Consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6E tri-band antenna for better performance.
Consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6E tri-band antenna for better performance.
I wasn't aware wifi antennas included SWR or VSWR details. After checking some, it seems they typically have values under a number, generally less than 2. A few mentioned being under 1.5, but most stayed below that threshold.
Omni-directional antennas are often chosen for their consistent coverage in all directions. For a client setup rather than an access point, using something like a flashlight instead of a broad beam makes more sense. A directional antenna with a 65-degree spread can deliver stronger signals compared to omni antennas. 2.4 GHz offers the longest reach, though lower frequencies limit speed. Higher bands like 5.8 or 6 GHz provide quicker data but only near the access point and with shorter range.
Yesterday’s antennas failed to maintain a steady 2.4Gbit connection, the trend persisted. Fresh start, fresh setup. Today I’m evaluating these: FlyFish RC Osprey. These are LHCP units, available in pairs, costing the same as last time. Reported gain of 2.82dBi. No further details provided. Reviews seemed positive. They’re noticeably smaller than the prior mushroom/lollipop models, making them easy to mount on a PC back. Signal strength is -45dBm; I noticed some link speed variations similar to previous setups. Speed tests matched expectations, NAS filecopy speeds ramped up quickly—though not as fast as last time’s antennas. My take remains consistent: antenna size doesn’t directly affect signal strength or connection speed. These units are much smaller than the last generation yet perform just as well. No noticeable differences. I was hoping these would stand out for their portability, but it looks like another contender is emerging. I’ll keep testing this one today and announce my choice tomorrow.
I saw your link in your previous message—it’s an ALFA APA-M25. It costs $20 per antenna, so two would be $40 total. I’m wondering if they’ll fit since the RP-SMA connectors on the motherboard I/O shield are close together, and the antennas are wide. It could work or it might not. For a pair, this set is likely the most expensive one available here. Also, ALFA doesn’t list 6E support, even though they have tri-band 6E options elsewhere (like in this thread). Of course it might function, but it isn’t marketed as a tri-band antenna. Paying that much would mean you’d need to expect more than what’s offered.