Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions

It's an age-old problem. What do you do when you're just barely out of range of a nearby WiFi signal, and moving closer really isn't a convenient option? hField Technologies has been solving said quandary for years with its continually revamped Wi-Fire, and we were fortunate enough to grab hold of the newest, third-generation version in order to put said company's claims to the test. Quite frankly, we were more than skeptical about this so-called range extender; let's face it, this thing has all the markings of an 'As Seen On TV' trinket that does little more than fantasize about delivering on its promises. Thankfully for all of the parties involved, we're happy to say that our doubts were hastily shelved. Read on for more.
We tested hField's oddly-shaped doohickey on both a Windows-based and OS X-based (10.5) machine, and we're happy to say that setup was a snap on both platforms. Once the drivers are installed and the device is connected via USB, you simply pull up the Wi-Fire control panel, refresh the list of nearby hotspots and select the one that you'd like to connect to. Refreshing the list was always snappy, and the handy signal strength indicators were -- on the whole -- rather conservative. In other words, we had no problem connecting to someone's open signal that showed 24 percent, and we found the connection to be rather strong for the hour or so that we were leeching.

Entering a security password was also a cinch; if the hotspot you selected required one, a pop-up box alerted you that some input was needed. If you were lucky enough to select an option that was open, Wi-Fire simply did the rest itself. Once connected, two new bars showed at the bottom of the Connection Manager. One displayed the real-time signal strength, while the other showed the real-time link quality. We can't say for certain if the Wi-Fire really did help us connect to routers that were 1,000 feet away, but we can say that the amount of hotspots available to sync with increased three to five times on average when compared to using our laptop's built-in WiFi antenna.

Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter hands-on and impressions

Better still, the Wi-Fire can be easily repositioned to get a more solid connection, and given that it connects over USB, you can use that 50 foot USB extension cable (and signal repeater) that's currently collecting dust in your attic. The device is remarkably lightweight and perfectly suited for travel, and at least in our experience, it proved to be a real lifesaver when visiting new locations where local internet wasn't available. Regardless of whether you're hoping to leech off of someone else's connection for a tick while you're away or you're looking to increase signal strength within your own home, the Wi-Fire delivers.

At first glance, we figured $59 for a device high on promises (and likely low on results) was outrageous. After spending a week with it, we can definitively say that this thing's worth every penny if you find yourself frequently on the move or in need of a stronger connection from one end of the house to the other. You're practically assured of seeing your available hotspot list grow at least threefold, and once connected, Wi-Fire does a commendable job of maintaining the connection and avoiding dropouts. Our only real beef with the device is the lack of 802.11n support, but unless you're looking to transfer files locally, you won't even notice. Trust us -- this one only looks like a gimmick.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 2nd 2009 3:22PM]

I own this and it's absolute junk. The software is super buggy with OSX 10.5 (I haven't tried it on 10.6 yet) and it showed actually less WIFI spots than my Intel Macbook would show using the built in wifi. After a week of trying this supposedly "wonderful" device - I have relegated it to the useless electronics bin - it is not more than a "As Seen On TV device". I am surprised that Engadget liked this - it is the worst thing I have bought in awhile. If you do a search online - you will see other peoples bad reviews of this device. I never take the time to review things but this was so awful - I don't want other people to make the same mistake I did.

[barry99705 Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:06PM]

If you want you can send it to me.

[CityZen Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:18PM]

I wonder if yours was defective?

[thehawks Posted Sep 2nd 2009 3:23PM]

test

[barry99705 Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:06PM]

Test successful.

[jpeavy1 Posted Sep 2nd 2009 6:18PM]

If your test was to see if you could piss off a bunch of Engadget readers.

-jp

[SirNoDroin Posted Sep 2nd 2009 3:23PM]

mai buldin gotz so many dem connection jus out rang, wit diz i can cancle me cable n just tkae from neighbor ya'll know? WOO HOO! free internets for everyone! why cant the internet just be free like it was for the 70s

comon people

lets join hands

hope your having a wonderful afternoon

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 2nd 2009 3:30PM]

I've bought this thing. As soon as it was on sale

I didn't notice ANY difference AT ALL comparing to me hp dv5 internal antenna.
I was really dissapointed with this quite pricey product, there's no way it can recieve signal a thousand feet far, because the router I am getting signal from shows me only two bars, and it's about 30 ft away.

My suggestion is that the author of the article was paid to make a review.

[csperino Posted Sep 2nd 2009 3:54PM]

Which version did you get? The one being tested was the latest. Did you have this or an earlier version?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 4th 2009 7:21PM]

For what it's worth...I bought one as well ($60...can't really go wrong) and it did little to improve my HP dv7's range. However, it did well on the Mrs' mac and friends' PCs. I think HP did a great job choosing their wireless card vendor.

