Linksys announced its new omni-directional high-gain antenna. A recent addition to its family of WRT products, the new antenna delivers increased gains of up to 4 dBi in the 2.4 GHz band and up to 7 dBi in the 5 GHz band, which double the number of gains over antennas that come provided with routers.
Compatible with any router that uses an RP-SMA connector(s), the new antenna allows for quick and simple installation in current Wi-Fi devices, meaning no additional hardware is required besides the antennas themselves. Simply unscrew the existing antenna and replace it with the new high-gain antenna.
The omni-directional feature means the antenna broadcasts its signal uniformly in a single plane. This feature essentially gives the consumer more freedom in placing furniture around the house and will no longer restrict the design of a room to optimize signal strength. While the high-gain antenna is designed to increase Wi-Fi range and signal strength around a typical one-story house, it is recommended that one uses a repeater or range extender for multi-level homes.
Currently, Linksys' new high-gain antenna is available at online retailers including Newegg and Amazon with the two pack (WRT002ANT) MSRP priced at $59.99 and the four pack (WRT004ANT) at $99.99.
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Correction: Clarified that listed prices are MSRP.
Other than the stylized plastic casing that has no impact on performance, you are getting the same performance as a common $5 higher gain antenna.
Anyway, we will have to wait for them to send out a review sample to that someone at tomshardware, or possibly Tim Higgins can take it apart and show the design (likely a lower cylindrical base, and a solid core copper wire top half).