SR2 weaker than Senao 200mw cardbus

RouterOS Wireless Networking
1

hi guys,
I’m setting up an access point a restaurant to cover a hotel.

the result I get with following:

INTEREPOCH 11B + Senao 200mW CardBus + 5 Db portable antenna


Mikrotik Routerboard 112 + SR2 400mW + 19 db panel antenna

and I checked it with my laptop and to my judgement with Netstumbler result, sr2 is way lower than senao.

SENAO:




MIKROTIK + SR2




anyone can explain?

I can’t understand but I upgraded to latest mikrotik version and put manual TX power as well but still something like 20db lower than senao even though SR2 had a giant antenna compared to Senao.

I even replaced cable and switched antenna but still senao was stronger.

I just bought bunch of SR2 cards and I am kinda getting disappointed.

I tested both at 11b and same rate but still the same thing and this result is operating result not just beacon.
Thanks

2

this kind of testing can only work if your test setup is the same (same antenna, same distance, same settings).

3

and normal working range is -50 -60 dBm while with that seano you are ruining your link and equipment, try running BT and see results for your self - wireless is listening and if you shout at it it will become deaf at one one moment

EDIT:
this is to addition what normis said

4

yes, correct
but I switched the antenna and cable from one AP to other and still it was lower.

however I will try a different distance and will post the result.

5

you also need to realize (as i do a few hotels) the biggest issue, espesically if you think you can go from outside into the hotel, is the AP Recieving anything from the generally weak, crap radios in Consumer Laptops…as that is what your clients will be right?

the SR2 is the best card ive ever used..when you need 400mw. based on your number of posts i can assume you know how to properly check the pig tail, anteannas ect..

are you saying that you are getting -30 rssi from the senao access point WITH OBSTRUCTIONS!? or are you right next to the unit..which is the only time ive seen such strong signals, from even a 70mw R52…

6

I was few meters away from the AP, I could not go very far for some reason, but by switching antenna I could see the different. and I tried the same antenna and cable on both units.

the other odd thing from Mikrotik is that signal is not always constant, I have 5 to 10 db sometimes 20 db jumps on my laptop. the WiSpy also showed the same thing.

but in Senao it is very much constant.

In fact I hate senao for its unstableness but I am wondering how true it can be.

in fact I am trying to penetrate signal from a place outside hotel through metal and glass windows inside rooms which if it fail I am due to install almost 100 access point which is very costly.

Thanks for your replies

7

What type of pigtail cable are you using?

If you are using MMCX then be sure you have RouterOS set to Ant B, if it is a U.Fl make sure it is set to Ant A.

8

yes indeed, I have checked that already.