Choosing the Right WiFi Booster
When deciding which WiFi Amplifier to buy there are several important options to consider. PoE WiFi Amplifier In many applications it is convenient or required that the WiFi amplifier receives its power from a Cat5 cable that is pushing both DC power and data. Many times outdoor installations call for a WiFi amplifier to be mounted in a weatherproof NEMA enclosure where no power source is readily available. In this case PoE via a Cat5 cable is the perfect solution. L-com carries a variety of HyperLink brand PoE WiFi amplifiers. 
Diagram of Amplifier Power with Direct 12VDC Supply or Vehicle Power
Indoor and outdoor WiFi Amplifier installation Also you must choose the correct WiFi Amplifier for your specific application. L-com offers both indoor and outdoor style HyperLink brand WiFi amplifiers. | Indoor WiFi Amplifier | Outdoor WiFi Amplifier (mounted to a pole) |  |  |
Frequency Another important factor to consider when choosing the right WiFi Amplifier for your application is frequency. The WiFi amplifier must use the same frequency as the other wireless components in the network such as radios, antennas, filters etc. L-com offers the following frequencies for its HyperLink brand WiFi amplifiers. | 100 mW | 1 Watt | 4 Watt | 8 Watt | 25 Watt | | 250 mW | 2 Watt | 5 Watt | 10 Watt | | | 500 mw | 3 Watt | 6 Watt | 20 Watt | |
Automatic Power Control (APC) The key requirements are Automatic Power Control (APC), fast switching speed and good linearity. A 802.11a/g/n radio is very sensitive to signal distortion. Older amplifiers designed for use with 802.11b radios will not function properly with the newer radios. In 2002, L-com’s HyperLink brand WiFi amplifiers were the first to offer an 802.11g bi-directional design with APC. The use of a competitor’s fixed gain amplifier with the new rate 802.11a/g/n radio is guaranteed to degrade radio or range performance. L-com’s HyperLink brand APC WiFi amplifiers will hold transmit power constant regardless of data rate. Here are some handy WiFi Amplifier product comparison charts to help you locate the WiFi Amplifier that is right for your application. 2.4 GHz 802.11b and 802.11g (802.11b/g) Bi-Directional Wi-Fi Amplifiers 100 mW to 3 Watt 2.4 GHz 802.11b and 802.11g (802.11b/g) Bi-Directional Wi-Fi Amplifiers 3 Watt to 25 Watt If you found Choosing the Right WiFi Amplifier content helpful, please consider receiving our e-newsletter packed with product information, tutorials, tips and videos, helpful links, industry news and more. See info on how to choose the right WiFi Antenna here. | 