TRENDnet today announced a high powered WiFi USB adapter, the TEW-445UB. The 108Mbps TEW-445UB 802.11b/g USB 2.0 adapter (right) has a detachable antenna and can operate at greater distances.
The adapter supports high output power up to 23dBM and uses Atheros eXtended Range (XR) Technology. Users can place computers in previously out of range locations. Unlike a PCI adapter, which is in a fixed location and is more difficult to install, the TEW-445UB has a simple user setup and can be flexibly placed around a desktop area for optimal signal reception.
The adapter’s detachable antenna can be replaced with a higher gain antenna for an even farther wireless reach if necessary.
The TEW-445UB will begin shipping at a U.S. Average Selling Price (ASP) of $72.00 (USD).
Tim Higgins checks out the EnGenius EUB-362 EXT High Power 802.11b/g /Adapter (below) which looks to be identical to Trendware’s high power USB client.
I guessing that’s an Atheros AR5005UG USB 2.0 chipset - since AR5523 drivers (the MAC / Baseband part of the AR5005UG chipset) are supplied. The 362’s maximum transmit power is spec’d at 25 dBm (320 mW) EIRP, but I suspect that is taken care of by an external power amp vs. the AR2112 2.4 GHz Radio-on-a-chip.
I’ve tested a number of “high power” or “high gain” solutions for wireless LAN improvement over the years, but I keep coming back to the same conclusion: high power alone doesn’t solve WLAN connectivity problems. Using a ” high power” adapter or AP/router without a similarly-powered partner at the other end of a connection won’t provide reliable WLAN improvement because of the mismatch in power. “Shouting louder” also increases the chances of your WLAN interfering with someone else’s. And while you may think “tough nuts” to the other guy, all I can say is that Karma will get you eventually.
I’ve always been a fan of “listening better”, either by using WLAN gear with superior receive sensitivity or using higher-gain antennas. The better antenna approach has an additional benefit of providing more gain on both receive and transmit, which is exactly what’s needed for improved two-way performance. While EnGenius appears to take the “high power” approach to WLAN range improvement, their use of an Atheros chipset in the 362 shows that they also understand the value of having good receive sensitivity.
All things considered, the 362 has a good combination of elements (higher-than-normal transmit power, good receive sensitivity and the ability to add a higher-gain antenna) that can improve your chances of getting better WLAN performance under low signal conditions. And, unlike the hField Technologies Wi-Fire device, it does it at a price of only 2-3X the going rate of an 802.11b/g USB adapter instead of 4-5X.
The WiFi Link client (below) features a transmit power of 15dBm with a SMA screw connector for attaching external antennas. It costs from $42 to $18.55 (in quantities of 100).
A package bundling SMC’s Wi-Fi Phone and FON’s WiFi Router (right) runs $160. It has everything you need to make Skype calls without a computer.
You must plug the FON WiFi router into a DSL line from an obliging ISP, however.
The Wifi package includes:
- FON WiFi Router
- SMC WiFi Phone
- 500 SkypeOut minutes to call landlines and mobile phones
- 12 months of Skype Voicemail
DailyWireless has more inexpensive WiFi clients & bridges for municipal networks.
[...] DailyWireless is a big fan of Municipal WiFi. But expectations of ubiquitious connectivity need to realistic. Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi. It’s unlikely to penetrate most businesses or be available inside homes without an external antenna and client. [...]
Left by dailywireless.org » Time Magazine MuniFi Article on January 5th, 2007