Amplifier boosts long-range Wi-Fi for Windows 8 devices

• By John Breeden II
• Dec 12, 2012

Update: Due to an editing error, this article originally used the term megawatt, rather than milliwatt, to describe the device's output, as several readers have pointed out.

The release of Windows 8 for all types of mobile devices has many wondering how to eke out from their devices the best and most powerful Wi-Fi coverage.

Amped Wireless may have one answer with the pending release of a long-range wireless communication device called the TAN1, the first high-power Wi-Fi adapter designed specifically for use with Windows 8 tablets, ultrabooks and laptops.

The TAN1 connects to either a standard or micro USB port on any Windows 8 device, requires no additional software set up and provides instant long-range Wi-Fi connectivity up to three times more powerful than using the internal antennas.

It also features an elegant, compact form factor that can be used on a flat surface or safely fastened to the edge of a screen with an adjustable clip. It can also be fastened to most tablets using protective cases.

The TAN1 works better than internal antennas because standard Wi-Fi devices have a wireless output power of 50 milliwatts, while the Amped Wireless product boasts 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz amplifiers with up to 1,000 milliwatts of output power. The boosted performance is optimally tuned with dual high-gain antennas for maximum range and performance. Typical Wi-Fi devices do not utilize wireless amplifiers and are equipped with antennas that have zero gain.

The TAN1 is being shown at CES this year and will be available for purchase in early 2013.