How to Boost Wi-Fi for (Almost) Free

Boost your Wi-Fi connection to rooms with poor connections.

If your Internet signal comes and goes or can't be accessed in all rooms, you need to boost your Wi-Fi signal. This is a particular need in homes with thick walls or multiple levels. Sure, a signal repeater or an external antenna will help, but it will also cost a good deal of money. Instead, you can download a free template and add some aluminum foil to make a Windsurfer parabolic reflector.

Things You'll Need

• Glue stick
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Boost Wi-Fi with a free template for the Windsurfer parabolic reflector (freeantennas.com/docs/windsurfer-2.pdf).

2. Print the Wi-Fi booster template on a sturdy paper such as card stock or photo paper. Print at the current size for a 9-decibel boost, or you can open it in a program like Photoshop or Microsoft Paint and resize it up to twice as large for a 12-decibel signal boost. While resizing, do not stretch the template out of proportion. The template has a square on it to help make sure it stays in the proper shape.

3. Cut out the signal booster template and cut the six slits with your scissors or razor. If you are using a razor, be careful not to 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.

4. Cover the device with aluminum foil. Use glue stick to make sure it sticks. Then place the tabs in the slots.

5. Place the completed signal booster by the router's antennas and point in the direction of your computers. Enjoy the Wi-Fi boost.