How to Make a Signal Booster for WiFi for Free

Something as simple as aluminum foil can boost your Wi-Fi signal.

You need a signal booster for your home's Wi-Fi system if your Internet comes and goes or can't be accessed in all rooms. This happens in homes with thick walls or multiple levels. You could install a signal repeater or an external antenna and pay over $100. Or, you could download a free template and add some aluminum foil to make a parabolic reflector for less than 50 cents.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Free Windsurfer template download
• Card stock
• Aluminum foil
• Glue stick
• Scissors or razor

1. Download the free template for the parabolic reflector (which is the signal booster) from Freeantennas.com.

2. Print the signal booster template at the current size for a 9db boost, or you can open it in a program like Photoshop or MS Paint and resize it up to twice as large for a 12db signal boost. The template has a square on it to ensure that while resizing you to do not stretch the template out of proportion. While resizing, make sure you keep the square a square and don't make it a rectangle.

3. Print on a sturdy paper such as card stock or photo paper.

4. Cut out the signal booster template and cut the six slits with your scissors or razor. If you are using a razor, be mindful while cutting. Do not cut your fingers. If you lay down the template, make sure you aren't cutting through it and damaging a table underneath. You may want to lay the signal booster on thick cardboard while cutting the slits.

5. Use the glue stick to cover the signal booster with aluminum foil.

6. Place the tabs in the slots.

7. Place the completed signal booster over the router's antennas and point in the direction of your computers.

References

• Ez-12 Parabolic Reflector Template