USB Corner Reflector Cantenna Instructions: (WPN111)

·         Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the USB Corner Reflector Cantenna.  This is a very simple device to use to boost your WiFi signal.  This is a directional antenna and does allow for some fine tuning for maximum signal strength.  We recommend using the “Netstumbler” program (XP only no Vista ver. ) http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads to help you understand how this Cantenna works and how to maximize your aiming to achieve best signal. This program has a real time graphing utility which allows you to see signal strength as you adjust aiming.

·         First:  Install the software from the CD or visit Netgear’s website http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WPN111.asp and download the driver software for the built-in WiFi device.  Model number WPN111. The CD has the Vista drivers in the “Vista” folder on the CD.

·         Follow the onscreen instruction to install the software.

·         Once software is installed you may have to restart your computer to complete installation.

·         Plug in the Cantenna to a USB port “WiFi adapter” when instructed.

·         Open “network connections” <Start> <control Panel> open  <Network Connections> and verify your new device is present, rename it if necessary.

·         Enable the WiFi adapter if it is not already enabled. Be sure to disable all other network cards.

·         The Netgear program should start immediately I recommend that you use the “Netgear” Wireless utility” instead of the Windows default wireless utility.  The utility will scan all networks and signal strength and will try to connect to the strongest access point automatically. I have noticed if you have access points (AP) ”SSID’s” with the same name “linksys” netgear etc. The Netgear software will always try to connect to the strongest same name SSID AP.  Generally your own wireless Router will show the highest signal strength. Connect to any AP, yours or others,(user assumes risks if connecting to others) and check your internet speed. You should see a vast improvement in how much quicker pages load.

·         This adapter does support WEP & WPA security to join your own secure network. It will also allow you to change the “MAC” Address; for those that know what this feature is useful for.

·         We made this device so that you may achieve maximum speed for your own network. However it is possible to connect to other distant non owned networks. User assumes risks.

·         Click the “network” tab and let it scan for all available wireless networks.

·         You may double click on any of the networks available; however it may keep trying to connect to the strongest. Re-aim the unit a little to try to connect to your choice of open networks.  If the network name is the same you may have trouble connecting to the weaker network, but if names “SSID” are different No Problem. IT IS; SSID name dependent.

·         After a little experimenting you will find that this antenna will prove useful in many ways.

Helpful Tips:

·         You may find it useful to add a longer USB extension cable to allow for greater movement of the unit.

·         If you find it necessary to add multiple USB extension cables more than 25-30 feet you should use “Active Extension Repeater Cable” they claim you could achieve 80 feet with no signal loss.  We have used 2 16 foot Active Extension cables with 2 10 foot sections of regular USB cables for a total of 52 feet with good success.

·         Height of the unit will make a difference in signal strength.  The higher the better. I have mounted the unit on top of a mast and picked up 26 active AP’s in my area, 6 with no security (open)

·         WiFi works best with line of sight, but if there are blockages such as trees, buildings, houses, etc. directly in your way, this will affect your range.

·         As you may have noticed some rooms of your house receive better than others, this is true with a lot of wireless signals.  We suggest moving the unit around a little until you find an ideal spot.  If scanning for other networks use the Netstumbler program. It will alert you when a new network is discovered. If searching for new networks, be sure to scan slowly a 360 degree area and see what’s available. You will probably notice more AP’s & stronger signals. Take the unit outside for a 360 slow scan. Notice the difference. This unit is not waterproof; however all pieces of box itself is fully soldered so all that is needed: use a silicon sealant on front edges at cover and where cable attaches to the unit and USB connections for outside use. Even temporary outside use will produce better results for distant networks.

             ·         Fine tune aiming by turning the unit just a couple degrees at a time; it can be a sensitive adjustment.

·         With a little practice you will learn the best way to maximize its performance. Use Netstumbler’s signal graph display to see real time scanning and how your movement of the unit will change it’s receive signal strength.  Try Netstumbler program. No Vista  No "7" Fun and useful, shows lots of information of Access Points.

·         Sorry Vista & 7 users?

·         If you have a good signal but can’t connect: try laying the unit on its side to see if signal improves.

