Linksys Shows 802.11b Signal Booster, Tiny USB Adapter

Anyone who has installed 802.11b networks knows that the 150 foot claimed range is mostly fiction. Existing access points typically deliver between 20 and 50 feet of effective service when walls, cubicles and other attenuating objects get in the way.

To help address that problem, Linksys is readying a new Wireless Signal Booster that plugs into an existing access point, and boosts the signal by 14dBm. According to Linksys officials, that should translate into about 20-50% better performance.

The Wireless Signal Booster is designed to sit on top of any Linksys Access Point using a diversity antenna scheme – two antennas instead of one. Installation is a snap – simply remove the antennas from the access point, plug the supplied cables from the Booster to the now exposed antenna terminals on that access point, and then let 'er rip.

When using Linksys access points, the combined system delivers just under the FCC mandated maximum signal. And although the Wireless Signal Booster will work with other two-antenna access points, you may exceed the maximum signal strength and violate FCC rules. So let that be a warning to you.

Linksys plans on releasing the Wireless Signal Booster by early January, for $99.

Tiny USB Adapter In addition to boosting signals, Linksys is refreshing its USB adapter for 802.11b. The WUSB12 looks like a tiny USB hard-drive, and includes a pop-up antenna. The new USB adapter costs $79.00 and according to Linksys is starting to ship to stores now. However, as of this writing, it is not listed at www.linksys.com.

Copyright © 2002 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in ExtremeTech.