Long range wireless PCI network card

[CougTek]

Do you think a TP-Link TL-WN951N with 3x TL-ANT2408CL or even TL-ANT2408C antennas would match the range of an external USB wireless device like an Alfa AWUS036NH? The range of the latter if rather impressive, but I can't get it locally.

 

[Mercutio]

I can't say I've ever had good luck with desktop internal WLAN hardware. Your best bet probably is to upgrade antennas, but everything 802.11 has an element of crapshoot to it, just because of all the environmental issues. Can you replace the antennas on the AP side as well?

 

[CougTek]

I think I can. That's a good idea. The range is over 300ft and both are indoor on the opposite (farther) wall of their respective buildings. At least those (farm) buildings aren't made of concrete. The Alfa USB wireless network device allowed a 3-4bars/5 and it's rated at 5dB gain, so it can be done.

 

[Mercutio]

What about adding a repeater or just locating another AP broadcasting the same SSID?

 

[CougTek]

I've found this. It should be about as good as the Alfa device. I'll compare both the EnGenius and the internal TP-Link with three high gain antennas and I'll let you guys know.

 

[Howell]

Ayrstone ayrmesh hub.

My coworker was looking at one hard but I haven't read about it much.

 

[CougTek]

325$?? I'm looking for a sub-100$ solution. Thanks, but I'll try something else instead.

 

[Santilli]

I've had really good luck with this:
http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=240&model=TL-WN822N

Bang for the buck wise.

I don't think it would do the range you are after, but it was 25 bucks from newegg.

I could be wrong...

 

[CougTek]

...you often are.

I'm sure that TP-Link wireless USB device is better than average, but in the specifications, the gain is said to be 3dB. An average antenna is only 2dB, but the Alfa wireless USB device had a 5dB antenna, so there's a good chance the TP-Link you've linked would come up short.

 

[Santilli]

I was looking for something that was a bit more reasonably priced then the Alfa.

Buying a wireless card that is more expensive then a motherboard-cpu combination, that then puts the antenna down behind the computer, an excellent source of interference makes me think there has to be a better way to do this...

 

[MaxBurn]

No Pringles can antenna suggestions yet?

As I understand it the newer chipsets supporting 3x3 with the associated three antennas do about the best job without getting exotic with funky antennas.

 

[CougTek]

I still haven't had the chance to compare the three antennas PCI card with the EnGenius external USB device. My supplier has changed its transport company and deliveries have gone to shit since. I've been waiting since Tuesday for the stupid card. At least the customer understands.