jpartridge

Q: I want to extend range of my airport to another building about 200 feet away should I use a c.crane outdoor antenna ?

I want to extend the range of my airport to another building about 200 feet away with an c.crane outdoor antenna has anyone used this type of setup

or is there something else that I can use?

Mac mini (Mid 2011), iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Jan 12, 2012 8:54 AM

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Q: I want to extend range of my airport to another building about 200 feet away should I use a c.crane outdoor antenna ?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Jan 12, 2012 8:58 AM in response to jpartridge
    Level 9 (53,892 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 12, 2012 8:58 AM in response to jpartridge

    Running a cable might be cheaper and more reliable. It will certainly be faster then wireless. The maximum length for a cable is 100 meters.

     

    Allan

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 12, 2012 10:26 AM in response to jpartridge
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 12, 2012 10:26 AM in response to jpartridge

    The AirPort does not have an external antenna connector, so not sure how you were planning to utilize the c.crane device. What would be your connection method to the AirPort(s)?

  • by jpartridge,

    jpartridge jpartridge Jan 12, 2012 10:34 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 10:34 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    The C,Crane is an outdoor antenna that connects with a usb cable to the airport.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 12, 2012 11:52 AM in response to jpartridge
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 12, 2012 11:52 AM in response to jpartridge

    Unfortunately, the USB port(s) on the AirPorts would not support this device.

     

    The port on the AirPort Extreme will only support a hard drive and a printer.

     

    The port on the AirPort Express will only support a printer and a Keyspan remote control.

     

    Confirmation from Apple is here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2421?viewlocale=en_US

  • by jpartridge,

    jpartridge jpartridge Jan 12, 2012 1:29 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 1:29 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks Bob,

    My situation is as follows.I have a wireless dsl modem through my phone line not very fast @ 2.44mbps ethernet cable to airport extreme which is located upstairs in the house in the bedroom window that faces my studio 200 feet away.My macbook is in the studio and most of the time I get a good wireless signal but also it does tend to be unrealible at times and I just want the signal strength to be constant.I am open to any suggestions to help with this problem.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jan 12, 2012 1:51 PM in response to jpartridge
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 12, 2012 1:51 PM in response to jpartridge

    The suggestion offered by Allan Eckert is by far your best option in terms of performance. Tons better than wireless.

     

    C.Crane may have another idea if you are sold on them, but short of opening up the AirPorts to get at the internal antenna connectors....if this is even possible.....and if it is, it will void the warranty on the product.....there are no other viable options available.

     

    A note of caution....external antennas can work....but often pick up a lot more garbage than the intended signal....so there are never any guarantees in advance that this type of "solution" will do what you want.