If you're wondering how to make a WiFi antenna, all you need to do is turn to a few household items. A homemade WiFi antenna can increase your home wireless LAN range or your computer's range to pick up WiFi internet access. Let's take a look at a few different ways that range in difficulty.
A Soup Or Soda Can: The first way is the easiest and can be accomplished by using an old soup or soda can. Rinse out the can, and let it dry. If you're using a soda can, cut the top off it. You can place duct tape around the perimeter so you don't cut yourself on a jagged edge. Next, cut into the opposite end of the can, and make an opening just wide enough for your wireless router's antenna to fit through. Now slip your antenna through the small opening. This makeshift antenna should help increase your router's range.
Copper Wire: The next step is a little more complicated, but it still involves an empty can. You'll also need some small nuts and bolts, an N-female chassis mount connector and some copper wire. All of these should be available for purchase at a local electronics store. You'll need to drill a hole in the can and insert the N-female chassis mount connector. Before you do, you'll need to solder a little over an inch of copper wire to the brass sticking out of the chassis. Once you completed this, you'll need to bolt the chassis in place. Lastly, you need an N-male cable to connect to your wireless card and the antenna.
Pipe And Chicken Wire: Another way to increase your wireless range is to create an antenna out of chicken wire and hollow pipe. You'll need a wireless USB adapter for this. Build a cross out of the hollow pipe and some wood. Hang the chicken wire from the wood. Place the USB adapter in the hollow pipe, and connect it to your computer. This should increase the range of receiving a wireless signal.
Remember these are for expanding your home network only. It is illegal to steal someone else's signal. It is also recommended you have some WiFi security for your home network, such as password protection, so no one else steals your signal.
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What is WiFi? Wireless technology consists of radio waves that transmit data directly to your computer. |
