Antenna cable types are pictured in Figure
. It is important
to keep the antenna cable short in order to maximize range. This is true,
whether setting up an access point indoors or setting up bridges to communicate
over a long distance. This is because a longer cable will attenuate the signal
and reduce the reliable range of the equipment. The maximum distance over which
two bridges can communicate depends on the antenna and cable combinations in
use. A tool to aid in distance calculations is listed in the Web resources
below.
It might be possible to use existing coaxial cable. This
determination will depend on the quality of the cable and whether it meets the
following three specifications:
- Impedance must be 50 ohms.
- Total loss at 400 MHz, for the entire run length, must be 12 dB or less.
- The cable center conductor size must be #14 AWG, or larger.
If the specifications do not match, do not use the cable. In many
cases, an unused cable was a problem cable that belonged to someone else. If
there are any doubts about the cable, install new coaxial cable.