Southern California Wireless Users Group

March 8, 2002 (revised Jan 7, 2003)

This test was in response to questions about the MobileMark 5dbi Omni-directional antenna from Fab-Corp and the Lucent (now Proxim) Range Extender antenna.  The test was done from the same location on the rooftop of a Honda Accord within 100ft. of a Linksys BEFSW411 wireless access point. Software used was Netstumbler with the signal strength graphic.

Antenna Location:

MobileMark 5dBi Omni Magnetic Mount
(from www.Fab-Corp.com)

Lucent/Orinoco/Proxim Range Extender
(note this is not a magnetic mount)

Signal Strength Graphic:

[Click image for larger size]

The signal strength was clearly stronger using the MobileMark antenna with the Fab-Corp pigtail.  And shows that this antenna would be a good choice for mobile communications. (Including RF sniffing.)  The stronger signal and the fact that it is magnet mounted makes it a good choice for temporary vehicle mounting.

However, it should be noted that specific factors could interfere with antenna operation.  Since the MobileMark antenna is much shorter than the Range-Extender, hilly terrain could adversely affect signal strength due to the car rooftop obscuring lower-than-roof-level access points.  This was evident on another test, with the car on a slope angled away from the access point.  (See height comparison here.)

I would also speculate that the Range-Extender is less “omni” directional than the MobileMark due to it’s etched circuit internal construction.  (See internal pictures here.)

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Copyright 2002, 2003 Mike Outmesguine 

March 8, 2002 (revised Jan 7, 2003)

This test was in response to questions about the MobileMark 5dbi Omni-directional antenna from Fab-Corp and the Lucent (now Proxim) Range Extender antenna.  The test was done from the same location on the rooftop of a Honda Accord within 100ft. of a Linksys BEFSW411 wireless access point. Software used was Netstumbler with the signal strength graphic.

Antenna Location:

MobileMark 5dBi Omni Magnetic Mount
(from www.Fab-Corp.com)

Lucent/Orinoco/Proxim Range Extender
(note this is not a magnetic mount)

Signal Strength Graphic:

[Click image for larger size]

The signal strength was clearly stronger using the MobileMark antenna with the Fab-Corp pigtail.  And shows that this antenna would be a good choice for mobile communications. (Including RF sniffing.)  The stronger signal and the fact that it is magnet mounted makes it a good choice for temporary vehicle mounting.

However, it should be noted that specific factors could interfere with antenna operation.  Since the MobileMark antenna is much shorter than the Range-Extender, hilly terrain could adversely affect signal strength due to the car rooftop obscuring lower-than-roof-level access points.  This was evident on another test, with the car on a slope angled away from the access point.  (See height comparison here.)

I would also speculate that the Range-Extender is less “omni” directional than the MobileMark due to it’s etched circuit internal construction.  (See internal pictures here.)

---

Copyright 2002, 2003 Mike Outmesguine