I agree with sailingdog but only to a certain degree. The Ubiquiti 5 has less power than the
PASSPORT802.ULTRA, and costs more. Also keep in mind, little devices are for close in and are not for Internet users with "serious needs" such as full, normal Internet speeds for needs like such things as large file needs, VoIP telephones (free voice over Internet telephone), WiFi telephones, SKYPE calling free worldwide and/or SKYPE FTP (direct point to point file transfer protocol - files from you to them or visa versa without email and servers in the way), Video streaming, streaming audio, gaming, etc. As far as the LinkSys WG54 at $40 to$50 with both 4 ethernet channels and WiFi networking on the boat (mine is 12V rigged too), I feel it is both fairly priced and very functional. And since their acquisition by CISCO, the quality is very good, works great for me, but there are a lot of HUB brands out there to choose from that are all very good and fairly priced.
At 500mW burst rate, for a small USB unit, the
PASSPORT802.ULTRA is best thing I have seen out there - BUT - I am in need of "serious" high power, long range and high data rate to provide serious on-line connection and sometimes, at considerable distance. These little ones are OK and you can get in to a system for about $150 or so, depending on the antenna you choose (which is critical). And work OK when in the marina near the AP.
As far as antenna "boosters" They are "snake oil" This does nothing for increased dBi to enable greater reception for inbound signal. antenna element configurations are fixed, so you can add boosting to outbound, but your sensitivity is not increased, nor can it be at all. Another thing is there are different antennas out there at varied pricing. A friend of mine has been making antennas since 1970 and although they are not making digital acquisition antennas, they are a wealth of information and make REALLY good antennas, you may of heard of them, MORAD - SEATTLE
The price issue is due to mainly one thing regardless of dBi/dBm rating. That is, the cheaper ones are stainless steel elements/exciters and the more expensive ones are pure copper. Both are fiberglass or poly encased.* You can guess which is better.
"IN MY OPINION": The BEST way to go is a 12V DC powered, high power transmitter/receiver unit with a real good antenna, 12dbi is real good at 47" -* the 15dBi is a little higher gain and is 62", I have the 47" and it is GREAT. These units are not necessarily "line of sight" required, because they are very powerful transmitters and very sensitive antennas. Both of which are key ingredients to real "nice" Internet WiFi.
Signals EVERYWHERE! Anywhere in Puget Sound, and many places through the inside passage, and South East Alaska, even going up and down the Pacific Coast. Needless to say, marinas everywhere, and cities (waterfront), worldwide. Some are for pay, some are for free. In the rest of the world, it's all free. In the USA, it's hit and miss but getting better all the time. Free WiFi in the USA is coming, it's just taking a longer time than out in the rest of the world. Most people here still believe the USA is ahead of the rest of the world in everything - nothing further from the truth, especially in high tech.
These boxes run about $600 or so (depending on the antenna) to set up and are as easy to install as a
VHF and you DO NOT need to go to the top of the mast. They are best on the stern rail or
radar bridge. The box goes below, anywhere - 9.5" by 10.5" by 3" or so. (outdoor marine grade too)
These units use your browser application to go in to the internal computer inside the device and configure it as "Client" Mode.* You LOG IN to the box and set it up YOUR WAY.* This enables you to search for signals, or set it to be dedicated to a specific service, search enabled is best to find any signal/provider. So, you have control of the unit, no software upgrades ever, and they are as powerful as FCC, CE, TELEC IEEE 802.11 b/g allows and work worldwide.
The bottom
line is, search them all. COMPARE WHAT YOU GET. Power and sensitivity for the dollar. These real powerful (overpriced) units are mostly found at over $1,000 and to many thousands, period. You will never see a signal when coastal and see seriously low data rates with the smaller "little" units. they have there place and are inexpensive, but if you want and need real power and longevity in an on-board WiFi solution, the little ones will not suffice.
Additionally, the air-dielectric foam, double-braid, hollow core copper, LOW LOSS - LMR400DB is the best interface available in the world - period. Although RG213 is OK, nothing compares to LMR - this also applies to your
VHF and
SSB to Tuner interface, pre-GTO. The little units are on ly RG59U or 56 or equivalent and are unable to pass the same level of data the better RF cable interfaces carry. Just is not going to happen
SERIOUS UNIT EXAMPLE: The SYXXXXS $649.00 box is 200mW, (and is huge), (the 500 is $1400 I think, not sure, I don't bother looking any more), the
PORTSIDE802 is 1,000mW burst with 800mW constant minimum outbound transmission, 12V DC, PoE Injected CAT5 interface. These are rated at; 29.8 dBm (outbound) --* 30dBm is the MAX FCC (USA-CAN)/CE- EU)/TELEC(JAPAN) legal to market and use.
THE PLATFORM: The 802.11 b/g platform is here to stay. And, just as VHF Public Marine Band power is limited to 25 Watts, the FCC standard on the 802.11 b/g WiFi, is basically carved in stone, so that's what we get and that's that, for a LONG time to come.
There are NO "little" USB units, "Booster Things" or other magical solutions for cheap that will provide this long range ability-period. In physics we say - RF is RF, digital or analog, I/O power and sensitivity - is King.
You make a decision on a unit, based your need and your budget. I only post this because I have seen so much high priced junk (and purchased a lot of it) and false claims gear out there. (or no information stuff - just "buy us")
Good luck on your hunt . . . . I'll be on-line,
JANDY clear