Does router need wireless antenna to broadcast wireless?

I dumpster dove a router (Linksys WRT-54G series IIRC) but it was missing the two antennae. I assume the antenna would boost the signal, but if we're talking about just a few feet or within a bedroom, would wireless work without antenna? I don't have the router with me right now to test.

Usually not.
No antenna, no wifi, not even when close.
BTW: If it was in the dumpster, either it is dead or so worn out that it will disconnect incessantly.

While I don't know about routers, for Radios the answer is yes or you will burn out the radios (im talking military radios not car or cheap hand helds) . With that being said it might be a good idea to get a replacement antenna, a quick search looks like you want on with a RP-TNC connector (but double check).

But I have been using my Asus with out one for a bit with out issue (I also have the power turned down not sure if it matters)

As a note outside version Gv7.0 that router supports DD-WRT (including Gv7.2)

For free, good find and if it burns out owell!

e.g. ad hoc networks, they don't need no antennas to broadcast.

Quote from Bobby_Pro : e.g. ad hoc networks, they don't need no antennas to broadcast.

You are talking about something way different then we are.

you are talking about infrastructure VS ad hoc mode of communication, we are talking about on a hardware level.

Edit: and when doing an ad hoc between 2 laptops they still have antennas..

So...... does it work?
And if so, do you get periodic disconnects?

If need be, you can always pick up a pair off eBay. Here's a pair for $6 shipped:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Pair-...1e5adff2eb

Maybe if you're willing to be patient, you might find an even better deal. Or wait for your next dumpster diving adventure.

P.S. If it actually works and supports dd-wrt/tomato, it might be worth investing in the antennas anyway. I sold my old WRT54G T-Mobile on Amazon, about a year ago, for $50!

thanks everyone, I bought some antennas off eBay for $4 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PAIR-...1063wt_926).

Quote from RockySosua : So...... does it work? And if so, do you get periodic disconnects?

The building I work gets rid of a lot of old but workable computer hardware, so there's a good chance the router is working. I will test out the wifi both with and without antenna once it arrives.

Quote from bubbachuck : I dumpster dove a router (Linksys WRT-54G series IIRC) but it was missing the two antennae. I assume the antenna would boost the signal, but if we're talking about just a few feet or within a bedroom, would wireless work without antenna? I don't have the router with me right now to test.

OP its kind of funny I looked at the one my mom garbage picked me the other day and its the same model. Can you look at your router and power brick and give me some info.

Router:
Can I get your ver#
The tip polarity

On the brick:
output Volts and Amps

Yours came with no antennas and mine with no power brick...

Quote from mrbobhcrhs : OP its kind of funny I looked at the one my mom garbage picked me the other day and its the same model. Can you look at your router and power brick and give me some info. Router: Can I get your ver# The tip polarity On the brick: output Volts and Amps Yours came with no antennas and mine with no power brick...

Will do when I get home. Usually the device itself says what the max input voltage is and what amps it is expecting.

EDIT: the AC adapter outputs 12V, 1A. And no, the router itself didn't list what input to expect.

Quote from mrbobhcrhs : While I don't know about routers, for Radios the answer is yes or you will burn out the radios (im talking military radios not car or cheap hand helds) . With that being said it might be a good idea to get a replacement antenna, a quick search looks like you want on with a RP-TNC connector (but double check). But I have been using my Asus with out one for a bit with out issue (I also have the power turned down not sure if it matters) As a note outside version Gv7.0 that router supports DD-WRT (including Gv7.2) For free, good find and if it burns out owell!

Quote from Bobby_Pro : e.g. ad hoc networks, they don't need no antennas to broadcast.

Quote from RockySosua : So...... does it work? And if so, do you get periodic disconnects?

Quote from eibgrad : If need be, you can always pick up a pair off eBay. Here's a pair for $6 shipped: http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Pair-...1e5adff2eb Maybe if you're willing to be patient, you might find an even better deal. Or wait for your next dumpster diving adventure. P.S. If it actually works and supports dd-wrt/tomato, it might be worth investing in the antennas anyway. I sold my old WRT54G T-Mobile on Amazon, about a year ago, for $50!

Well, the answer is NO, no antennas are necessary. I was able to watch Youtube on my phone 25 feet away (clear line of sight) but when there was a solid wall (not sure of material, but not flimsy...it's an old apt), signal dropped completely.

I'll probably load tomato on this since I prefer the simplistic interface over DD-WRT's

Quote from bubbachuck : Well, the answer is NO, no antennas are necessary. I was able to watch Youtube on my phone 25 feet away (clear line of sight) but when there was a solid wall (not sure of material, but not flimsy...it's an old apt), signal dropped completely. I'll probably load tomato on this since I prefer the simplistic interface over DD-WRT's

Thanks for the info on the power brick.. now I can try to find one for mine.

Quote from eibgrad : Maybe if you're willing to be patient, you might find an even better deal. Or wait for your next dumpster diving adventure.

Or they can make one until they can find one in a dumpster.

Quote from zzyzzx : Or they can make one until they can find one in a dumpster.

Hah, well it was only $4. Seemed pretty well built and just like the ones on the WRT54G-TM that I used to have.