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Question

25dBi Yagi Antenna worse than Alfa 7dBi panel antenna

Jan 15, 2015 10:21AM PST

We got a cheap 2.4GHz 25 dBi Yagi Wireless WiFi Antenna on ebay to improve WiFi long range but after several tests indoor and outdoor, it turned out that the performance of the Yagi Antenna is much worse than
Alfa-APA-M04-directional-antenna-7-dBi.

The Alfa-APA-M04 is able to see around 10-12 APs and even connect to some of them. The Yagi dosen't even see half of them and also unable to connect.

I am wondering how is it possible that the 25dBi Yagi is so bad compared to the Alfa-APA-M04 7dBi?

Does anyone have experience with those antennas?

Thank you for any advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
TRUE!
Jan 16, 2015 12:39AM PST

Amplifying or bigger antennas can pick up more noise and not improve distance. You can try this on your own with any hearing aid. Pushing the volume up does not mean you hear things farther away. You also increase all other noise.

I rarely have to use such a system because I move my WiFi hotspot to a better location.
Bob

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25dBi Yagi Antenna worse than Alfa 7dBi panel antenna
Jan 16, 2015 12:02PM PST

What kind of network WiFi antenna works best for distance?

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Isn't that the question.
Jan 17, 2015 1:34AM PST

I see you didn't grasp the hearing aid problem. Just boosting the signal isn't the fix. For longer distances you forget WiFi and deploy things you see on google like "5 mile wireless link."

Now I can't guess you are trying jack into other folk's WiFi. No one helps with that and you could get into trouble over interfering with networks.
Bob

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Answer
Compromising area for distance.
Dec 28, 2015 9:21AM PST

The yagi antenna is a directional device; you will only see a performance increase only if you point it directly at the device you are transmitting from. It will not be useful for picking up access points that surround it from various sides, without being turned to face those points directly without obstruction. Your Alfa-APA-M04 has a broader range, or is non-directional. The Alfa antenna will pick up more access points that surround it from all sides, but may limit the range it finds those networks. The yagi, in practical theory, should out perform the Alfa when pointed at a specific device, over a longer range of distance, when placed in direct line-of-sight outside of a residence/building, without obstruction, but will only see devices clearly in that line-of-sight.

You gain range and increased noise, but compromise broad area and network selection for direct distance, unless you physically point the antenna in the direction of those networks.

Also, check for devices on the same channel. Switching the device to a channel outside the band of the competing devices may improve channel noise interference and improve quality overall. Almost every device defaults to channel 6 or 11.