Outdoor Range Testing
Now for outdoor usage, as it’s intended for this unit, we need a different setup. It would be optimal with two devices, one at each end, and two fixed locations. However, that is difficult to reproduce for us reviewers, and it would also require a second access point for the remote location. So instead, I have mounted the access point on my balcony and will take a walk with my mobile phone to see how long I can keep my WiFi connection.
I doubt that we’ll see a full 10 KM range as that requires optimal conditions. I also live on the ground floor, which makes buildings, trees, and other objects stand in the way of the signal. It would be far better placed on the roof, but I don’t have access to that.
According to Maps and my GPS position, I managed to get about 200 meters away from home before my WiFi dropped out. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, it is a lot better than traditional access points. I also noticed that I still had full signal at about 100 meters distance which was the distance I had a clear view of the router, except for a few trees.
That means that if we could get it up higher and also place the second device at the other end, we would get some good results. Those familiar with my network reviews will also know that I live in an area that is heavily congested when it comes to wireless signals. There is a lot of industry, and most homes have two separate wireless networks running due to the way that our ISP’s fibre boxes work.
A perfect usage example for it, would be to get wireless coverage outside your home and where your normal router can’t reach. Even large gardens should be covered by use a Netis WF2375.