[Druko Posted Sep 2nd 2009 3:59PM]

I love long-range WiFi (especially when wardriving with a DIY WiFi extender).

[HipHop101 Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:02PM]

looks very nice, and very tiny. i perfer the alfa 500mW adapter though because you can switch antennas and it can search for signals farther away. i wouldnt hesitate to buy this though

[Haboobee Posted Sep 17th 2009 8:27PM]

The Alfa 500mW totally.
BackTrack3 support out of the box, aircrack works wonderfully with it and one can use a variety of standard antenna's with it.

[ChrisEngr Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:04PM]

For a couple bucks more you can get a Nanostation that rocks.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 2nd 2009 8:44PM]

Hey Chris is this the url for the nanostation you're refering to? Why is better than the alfa?

http://www.ubnt.com/products/nano.php

thanks!

M

[shibathedog Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:05PM]

So basically it's a wireless card that comes with a high gain antenna?

[barry99705 Posted Sep 2nd 2009 4:07PM]

Basically.

[smcquade Posted Sep 2nd 2009 5:26PM]

for years I have been using a high gain Buffalo wireless antenna in b/g flavour, claiming double the sensitivity and 170m range:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/buffalos-usb-wifi-adapter-boosts-range-210/

There are plenty of choices for 802.11n antennas also, so shop around.

[apatheticlip Posted Sep 2nd 2009 8:10PM]

Good to hear. i just ordered one this morning hoping it wasn't junk.

[manofchao5 Posted Sep 2nd 2009 8:32PM]

lol companies make products to help extend your network range
*cough* your neighbors connection works better now *cough*

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 2nd 2009 8:44PM]

You know, for $59, I'd buy one that did half as well as that one is claiming to do. If only it worked with my first gen ipod touch. It would be great with my laptop because in my college dorm here at the University of Illinois, the wifi signal provided by the campus can't penetrate the brick walls of the living areas. Under normal circumstances, I would either have to plug in via an ethernet cable or I would have to go out to the lounge and do it from there. I didn't see a link where I can pick one up. Have they been released to the general public yet or are they just giving them to companies like engadget so that they can showcase how awesome it is?

[GlennB Posted Sep 2nd 2009 9:53PM]

definitely could use one of these in the hinterlands

[textbookpscyo Posted Sep 2nd 2009 9:58PM]

sooooooooooo essentially you have yourself a 60 dollar external wireless antenna....is that what I am getting from this review?

[tonicboy Posted Sep 2nd 2009 10:33PM]

Close. You have a $60 _high-gain_ external wireless antenna.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 2nd 2009 10:50PM]

i bought one of these pieces of crap and truth be told it never was any better than the factory installed wifi. i felt totally ripped and asked for my money back and told no. avoid them like the plague.

[Phobos Posted Sep 2nd 2009 11:32PM]

- Connect to SSID "linksys"
- navigate to 192.168.1.1 or WiFi router's IP
- 100 bucks says the username is [blank] and the password is "admin".

[synfin Posted Sep 3rd 2009 1:17AM]

It looks great I just have 2 questions. Where can I buy it? Can you provide a link?
Thank You,

[jrdsnd Posted Sep 3rd 2009 3:14PM]

http://www.hfield.com/the-wi-fire/

[jrdsnd Posted Sep 3rd 2009 3:16PM]

I am confused http://www.hfield.com/the-wi-fire/ says Mac 10.4 and 10.5 compatibility but the review only says 10.5. If compatible with 10.4 I am ready to buy. I have been looking a for a product like this for a long time.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 7:50PM]

For only $37 you can get an Alfa 500mw wireless booster that works three times better and without the buggy software and lack of customer support that comes with the WiFire, as I unfortunately discovered after buying the latter one first. One bar with laptop, two bars with WiFire and four bars (count 'em!) with the Alfa.

[stephenmorphey Posted Sep 10th 2009 8:15AM]

Hi this is a good way to connect Wifi Network.
I think it is a new avtar of this already exist Wifi Network.
So we should inplement it into our day to day life.

[stephenmorphey Posted Sep 11th 2009 3:44AM]

As i thought it would be the best option for the futures WI-fi Connection.
But i think it would be the best for future option.
And we should use it to reduce the wired networks.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2009 11:28PM]

I think Wi-Fi technology was designed for small offices, home offices and coffee shops. Campgrounds and RV parks present difficult challenges for connecting with many obstructions and reflective surfaces. The Wi-Fire Long-range WiFi adapter should be a better radio and antenna than what is built-in to computer.

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