What is Long Range Wifi?
Long range WiFi is a technology that is used for low-cost, unregulated point-to-point connections, usually as an alternative to cellular networks and satellite links. Long range WiFi has a number of applications, including for providing coverage to a large office or business, establishing point-to-point link between large skyscrapers or other office buildings, and bringing the Internet to remote construction sites.
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages to using long range WiFi is that you are able to access the Internet from almost anywhere, and this makes it especially convenient for people who tend to travel around a lot or who need to use the Internet for a variety of purposes throughout the day.
Just remember to look for WiFi hotspots, areas where the Internet connection is going to be as strong as possible. This is important because you want to make sure that your connection is not going to be dropping in and out, especially if you are trying to get important work done or chatting on a messenger service.
WiFi hotspots provide Internet access to wireless network device in public locations around the world, such as downtown centers and cafes. You can use your computer to connect to a hotspot using a WiFi network adapter, and if you have a newer computer there should be an adapter build right into the computer. Depending on the type of computer and personal preferences, you can use any card adapter from USB, PC Card, ExpressCard, or even a PCI card adapter.
Drawbacks
Although there are certainly plenty of advantages that are associated with long range WiFi, there are also certain drawbacks or problems as well. Car alarms, for instance, as certain car manufacturers use the 2.4GHz frequency for their car alarm internal movement sensors. Because of channel overlap here there will most likely be problems for certain channels and this can clearly be seen with spectrum analyzers.
Landscape interference is also often included here, and obstacles are among the biggest problems when it comes to setting up long range WiFi. Buildings, steel frames, and sheet metal in walls or roofs may efficiently reflect WiFi signals for instance, therefore causing an almost total loss of signal.
If you ever have any difficulties with the process of setting up or maintaining your long range WiFi connection, the first thing you should do is contact your Internet service provider who will be able to guide you through each step involved in the process here.
