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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => Routers / COVR => DIR-825 => Topic started by: drfeelgood824 on December 05, 2008, 10:22:56 AM

Title: Antenna?
Post by: drfeelgood824 on December 05, 2008, 10:22:56 AM
Recently, I purchased and returned a TRENDNET TEW-672GR, which has similar capabilities to the DIR-825. However, thumbing through the forums, its seems that the problems regarding signal connectivity are ubiquitous.

I haven't received my router yet, but from pictures of the unit, the antennas look as if they can be swapped for a larger models? The ANT24-0230, is not applicable in this case (clearly designated for 802.11n), but what about the ANT24-0700? Are there major differences between a 802.11b/g antenna versus a 802.11n?




Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Fatman on December 05, 2008, 01:11:08 PM
There is not a difference between individual antennas for draft 802.11n and IEEE802.11b/g.

You just need to make sure that whatever antennas you use are rated for your frequency (2.4Ghz [IEEE802.11b/g or draft N 2.4 Ghz] or 5 Ghz [IEEE802.11a or draft N 5 Ghz]).

That said draft n makes use of constructive interference to increase performance, which means that it will only work optimally with the right number of matched antennas in the correct array formation.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: drfeelgood824 on December 05, 2008, 07:59:24 PM
So with all that said, does D-link have larger readily available antennas for the DIR-825?
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Fatman on December 08, 2008, 08:25:03 AM
No
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on November 29, 2009, 09:33:46 AM
Since this thread is almost a year old I figured I'd check if anything has changed.  Has anyone found antennas for the DIR-825 that extend the range? 
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: gotapex on December 01, 2009, 04:53:31 PM
I found this to work pretty well in my situation:

http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=21679

It's boosted the signal by several bars at the farthest reaches of my house.  Overall, I'm reasonably happy.

I started out with the DIR-825a1, then bought a Netgear WNDR3700, which was noticably superior to the Dlink, especially at a good distance.

I picked up a DIR-825b1 and found the signal to be a tad bit weaker than the Netgear at most far locations, though definitely better than the a1.  These antennas bumped the b1 up past the Netgear for both the 2.4 and 5ghz.  I think I'm done swapping around for now.  :)
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 01, 2009, 06:03:13 PM
Thanks gotapex for the information...

I just was going to ask if anyone had found any antennas for the DIR-825 that could extend the range?

Are theses HyperGain Model HG2458-5RD antennas the same model as the following one that I found at amazon.com.?:

http://www.amazon.com/HyperLink-Rubber-Duck-Antennas-5-8GHz/dp/B000OQTQ46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1259713158&sr=8-1-fkmr1

BTW, what was the range differences before and after you installed these two new antennas.?
What max extended range could be posible to get.? 

Thanks for help.!!
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: gotapex on December 02, 2009, 01:45:18 AM
Those are definitely different.  The ones I got are flat.  I believe the one you posted has a 3dB gain from 2.4-2.5Ghz, 4.9-5.3Ghz, and 5.7-5.8Ghz.

http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=22372

(http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/lg_HG2458RD-RSP.JPG)

The one I posted is 3dB in the 2.4-2.5Ghz range, and 5dB in the 5.1-5.9Ghz range.

(http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/lg_HG2458-5RD-RSP.jpg)

I'm honestly not sure of the maximum range.  I think it really varies depending on what kind of conditions you have (number of walls, construction of walls, height of router, etc).  This being said, the difference was quite substantial in my setup.

For what it's worth, I believe the stock antennas are the typical 2.0-2.2dB gain units.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 02, 2009, 09:49:15 AM
Thanks again gotapex for your detailled information...

I need two (2) antennas for my D-Link DIR-825 Dual Band Router, so I would like to know if the US$$16.99 price, is for only one or two flat antennas.?

http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=21679

L-com Item # HG2458-5RD-RSP
Manufacturer: Hyperlink Technologies
Mfg.'s Item # HG2458-5RD-RSP

------------------------------------
I just receive a note from l-com with the following info:

Thank you for your email. You ordered 1 pack which includes 2 antennas. One is for 2.4-2.5 GHz and the other is for 5.1-5.8 GHz range.

Since they have different range, I would like to know if donīt matter where you connect each one in the DIR825 router.?

gotapex, How you connected the 2 antennas in your DIR825.?

Thanks for help!!
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 03, 2009, 10:58:09 AM
gotapex I decided to get two antennas as you already did it with your DIR-825 to expan the working range...

