Is it possible to extend the antenna for wireless router over coax?
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My house has a smart box, and all cables (coax and cat6) in the house run to it. The box is on the second floor in a closet in the far corner (furthest location from my office). I keep my modem and WiFi router on a shelf next to it. That way I am able to easily plug in all rooms into the router.
The unfortunate effect is that the WiFi signal doesn’t have that great of a reach to the other side of my house. My router has 3 antenna on it, and all coax cables are being unused in my house. Is it possible to connect a coax cable to my router and then attach the antenna to the other end in another room effectively giving me an «extension» cord of sorts to the location of one of the antenna?
I guess there are two(three?) questions here:
- Do adapter exists that will let you connect a coax cable to a wireless router’s antenna connector? I will need similar connector to let me screw the antenna into the other end of the cable.
- What is that connector even called?
- Will the signal carry OK?
- wireless-router
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Your proposal won’t work, for several reasons:
- Wi-Fi products use 50Ω coax for their antenna cables, whereas home CATV/TV antenna coax cable is 75Ω (RG-6, RG-59). So you’d have an impedance mismatch unless you put impedance converters at both ends.
- Wi-Fi uses 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, and requires coax cable designed for low signal loss per unit of length at those frequencies (usually rated as deciBels of loss per 100ft in the US or deciBels of loss per 100m in the sane world). Home CATV/antenna coax is usually only designed to be good for traditional broadcast TV or CATV frequencies, which rarely go above 1GHz, unless your home was (re)wired for digital satellite TV service, in which case you may have cable rated for frequencies up into the 2GHz range.
Typical loss per 100ft for RG-6 coax is something like 13 dB, which means a 100ft run would cut your signal down to less than one-quarter the power. - The extra antennas are 802.11n and 802.11ac gear are usually hooked up to separate radio chains of a MIMO radio, which means they’re designed to work together as a kind of small antenna array. Moving one antenna far away from the rest is likely to break their ability to work together properly.
Instead, you should make use of that Cat6 cable you say you have, and run Ethernet to another Wi-Fi AP. If that’s not an option, you might look into using MoCA (or G.Hn/HomePNA over coax) to send data over CATV coax at Ethernet-like speeds. Last, there’s HomePlug AV2 MIMO and G.Hn over powerline.
Short answer is No.
I’m assuming the coax you are talking about is for a Cable service.
The characteristics of that coax are likely not compatible with the characteristics your router is designed for. Even if they are, and in perfect condition, the loss over the run you describe is likely to be to much for the router to overcome.
As noted previously, a second access point with a wired connection is a much better solution.
Finally, I would consider a repeater, or range extender, a last resort. At a minimum, you will reduce your theoretical maximum bandwidth by half as each packet has to be sent twice using the same resource. (If you use more than one repeater, it is half of the remainder lost each time.)
Yes, there are adapters for converting between impedance at minimal loss, and yes, the signal carries fine over RG6 cable. You can DIY or use a Coaxifi kit, which includes adapters for 75 Ohm F and 50 Ohm SMA + RPSMA connectors. The Coaxifi splitters have a stated range of 2400-5875 MHz. The signal should be as strong over a 25 foot cable run as it would be over wireless alone at 5 feet from the router — which makes sense, given the radiation pattern of your average router antenna and how it wastes the output wattage in every direction. You could combine two radio chains from the router for extra output power behind the splitter.
This approach might not make the best usage of MIMO if only one antenna port is used, but it does let you distribute antennas throughout the house, and lets you roam seamlessly from one antenna to the next at full bandwidth without any extra processing necessary.
Keep in mind that at 5.8 GHz, if your RSSI is -25 dBm at 0 feet from the router’s antenna and -48 dBm at 5 feet away, the -48 dBm reading reflects a loss of all but 0.5% of the original output wattage. (Most of the other 99.5% radiates out around the dipole in a tall donut pattern.) For real time applications, you should be fine down to -65 dBm RSSI, which is about 0.01% of the original output power in this example. You can use Times Microwave’s calculators to check run efficiency for various cabling lengths and types. It looks like you could stay above -65 dBm out to about 120 feet on a single RG-6 run, and considerably farther using LMR cable. So unless you’re extending Wi-Fi for the whole length of Wayne County Airport on a single cable run, Wi-Fi over coax should work for any run length in your home.
You can read the Wi-Fi over Coax Wikipedia page for more details.
No, your router isnt designed to use a 20m+ antenna, normally they max out at 30cm at the very most. That wouldnt work.
Use the UTP(CAT6) or even Ethernet over Co-Ax and attach a new access point at the far end.
