19db Omni Antenna - No Effect

Hi,

I'm a noob at this, so maybe someone can clarify the basics for me.
I've been using an EnGenius 362-EXT usb wifi card and wanted to improve
my reception. I'm sharing internet in an apartment building, so I
thought of getting a better antenna. I splurged on a 19dbi omni
directional antenna (its massive, like 88cm) but once installed, I
didn't noticed a reception difference.
Is the usb card not powerful enough to power the antenna? (does that
statement even make sense?) I just don't see why they make antennas so
large, when it doesn't seem to add any reception. I've decided to order
a hawking signal booster, but will it make a difference? Will it improve
reception, and what should I do with the antenna? Was it a waste of
money?
Thanks
Eric


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View this thread: http://www.wirelessforums.org/showthread.php?t=30474
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evoodoo wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm a noob at this, so maybe someone can clarify the basics for me.
> I've been using an EnGenius 362-EXT usb wifi card and wanted to improve
> my reception. I'm sharing internet in an apartment building, so I
> thought of getting a better antenna. I splurged on a 19dbi omni
> directional antenna (its massive, like 88cm) but once installed, I
> didn't noticed a reception difference.
> Is the usb card not powerful enough to power the antenna? (does that
> statement even make sense?) I just don't see why they make antennas so
> large, when it doesn't seem to add any reception. I've decided to order
> a hawking signal booster, but will it make a difference? Will it improve
> reception, and what should I do with the antenna? Was it a waste of
> money?
> Thanks
> Eric
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> View this thread: http://www.wirelessforums.org/showthread.php?t=30474
> http://www.wirelessforums.org
>
Before you go buying anything else, what are the environmental aspects
of the apartment complex between you and the access point. What is the
distance between you and the access point? How many obstructions are in
the way? What is the vertical difference? Those are important factors.

I have the same usb wifi and that unit seems to like the
antenna that comes with it.



evoodoo <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm a noob at this, so maybe someone can clarify the basics for me.
> I've been using an EnGenius 362-EXT usb wifi card and wanted to improve
> my reception. I'm sharing internet in an apartment building, so I
> thought of getting a better antenna. I splurged on a 19dbi omni
> directional antenna (its massive, like 88cm) but once installed, I
> didn't noticed a reception difference.
> Is the usb card not powerful enough to power the antenna? (does that
> statement even make sense?) I just don't see why they make antennas so
> large, when it doesn't seem to add any reception. I've decided to order
> a hawking signal booster, but will it make a difference? Will it improve
> reception, and what should I do with the antenna? Was it a waste of
> money?
> Thanks
> Eric
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> View this thread: http://www.wirelessforums.org/showthread.php?t=30474
> http://www.wirelessforums.org

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