However, I am a worried because L-Com had mentioned that one of the two antennas is for 2.4-2.5 GHz and the other is for 5.1-5.8 GHz range...Since the D-Link DIR825 only use two antennas (same type for the right and left), I would like to know if it does not matter where connect the flat antennas in the DIR-825 Router, even through they are of different type/range.?


 



Thanks for help.!!
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: gotapex on December 04, 2009, 02:29:54 PM
Hmm, I think you may have gotten the wrong information from that rep.  It's a dual-band antenna, not two separate single band antennas.  And unfortunately, they're 1 per package.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 05, 2009, 06:36:48 AM
Hi again gotapex,

You mentioned that the antennas from L-com are Dual-Band and that they're 1 per package.?

The following are the 2 Email that Dameuris Pichardo from L-com sent me before I place my order:

---------------------------------

Ulises,
 
Thank you for your e-mail.
 
Part number HG2458-5RD-RSP (http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=21679) does not appear to be the same as part number listed on Amazon which is HG2458RD-RSP  (http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=22372).
 
The first part number brings two antennas, and the second item does not.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
Best Regards,

Ms. Dameuris Pichardo

---------------------------------

Hi Ulises,
 
Thank you for your email. You ordered 1 pack which includes 2 antennas. One is for 2.4-2.5 GHz and the other is for 5.1-5.8 GHz range.
 
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
 
Best Regards,
 

Ms. Dameuris Pichardo

---------------------------------

So, I am a little confused because the product have the same part no. HG2458-5RD-RSP (http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=21679), as the one that you ordered, and they confirmed that they come in 1 pack which includes 2 antennas...

http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27HG2458-5RD-RSP%27&join=All

I will wait for my order to arrive monday and will let you know...

Thanks for all your help.!!

Ulises
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 06, 2009, 01:26:43 PM
first off thanks for all the good info.  I went to order the flat antennas just now and the website will not let me.  It fails when I try to see my cart or continue :(  I'll have to call on monday I guess.  I'm still a little confused, do you get one flat antenna or two for the 17 USD?
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 06, 2009, 03:12:18 PM
gotapex got from L-com the same product that I had order (part no. HG2458-5RD-RSP), But curiously he mentioned that he received only 1 antenna per Package:

Hmm, I think you may have gotten the wrong information from that rep.  It's a dual-band antenna, not two separate single band antennas.  And unfortunately, they're 1 per package.

--------------------------------------------

However, as I already mentioned, I got 2 Email from L-com/Dameuris-Pichardo where she clearly say that I ordered 1 pack which includes 2 antennas.

I am not sure if I will get one or two flat antennas for the 17 USD... So, I am desperately waiting for my order to arrive on Monday to solve the mistery...

I will let you know if I receive one or two antennas.

Ulises
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 06, 2009, 04:03:19 PM
Because of the issues with the website I had I'll be calling them on the phone so I will ask them too if it's one or two antennas. 
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: gotapex on December 06, 2009, 11:41:47 PM
Ulises:

Good luck with your order.  Do update us if you get 2 antennas with 1 order.  I'll have to contact them about mine then, because I placed an order for 2 ($33.98 + ship total), and got 2 antennas.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 07, 2009, 07:41:55 AM
I just got off the phone ordering the antennas.  I was told that there are in fact two antennas in the package for the 16.99 price.  I mentioned this forum and how there was some confusion.  I suppose it still remains to be seen since you are really the only one that has the antennas in hand.  I'm anxiously awaiting UlisesRodriguez's report on the number he gets.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 09, 2009, 02:47:20 PM
gotapex and Peaty sorry for the delay...

I just receive my order from L-Com and believed or not, they sent me only one antenna, although they confirmed before place my order that the 1 pack includes 2 antennas.!!

I contacted L-Com just to let they know that I was very disappointed that after checking several times before ordering 2 antennas that they came in a package of 2, they sent me only one...Since the D-Link DIR-825 uses 2 antennas can not do nothing with just one....

L-com offered me to send the other antenna and that they will handled the shipping cost (ship overnight). So I have placed an Order for the other antenna to complete the pair needed for my D-Link DIR-825 Router.

Already had try the DIR-825 with only one antenna,  and the range increased from 65% to 75-79%, so I hope that using the two antennas could help to get more than 80% signal level...I will let you know Monday...