 Troubleshooting:

·         Occasionally your Cantenna may seem unresponsive and unable to receive any signals.  Unplug the unit’s USB cable wait for 10-20 seconds then reconnect USB cable.  This will reset the WiFi adapter. If you are using standard USB extension cables more than 25 feet you may experience this more often.

·         An Active Extension Repeater cables is what you need to achieve runs as far as 80 feet.  Visit monoprice.com for a deal on these cables $ 11.00  http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030304&p_id=1986&seq=1&format=2 

·         After extended periods of heavy use (like peer-peer) the adapter also may become unresponsive all that’s needed is a cool down period. Disable or unplug Cantenna for a 10 minutes or so. Then enable or plug Cantenna back in and re-connect- Good for another extended peer-peer session.

Thanks again and we hope this device more than suits your needs for a general WiFi booster.  Experiment with it at different locations, a friend’s house, hotspots, down the road aim at your own AP to see how far your signal goes etc. You should see a vast improvement from a standard stand alone USB WiFi adapter.  Each unit is handmade so some imperfections may exists but does not effect operation– L & B Associates-- Send Comments & Testimonials to:  bigbrad@wificantenna.net  

           Thanks again and we hope the above instructions answers some basic questions.  The real questions will be answered as you use the Cantenna.  Use Netstumbler for more fun.

-- L&B Associates – www.wificantenna.net  or www.wificantenna.com

added March 2010

Some suggestions: One user asked a neighbor if they could split the internet bill for his password to allow access. User ended up splitting between 3 users. Of course you are putting yourself at risk as the owner of the network for your neighbors habits, good or bad.  I'm sure the ISP  has it in it's fine print about subletting your wireless access.  What's the difference in leaving it open for all to BitTorrent etc?

A word on routers: Different routers have different power output ratings, the older routers generally limited to around 50-80mW. Most Linksys products have less than 50mW. Access points made by manufacturers like Linksys, Dlink and Netgear because they use low quality chipsets with only 40mW to 80mW of transmit power they can generally reach up to 1500 feet outdoors. The newer routers of course a little stronger, little faster, fewer drops.  Newer, no antenna visible, unit generally use 3 multiple internal mounted antennas at about 35-40 degrees between each, for better polarization, wheather client is vertical or horizontal. 

Polarization is determined by the way that an antenna is mounted, and can usually only be either horizontal or vertical. This is important, especially in point-to-point wireless communication, because only antennas with the same polarization will be able to communicate with the signal from the transmitting antenna. Simple: antenna straight up-vertical. 90 degrees, left or right-horizontal.  as far as the cantenna is concerned changing polarity is as simple as laying it on it's side to go horizontal, on it's tripod Vertical. When you achieve max signal, you should lay it on its side to see if stronger, if not return to vertical. Match router antennas to straight up.

Q: What factors affect the range and speed of Wi-Fi networks?
A:  The important factors are transmit power of the and receive sensitivity of the devices.  A client with a higher transmit power will be able to talk to an access point at greater distance and at a higher transmit speed.  A better receive sensitivity allows the client to hear the access point from farther away.  The same goes for access points the more power they have the greater the coverage area they will support.

Q: What other factors affect the range and speed of Wi-Fi networks?
A: Blockages, trees and other foilage, behind hills, metal buildings. Inside walls, brick or block, concrete walls simple if you don't have direct line of sight (LOS) everything blocks or reduces your signal. 

The cantenna collects some of the AP's signal that would normally pass by. The wifi adapter inside the can focus it's energy in one direction towards the AP.

Make a simple reflector for your router from a piece of foil. Take a 1-ft. foil piece, fold equally 4-6 times or when it can almost stand by itself.  Curve it slightly "less than half circle" then place it 2" behind the transmitting antennas on the router then turn it to the direction you want to beam the signal. Look for signal and or speed to be greater.

          Note that your normal USB cabling is limited to a max of 25-30 feet. Above 30 feet the computer's USB 2.0 port does not see the WiFi adapter. There is the option of placing a powered USB hub between the sections of cable to achieve a longer run or you could use an "Active Extension Repeater Cable" that could extend your USB cable up to 80 feet.

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