How to Build Satellite Internet to Get WiFi

An old satellite dish is the perfect shape for Wi-Fi.

Materials for building a satellite Internet system to get Wi-Fi are inexpensive and easily available. Old or discarded satellite dishes provide perfect surfaces to bounce off and receive 2.4Ghz radio waves. The many USB Wi-Fi adapters on the market make good transmitters to get those wireless signals to a computer. Finally, USB cables provide a convenient and effective means to run long cable. The sum of all this is a simple DIY way to obtain free Internet browsing.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite dish
• USB Wi-Fi adapter
• Plastic ties or metal strap
• USB cable
• USB extension cable

Instructions

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the Low Noise Block (LNB) transceiver from the end of the satellite dish's extension arm. Pull the old coaxial cable out of the extension arm.

2. Connect the USB Wi-Fi adapter at the end of the dish's extension arm, pointing the plastic antenna end towards the face of the satellite dish. Use plastic ties or a metal strap to secure it to the extension arm.

3. Attach the USB cable to the USB end of the Wi-Fi adapter. Extend the cable length as much as necessary, using USB extension cables.

4. Position the satellite dish in a line-of-sight with known Wi-Fi public access points, since radio waves are directional (Wi-Fi signals are radio waves).

5. Plug a USB cable into any open USB port on your computer. Because USB is "plug and play," the computer will pick up the new hardware.

6. Find the strongest available Wi-Fi signal within range that is not password protected. Click "Connect." Browse the Internet for free.

References

• Ski Factz: Wi-Fi Antenna from Dish
• Bwif: DIY Wi-Fi Advantages