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memilanuk's avatar
memilanuk
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2015

Wi-fi antenna - omni vs. yagi

I'm looking at adding a booster/repeater system to our travel trailer, in the hopes of getting some better access to CG wifi. I understand that it probably won't be able to stream movies, etc. but I would like to be able to connect at all! Seems like the campgrounds we stay at are often down in a hole where my cell signal sucks as well.

Anywho, having read thru a number of threads/posts on wifi, etc. I saw several recommendations for omni directional setups like the Jefa Tech, etc. but not very many for yagi antennas. Any ideas as to why? Is there not enough advantage or signal gain with the directional antennas to make it worth having to aim them @ the CG repeater?

Thanks,

Monte

38 Replies

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  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Jun 14, 2015
    as most cg WiFi sucks I think you are throwing money down a rat hole
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2015
    I use a vertically polarize Yagi with good results. I'm actually surprised how well it picks up signals from the side. For less than $15 how can you go wrong.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    MrWizard wrote:
    Yep .. Clear as mud
    Even I thought the router aka access node handled all that
    only if they can hear the traffic on the channel.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 14, 2015
    Yep .. Clear as mud
    Even I thought the router aka access node handled all that
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    WyoTraveler wrote:
    omni antennas are vertically polorized. Yagis are horizontally polorized.
    beams are any polarity you bolt them down in
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    wiFi is a completely different bird than simply producing enough gain to the node you are trying to talk to. Assuming that there are other WiFi nodes, or users in tthe area, you need to produce enough signal so that THEY can hear you as well, because if they can't, they will unknowingly step on you. If they can hear your packet stream, they will stand by and wait for your transmitted packet to clear the band.

    Often what's needed more than a big strong signal at the node you are trying to talk to is to be loud enough for the others within range to standby.

    If this is NOT a CG and on private property or elsewhere where you know there is no other interference in the area, then you can make good use of a beam.

    Clear as Mud?

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