BACKGROUND/REQUIREMENT. I have access to an 'open' public Wi-Fi signal which I currently 'harvest' using a usb antenna on a long lead to my laptop. This provides an OK service however my TVs have googlechrome dongles that I am unable to operate due to the lack of Wi-Fi signal at their location. So my requirement was to have a more powerful antenna that I could 'better' capture the desired signal and then re-broadcast throughout the property to allow wireless access to the internet and to get my chromecast dongles operational.
DISCOVERED SOLUTION. I was very excited when I found a kit from 'acdctv' for £169.99 and then found them selling the same kit on ebay for £149.99; which I bought but latterly returned for a full refund. I bought the same antenna and repeater as seperates for less than half the price! Firstly, let me put the USB antenna to bed - an EDUP EP-8523 - the repeater works with its' Railink 3070 chip and this is available on Amazon for £39.99 however, I bought and paid for mine from dx.com in $ which converted to just over £20 (Halifax Clarity Card).
Now to the 'Subject' of this review:
THE SOLWISE USBWIFIRPT-3000 which allows you to plug, a compatible, antenna into the USB port and configure the repeater either using Wi-Fi or connecting it to a computer with a 'network-cable' (RJ45 connecter adjacent to the power connector). The information provided in the 'box' is rather 'light' however you can download a manual from the Solwise website. The setup was pretty straight-forward.
IMPORTANT. Please note that the antenna is only recognised during the 'boot' process (when you apply power) so if you remove the antenna - simply replacing it will not work you need to re-boot (ie remove power and then re-apply it).
It is useful to appreciate what the LEDs tell you: The 'PWR' is self-explanitory, The 'WAN' I didn't use, The USB must be lit to indicate the antenna is recognised and active, The LAN is only lit when you have a network-cable plugged in and the other end connected to a computer and finally 'WLAN' is the wireless network that your Wi-Fi devices use to get back to the internet.
REMEMBER if the 'USB' LED is not lit then the arrangement will not work!
| Brand | Solwise |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 7.2 x 10 x 2.5 cm; 240 g |
| Item model number | WL-USBWIFIFIRPT-3000 |
| Manufacturer | Solwise |
| Wireless Type | 802.11n |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Item Weight | 240 g |
| Guaranteed software updates until | unknown |
