Customer Reviews

Alfa AWUS036H Upgraded to 1000mW 1W 802.11b/g High Gain USB Wireless Long-Rang WiFi network Adapter with 5dBi Antenna - for Wardriving & Range Extension

5 star:		(168)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

Nearly all Amazon.com reviewers agree, the Alfa AWUS036H is the long range WiFi antenna on the market. But with 3 antenna options to chose from, which is the best setup?

I own the all 3 wi-fi antennas from Alpha: 5dBi omni-directional, 7dBi panel, 9dBi omni-directional. The Alfa AWUS036H with the 7dBi antenna is the best performing set up: Alfa AWUS036H Upgraded to 1000mW 1W 802.11b/g High Gain USB Wireless Long-Rang WiFi network Adapter with 5dBi Rubber Antenna and a 7dBi Panel Antenna - for Wardriving & Range Extension *Strongest on the Market*

With the 5dBi omni antenna, I can get 2-3 bars from a public wi-fi signal a little over 1 mile away (direct line of sight).

With the 9dBi omni antenna, I get only 0-1 bar with dropped signals.

With the 7dBi panel antenna, I get 3-4 bars with the fastest data transfer rates.

I have even tested the 5dBi and 7 dBi side by side and the 7dBi loads web pages in less than 1/2 the speed as the 5dBi antenna.

I have done a fair amount of research before purchasing the Alfa AWUS036H unit. The general consensus is that this unit has much better performance for B and G networks than the newer Alfa AWUS036NH model. But for accessing N networks, the newer model is necessary.

Although I still own the 5dBi and 9dBi antennas, I only ever use the 7dBi panel antenan. It's actually shorter in size and easier to transport than the 5dBi model. Go with the 7dBi - you'll get the best performance.

***** UPDATED COMPARISON *****

Aug 25, 2011: Using Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor software, I compared the signal strength of this Alfa AWUS036H with the 7dBi panel antenna Alfa 2.4HGz 7dBi Booster SMA Panel High-Gain Screw-On Swivel Antenna or to the new High Power USB-Yagi Plug and Play directional WiFi Antenna 802.11n 2200mW / NextG USB-Yagi Plug & Play 11N Long Range WiFi antenna 2200mW. In nearly every test location, the Alfa rated 1 bar better and -10 RSSI (Receiving Signal Strength Indication) better (with RSSI signals negative numbers are better).

Although the 2200mW Yagi antenna is much larger and twice the power, it pulls in a weaker signal and slower data transfer than the 1000mW Alfa 7dBi panel antenna.

Still this Alfa AWUS036H is the best performing wi-fi antenna on the market. Thank you Alfa!

*** IMPORTANT ***

Please rate this review as 'helpful' to push this review to the product's home page so that everyone can get the best performing WiFi antenna setup: Alfa AWUS036H Upgraded to 1000mW 1W 802.11b/g High Gain USB Wireless Long-Rang WiFi network Adapter with 5dBi Rubber Antenna and a 7dBi Panel Antenna - for Wardriving & Range Extension *Strongest on the Market*

I purchased this item because I live in the country, 800 feet from the main road. My FIL, who lives right on the road, was recently able to get hi speed internet but the cable company denied me stating it was too far a distance to run the cables. I recently purchased a laptop and was able to pick up a weak signal from my FIL's router so I bought this in hopes of boosting the signal. I immediately went from 1 bar to 3 and sometimes even 4. They are also selling this same adapter with a bigger antenna and I am thinking about trying that one out. I have used this with Vista and XP and it works great with both though I did have to download drivers for Vista off website but it was no big deal. I am a mom of 4 and no computer whiz and searched the internet for the best adapter and a decent price and was a little weary about this but it is working great so far.

I had this booster to increase the receiving signal from one bar to 2-3 bars. It was function as promised. However, something you need to know which does not explicitly explain in the manu. Signal dropped from weak 54MB/s to strong 10MB/s for steadly receivig signal (can not stay with 801.11G and switch to 801,11b speed), second when you use the enclosed software to install proper driver as suggested. My original wireless driver was removed from the laptop without warning. When I tried to use my laptop at other strong signal place without using booster, I could not connect to any wireless access point , and original wireless driver can't be found and need to reinstall original wireless driver again. It took a while to find out why laptop won't work anymore. This is good stuff but it took over the system and install it own with unwant consequence.


KK

This adapter really does improve signal strength. I had a D-link DWL-G550 PCI card, and the ALFA has considerably increased my connectivity. The power makes a difference.

The software utility is also very nice. You can set it to work as an AP or client, and it provides lots of info and good control over your wireless situation. There is a newer driver version on the Realtek website that you can download.

