Luxul antenna

[puretouch]

has anyone used this product? Does it have an issues? is it worth it?

[thecodeman]

It's great, highly recommended, and is a Control4 "approved" solution - meaning C4 dealers can resell it as well.

[emo777]

Which models do you recommend for wireless access point antenna??

[3fingerbrown]

My dealer recommended to me the Pro-Wav 100:

Codeman, do you know if this really performs up to the lofty (10,000 sq ft) specs?

My dealer recommended this to me, but I'm hesitant for a few reasons, the main one being that it is 802.11b/g, and most of the wireless devices I use (Apple laptops) are 802.11n capable. 802.11n is supposedly a lot faster standard, but I couldn't take advantage with this antenna.

That said, I'm not too pleased with my Apple Extreme routers. I find myself unplugging them every now and then to reset them. And sometimes they seem to be working, but still give off the orange blinking "trouble" signal. I love the idea of having one big wireless antenna though. I just wish they made one with the newer 802.11n standard.

[RyanCB]

Luxul can be used with N however requires multiple kits (one per antenna). One thing to remember is that in a wireless network it will work at the speed of the slowest device, so it's all well and good having a wireless N router but say you've got an iPhone on the wireless then it won't ever start up N it would stay on G because the iPhone doesn't have N. The same goes if you've got something far away with a weak signal then you're whole wireless networking would be effected because that one device is on a slower connection because it's further away or something.

[thecodeman]

Luxul can be used with N however requires multiple kits (one per antenna). One thing to remember is that in a wireless network it will work at the speed of the slowest device, so it's all well and good having a wireless N router but say you've got an iPhone on the wireless then it won't ever start up N it would stay on G because the iPhone doesn't have N. The same goes if you've got something far away with a weak signal then you're whole wireless networking would be effected because that one device is on a slower connection because it's further away or something.

This is true.

[puretouch]

I have the pro wav 200 installed and the wifi coverage barely exceeds my router. I am taking this unit out and installing access points instead. If any here has used this product please let me know if you had to do any special downloads. I even telnet to correct the antenna problem and reception was about 20ft maximum using my wifi 7 touch which is ridiculous. Any help would be greatly appeciated before I take down this antenna.

[3fingerbrown]

I have the pro wav 200 installed and the wifi coverage barely exceeds my router. I am taking this unit out and installing access points instead. If any here has used this product please let me know if you had to do any special downloads. I even telnet to correct the antenna problem and reception was about 20ft maximum using my wifi 7 touch which is ridiculous. Any help would be greatly appeciated before I take down this antenna.

With a purported reach of 30k-50k square feet, there has to be an installation problem or malfunction with this device.

[3fingerbrown]

Luxul can be used with N however requires multiple kits (one per antenna).

The site says that it is compatible only with b/g. What do you mean by multiple kits?

One thing to remember is that in a wireless network it will work at the speed of the slowest device, so it's all well and good having a wireless N router but say you've got an iPhone on the wireless then it won't ever start up N it would stay on G because the iPhone doesn't have N.

So you are saying that if I have an Apple extreme router capable of the N standard, but it detects anywhere on the network a G device, it downgrades the whole wireless network to G? I didn't know that. I have several apple laptops and an iphone. I thought the laptops were getting the N signal.

There are rumors that the Apple is exploring adding N to the iphone, but there are hurdles in that this sucks battery power so we'll see if they pull it off.

The same goes if you've got something far away with a weak signal then you're whole wireless networking would be effected because that one device is on a slower connection because it's further away or something.

I don't understand what this means. Can you explain?

[3fingerbrown]

One thing to remember is that in a wireless network it will work at the speed of the slowest device, so it's all well and good having a wireless N router but say you've got an iPhone on the wireless then it won't ever start up N it would stay on G because the iPhone doesn't have N.

This does not appear to be the case. From the apple website:

for maximum range and compatibility, AirPort Extreme works simultaneously on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allowing all the devices on the network to use the most efficient band automatically. It uses the latest 802.11n wireless technology, so you can enjoy up to five times the Wi-Fi performance and up to twice the range of 802.11g wireless networks

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC340LL/A/AirPort-Extreme?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mg&mco=MTMzNzU2NDk#overview

[thecodeman]

The site says that it is compatible only with b/g. What do you mean by multiple kits?

We researched this for a customer of ours. Because N uses multiple antenna paths, you need multiple Luxul antennas. The trick is finding a N access point that has removable antennas, so you can hook the two needed luxuls into the antenna leads. On a Cisco that has three antennas, you can actually disable the third, which is not needed in the case of using the Luxuls.

[RyanCB]

The apple also runs two networks one on the 2.4ghz spectrum another on 5ghz. b/g devices can not connect to the 5ghz network from what I recall which is why they can say that.

[jberger]

Just for a real world example, this week I replaced Cisco Aironet AP's for a client who is using Motion Tablets in a medical practice. The Motion tablets are much like the C4 Touchpanels in that they want to stay attached to a single AP and the application they are running can't handle any drops in wireless signal without locking up.

I used a single Luxal 200 bundle from Control4 to cover all of the surgical suites and associated offices and it works great. A substantial improvement over the Aironet devices given the limitations of the wireless clients. I'm a big fan of Cisco Aironet, but the Luxal was a much better solution in this application.

Anytime you can use 2 antennas you will get better coverage especially if the AP supports MIMO.

The only thing I don't like about the Luxal is the antenna mounting arms. In most cases it's easier to use a cheap speaker ball mount so you swivel and pivot the antennas in the direction you need. Otherwise you just have to bend the metal arms on the stock luxal unit.

