Common Tech Questions

L-com has always offered top-notch free tech support for our products. This has helped us to keep our customers happy during the years that we've been in business. We've also received some interesting questions over the years, so we'd like to share that information with you, in case you had similiar questions.

Question 1:  Which low loss cable is right for me?

Answer:
Without knowing the specific application (and they can vary quite a bit), you can use the following chart to select maximum cable lengths. This chart can help you focus on the right cable choice by comparing signal loss over 100 feet of cable:

100 series - up to 5 ft; 37.8db loss per 100 ft 195 series - up to 20 ft; 18.6db loss per 100 ft 200 series - up to 25 ft; 16.5db loss per 100 ft 240 series - up to 35 ft; 12.5db loss per 100 ft 400 series - up to 100 ft; 6.6db loss per 100 ft 600 series - up to 150 ft; 4.3db loss per 100 ft

These are basic rules to follow for what type of cable to use when deciding on cable lengths. This loss scenario is for 2.4GHz, but typically 900MHz has a lower loss and 5.8GHz has a higher loss. If you need loss data for other frequencies, just drill down to the item level of the cable series to see available datasheets and more info.

Question 2: What range will I get out of this antenna?

Answer:
The range of the signal will depend on many factors, including:

• The power output of your wireless card or router
• The receive strength of the wireless card or cards
  you are transmitting to
  
• Obstructions, like buildings or trees, which may
  be in the way of your transmitting path
  
• Nearby walls, brick, metal, etc.
  

Since there are so many factors which can determine the overall range of your wireless system, it is impossible to estimate what a given radio or antenna will provide in terms of range.

A good rule of thumb, however, is to always choose an antenna which you think may be 'overkill'. Why? Because 802.11 works at the same frequency (2.4 GHz) as a microwave oven and cordless phones and by using a higher gain antenna, you are making the best use out of the signal your radio is putting out, which is typically not that strong to begin with.

Click here to see L-com's antenna offering by frequency.

Have a question about one of L-com's products? Email us or call 1-800-341-5266 and press 3 for technical support. You can also find a wealth of information by browsing our FAQs page and our Technical Resources area.