I did experience a problem with the driver + utility package though, because it seems the utility on their site is older than the one on my CD? (I didn't look into this too much because it works anyway, but when i uninstalled BOTH utilities - yes, they created seperate installs - then re-installed what i had from the CD it gave me the newer utility version, but after updating only the driver it then displayed the older utility version.. weird)

Also of interest: this adapter uses a RP-SMA antenna connector. The connector has threads on the outside and a prong sticking out in the middle. So if you're ordering a seperate antenna, make sure you get one that screws ONTO this; one with threads on the inside, and a hole in the inside. See [..]

Like many others I was skeptical, if for no other reason than the cheap looking graphic and the price drop from $220 to 38.99.

My situation -

I recently received a new Dell desktop and I've had problems with weak signal reception in my office. Previous to that I've worked on Dell laptops in my office with 4 bar access. The desktop was only receiving 1-2 bars with frequent losses of reception.

I was tempted to give this product fewer stars only because I had a difficult time configuring it - which is to say with a lack of clear instructions written in plain English and my own desire to make it harder that it really is, I spent almost 3 hours trying to get it to work.

Here's all you need to do -

1 Attach antennae to unit.
2 Plug in USB cable to unit and to computer
3 Windows Vista automatically downloaded the latest driver for me. (I didn't need to install the software that comes with it and the "old" wireless device still works.
4 "Connect or disconnect" to your network using the wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen (two monitors and a globe) - if you already have a wireless device installed you may need to scroll to see there's a new one. Disconnect your current connection with your old device by clicking on the correct icon, then connect to the network using "Wireless Connection 2".

I went from 1-2 bars to solid 5 bar connectivity. Everything's working great now - finally. It works well and I'm happy. I nearly spent $100 plus tax for a booster at Staples, so this is a great deal.

This gadget is a truly amazing device for picking up WiFi signals from a lot further away than is normally possible. WiFi is a wireless internet connection technology which normally works over a maximum distance of 100 - 200 metres (300 - 600ft). Due to the fact that this device features a much more sensitive aerial receiver, as well as a much stronger transmitter, it greatly extends the distance you can connect to a WiFi hotspot. Most laptops have a built in 50mW WiFi transmitter, so at 500mW this one is 10 times as powerful. With the Alfa, you *might* expect to still be able to connect to WiFi hotspots 2 - 3 km (1 - 2 miles) away, sometimes further. For the process of 'wardriving' (connecting to free WiFi hotspots on your travels), this device would seem ideal.

It connects to your computer using a standard USB cable, which means you can keep your laptop in a convenient location, while clipping the adaptor somewhere where the reception is better - such as next to your window. Assuming that you already have an internet connection, it will automatically find and download it's own drivers (It identifies itself to the computer as a Realtek RTL8187 Wireless Network Adaptor). There are specialist drivers for many different operating systems (Eg. Mac / Linux) available from the Alfa website at [...], and you should definitely consider using one of these drivers if it fails to automatically install.

I work on a cruise ship where the only standard connection is via a satellite, and the internet is correspondingly very expensive. I bought this WiFi extender to see if I could connect to free WiFi hotspots in our ports of call - without leaving the ship!! I've previously tried to connect to WiFi hotspots using my laptop's built in WiFi, but the distances are usually too great and connection is usually very slow (or drops out completely after a few seconds of use). I've only been using the Alfa for a couple of weeks, but it has completely revolutionized my browsing habits. My cruise ship goes to 8 different ports of call in 2 weeks, and I am now able to find free WiFi hotspots in 7 out of 8 ports. Often I am able to connect whilst still inside my cabin, by placing the adaptor next to the cabin porthole. If that is not possible, I go to the front of the ship and sit on the deck-chairs.

Browsing performance is usually fast and responsive, more so if there is a single obvious hotspot to connect to. If you are in the centre of town where there are many different hotspots available, you will need a good strong one which stands out from the crowd. A clear line of sight to the WiFi hotspot is also useful, as buildings and/or mountains will usually degrade the signal significantly. My cabin on the ship is 20 metres (60ft) above the sea, so I usually get a good line of sight. At this slightly raised elevation, the performance of the device is usually good, and sometimes exceptional. I have easily connected to WiFi hotspots 2 - 3km (1 - 2 miles) away, and browsed with broadband speeds. At its most breathtaking, the ship was cruising up the east coast of Mexico, and I was able to connect and (slowly) browse some of the free beach resort WiFi's in Cancun - and that was at least 12km (8 miles) away.

I did mention that you needed a good strong WiFi signal which stands out from the crowd. Not all hotspots transmit with the same power - some are weak and some are strong. Grand Cayman is a good example of why you can still have difficulty finding a WiFi hotspot when there are still loads of them around. Cayman is well developed and there is a WiFi hotspot on every corner and hotel. Using a WiFi sniffing program (InSSIDer) and the Alfa, I was able to count more than 200 WiFi signals probably covering the entire west of the island. Normally, with the WiFi signal degrading beyond 100 - 200 metres, the different hotspots don't interfere with each other. With the Alfa able to find literally hundreds of hotspots, and with those hotspots using the same channels and frequencies, I think there is a lot of interference with each other and this slows the internet connection and makes it difficult to connect. In Grand Cayman, 500 metres away from about 20 - 30 relatively weak hotspots, I had difficulty connecting to any one of them. So, rather counter-intuitively, in a built up area with multiple weak hotspots, you might be better off walking closer to a hotspot you know, unplugging your Alfa, and using your laptop's weaker built-in WiFi.

