Use USB cable(s) to place WiFi adapter outside for line-of-site (negligible signal loss in cable)

USB Cables for WiFi

USB Cables for Wi-Fi Adapters are a much better choice than standard coax Antenna Cables because antenna cables (coax) lose a lot of signal-strength. USB cables lose little signal: Hardly any, in comparison.

USB Cables

Antenna cables - the type that go between a Wi-Fi device and an antenna - are "coaxial" type cables: These coaxial cables lose a significant amount of the WiFi signal in every meter of coax cable (1/2 to 1 dBi per meter is typical).

Solution for loss of signal in antenna cables:

USB Cable offerings:

WATERPROOF Connections: To waterproof USB connections that might be exposed to rain, sea mist, etc:

  • Use silicone grease: Cover the USB cable connections with silicone grease to waterproof them: Only $1.79.
  • Cable for ALFA USB Wireless Adapters: Keep USB connection dry if you can reach covered area with this 4-meter cable
  • B-mini connection fits Alfa and A-male connects to PC.

Details:

  • "Active" USB cables lose only about 2.1% of signal per five meters - and so provides much more signal strength from your USB wireless adapter, compared to using coax antenna cables.

Other benefits:

  • USB cables are simple: Not confusing like antenna cables' confusing connectors.
  • USB extension cables have many alternative, practical uses if you later do not need it for your Wi-Fi adapter.

POWER to USB device: Transmitters need power. More power results in greater range. It is critical that the transceiver receives enough power to do its job. Some (older) laptops do not provide enough power via a (single) USB port. Drawing power from multiple ports can be a solution. Also using high quality USB cables and keeping cable runs short helps. Alternative, one needs to provide an external source of power.

Posted by George Hardesty on 21st May 2022


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