Regards,

Ulises
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 09, 2009, 05:00:09 PM
Well bummer, I too asked on the phone about there being one or two antennas.  And I was also told there would be two.  I haven't gotten my order yet so I'll wait till I do and do the same thing you did and call about it.  How long did the order take to arrive?  I suppose at least it's good news you see a difference with the one antenna though.  Thanks for following up.

Peaty
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 10, 2009, 03:42:28 PM
well include me in the single antenna received category :( They are closed so I'll call tomorrow and order the other one...   :-\
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 11, 2009, 02:06:17 PM
Well I called today and they are sending me another antenna and not charging me for the shipping, hope it gets here soon...
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 11, 2009, 06:03:28 PM
Hi Peaty

I am sorry that you have received only one antenna...The same thing happened to me ...

I think that we must admit that Gotapex was right.!

What I still can not understand is how a company gives the same wrong information (that the package had two antennas) to two different clients... I say this because I admit the mistake once, but two did not...

Anyway, I hope you keep us informed about the improvements you achieve with these two antennas and your D-Link DIR-825, because as we all know, this router is a bit unstable and tricky.

I say it is very unstable and also tricky, because sometimes the DIR-825 looses Internet connection and does funny things, so I'm almost deciding to buy a NetGear WNDR3700, and I have to give this DIR-825.

I am aware that the NetGear WNDR3700 have also some problems, but apparently is working better than the DIR-825.

Do not misunderstand me, but I ordered the two antennas to see if it solved the problem of short range of the DIR-825 ... I think it is unacceptable for a router so modern, last generation and also a little expensive, that I can not sometimes get more than 12 to 16 feets range, and that the signal keep always varying from 65% to 75% at only 10 feets (without any wall between the router and the computer).!!

So when I received my second antenna will prove it, and I will report what happened...
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 12, 2009, 08:13:48 AM
I do see a lot of people say they are getting a relatively short range with their 825.  However mine is working fairly well.  Mine does not drop out, I just wish the range was further and stronger than the one I replaced that was not an N.  My goal is to get a better connection for my son's XBox 360 which is two floors below the router in the basement.  I realize this is a tall order though.  Right now I have a game adapter:

http://www.shoplinksys.com/Wireless-N-Dual-Band-Gaming-Adapter-WGA600N-Front-Page_stcVVproductId53934601VVcatId543809VVviewprod.htm  (http://www.shoplinksys.com/Wireless-N-Dual-Band-Gaming-Adapter-WGA600N-Front-Page_stcVVproductId53934601VVcatId543809VVviewprod.htm)

on the Xbox and that has helped but I would like a stronger signal.  The only real issue I've had with the router was the shared USB port not being able to work a printer but the beta firmware fixed that.

Back to the subject at hand, I put the one antenna on to see if it has made any difference in the signal and so far I really can't tell if it's made any difference.  I'm waiting on the second one before I pass judgment.  I need to move arrange them in different ways and check signal strength I suppose.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 12, 2009, 09:16:51 AM
As I say Before, I am aware that apparently all new Type N routers are working better on 2.4 GHz, but on 5.0 GHz all have dramatically poor range... However what I have found is that some of them are working better than others and that if you looked the online reviews about the DIR-825 (Older and Latest B1) at:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/30967-d-link-dir-825-b1-quick-review

www.smallnetbuilder.com Does clearly say that the DIR-825 B1 doesn't yield the same performance as the NETGEAR WNDR3700, even through their similar hardware design, but highly recommends the WNDR3700 over the DIR-825...

Also at CNet.com they mentioned that the "Dlinks's DIR655 performs significantly better, cheaper" and "DIR-825 2.4GHz performance significantly worse compared to DIR-655":

http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/d-link-xtreme-n/4864-3319_7-33246906-1.html

When second antenna arrived will prove it, and I will report what happened... But do not expect miracles, it appears that low-level problems are due to some of the hardware and internal radios of the DIR-825, like www.smallnetbuilder.com already mentioned in their review...
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: rickm1350 on December 13, 2009, 12:44:03 PM
I have a wireless Gaming Adapter connected via the 5 Ghz Band and a Ethernet Bridge connected via the 5 Ghz band.  Both are performing very nice.  One is about 25 feet away going thru 1 wall, the other is about 40 feet away, going thru 2 walls.  I have several devices on the 2.4 Ghz band and they also perform well.

I have been following this thread.  I was reading some info on wirless routers on another manufacturers web site.  They stated that the antennas are like 1.4 or db gain, and that it is illegal to use higher gain antennas on the router, because it would cause the router to put out more than it's authorized EIRP.  They also went on to say that wireless routers in some countries are secondary to high power radar systems on the 5.4 Ghz band and that high gain antennas could cause both interference to the radar systems, and may cause damage to the router.

