We have a Cisco 1231AG AP with one Cisco Aironet High Gain Omnidirectional Ceiling Mount Antenna (AIR-ANT1728). We only currently have 1 antenna, although there is room for 2. I don't think we are getting the range we should out of the access point. Would we be better off by purchasing 2-Aironet 802.11b g Indoor 2.2dBi Omni-Directional Indoor Antennas to replace the 1st one?  The first one is 5.2 dBi.

Note- we did not have a site survey before placing this AP due to budget constraints.

Thank you for any suggestions.
 

what kind of location is it in (what room and what is in the room)?

if you get 2 you would want them spaced around the room if you can...

We use a Buffalo and it has 4 points around the warehouse all connected to the wired network with the central unit in our hosting room, we needed so many as the metal racking was causing problems with the PDA's. (also remember you might need the Roaming ability if you have more than one access point.

It is on the production floor.  We have a lot of metal, which is probably causing interference.  We are only using 802.11 g which is why I realized that we may have the wrong type of antenna with the 5.2dBi one.  

We're probably better off just buying 2 antennas.  

Another question though- we're going to be adding another AP very soon. I'm not sure if we should set that one up as autonomous or bridge them together to strengthen the signal. Could someone explain the differences between the different modes?

I am only self-taught with wireless, so excuse me if I'm not understanding it correctly.  I find the Cisco manuals pretty hard to read so I feel it's better to get other's opinions who have been through similar scenarios.

Hi Sys...

I dont think your antenna is going to be a problem i just dont think you will get the most out of it with only a 'g'

I too am self taught on the wireless thing but from what i was lead to beleive a 'Bridge' would be then you wouldnt want that...

Bridge:

Ethernet <----> Wireless )))*Bridge*((( Wireless <----> Ethernet
Network               AP                             AP                   Network

*this just links two ethernet networks together via Wireless*

What you want is:

Wireless        Wired
LAN     <-----> Network <------------------------------
Controler                         |             |                     |
                                 ((AP))          ((AP))            ((AP))

*having your AP's scattered around this is easy to upgrade later but look into Wireless Lan Controllers first*

if thats not feasable due to money then:  (Autonomous)

  --------------> Wired <-----------------
  |                    Network                     |
((AP))                                         ((AP))

*and stick as good as antenna as you can on the AP's*

Hope this helps