more depth tonight.&nbsp; <br /><br />For now I am using an Alfa portable wifi booster antenna (8187 chipset)&nbsp;with magnets glued on to the case.. It works pretty good.&nbsp; Eventually, I'll probably do something external (for a little better range)...&nbsp; it's nice to be able to use wifi without having to go into a business.&nbsp; It can come in handy!<br /><br />Take care!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>VT</p>

 

[magentawave]

Hi VanGirl,<br /><br />I was wondering if you or anyone has looked into making a cheap WokFi antenna http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WokFi to boost a WiFi signal before buying that antenna? There are lots of interesting articles about how to make a WokFi in the External Links part of that Wikipedia page.<br /><br />Steve

 

[VanGirl]

Hi Steve,<br />I have made several WiFi antennas. I used to keep one of them where I could put it in the front window. After having a few business managers come out and inform me that the wifi was for paying customers I decided to go with the external antenna. In the past 3 years since installing the external antenna I have not had one person knock on my door for using their Wifi. Also, the mounted antenna gives me better signal than any of the home brew. Think stealth.<br /><br />VanGirl

 

[magentawave]

A few more questions for VanGirl or anyone else with antenna experience please...<br /><br />1) You said business managers complained about your previous antenna because they could see it pointing to their location. What type of antenna were you using then and how was it positioned? Was it something really obvious like a big dish style antenna on a tripod sitting on the ground outside your van?<br /><br />2)&nbsp;My understanding was that dish or parabolic style antennas are more powerful than straight antennas but not sure if thats true.&nbsp;Do you know if the straight style antenna you're using now is as powerful as a dish or parabolic antenna?<br /><br />3) Can your current WiFi antenna do triple duty for WiFi and your cars radio and a CB radio?&nbsp;<br /><br />4) Do you know if a WokFi antenna will work from inside a van while pointing to the signal through the vans paneling, insulation, and metal wall, or do you have to put the antenna outside to get the best signal?<br /><br />5) Does having that antenna still require you to have wireless modem in your vehicle?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Steve<br /><br /><br />

 

[VanGirl]

Hi Steve,<br />1) The home made antenna that I used for a while was a parabolic made from a small stainless steel mixing bowl. It worked well when I was parked toward the signal and pointed the bowl in the same direction. The only windows I have in my van are in the front so I would use it on the front dash. Not outside. <br /><br />2) In general if you can point the dish and not have to worry about someone seeing it I would agree, the parabolic will capture more signal. The old parabolic I made was getting a 3dbi gain. The bigger ones that I'm aware of will get anywhere from 5 to 15dbi gain (need line-of-site). The stick I'm using is an 8 dbi then add the booster to that and I can have up to 18dbi in both directions (send/receive). The antenna I consider best for WiFi is a Yagi. It to has to be pointed in the direction of the signal. For me I like to be able to park up to a 1/2 block away from a signal and still have it work. I don't have to point anything so no one thinks much about it.<br /><br />3) The antennas work for different frequency, no you can't do multi-duty with them. If you install a CB antenna the top would need to be about 6 to 12 inches higher or lower than the Wifi if you want to talk and surf and the same time. Yes I know someone will tell you that they talk and surf at the time. I can't run my microwave and surf at the same time. <br /><br />4) WiFi does not go through the metal walls in most cases. If you have windows for it to bounce through you will get a little signal. Antenna mounted outside is the best signal.<br /><br />VanGirl<br /><br />

 

[magentawave]

Thanks again VanGirl.&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />And here are a few more por favor...<br /><br />1) Is there any need for an <span style="text-decoration: underline;">external</span> modem or router to do what you're doing, or do you just use your computers internal modem?<br /><br />2) Are you able to stream Netflix movies from your computer or iPad with the WiFi you're tapping into using that special antenna and booster?<br /><br />3) This guy shows a cheap and simple way to double your internet speed. Anyone know if this works?&nbsp;<br /><br />4) I see all these Youtube videos showing software that enables you to borrow someone WiFi even when its WAP/WEP password protected. Some of these seem kind of scammy but does anyone know if that really works?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />

 

[VanGirl]

Steve,<br /><br /><span id="post_message_1274254192">1) No modem needed for WiFi. You do need the external USB WiFi adapter I mentioned in the first post<br /><br />2) Streaming videos is a lot to ask of WiFi but it does work. When I'm at a campground yes, when I'm sitting in a Hotel parking lot yes. Wendy's, McDonald's, Starbucks, Lowe's, Home Depot, Panera all depends on how much bandwidth they are giving away.<br /><br />3) I have tried his induction method and seen little results. I'm not the right person to advise on his method. I usually have my systems tweaked to the max so I would not expect to see much improvement. I suggest you try it for yourself if you are in a house with DLS or Cable. <br /><br />4) WAP is a tough nut to crack. I have heard of some hackers with a dictionary of passwords cracking it but I have never been successful with it. WEP password protection can be cracked by anyone that can watch the youtube video and follow instructions. </span>I worked on a contract a couple of years ago where I was paid to try to hack a company's system, it is called ethical hacking. They do this to find ways to improve their security. <br /><br />FYI - Hacking someone's WiFi is against the law.<br /><br />VanGirl<br /><br />

