Recommendation for a high-gain antenna to use for a wireless connection?

Question

Specifically, I am looking for an antenna that will connect to a standard wireless card and is rated for outdoor use. I will most likely mount it on my roof.

This probably seems like a strange question, but I live in a very commercial area in a medium-sized city, and there are literally dozens of unsecured networks in range of my home, even without the extra range such an antenna would offer. I don't always get the greatest signal strength, though.

I have looked around online a bit, and have found a lot of options in the $150-$200 range, but have no idea which antenna might work better than another. Had no idea that they came in so many shapes and sizes!

Also, I do not have a wireless network card to which I can connect an external antenna. I am not sure if it makes a difference which card I use, as long as it has the standard mini-coax connection for the antenna.

Thanks!

It's ironic that one of the best answers so far also offended me quite as much as it did. Although there is no law against connecting to any unsecured wireless network, as far as I know, the one(s) I will be using are primarily businesses in the area which offer free WiFi. As I said, I live in a very commericial area.

Even if they were "home" networks, though, if they are not secured at all, I am not aware of any law whatsoever which would prohibit anyone from using them. It would be like having a radio station and then trying to say that only certain people were allowed to tune it in and listen to it.

Answer 1

Since you do not have a wireless card get an integrated antenna. Like Tranzeo or Defacto . These units build the radio into the antenna and all that has to be run into your house is ethernet. Makes for no cable loss which normal antennas will have.
http://tranzeo.com
http://defactowireless.com

Since you are going to be STEALING wifi and risking a jail term anyway why not get the best possible signal.

Answer 2

You may use Grid antenna or Quad Antenna, depending on frequency usually 2.4 GHz any directional antenna with focus feature is great like Grid or Dish.

it's important to notice that the cable length is critical where the lower the cable length the higher the signal power reaches the antenna, so you may need inline booster in the cable path.


regards,
:)