[henniae]

The apple also runs two networks one on the 2.4ghz spectrum another on 5ghz. b/g devices can not connect to the 5ghz network from what I recall which is why they can say that.

It is all about the subtle differences the marketing people define. My grandpa once told me "Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see."

[puretouch]

am I the only person who has used a luxul antenna here, because most of what you guys are talking about are from tech documents. For what i spent on this device I expected to cover my condo which it can even cover my kitchen which is literally separted by drywall 10 ft away.

[thecodeman]

am I the only person who has used a luxul antenna here, because most of what you guys are talking about are from tech documents. For what i spent on this device I expected to cover my condo which it can even cover my kitchen which is literally separted by drywall 10 ft away.

No, we use it and have had good success in homes and commercial installations.

[RyanCB]

am I the only person who has used a luxul antenna here, because most of what you guys are talking about are from tech documents. For what i spent on this device I expected to cover my condo which it can even cover my kitchen which is literally separted by drywall 10 ft away.

If your only getting 10ft sounds like you have a problem an access point without an antenna will still work 10-20ft .... I have used several kits myself with good results. The only time I have had issues are with the c4 gear or bad cables which luxul overnight replacements. Even that was a one off.

[ichbinbose]

we have installed the basic Pro-wav unit in 3500 sq. ft home's and had perfect WiFi throughout the residence(basement to 2nd and 3rd floor's). I would have to believe that you have a defective unit or it's installed incorectly.

Where is your wap located? what is surrounding it? what channel are you broadcasting on? Have you checked what channel your neighbors wifi is broadcasting on? How do you have the antenna's aimed?

[puretouch]

The WAP is located in the washroom with the antenna's pointing to the east and west of the condo. Followed all of the tech support help including telneting the device to correct the antenna problem and still the wireless network drops. Within 10 -15ft. I have two extra cat5 wires ran centrally in the condo which I am going to have to use now with access points. ICHBINBOSE When you installed the luxul did you have to telnet the device to fix the antenna issue or did yours work right out of the box? Checked channels with the surrounding condos, no problems minimal noise.

[RyanCB]

What AP are you using? We use the WG-102/103 with them and set the antenna to 2/3s power and have great results. Also you do have the power cord for the amp plugged in correct? If your using POE are you using the luxul POE injector? The luxul kit does not use standard POE.

[tilimil]

Luxul can be used with N however requires multiple kits (one per antenna). One thing to remember is that in a wireless network it will work at the speed of the slowest device, so it's all well and good having a wireless N router but say you've got an iPhone on the wireless then it won't ever start up N it would stay on G because the iPhone doesn't have N. The same goes if you've got something far away with a weak signal then you're whole wireless networking would be effected because that one device is on a slower connection because it's further away or something.

It is not at all true that the network will operate at the speed of your slowest device. It will impact performance but certainly not operate strictly at the slowest speed. There are what we call protection mechanisms for 802.11g and 802.11n. For example, if I have an 802.11b and 802.11g device operating on the same radio. The 802.11g device should theoretically get about 20-22 mbps of throughput. The 802.11b device should get about 5 mbps of throughput. When I mix the two my 802.11g device may drop to about 10 megabit but it is still twice as fact as the 802.11b device.

See URL below and search for "backward compatibility".

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps6973/ps8382/prod_white_paper0900aecd806b8ce7_ns767_Networking_Solutions_White_Paper.html

[tilimil]

Just for a real world example, this week I replaced Cisco Aironet AP's for a client who is using Motion Tablets in a medical practice. The Motion tablets are much like the C4 Touchpanels in that they want to stay attached to a single AP and the application they are running can't handle any drops in wireless signal without locking up.

I used a single Luxal 200 bundle from Control4 to cover all of the surgical suites and associated offices and it works great. A substantial improvement over the Aironet devices given the limitations of the wireless clients. I'm a big fan of Cisco Aironet, but the Luxal was a much better solution in this application.

Anytime you can use 2 antennas you will get better coverage especially if the AP supports MIMO.

The only thing I don't like about the Luxal is the antenna mounting arms. In most cases it's easier to use a cheap speaker ball mount so you swivel and pivot the antennas in the direction you need. Otherwise you just have to bend the metal arms on the stock luxal unit.

Seems like Luxul has carved out quite a little niche for themselves here and are making quite a a nice margin while doing it. $900 -$1200 is crazy when you can accomplish the same thing for less than $100. Although I haven't used the Luxul package, it looks like it is basically a Dlink AP with an antenna and an amplifier. In this case, you could just replace the antennae on the existing Cisco AP with a directional antenna that are 6-10 dBi. The amplifier is not necessary because the Aironet AP will already transmit at up to 100 mw. 100 mw is more than any of your client's transmit power. Creating a situation where the AP has higher transmit power than your client is asking for trouble if you go too far.

A basic 6 or 7 dbi (Luxul uses a 7 dbi antenna) can be had on the web for less than $50. Just make sure you get one with the right connector type. There are adapters for different connector types available as well.

[RyanE]

Then why don't you market a less expensive alternative that works as well?

RyanE

[tilimil]

Not a bad idea

[tebery]

Who is selling these for $900-$1200? I have an extra one, brand new, that I will part with for $400 if anyone is interested.

LUXUL PWK3-24-1WFP7 Pro-Wav Flat Panel Wi-Fi Range Extender Kit

Includes:

XW-24-FP7, 7DBI High Gain 2.4GHz Flat Panel CP Antenna

SW6-24I-1000G, Shock-WAV 1W 802.11b/g indoor W-Fi Signal Booster

One power supply for the WI-FI Signal Booster

Two 24" cables (N-Male to N-Male, N-Male to RP-SMA)

One RP-SMA to RP-TNC adapter

One mounting bracket