Snag More Wireless Networks With A Long Range USB Antenna
Enhancing the wireless range of your laptop using a long range antenna will let you search and find more (potentially open) wireless networks as you travel the world. The typical wireless card in a Macbook gives you about 100mW range. Forget about the technical details but consider that a long range wireless card gives you 3-5 times (300-500mW) the range. This lets you bum Wi-Fi signals from networks that might have been out of your range otherwise.
There are two good options for long range wireless antennas with some minor differences between the two. This isn’t a sponsored review, I just like and find these two antennas personally very useful.
Alfa AWUS036EH (300mW) about $40 – About the size of a USB memory stick, this little antenna plugs into your USB drive and works with most Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. The Alfa AWUS036EH provides about 300mW of power (about 2.5 times that of most Intel Windows laptops).
- I never travel without my Alfa AWUS036EH. It doesn’t look fancy or expensive and probably won’t draw anyone’s attention.
- Alfa AWUS036 (500mW) about $60 - Aside from the extended range (almost 2 times) over the Alfa AWUS036EH, the Alfa 500mW doesn’t plug right into your USB drive (but an included cable). It’s a big bulkier and might be more interesting for a pickpocket in my opinion.
These cards aren’t the easiest to find, but I’ve purchased both from Rokland.com (here’s the link for the 300mW and the 500mW). You can also use the card for Wi-Fi hacking, but you don’t need any extra equipment to search for hidden wireless networks in airports or bus stations.
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My name is Anil, a traveler and travel enthusiast. I created foXnoMad to connect with other travelers, discover their world, and share what I’ve learned about mine.
thanks for sharing all these tech stuff. You’ve been my go-to guy, not only for travel, but also these things that make travel + blogging + photography so enticing!
I’m so glad that you find these posts helpful, you’re blog, travels, and wonderful photography has inspired me tremendously! A long range antenna is very useful when traveling and they can be tweaked to get access to more difficult *cough, cough* airport *cough* wireless networks.
I am warning you in advance for probably asking a dumb question. Do these improve the speed of the internet connection you would already be on?
Not a dumb question at all
The maximum Internet connection is limited by one of two things. Either the output of the wireless router (let’s say 54mbps) and how much data the wireless receiver (i.e. the USB antenna) can handle. Both of these wireless cards (and most new ones) are 802.11g which means they can handle up to 54mbps.
Almost all wireless now is 54mbps (in theory, in practice always much slower). A new standard is being developed to allow for higher speed but if the wireless card you’re using can’t process it, you’d be stuck at 54mbps.
These long range wireless cards actually use much more electricity than a typical wireless card which is why their range is so much greater.
Hope that makes sense!
That helps a lot and I am about to purchase one now. Thanks!
Awesome to hear, I love my Alfa.
Just went online to buy the Alfa AWUS036EH (300mW) Long Range Antennae and the specs say it only works with Windows and Linux. I know your post says it works with MacBooks, but want to make sure before I buy it. Love your feedback Anil. Thanks.
Hi Barbara, are you running Leopard or Snow Leopard?
Snow Leopard
The drivers for Leopard are a bit wonky for Snow Leopard. It works on my system but was a bit of a pain to get running. It works fine but takes a bit more setup upfront. I’ve contacted the manufacturer to see if there is an updated driver or one they’re planning on releasing. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back.
Hi Barbara, guess I should have upgraded my drivers when I changed computers. The latest Leopard drivers work for the Alfa 300.
Thanks Anil! Big help – I’ll order one right now.