Now I'm wondering if they are talking about if the you replaced it with one of the antennas mentioned in this thread, or if they are talking about connecting it to an outdoor grid-style high gain dish type antenna.  I'
m guessing the latter.  I guess I could see that, if you lived close enough to one of those radar installations.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 13, 2009, 03:04:16 PM
Agree rickm1350... I am aware of what you mentioned about the illegal use of more powerfull antennas, but I think that may you have noted that gotapex, Peaty and myself have been forced to use more gain antennas, because we can not get the range that it supose to cover the DIR-825...

The curious think is that you mentioned that you are using 2 computers, one that is about 25 feet away (going thru 1 wall) and the other is about 40 feet away (going thru 2 walls)... And I really donīt know how can this be posible, because my DIR-825 sometimes drops the wireless connection and the signal goes from 45-65% Although I approached from 5-10 feet to the router, and also in the same room.!!

I also have read that others DIR-825 users have the same signal variation and low range problems, so I really donīt understand how some are getting such a high Range.?

I'm beginning to think that DIR'825, has serious problems in maintaining a stable signal and also sometimes does strange things, like blocking or slowing the Internet connection ...
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: gotapex on December 15, 2009, 03:14:36 PM
Sorry to hear only a single antenna was delivered.  I sorta expected it, but was hoping it was a double.


As I say Before, I am aware that apparently all new Type N routers are working better on 2.4 GHz, but on 5.0 GHz all have dramatically poor range... However what I have found is that some of them are working better than others and that if you looked the online reviews about the DIR-825 (Older and Latest B1) at:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/30967-d-link-dir-825-b1-quick-review

www.smallnetbuilder.com Does clearly say that the DIR-825 B1 doesn't yield the same performance as the NETGEAR WNDR3700, even through their similar hardware design, but highly recommends the WNDR3700 over the DIR-825...

Also at CNet.com they mentioned that the "Dlinks's DIR655 performs significantly better, cheaper" and "DIR-825 2.4GHz performance significantly worse compared to DIR-655":

http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/d-link-xtreme-n/4864-3319_7-33246906-1.html

When second antenna arrived will prove it, and I will report what happened... But do not expect miracles, it appears that low-level problems are due to some of the hardware and internal radios of the DIR-825, like www.smallnetbuilder.com already mentioned in their review...

I Agree with SmallNetBuilder.  The 825a1 had pretty mediocre range.  The Netgear WNDR3700 was much better in my house.  The 825b1 was not as good as the WNDR3700 until after I got the antennas.  After the antennas, it was definitely better.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: MajestacaL on December 15, 2009, 06:22:29 PM
I just ordered a set of the dual band antennas for my d-link dir-825, I selected 2 for checkout so hopefully its just 2 antennas and not 2 sets! Thanks guys for the info on these it was a big help hopefully it will resolve my strength issues that I currently have.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: UlisesRodriguez on December 16, 2009, 08:21:01 AM
Hi All,

gotapex, you mentioned that after having the 2 antennas, the DIR-825B1 signal was definitely better than the Netgear WNDR3700.?

You also mentioned that you bought a Netgear WNDR3700, and that the Signal was significantly higher than the Dlink especially a good distance ... How well is the WNDR3700.?

It is true that apart from the problems of the firmware, which seems Netgear is working on a Fix, the WNDR3700 is the Ultimate-Router, as many have mentioned in the Netgear forum.?

If the Netgear WNDR3700 was better than DIR-825, why you want to continue using the DIR-825 and further says that the use of new antennas DIR-825 exceeds WNDR3700.?

I've noticed that other DIR-825 problems, and not just the signal range, the biggest problems I have are the performance and incompatibilities ... gotapex Do you have noticed other problems, appart the signal range or antennas.?

Unfortunately, I would like to inform all that after receiving my second antenna, I found that the signal DIR-825 is the same and now have also experienced the following problems:

-I have not noticed any change or increase in the range of the DIR-825 ... Worse yet, now the wireless connection is much more unstable than before.

-After installing the two new antennas the DIR-825 disconnects every 2-3 hours on the Internet ... It may be that they are interfering.?


I've been looking for information and complaints about the Netgear WNDR3700 in its Forum, and although I've also found too many complaints from users WNDR3700 is also true that these complaints are lower than with the DIR-825...