 

[sl1966]

<br />3) This guy shows a cheap and simple way to double your internet speed. Anyone know if this works?&nbsp;<br />

<br /><br /><img src="../images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />&nbsp;No. I can attest to and confirm that this method does not work at all. The only way to speed up your internet if your wired or wifi connection at both ends transmits/receives at a high rate of speed. There are a few things you can do to keep things from bottle necking with your connection on the software side, but these are rarely if ever needed.&nbsp;<br /><br />Basically this video is a troll.<br /><br />

 

[magentawave]

VanGirl,<br /><br />I'm going to need the best internet possible because of my work so I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my dumb questions (and everyone else that is contributing too).<br /><br />1) I'm assuming you've done a lot of experimentation since this is your work and you've set up WiFi systems to cover a 3 mile diameter (and wow!). Considering the convenience and stealth of an omni-directional antenna, and the possibility of newer better stuff available now as compared to when you set this up, is there anything you would change if you were starting over today that could improve your gains?<br /><br />2) Can you give me the link to which Sabrent USB WiFi adapter you are using from this page please (assuming its on this page)?&nbsp;<a href="http://tinyurl.com/csvcpz3">http://tinyurl.com/csvcpz3</a> And would that be the same model that has an external antenna jack?<br /><br />3) What kind of vehicle are you using and exactly where on the roof did you install the Amped Wireless antenna? Would you change that location if you started over today?<br /><br />4) Will the system you described in your starting thread work on a Mac?<br /><br />5) Do you change the power level on the Hawking Signal Booster often or do you always leave it on the same setting? If changing from the lowest to the highest doesn't boost your gains, do you turn it back to the lowest level to preserve battery juice?<br /><br />6) What would you add to this system so you could use an iPad?<br /><br />Thanks again!<br /><br /><br />

 

[VanGirl]

Hi magentawave,<br /><br />1) I've done a lot of experimentation for WiFi on my van. My last updates which I included in my original post are about a year old. I have not seen a lot of new and better products since. Though your post did make me look again. In someways it doesn't make a difference how much I improve my current setup. If the business offering the free WiFi keeps using the old equipment it will get to a point that no improvements will help. If I were going to improve my current setup I would just add another entire setup just as I have it and run Linux all the time or upgrade to Win7 64bit. By doing that I can load balance the signal on the two antennas. This gives me two WiFi connections. I sometimes do this now when running Linux by turning on my internal WiFi card. The business doesn't know you're doing it. It appears as two different connections to the WiFi access point.<br /><br />2) I didn't find my model of Sabrent USB-n WiFi adapter on your page. I did find one I would use if I were to change and it works with a MAC (http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=KT5750).<br /><br />3) I'm have the smallest model Sprinter van made in the USA. The 8 foot cargo, lowest roof version. My WiFi antenna is mounted on the roof over the rear tire passenger side. My TV antenna and solar panels are mounted in the center. If I had mounted the WiFi antenna in the center I would no longer fit in the drive thru at McDonalds!!!! Can't have that!!! The booster is mounted on the wall inside.<br /><br />4) I'm not a MAC person, I don't use Apple products. I think that as long as you have a MAC compatible external WiFi adapter it should work. The booster is not controlled by the computer system only the WiFi adapter. If you are near a Fry's Electronics you could get the parts and try them. If they don't work Fry's will let you return them.<br /><br />5) I do change the power level on the Hawking. It is possible to over boost the signal. I usually keep it on the 200mw power level (middle). The most power the booster uses in 500mw. That is not enough for me to be concerned with. I play with the booster power as needed for the best signal and speed.<br /><br />6) Once again I don't use Apple products. I have an Android tablet and this setup will not work on it. I have my droid phone <strong><em>fixed</em></strong> where I can turn it into a WiFi access point as needed when nothing free is available. I connect the table to that. I also have an external antenna and booster for my cell phone.

 

[VanGirl]

Hi ɣ-wave,<br />Thanks for the compliment.<br />Yes load balancing will increase your speed.<br />If you have a dual antenna &amp; adapter setup you can connect to two different connections. You can only do this with Win7 64bit or Linux/Ubuntu.<br />Maybe MAC I don't know. You can use your internal WiFi card as your second connection but only if it has a good signal.<br /><br />Back in the old days of Apple, before MAC there were the lowly little Apple versions. Steve Jobs was so greedy that he would not let anyone make products that worked with the Apple. That was just wrong. I have a very hard time forgetting things.<br /><br />Get a Samsung Android Tablet!!!

