In a SOHO environment, however, user density is usually quite low, so extending the coverage range of a single AP doesn't typically lead to increased contention and an adverse performance impact. Put a different way, you'll want to install a system that can cover your entire home or office with a single AP. Unlike product offerings of years past, this is usually possible, but it may take some planning.
In general, we've found that a single wireless gateway, positioned centrally, can provide full coverage in a typical 2,000-square-foot home or office. However, it may be impractical to position the gateway in an optimal location because you usually install the device near your cable modem or DSL termination device. In such a case, or in a situation where a larger structure must be covered, you may need to extend the range of your wireless gateway.
The easiest way to do this is to install high-gain antennas, provided your gateway has antenna jacks that allow for replacement. The Federal Communications Commission has relaxed rules in recent years regarding use of external antennas, but it's still a good idea to check on the manufacturer's Web site to see if third-party antennas are supported. Most wireless gateways come with integrated antennas that provide about 2 decibels of gain. By upgrading to a 6-dBi antenna for $30 to $40, you can increase your effective transmission range significantly. Most of the larger SOHO vendors offer such antennas, which are also available through third parties, such as Hawking Technologies.
If you'd like to increase range without looking to high-gain antennas, consider products that are designed with extended range in mind. For example, several vendors now offer products based on Airgo Networks' True MIMO technology. MIMO uses multiple radios and antennas in combination with advanced signal processing to not only increase performance, but also provide significant improvements in range, especially when Airgo-compliant wireless interfaces are used on both the gateway and the client device.
Another alternative worth considering is intelligent beam-forming antenna technology from Video54, implemented in Netgear's RangeMax product line. Beam-forming antenna arrays have been available in high-end network gear, but this is the first time such technology has been available in low-cost wireless products. In our testing, we've found that RangeMax provides significant increases in effective transmission range.
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