Help choosing the right wireless module

hi all,

i'm basic @ electronics , wireless.

what i'm trying , battery/solar pv voltages , current monitored remotely location on home.

i've chosen raspberry pi store/make data available on home/internet ethernet connection.

nrf24l01+ module printed antenna used communicate ardino , raspberry pi acts hub.

i went nrf24 @ first place because cheap lets xbee , @ 2$ great , cheap learn .

so far i've succeeded passing data arduino raspberry pi works small distance (4m-5m) passing 1 wall or so.
i need able pass data through 3-4 walls of concrete , distance of 10-12m or less.

there 2 other vareity of nrf24 circuits available. 1 sma antenna.. , pa/lna , sma
http://www.ebay.com/itm/nrf24l01-pa-lna-sma-antenna-wireless-transceiver-communication-module-2-4g-1100m-/310673096920?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0&hash=item48558f40d8

costs 12$

http://www.ebay.com/itm/arduino-2-4g-nrf24l01-wireless-transceiver-module-sma-antenna-microcontroll-/200932672566?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0&hash=item2ec8854436
costs 7$


i want know if pa/lna worth 5$ or sma antenna alone job requirement?

is bigger antenna version required @ both ends or suffice have hub use wireless chip bigger antenna , leave sensors basic  nrf24l01+ without external antenna?

let me know if chip job , or if should consider other alternatives xbee or rf12m

hello,

i use nrf24l01+ radios too. nodes use cheap $1 versions (same you) the main base station use version pa/lna + ext ant(~2dbi).
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/free-shipping-nrf24l01-pa-lna-wireless-communication-modules-with-antenna-2-4ghz-2mbps-1000m/709420583.html
about $8 each.
as higher powered modules use more power use them on base station , not on battery powered nodes, works fine me out of box giving range of on 30m 3 brick walls , stainless steel kitchen between. 

one little problem module has sma connector not rp-sma connector not hard adapter or replace it.
most 802.11bgn(wifi) antennas rp-sma , because 802.11bgn 2.4ghz can use wifi antennas boost range, on 1 of modules replaced ~2dbi pigtail antenna cheap 12dbi wifi antenna( smaller antenna worked fine did because could)   

to boost range can change data rate. use 2mb battery more important range me if drop range down 250kb should better range(~30m) using cheap modules. rf24 library lets adjust transmit power, make sure have set max.     

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