2
I use your cat6 cable plug into your system router and then plug an auto router into a different room then just make it run the same Wi-Fi
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Twin LMR-400 WiFi Antenna Extension Cables
Home › Products › Cable Assemblies › WiFi Antenna Extension Cables › Twin LMR-400 WiFi Antenna Extension Cables
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Description
Twin LMR-400 Antenna Extension Cables are Low Loss Extension cables, manufactured by Times Microwave Systems USA.
The Twin LMR-400 WiFi Antenna Extension Cables are designed to be used in conjunction with any cross polarised antenna operating in the frequency of DC-6GHz.
Typically, the LMR-400 Low Loss extension cables are used to extend a 3G/4G/5G/LTE antenna from the router, in order to increase the height of the antenna, for increased signal strength.
Why choose Twin LMR-400 – WiFi Antenna Extension Cables?
Twin LMR-400 WiFi Antenna Extension Cable is a very popular product within the Times Microwave LMR coaxial cable range. The LMR range is recognised globally as the industry standard ultra low loss, flexible, low cost, lightweight, DC – 6GHz coaxial cable solution for many RF applications. This is also backed up by the best warranty and technical support in the business.
Why choose LMR-400?
LMR-400 is an extremely popular coaxial cable in the industry due to its excellent reliability, unsurpassed flexibility and ultra low attenuation.
The LMR-400 cable has loss figures comparable to the extremely rigid corrugated coaxial cables however manages to achieve similar flexibility to that of high loss RG Cables. LMR-400 is around 40% lower attenuation than RG-8, RG 213, RG 214 and 9913 Air-Dielectric type Cables.
How is the LMR-400 low loss figures achieved?
This is achieved due to the cable construction specifications. The centre conductor uses a high conductivity, Bare copper clad covered aluminium centre conductor material. The dielectric is nitrogen injected, foamed, closed cell, Polyethylene which helps achieve 84% Velocity of Propagation. The Dielectric has a Aluminium foil outer conductor, which is chemically bonded on to it. Due to the cable construction, The attenuation is significantly lower as compared to single shielded coaxial cables: RF shielding of LMR-400 is > 90 db as compared to 40 dB for RG8.
Outer Jacket
All standard LMR coaxial cable comes with a UV resistant, PE Jacket.
This helps to ensure the cable jacket can withstand harsh outside environments and UV rays from sunlight, this is designed to last for up to 20 years of outdoor service.
Frequency Operating Band
LMR-400 is designed to operate excellent from DC – 6GHz. For 3G/4G/5G Frequency, LMR is the obvious choice.
Applications
LMR-400 Flexible Low Loss Communications Coaxial Cable is ideal for:
- Drop-in performance upgrade with up to 40% Lower Attenuation for RG-8, RG 213, RG 214 and 9913 Air-Dielectric type Cables
- Jumper Assemblies in Wireless Communications Systems
- Short Antenna Feeder runs
- WLL
- GPS
- LMR
- WLAN
- WISP
- WiMAX
- SCADA
- 3G or 4G repeaters
- Radio antennas or receivers
- VSAT Applications
- TVRO
Attenuation dB figures per 100m
30 MHz : 2.2dB
50 MHz : 2.9dB
150 MHz : 5.
0dB
220 MHz : 6.1dB
450 MHz : 8.9dB
900 MHz : 12.8dB
1500 MHz : 16.8dB
2500 MHz : 22.2dB
Temperature range: -40⁰C – +85⁰C
Inner Conductor: Solid BCCAI (2.74mm)
Dielectric: Foam PE (7.24mm)
Outer conductor: Aluminium tape (7.39mm)
Overall Braid: Tinned copper (8.13mm)
Jacket: Black PE
Mechanical Specifications
Bend Radius: installation 25.4mm
Bend Radius: repeated 101.6mm
Bending Moment: 0.68Nm
Weight lb/ft 0.10 Kg/M
Tensile Strength 72.6 Kg
Flat Plate Crush: 0.71Kg/m
LMR-400 Data Sheet
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what it is and how to install it
At home, most people use the Internet using a Wi-Fi network. The wireless connection method has a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that it is far from always possible to achieve a stable signal. To fix this problem, you can use a special Wi-Fi antenna extension cable.
This device will help to amplify the transmitted signal and thereby expand Wi-Fi coverage. Before using such a device, you need to familiarize yourself with its main features, the nuances of choosing and using it at home.
Wi-Fi extension cord-used to expand the coverage area of the wireless network
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Causes of poor signal quality
Every person who uses a Wi-Fi network every day should know the main reasons for poor signal reception. Therefore, before you buy yourself a Wi-Fi cable, you need to figure out why the Internet began to work poorly. There are several common reasons why reception may deteriorate significantly.
