How to Make a Parabolic WiFi Antenna
The common Chinese vegetable strainer or the large wire mesh strainer sometimes available at Costco can be the most readily available and economical means to greatly enhancing the Wi-Fi range of a USB Wi-Fi adapter. USB adapters already have the advantage of no signal loss over distances up to 16 feet, making them far better than coaxial cable for carrying Wi-Fi RF signals. Add this to the parabolic shape of the wire strainers, and you'll make a parabolic Wi-Fi antenna with up to 15 dB enhanced signal strength, to better reach public access Wi-Fi hotspots.
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Instructions
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The Wire Strainer Wi-Fi Antenna
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1
Purchase a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Wireless n adapters are the latest and fastest, but wireless g adapters work well, and can be found on eBay for $15-$16 or at outlets such as Staples for as little as $30.
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Cut an opening in the center of your wire mesh strainer. This serves as your parabola. The opening should hold the USB adapter firmly.
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3
Insert the USB adapter into the center of the strainer/parabola. The USB connection end sticks out the back of the strainer. The increased surface area of this parabola will boost your signal strength by 12 to 15 dB.
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4
Connect a female-to-male USB extension cable to the USB end of the Wi-Fi adapter.
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Plug the male end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.
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Follow the on-screen setup instructions in the New Connection Wizard to configure your Wi-Fi reception.
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Hang the Wi-Fi antenna. The parabolic surface and the Wi-Fi adapter should face the direction of your nearest AP (access point).
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Position the antenna carefully until maximum signal strength is obtained.
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Tips & Warnings
Easy WiFi Radar is a freeware program that automates Windows XP and Windows Mobile connections. Download it, and it connects you to the Internet automatically. Easy WiFi Radar finds open hotspots, indicating their signal strength as green, yellow or red dots. At this time, it works on Windows XP and Windows Mobile only.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit colino image by Renato Francia from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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good stuff
