Antenna Types

There are two main types of Antennas used in a FreeNet; Wide-beam, and Narrow-beam. The higher the Gain (dBi), the stronger the signal. Every 6 dB increase in gain, corresponds to a doubling of effective distance.

Typical Distance Limits

Everyone wants to know how far a given antenna will go. That question can not be answered directly; you have to also know the gain of the antenna at the other end of the link, as well as the transmitter power and the receiver sensitivity.

This table can be used as a general guideline, and assumes the transmitter is a standard 30mW, the receiver has typical WiFi sensitivity, and no cable losses. To use this table, find the intersection of the two antennas at each end of the link. The number in the square is the expected range (free line of sight) over which you should expect to be able to make a reliable link. For example, an AntCaptenna will work over approx. 7km to a 180 degree Waveguide antenna (assuming clear line of sight, and a 30 mW WiFi transmitter).

Don't forget that every extra 6dB of cable loss reduces the distance by 50%.

The 48km Link

See this page for details of a specific long-distance test.