General Info: Wifi booster, do you have one?

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Is what you guys are calling a "booster" a POE (power over ethernet)? I've just spend 2+ hours "educating" myself and then reread this thread start to finish and it seems very mixed up (or my Greek isn't working)

POE is just how you power a radio at the end of an Ethernet cable. That's how you get something like a Bullet or Groove up on your mast.

[packeteer]

Ubiquiti POE + base station is definitely the way to go. I like the Picostation

[250224]

Originally Posted by packeteer

Ubiquiti POE + base station is definitely the way to go. I like the Picostation

Why is this the way to go? Power over ethernet (POE) seems interesting but isn't it 24 V (or 48+ V), i.e. not very suitable for many boats? Ubiquiti seems more expensive than Alfa, it looks very stylish, but I don't need this.

Why not e.g.:
1. Alfa 9dBi antenna
2. Alfa AWUS051NH v2 (booster?)
3. (Alfa USB WLAN & 3G Router/Repeater)
--> in total about 80 €

I don't understand exactly what is needed. I also look for a (low-cost!) solution that let me connect more reliably to the marine wlan and provide a local 'boat-net' such that multiple devices on the boat can connect to the marine wifi through the local net. Thanks for helpful hints (especially if accompagnied with concret (model) recommendations.

At the moment the connection to the (legal/paid, no stealing!) marine wlan quite often drops out.

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by blu3534

Why is this the way to go? Power over ethernet (POE) seems interesting but isn't it 24 V (or 48+ V), i.e. not very suitable for many boats? Ubiquiti seems more expensive than Alfa, it looks very stylish, but I don't need this.

I've been looking into this myself, it's no problem getting 24V DC from a step up converter, and that should provide a regulated 24V DC.
The Ubiquiti bullet works on a maximum of 24V, so providing the cable run is not too long, it will work fine with a 12V power supply.

Up to now I have been using the Alpha, connected to a 15dBi antenna hoisted on the mast. The connection between antenna and the Alpha is very good quality co-ax cable with little loss.
However, although a massive improvement over using the internal wifi antenna on a lap top, I think the use of a powered router such as the Ubiquiti bullet or similar will provide much a much better and usable signal.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by nigel1

. . . . However, although a massive improvement over using the internal wifi antenna on a lap top, I think the use of a powered router such as the Ubiquiti bullet or similar will provide much a much better and usable signal.

You get three different large improvements, by using Bullet or Groove:

1. Mounted up high which overcomes many obstructions, yet with zero signal loss because the antenna is mounted directly to the radio with no coax cabling at all.

2. A much, much better antenna. Radioheads will tell you that the antenna is 90% of the performance of any radio.

3. Higher power radio.


I have been using these for several years, and can say that the improvement in the link quality is dramatic. Wifi adjusts the speed of the link downward to compensate for weakness of the signal in either direction. This creates a very noticeable drag on performance if the link is difficult (AP is far away, and/or lots of obstrutions, and/or lots of interference).

Another big factor I have noticed lately is that there is so much interference on the 2.4ghz band, that the links can be practically unusable, even if the AP is not far away and not obstructed. This band is crowded not only with wifi devices but other types of devices. 5ghz -- if it is supported by the AP you are connecting to -- can offer a dramatic improvement in link speed.

[bfiegener]

I just bought Coastal Marine WiFi system. Still installing so cant comment on how it works yet. I mounted the antenna on one of the shrouds. looking forward to using it.

[packeteer]

as others have said, POE enables short distance between antenna and radio. thus better signal.

I dont know the Alfa kit, but there are LOTS of options in this space. you could even diy a decent solution (cantenna anyone?)

[packeteer]

http://lifehacker.com/5053796/boost-...oking-strainer

[el31415]

Google wardriving and you will get more info than you need for wifi boosting.

[bonnacon]

Originally Posted by bfiegener

I just bought Coastal Marine WiFi system. Still installing so cant comment on how it works yet. I mounted the antenna on one of the shrouds. looking forward to using it.

Hi bfiegener,

Have you had a chance to use your Coastal Marine Wifi system? Looking to purchase the same system. Would love to get your feedback and or thoughts on the system

[Scottster]

My Coastal unit is wonderful, that's why I started this post.
Phil also backs up his stuff, he only does one product and he does it well.



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[Krabimike]

Phil sure took the time to help me understand and get me one coming to Thailand. Thanks Scottster for the lead! Now if I could just see your mounting bracket!

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[bonnacon]

Thanks for the feedback. Have you had any success with streaming tv or movies via a connection?

[Krabimike]

I believe if you read back to some of Scottster posts the answer is yes very successful. I talked to another fellow whom had streamed at 7 miles from marina. However, it was line of sight perfect weather and seas.. it would be a benefit to call Phil and talk to him personally. This is his passion he will call you anywhere on the planet to advice you and tell you of his thoughts and findings in creating and distribution of the booster. Scottster referred to him as the guru of wifi boosters.

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[Scottster]

My mounting bracket is a standard aerial mount from Shakespeare


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