The $16 Hong Kong Antenna That Could

Linksys Wireless Router

TTZ Forums member Brolo purchased a Linksys WRT54GC wireless router back in December of 2005 because “It’s so cute!” While I agree the WRT54GC is cute, I still like my Asus WL-530g Pocket Wireless Router more. However, one advantage the WRT54GC has over the Asus WL-530g is the ability to add a really big antenna to extend the wireless range.

In the never-ending game of one-upmanship, Brolo picked up one of these 9db WiFi Booster from an eBay seller in Hong Kong. He wasted no time testing the new toy to see how big an improvement it made to his wireless world. He has posted the results at this TTZ article.

 Hong Kong Antenna

While the big antenna is impressive I really don’t see the purpose of pairing it up with the Linksys WRT54GC because this is portable go-anywhere wireless router. That antenna is bigger than the router! Then again, at $16 I can understand why Brolo picked it up.

A lower performing 7db Linsksys antenna cost $45 to $60, which happens to be more than the cost of the wireless router! I guess if you have to use a mobile wireless router for the home, then adding a booster antenna makes sense. As for me, I run my house with D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624 and use the Asus pocket router for the road.