Wrong router location
Routers from TP-Link, D-Link or Xiaomi should be installed in the most suitable places for this. This advice is especially relevant if budget models were purchased.
The wireless network is an almost perfect circle with the source of the transmitted signal in the center. To cover the maximum amount of space, you need to install a router in the central part of the apartment. In this way, it will be possible to ensure that the signal penetrates into each room.
Important! Most often, people install routers in the corridor. In such cases, you do not have to buy a cable for a Wi-Fi antenna and signal amplification.
Placed near a microwave oven
Microwave ovens — impair Wi-Fi signal transmission
There are situations when people have to place the router literally a few meters from the microwave oven. Actually, you shouldn’t do that. Microwaves have a negative effect on the operation of routers. The signal quality will deteriorate several times immediately after turning on the oven.
The fact is that in the process of operation it emits waves that interrupt the signal of the router. Even a Wi-Fi extender will not help to solve such a problem.
The only way to remedy the situation is to install the router in another place, at a distance of at least ten meters from the microwave.
Lots of concrete or brick walls
Many people have problems with Wi-Fi signal strength precisely because of the obstacles created by brick and concrete walls. They interfere with the signal and create resistance, which leads to deterioration of the wireless network. The more such obstacles in the path of the radio signal, the worse the quality of communication.
Additional information! To remedy the situation, you can install a router opposite the doorway.
Weak router power
Some people buy budget devices and are surprised that they can not provide a quality wireless network with their help. In fact, this is not surprising, since cheap routers have rather weak power and cannot transmit a signal over long distances.
Only a Wi-Fi extension cable will help to correct the situation, which is able to amplify the transmitted signal at times.
Wi-Fi extension cable
Before buying an extension cable, you need to figure out what it is and what it is used for.
Wi-Fi Router Extender is a wire with an additional antenna that connects to the router in order to increase its range and improve data transfer speed. There are several types of extension cords that are most often used at home.
Active
Repeaters — wireless devices for extending the Wi-Fi zone
The extension cable does not have to be wired. The fact is that there are special wireless devices that allow you to expand the coverage area and provide access to Wi-Fi even in the back rooms of an apartment or a private house. We are talking about repeaters and repeaters.
Repeaters are separate electronic devices that are powered by a wall outlet. The principle of operation of these devices is quite simple. They receive a signal from the router and broadcast it further. Due to this, it is possible to significantly improve the performance of the wireless network.
The repeater creates a circular coverage area around itself. Its radius can reach 20-25 meters. If there are not a lot of obstacles around, it will be possible to extend Wi-Fi by 30 meters.
Power strips may differ from each other:
- power;
- complete set;
- dimensions.
Additional information! Owners of large private houses may need several repeaters at once.
Passive
Omni-directional antenna — will help to maximize network coverage
Passive include special Wi-Fi antennas connected by cable. Such devices are also considered very effective, as they will help expand the coverage area and make sure that the Internet is in all corners of the apartment.
These extensions are divided into two subcategories:
- Omnidirectional. They function according to the standard principle, when the signal propagates in space in the form of a circle. This is very convenient if you need to provide coverage in several rooms at once.
- Directed. They only work in one direction and are therefore not suitable for extending a wireless network over a large area.
Passive models may also differ in the installation method. Some devices are installed on the router, others are placed outside it. Choosing the best way to install a Wi-Fi extender largely depends on the location of the router. If it stands in the center of the apartment, you can install the device directly on it.
Choice for home
Recommended to buy extension cords with external power supply
Many people find it difficult to choose an extension cord to further improve wireless signal transmission. Before proceeding with the choice, you need to decide which type of device is better to buy.
Active models are especially popular. This is not surprising, since they take up little space and do not need to be connected to a cord. It is the absence of wires that attracts people the most. They are also easy to set up using a special mobile application.
Despite all the above features of adaptive extensions, some people still prefer to use passive models. When choosing them, special attention should be paid to the length of the cable. To determine the optimal cord length, you need to figure out in advance exactly where the extension cord will be installed. If it is near the router, you won’t need a very long cable. However, sometimes you have to place it at a distance of several meters. In this case, you will need a longer Wi-Fi antenna extension cable.
Important! When choosing a device, be sure to read the user comments. With their help, it will be possible to determine how well the extension cord works for people who have already purchased it.
Advantages and disadvantages
If there is no Wi-Fi reception at all, then the device is in the «dead zone»
Extenders, like most other electronic devices, have a number of advantages and disadvantages. Among the main advantages are the following:
- Wireless extension.
