Hi,

I am interested in the information about range of wifi cards in today smartphones (Samsung, iphone, HTC, etc.).

Let's there is large outdoor space with no obstructions. Frequnecy is 2,4 GHz.
What is the maximum range from client to AP so that client has communication with AP?

I can put more powerful AP, better antenna, but clients have limited wifi radios. I don't have idea how much would that be?

Normis mentioned in an earlier post the maximum range is around 100m.

-Mac

Only 100m in open area with no obstructions?

Uh, I thought it would be couple of hundred of meters...

I've got a Droid 3...am about 50m away from 16 dbi 120 degree sector antenna running off a R52-300 card in a 433AH. I'm in a tent - nothing but other tents in the way. Getting two to three bars but only if I hold the phone up. If I put the phone down it looses connection and I have to log back into our hotspot. Whereas I have four bars on my netbook and no issues.

Think about the size of the antenna and the radio.

If I look at the Mikrotik and the registration page the cell phone gets between -70 and -76 and is running a 6 Mbps data rate. My netbook is running a -70 to -72 connection and is getting 11 Mbps.

-Mac

I've got a Droid 3...am about 50m away from 16 dbi 120 degree sector antenna running off a R52-300 card in a 433AH. I'm in a tent - nothing but other tents in the way. Getting two to three bars but only if I hold the phone up. If I put the phone down it looses connection and I have to log back into our hotspot. Whereas I have four bars on my netbook and no issues.

Think about the size of the antenna and the radio.

If I look at the Mikrotik and the registration page the cell phone gets between -70 and -76 and is running a 6 Mbps data rate. My netbook is running a -70 to -72 connection and is getting 11 Mbps.

-Mac

What about the signal outside the tent? I am interested in golf resort or park situation with no trees between antenna and client.

Sticking with 100 meters. Honestly with a golf course you'd probably be fine with APs at tees and holes...and since most of those are back to back. Fairways will be fine with marginal coverage.

I would use 90 degree sector antennas to push as much power as you can.

Post a picture of the course map.

-Mac

I don't have a picture of course map yet, but there is area about 700m in diameter without any obstructions (nothing to put antenna on). So I hoped that client's range should would be 350m (max.) in such open area. 350m would be farthest point, the center of the area.

I can put 60 degree antenna, but if client's reach is 100m it would be of no use...

I disagree about the power. The phones are fairly weak. If they receive a high signal but can't handshake with the AP the power is useless.

I wouldn't worry about anything over 20dB @ max data rate, though honestly you probably won't see it.

Best antenna you can get and just about any MT card or 711 board, you can probably turn the power down a bit. It won't matter if the phone gets a -70 if the AP only gets the phone back at -110.

I agree with 0ldman. It doesn't matter how powerful the AP is, if the phone can't talk back to it.

If you're worried about having 30 meter tall towers for APs I wouldn't worry about it. Personally I think you could incorporate the APs into the existing signage - 6' to 8' high omnis between the greens and tees. Backhaul would need a little height, though - to get LOS. Pretty sure you'll find a light pole or two or something creative you can stick something to.

-Mac