WiFi Thoughts

Long Range Wi-Fi Card Shootout

We tested the 3 longest range 802.11 wireless
cards on the market today.  The Engenius / Senao 2511cd plus ext2 
200mW with 2 clip on antennas, Z-com XI-325HP+ 300mW and the SMC2532w-b 200mW.

The measurements were taken outside the building
40 feet from the 200mW Engenius ap pro plus access point through one interior
and one exterior wall.

Engenius 2511 cd plus
ext2 200mW

Engenius card had a 80% signal strength but with
the best in class receive sensitivity of -95dbm it matches the 66% link quality
of the Z-com.  The better receive sensitivity gives the Engenius card the
advantage as we move farther from the access point the link quality was
maintained the longest. 

Z-com XI-325HP+ 300mW

The Z-com with 300mW posted the best signal
strength reading of 100%.  This card has a maximum receive sensitivity of
:-92 dBm making it less sensitive than the Engenius card.  In this short
range test the extra power makes up the difference so it matches the signal
quality of 66%.  If we went much farther from the access point the signal
quality dropped off quicker. 

SMC25232w-b
200mW

The SMC card came in last with a signal strength
of 72%.  This card has a receive sensitivity of -94dBm giving it a link
quality of only 26% even with 200mW of power.  The connection was still
solid at this level and I was able to access the Internet without problems.

All three cards performed well in this limited
test and they all should be used in different situations.  The
Engenius card will
give the best range and speed in most long and short range application. 
The Z-com  card
would be good for a area with bad multi path interference (metal in walls). 
The SMC card
has the best driver and utility for use in a Enterprise environment.