 

[sidat202]

Im not very tech savy so this might be a dumb question. Are signal strengths for wifi different in different areas. Im in washington state and I can connect to wifi, mostly home depot and mcdonalds, as far away as a block from the store and it works great. Right now Im in a walmart parking lot and Im hooked to home depot and its on the next block. Is it because Im closer to bill gates. HA HA.

 

[VanGirl]

WiFi signal can bounce a little. In your case it is most likely the moisture in the air that is helping carry the signal. Maybe Home Depot has a new powerful access point. Please share the location of that home depot so we can use it next time we are up there.<br /><br />If you are near new stores they really my have the newer systems. WiFi works best with line of site. Can you see the HD from the WM parking lot.

 

[sidat202]

Its the home depot on southhill puyallup wa. East of tacoma wa. I can see the home depot from walmart, but I have also been on the other side and there is a top foods store between me and the home depot. Ive been to other stores in the area and It appears to be the same all around this area.

 

[Guest]

That HD has a bad ass system then. It's prolly a huge advantage with local contractors and build loyalty and name recognition. IMHO they are very smart for spending the money to make their "free" WiFi awesome.

 

[magentawave]

Hi VanGirl,<br /><br />Once again, thank you for so generously sharing all this great information!<br /><br />1) Is there a cable that connects the Hawking signal booster to the Sabrent external adapter?<br /><br />2) What powers the Hawking signal booster?<br /><br />3) Probably a really dumb question but this is how much of a newb I am... &nbsp; When you turn the power level up to the highest on the Hawking signal booster does that consume more of your batteries electricity?<br /><br />4) Any opinions about "5 Mile WiFi" goodie that costs a whopping $400.00? http://www.5milewifi.com<br /><br />5) Could your Android phone or Android tablet work with your current setup if you had a router?<br /><br />6) My cell phone provider won't allow me to use my Android phone as a WiFi access point and throttles me back big time with regular mobile data. Anyway, I've read good things about using Millenicom and may use them to create a hotspot when I don't have access to free WiFi. Do you have any opinion of Millenicom?&nbsp;http://www.millenicom.com<br /><br />7) You mentioned a dual setup. Does that mean you would duplicate everything you currently have? And if so, what is the advantage to having two WiFi connections coming from the same source?<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Stephen<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />P.S. I started with Macs way back and switched to using Windows exclusively for 7 years. And then after two really stupid crashes (and like a moron I had no backup!), I switched back to Mac 3 years ago...but often run Windows XP on my Mac. I have a rooted Android phone and like it way better than the iPhone. I had an Android tablet and tested it concurrently with an iPad but sold the Android because the speaker volume was so low it required headphones. I find IOS to be frustrating to use at times and much prefer Android over IOS so I'm on the hunt to replace my iPad with an Android tablet that puts out more volume (if that exists) when I watch Netflix movies. I love my Macbook Pro 17 and I love Android!

 

[VanGirl]

<span id="post_message_1274281321">Hi Stephen,<br />You spell Stephen the way my dad spells his name. Neat!<br /><br />1) I recommend you use a 3' USB extention cable. You will need a SMA male to male cable from the Sabrent to the Hawking. My Hawking came with that one. Then you will need a SMA male to whichever connector comes on the stick antenna you purchase. It may come with one check to see before you buy.<br /><br />2) The booster is powered by a AC adapter that comes with it. You can get a DC adapter for it. I just have mine wired into the inverter. <br /><br />3) As I mentioned in an earlier post the Hawking only uses 500mW on high. That is not enough to even consider.<br /><br /> 4) Yes the 5 Mile will work if you're on water. It is clean line of site. They have tested WiFi across the Great Salt Lake at 40 miles. In our vehicles in the suburbs I would feel safe in saying it will not do any better than what I'm using.<br /><br />5) I'm not sure I understand your question. My Android works as a WiFi access point when no free WiFi is available (I have unlimited data). No router needed. The Android can handle 3-4 users connected via their wifi cards.<br /><br />6) I have never heard of Millenicom. Before you signup find out about nationwide data. <br /><br />7) See the other post - </span>Yes load balancing will increase your speed.<br />If you have a dual antenna &amp; adapter setup you can connect to two different connections. You can only do this with Win7 64bit or Linux/Ubuntu.<br />Maybe MAC I don't know. You can use your internal WiFi card as your second connection but only if it has a good signal.<br /><br /><span id="post_message_1274281321">VanGirl<br /></span>

 

[magentawave]

VanGirl, thanks again for all of your help with this stuff. I'm sure this thread you started here will help a lot of people.<br /><br />Apple has the iPad and iPhone locked down way too much with no USB ports, etc. Sharing stuff between my computer and iPad just got a million times easier since I installed the free Dropbox app instead of having to use iTunes but I'd still like to find a good deal on a 9" or 10" Android that can play Netflix videos loud enough to not require headphones. Do you know of one that can do that?