Hints & Tips... With the WiFi signal travelling over such long distances, and with the greater possibility of signal interference or dropout, there is likely to be more variability in your browsing experience. Sometimes you will be able to connect; Sometimes not. Sometimes you will be browsing at broadband speeds; sometimes at telephone dial-up speeds. The message to take away is to keep persevering. Sometimes a hotspot will appear to reject your connection, but try a few more times and eventually it may connect. Sometimes waiting an hour will make all the difference.

Are there any disadvantages? It's difficult to think of any, but at 500mW, you have to presume that it eats up your laptop battery much faster than the built in WiFi adaptor. Another thing: Just because you can connect to a WiFi hotspot, doesn't mean that it will be free !!!

Anyway, I believe I can wholeheartedly recommend this device, especially if you are trying to connect to a WiFi signal which would otherwise be too far away.

I'm a Mac user who purchased this as an enhancement of and backup to my Macbook's Airport capacities. The device does do a good job of detecting available wireless signals, and the fact that it clearly identifies networks as encrypted or open is a considerable time-saver. However, there are times when the Alfa cannot connect to a certain network that my built-in Airport can. Such occasions entail a lot of repeat attempts and switchings between Alfa and Airport (and general frustration) that, in turn, prove this product less than entirely dependable.

A few other things to note:

1) You must download the correct drivers from the Realtek website -- that is, the exact download corresponding to your OS version -- or else your machine may not even recognize the adapter enough to acknowledge anything has been newly connected via USB.

2) The first product I received (from this Amazon seller) did not work, but I sent it back and upon request received a prompt replacement, which turned out fine. Just be aware that there may be defective versions out there -- but do make sure it's not a problem with the drivers before you decide the device is defective.

3) I must say that I was extremely wary of buying this product, given many reviews here by people who, despite having met Amazon's 'realname' qualification, seem to have had a very short history on Amazon and/or have reviewed only this one product. This fact still puzzles me, even as the product works better than I expected (if not as well as I'd hoped).

This adaptor solves the many problems inherent in wireless cards. Sure, they make high power wireless cards, but the strongest only go up to 300mw. The antenna connections are so weak on the wireless cards, they tend to break off and become useless in just a few days.
This adaptor is the strongest on the market: 500mw. It plugs into your USB port, enabling you to use high gain antennas connected directly to the sturdy adaptor.
The results: Amazing. You'll find active links you never knew existed in any geographic area previously searched.
The software is simple to install, and the functionality of the adaptor's program is fantastic.
I wish I had found about this when it was first released. I wasted much too much time with my other "high power" PC card adaptors.
Don't hesitate to buy this product!

I was skeptical of this item because of the inflated claims ("strongest on the market") but I was pleasantly surprised when I hooked it up and saw significant signal increases on every wireless network in the vicinity. I had previously tried a Hawking HWUN1 and Hawking is supposed to have an excellent reputation, but this vastly outperformed it! It's very simple to install too, just follow the enclosed instructions. Also, you can easily add a more powerful external antenna if you need even more range (I use Hawking's HA12W). One thing to be aware of, this unit has the wireless adapter built-in so you should disable your computer's internal wireless adapter if it has one before hooking this up.

This USB wireless adapter is easy to install and it works just as advertised. To install on Windows XP, first plug the device into a USB port, and the "install wizard" will pop up and tell you that you should insert the CD that comes with the adapter. Go ahead and put the CD into your CD drive, and tell the wizard to look for the driver on that drive. Then just follow the wizard to the end, and your adapter will be ready to use. The whole installation process takes under two minutes.

Like others who have commented here, I instantly got much improved reception. I was using a Linksys USB adaptor that could barely detect a signal in the downstairs corner of my house. With this new high power adapter, I am getting an excellent signal (I went from one bar to five bars in the reception).

I tried other "range boosting" solutions and they didn't work. This one does, and it's easy to install.

UPDATE 12/25/2011: I bought this device 2 1/2 years ago and it is still going strong. It works great with Windows 7. If the operating system does not automatically download the driver for you when you plug it in under Windows 7, just search for "Realtek8187 driver" and download it from softpedia or some similar site. I did that and then Windows Update did a further driver update.

I am getting the same improvement under Windows 7 that I got with earlier operating systems: an improvement from 1 bar to 5 bars on the reception. Indeed, my next door neighbor's network comes in at 5 bars! I can only repeat what I said in June 2009: this thing really does work as advertised.