Linksys has announced the first dual-band, omni-directional high-gain antennae for the consumer market.
The new Linksys high-gain antennae available in a 2- and 4-pack (WRT004ANT and WRT002ANT) help improve a router’s signal strength specifically at the edge of a Wi-Fi network resulting in enhanced Wi-Fi performance.
Compatible with any wireless router that features an RP-SMA connection, these new antennas deliver 4dBi in the 2.4GHz band and 7dBi in the 5 GHz band for up to 2X* antenna gain over stock antennas. Easy to install, users simply detach a router’s factory antennae and replace with the new high-gain antennae.
High-Gain Antenna Benefit
So how can a dual-band high-gain antenna really help the average consumer home? Tobie van Schalkwyk, Channel Manager for Linksys in South Africa, said “Antennae amplify a Wi-Fi signal and improve performance within the coverage area – providing a stronger Wi-Fi signal. New antennas like ours will help customers that are looking to improve their Wi-Fi throughput at the boundaries of their existing wireless network. In Linksys testing, the antennae optimize performance best in a single story environment where the router is on the same floor as the primary Wi-Fi usage. If users require signal enhancement on multiple floors, a range extender is more ideal.”
Upgrading a Wi-Fi router or other device to omni-directional antennae can also help improve connectivity with mobile devices in the home and resolve basic signal issues. However depending on the environment a repeater or range extender maybe needed which can amplify and relay signals in multi-level homes.