Can I increase my range using High Gain Antenna?

[christiano9911]

I am using this router.
TD W8968

Its antennas are detachable. I was wondering if i can replace these antennas with high gain antenna and it could increase my range?
Thanks

 

[Mahisse]

Short answer yes. Depending on your scenario it should give an overall better wifi coverage.

 

[emdea22]

Well shur ya can, BUT ITS WRONG!
Its actually illegal but if you don't create too much interference or you don't live in a densely populated area you should be fine.

 

[DeauteratedDog]

Well shur ya can, BUT ITS WRONG!
Its actually illegal but if you don't create too much interference or you don't live in a densely populated area you should be fine.

If he is in the US, maximum EIRP is 36 dBm with an omni, he has a 20 dBm radio, so legally he can use up to a 15 or 16 dBi omni-directional antenna (more if directional, different rules). That doesn't mean it is a good idea - omnis with that much gain have a paper thin main lobe and can be tricky to use.

 

[bill001g]

It tends to only be half your problem. The issue generally tends to be that the end device does not transmit at a high enough level to penetrate walls. If you had a big open room bigger antenna would let you hear lower signals but when you look at a house most time the problem is the walls absorb so much signal there is nothing left to hear.

So in general bigger antenna on the router will help in practice you do not get a huge benefit. In many cases the problem is just the reverse you are getting too much signal from your neighbors interfering with your. This is why some people with great signal levels still get horrible performance on wireless. You transmitting stronger does not get rid of the interfering signal and it takes a huge increase to over power it.

 

[christiano9911]

So any antenna would work right?
And do i need to change any settings in my router?

 

[bill001g]

Mostly if the connectors are same they will work. Do not expect magic you will likely only get a tiny improvement