The main advantage can be considered that with the help of extension cords it is possible to really improve the signal quality. By connecting such devices to the router, the Wi-Fi coverage area increases several times. - Internet speed improvement. By improving the quality of signal reception, data transfer is accelerated on PCs, laptops and smartphones that are connected to Wi-Fi.
- Elimination of «dead zones». Routers are not always able to provide coverage for the entire apartment, which is why so-called «dead zones» appear. They completely lack a signal and access to the Internet. Using Wi-Fi extenders for the router allows you to deal with this problem.
Among the shortcomings, only the high cost of such devices can be distinguished. Also, the disadvantages include the connection of additional wires. However, this only applies to passive models.
DIY
Copper wire — ideal for making homemade antennas
Some people don’t want to buy extension cords and want to make their own.
In fact, it is possible to make such a design with your own hands. To do this, you will have to make a passive antenna to amplify the signal. Copper wire can be used as a resonator. It must be folded in the form of two squares. The design made should look like a figure eight.
Important! It is recommended to use wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm.
To create an amplifying reflector, any iron board is used, the surface of which is covered with a layer of foil. A hole is made in the central part for the antenna cable. Assembly is as follows:
- Solder the wire strand to the antenna.
- Insert the cable into the connector in the plate.
- Connect the metal plate to the antenna copper wire.
- Connect extension cable to router. If a USB modem is used, the wire is connected to a special antenna input. This may require an adapter.
People often face a problem when the power of the Wi-Fi antenna is not enough for a stable signal.
In this case, you will have to use a special extension cord to improve coverage.
Last update — July 9, 2022 at 16:10
How to boost your Wi-Fi signal: 11 ways
Method #6: Switch to a different channel
If the user is installing a router in an apartment building or office, then one of the best methods to increase Wi-Fi coverage is to select a different channel.
The fact is that networks that operate on the same frequency form interference interference. They look like circles on the water. These interferences interfere with each other.
Wi-Fi works on different channels within its range. There are about 13 such channels in total, and the router switches between them. Yes, it can automatically find the most free channel, but it doesn’t always do it well.
Exit — determine which channel the router is operating on and change it to the most idle manually. How to do it:
- Download and install a special program on your PC: there are many free versions in stores.
- Find the freest channel and write it down on a piece of paper.
- Access your router’s settings through the administration panel.
- Find channels.
- Enter the one you need — free — in the appropriate field. This will have to be done manually.
- Save changes to settings.
Owners of dual-band routers capable of operating on 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies can switch to a second, less busy frequency. More about this in the description of the 10th method.
Method #7: Adjust transmitter power
Omnidirectional router antennas do not operate on the principle: the more powerful, the farther. For them, not only power matters, but also feedback from the client adapter. Otherwise, the point in receiving and transmitting data is lost: even if the device is connected to an access point, no action will be taken to exchange data using Wi-Fi.
This effect is called asymmetry. The router recognizes and transmits data to the device, but the network device does not respond because it has a short-range wireless adapter integrated into it.
The effect of asymmetry can be eliminated. To do this, go to the settings of the router through your personal account. By default, the maximum power is set. The user needs to lower it by one.
It is also worth considering that the maximum Wi-Fi signal level set in the settings can degrade the quality of feedback from network devices that are located next to the router. The fact is that the radio signal will be so strong that it will drown out the weaker signal issued by the adapter.
Method #8: Change Antennas
Inexpensive router models come with 3dBi antennas by default. Of course, the antenna, in principle, is not capable of increasing the flow power by itself. But you can increase its coefficient. Then the radiation pattern will change and the signal will propagate further.
This can be compared to flashlight modes. So, the low beam mode is a wide beam that illuminates a large area. But the high beam mode is a narrow beam that hits pointwise, but further.
Considering this, it becomes clear that as soon as the coefficient increases, the radio signal will spread over a longer distance. But in this case, the coverage area will narrow: it may turn out that the Wi-Fi signal closer to the ceiling and floor will completely disappear. Perhaps lying on the couch, sticking to social networks, will not work.
If the user nevertheless decided to install an antenna with a higher gain than the antenna of his router, this is not a problem. The SMA connector is the standard for connecting such accessories, so choosing and purchasing the model you need for the router is not difficult.
Method #9: Install repeaters
Installing repeaters requires additional financial investment, but it is a great option to increase coverage. It is almost indispensable for places with a large area. It is also useful for buildings with a complex layout.
As a repeater that can expand the Wi-Fi coverage area, you can use not only a special device — a Wi-Fi repeater.