Sometimes your Wi-Fi signal just can't reach the points you want. You've seen a wireless repeater at an electronics store, but it costs a lot more than what you're willing to spend. We will show you how to build a directional Wi-Fi antenna using cheap parts, without installing programs and without opening your computer. You can get a big boost in signal strength for just a few dollars.
Steps
Step 1. Get a USB Wireless LAN adapter called a "dongle"
This small device, about the size of an inch, will give your computer the ability to connect to a wireless network. You'll also need it if your computer has a built-in wireless network card.
- For best compatibility, get one that includes 802.11b and 802.11g standards.
- Search Google Commerce or Pricewatch to find the best prices - the simplest, very effective short distance dongles cost around € 15-20.
- Form is important. To save money, look for small thumb-shaped devices. Larger models similar to a flattened mouse are generally more sensitive and powerful, but cost more. While they may be more difficult to assemble, they offer better performance.
Step 2. Get a USB extension cable
You need a USB Type A (male) - USB Type A (female) cable (you can find them in all electronics stores). This will be used to connect your dongle to the USB port of the PC.
- The antenna is directional, so you will need to position it so that it has a direct line of sight to the wireless access point. Make sure your cable is long enough to place it where required, up to a maximum of 5m.
- You can connect multiple extension cables together if needed.
- Active extensions allow you to run a longer cable, with the possibility of creating an external raised antenna as well, but they are more expensive.
Step 3. Get a disk object with a screen
The most common you can use is a strainer used for deep frying - it's the perfect shape and comes with a long wooden handle!
- Other possible alternatives include sieves, pot lids, and lampshades - all metal objects that are shaped like a disc. Larger objects will offer a better signal, but will be heavier to carry.
- You can also use small satellite dishes or umbrellas with a net. While these objects will offer a very powerful signal, mounting difficulties and wind resistance will limit the ideal diameter to 300mm.
- The flexible lampshades allow for ideal mounting and positioning.
Step 4. Assemble the system
Attach the Wi-Fi dongle and USB extension cable to the disk with plastic ties, tape. or glue.
- You will need to place the dongle at the focal point of the disc - the intercepted radio signals are concentrated in the center of the disc, a few centimeters above the surface.
- You can find the best position of the dongle by experimenting. One way to find it is to cover the disk with aluminum foil and watch it reflect the sunlight - the point where the light is concentrated is the focal point.
- You may need a short support rod to hold the dongle off the disc surface and in the correct position.
- As alternative support methods you can use laces, tied along the surface of the disc like a spider web, Chinese chopsticks or plastic garden pump gaskets.
Step 5. Connect your antenna
Plug the male terminal of the USB extension cable into your computer, and set the dongle as a WiFi card using your network settings.
Step 6. Orient your drive
Find the WiFi transmitter you want to access.
- Your Wi-Fi antenna is very directional, so the right orientation is important. Pointing the dish at the remote antenna is the best way to start, although building reflections can cause the signal to come in from unexpected directions.
- You can use an inexpensive laser pointer to check that the orientation is right.
Step 7. Make the finishing touches to the location of the disc
When connected, adjust the position of the dongle while checking the signal strength on your computer.
- A program like [NetStumbler] for Windows or [KisMAC] for Mac can help you a lot by offering you graphical measures of signal strength.
- Compared to normal network cards, which are normally found at desk level and can easily be shielded by metal walls, partitions, vegetation or your body, this homemade Wi-Fi antenna can greatly boost the signal and increase the distance covered by the network!
Advice
- There are many popular methods to improve Wi-Fi reception. Most of the methods consist of picking up the radio frequency microwave signal and getting it to the computer's WLAN card. Because these types of signals are very weak, these methods face many complications in micro wiring, accurate measurements, and the use of expensive coaxial cables. The USB approach shown in this guide will allow you to position the radio signal receiver (the dongle) exactly at the focal point of the dish and avoid complications and costs.
- This approach can also be used for other microwave radio technologies with a dongle adapter, such as Bluetooth and ZigBee, but it doesn't work for infrared.
- A plastic bottle with a large cap can be useful for sheltering the dongle from the elements in case of outdoor installations, but remember to keep the device out of direct sunlight.
Warnings
- To lean another person's network can be considered incorrect.
- Some WLANs can be password protected.
