DIY WiFi Enclosure

A Wi-Fi enclosure allows you to have a space to keep your router out of your way. This will free up valuable desk space and your cat will never knock over your router again. Simple carpentry knowledge and very basic knowledge of your network router is required to build this enclosure

Things You'll Need

• 1- by 8- by 10-inch wood board
• 1- by 9- by 14-inch wood board
• 2 1- by 4- by 10-inch wood boards
• 2 2- by 4- by 10-inch wood boards
• Drill
• 1-inch boring bit
• 4 1-1/2 inch screws
• 8 2-1/2 inch screws
• 2 2-1/2 inch hinges
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Bore a hole with the boring bit about two inches from the bottom and at least one inch from either side into one of the 1- by 4- by 10-inch side boards.

2. Attach one hinge about an inch from the top and the other about an inch from the bottom on the right side of the board.

3. Attach the 1- by 4- by 10-inch side boards to the 1- by 8- by 10-inch back board using four 1-1/2 inch screws. Make sure the board with your hinges and hole is on the right side with the hinges facing you.

4. Apply wood glue along the bottoms and tops of you side boards and attach the 2- by 4- by 10-inch boards along the bottom and top of the enclosure

5. Screw the top and bottom boards into place using four 2-1/2 inch screws

6. Position the door so that the top and bottom line up and it opens. Attach the door to the hinge.

7. Attach the enclosure to the wall with the remaining 2-1/2 inch screws.

8. Pull the network wire and power cord into the enclosure through one of the holes.

9. Secure the network router in place by using cable ties (wrapping them around your router and connecting them to the enclosure) or Velcro (sticking it to your router and sticking it to the enclosure).

10. Plug your network and power cords into the router. If it is a new router, continue with setting up your router by following your computer prompts. If it is an pre-configured router, sit back and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• All routers are not the same size. Make sure that your router will fit the internal dimensions of 3-by-8-by-10 inches.

• When selecting a location, if you must choose between being closer to the Internet source or being closer to the power source choose the Internet source because extension cords are easy to get and typically handle the weather better.

• Other electronics may interfere with your wireless signal so make sure your location is not next to any major electronic device.

• If you are having trouble keeping the door of the router enclosure shut, install a locking mechanism in the door.

• When mounting the enclosure to the wall, screw it into a stud to ensure that it doesn't fall off the wall

• This enclosure is designed for indoor use only.