Wi-Fire: Extends Wi-Fi Range to 1000 Feet - Performance Tests
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Performance Tests
As I previously mentioned in this review, hField Technologies claims a coverage of 1000 feet by using the Wi-Fire to receive Wi-Fi signals. Typical wireless routers have a range of 120-300 feet (depending upon whether you're inside or outside).
I tested the Wi-Fire inside my house to see if I could reach any area Wi-Fi networks. I was able to reach up to 5 Wi-Fi networks at any one time. I had my own wireless router turned off during this test, because I wanted to focus on how far the Wi-Fire could reach. From inside my home, I was able to pick up Wi-Fi signals from a neighbor approximately 500-600 feet away. This was well beyond the range of my wireless router. The signal strength of my neighbor's network was very weak and I probably would not be able to hold the signal consistently.
Most of the wireless networks that I picked up while inside my home were very weak signals, which is to be expected because I was indoors. From my tests I can conclude that the 1000 ft. claim is true when searching for Wi-Fi signals outdoors, but indoors you can expect a little bit less range. I was able to pick up Wi-Fi signals from about 600 ft. while indoors, which is still good in itself.
Conclusion
I was surprisingly impressed with the Wi-Fire overall. I do have a few gripes with the design of the device, but those are things that I could get used to. The clip on the Wi-Fi could attach to the top of a laptop a little better in my opinion. The antenna rotates a little bit too loosely as well. On a positive note, the USB connector has a great "automatic wind-up" mechanism that keeps the 4 ft. USB cord from dangling from the Wi-Fire and getting in your way.
The performance of the Wi-Fire was pretty much as advertised. I did not reach Wi-Fi signals from 1000 ft. away in my tests, but that distance is definitely feasible with this device. The Wi-Fire software works great and couldn't be easier to install and use. I would recommend this device to anyone who uses Wi-Fi signals a lot while on the road, at school, or in neighborhood cafes. The Wi-Fire will not only extend the range of usable Wi-Fi networks, but it will also help to give you the strongest and most reliable Wi-Fi signal.
The Wi-Fire is available through hField Technologies for $79, and it comes with a 1 year limited warranty. For more pictures and information visit InventorSpot.
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