For all the above said, and as you can imagine, I have decided to return it my D-Link DIR-825, and will have to purchase a Netgear WNDR3700 to see if at least I get better signal and less problems.

With regard to Antennas, I will have talk to L-Com to see if I can return them.

Regards

Ulises
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: gotapex on December 16, 2009, 03:45:35 PM
Hmm.  I hope this makes it clear:

Signal strength, from weakest to strongest at long distances and through multiple walls:

Dlink DIR-825A1
Dlink DIR-825B1
Dlink DIR-825A1 with upgraded antennas
Netgear WNDR3700
Dlink DIR-825B1 with upgraded antennas

I'm not positive what is causing your disconnects.  I've never had those issues.  I've used the Motorola SB5101 cablemodem, and now have the SB6120.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on December 16, 2009, 04:17:41 PM
I got my second antenna today and installed it.  I have one antenna up and the other sideways.  I just checked and the basement (Xbox 360) has a signal of 88 - 89 %  I will keep an eye on it but I usually see somewhere in the area of 63 - 75% and on occasion it will go up to maybe 80.

I've not had problems either with drops and such.  So far the antennas are working OK for me but I just put them on.  I'll report back after a bit to check in.  BTW I have the 825B1 with Firmware Version :      2.02NA
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Zeebra on January 05, 2010, 11:09:34 AM
Made my way to this thread after starting my own antenna thread.  :-[

I just ordered 2 of those L-com antennas for my 825, anxiously awaiting their arrival and will let you know the results.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Zeebra on January 12, 2010, 12:45:56 PM
Got my antennas -- no difference in signal strength.  Waste of money for me.  :-\
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Zeebra on January 13, 2010, 07:43:39 AM
Update: I take it back, there is actually an IMPROVEMENT in signal strength.  I had to turn my router so that the flat part of the new antennas face the direction I want the signal to go.  I got a slight but consistent boost of 5% in my signal.  I'm going to try and move the router around the room to better position the signal to go through the office door to the rest of the house.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Peaty on February 07, 2010, 09:38:06 AM
After messing with the positions of the antennas I also noticed that they seem to be more directional than I thought.
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: Lanaki on August 03, 2011, 11:20:30 AM
I am new to the forum and also just purchased the 825 with hardware version B1. The router is inside my home and I need signal out to my electronics shop about 40 feet away so better antennas was my first thought.
I read all through this thread and I was suprised no one mentioned increasing the power through the software. While I haven't tried it myself yet, I did see in the manual where it can be done. It is my understanding that both antennas carry 2.4 Ghz and 5.0 GHZ. It would be much better for me if I could use a directional antenna on 5.0 GHz and beam that out to the shop while all the others in the house use 2.4 GHz.
My question is: if I connect a directional antenna to just one antenna port and point it to the shop, will that help or mess things up? My router is in the middle of my home usage area for laptops so I have to keep something omni-directional.
Maybe I would be better off just to buy two omni type gain antennas if they are made.
Another question: What will happen if I use a 2.4 GHz directional antenna on 5 GHz and set my shop computer to use 5GHz. Will SWR be a problem and cause loss?
If I could just use one antenna for 2.4 and the other for 5, I would have it made.
HEY D-LINK.......ARE YOU LISTINING??????????
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: FurryNutz on August 04, 2011, 06:21:50 PM
You can connect an external antennas to each of the connectors in back if you wish and see if it helps get signal out to the area your desiring. I would also make sure that you change from Mixed modes to single mode G or N or try Mixed G and N on 2.4Ghz and Single mode N on 5Ghz. Beware that 5Ghz is best in line of sight with out any walls or obstructions however work ok in short distances with in a house or building, depending on building materials. Standing Wave Ratios are not a factor in these applications as the signal and watts uses are significant enough and the frequency is too high for SWR consideration.
If your looking to extend range I would also look at at DAP-1525 booster.
http://amplifi.dlink.com/Amplifi_Wifi_Booster (http://amplifi.dlink.com/Amplifi_Wifi_Booster)
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: sale987 on October 25, 2011, 04:32:06 AM
Is it safe to buy here, http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=22324
I do not know why they do not support paypal :S
Greetings
Title: Re: Antenna?
Post by: FurryNutz on October 25, 2011, 07:15:22 AM
Look like a safe place to buy from. Do they have any return and RMA policies?

Probably why they don't support paypal is they dont' want to loose money to a middle man.  ::)

Is it safe to buy here, http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=22324
I do not know why they do not support paypal :S
Greetings