Wi-Fire Range Extender
For the last six months, I've been using this small, directional USB adapter to hit marginal hotspots when parked. I'm traveling full-time now in a big bus/RV, so I've been everywhere and anywhere, and it really does work. One example: I was in a remote Alabama campground and their little access point was perhaps a few hundred feet away. With the internal Wi-Fi adapter in my Thinkpad (it's Mac/PC compatible), no go. With the Wi-Fire aimed carefully I got a solid, workable signal. I just rotate it around until I get the best signal. It does seem highly directional, too: an eighth-turn can make a huge difference and it's much, much stronger than with the internal adapter (the company claims up to 1000ft.). The big advantage, aside from the price, is that it uses a standard USB cable, so it can easily be extended and moved around unlike a Wi-Fi antenna which needs special cabling, connectors and isn't compatible with all Wi-Fi adapters. I keep dreaming up ways to do the ultimate, automatic long range communications antenna on the bus, but until then...
-- Barclay Brown
Wi-Fire Range Extender
$80
Available from and manufactured by hField
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Favorite (15)
L. Smith
Wi-Fire: Be very careful before you spend money on it!!
The Wi-fire does in fact work, increasing signal maybe 50%, but not nearly as good as mfgr claims. A flimsy design requires rubber bands or duct tape to secure it, plus its software is buggy, causing me to have to reinstall it more than once to get my computer to run it reliably.
Worst problem came when ordering a second unit for a friend (not knowing at the time that better, competitive products are now available) but it arrived DOA. I had to send several emails and leave phone messages to try to get the thing replaced, without results, and finally asked for an RMA. Suddenly, six weeks later a new unit--instead of a refund--arrived, but with no reimbursement for shipping their defective product back.
Compared to several other online electronic companies I've bought from, Wi-Fire's customer service is very poor, about the same as the stability of the device. I recommend checking Amazon and other web sources for better solutions than this one for improving improve Wifi reception.
mary
You asked for more information about how far away wireless range was it is about 1/4 mile away. I want to connect so I can monitor it from home. I need more information as to how it works and what kind of equipment I need. and the cost.