A Range Extender Antenna for a Wireless  (Wi-Fi ) Router will boost the effective range of a wireless connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signal must pass through, may limit the range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background Radio Frequency noise in your home or business. The antenna that is supplied with a wireless router usually has a 3 dBi rating. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow a few basic guidelines:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless device and other network devices to a minimum-each wall or ceiling can reduce your the wireless device's range from 3-90 feet. Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2. Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick, at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet thick! Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.
3. Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4. Keep your wireless router at least 3-6 feet away from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
5. If the wireless router has more than one antenna, you can't expect an improved signal with two different antennas. If you have more than one antenna on your wireless router you should consider replacing all of them at the same time to keep your system balanced.
6. Assuming that you have only one antenna, it should be placed high in your room with the antenna's flat side (if it has a flat side) facing toward the receiving laptop.
7. Most Range Expander antennas have an SMA connector. If you can easily unscrew the antenna(s) from your current wireless router and the connector on the router looks like the connector in the photo below, then you most likely have an SMA connector. If you can not easily unscrew your antenna and remove it from the router, then you can't use a Range Extender Antenna with an SMA connector.

Here is a picture of what the connector
on your wireless router should look like
if it is an SMA connector.



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