There are a few simple ways to increase your Wi-Fi range fairly quickly. Almost all of them involve using a simple, DIY antenna on any router or wireless receiver. They come in all shapes and sizes, but what all these antennas have in common is that they are cheap and can be very effective.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Antenna 1: Antenna from a tin can
The first antenna will be the simplest and cheapest, using a tin can (made of Pringles chips) and scissors. The steps will be outlined for traditional routers / receivers as well as USB dongle type Wi-Fi receivers, which can be a little tricky.
Step 1. Prepare a can of Pringles chips for the antenna installation
- For traditional routers / receivers: make a hole in the bottom of the can for your router / receiver's antenna. Try to get it as close to the center as possible.
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Increase the Range of Your Wifi Step 1 - For USB dongles: You will need to mount the receiver using a USB male-female cable (available cheap from a store), and have enough space to position it properly. To do this, you have two options:
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Increase the Range of Your Wifi Step 1 - Option 1: Cut a rectangular hole at the bottom of the can that will hold the cords tightly, just like the step for traditional routers / receivers.
- Option 2: Attach a large dose of duct tape to the back of the receiver and place it on the bottom of the can, allowing the wire to protrude from the front. This is the simplest method of the two. It will not last forever, but it can serve you if needed.
Step 2. Position the "can antenna" "so that it is both strong and flexible
At the moment, there isn't much difference between the steps for USB and traditional Wi-Fi receivers, since the antenna is already in place. Get creative and look around your home for items that you can use to mount your antenna. Anything that can support the antenna and rotate must be considered. You can use duct tape as well as "flexible clams" that you can buy at the store. When using a flexible clam, clamp (secure) one end to something heavy (such as a textbook) and the other to the antenna. Now that your antenna is secure and flexible, it can be positioned in any direction without dropping.
Step 3. Be specific with the goal
An antenna from under a can can greatly increase the range, but you have to be very precise. When connecting to a router, position the antennas so that they are directly in front of the area from which you will be able to access the Internet. When using the receiver, point it in the general direction of the signal and use the signal strength specified on the computer to fine tune its position. With a little effort, increasing the signal 2-3 times will not be uncommon.
Method 2 of 2: Antenna 2: Parabolic Antenna '
A parabolic dish is very similar to a satellite dish, it can even perform better than a "can antenna".
Step 1. Find a domed piece of metal cookware that you are ready to use for your project, such as a metal bowl, strainer, or what is called a "parabolic Asian cookware"
Basically, this is a sieve used in Asian cuisine and is very suitable for this project.
Step 2. Position the antenna as close to the center of the bowl / dish / sieve as possible
You can do this by either drilling a hole or using duct tape (duct tape) or hot glue. Install it in the same way as the "can antenna".
Step 3. Point the antenna towards your Wi-Fi connection
Check the results, and fine tune the position if you want a better signal. When you're done, you should have what looks a lot like a satellite dish. Now these are mainly Wi-Fi receivers that want to "spread" the connection over a long distance. But feel free to try using it with a router as well. The larger the bowl and the closer you are to the center, the better results you can expect.
Advice
- Use your imagination to create an even better antenna - you don't have to follow this guide word for word. For example, if you have an old satellite dish (like the ones used for satellite TV) plus a little technical knowledge, you can model an amazing antenna. Look for additional instructions in your favorite search engine using the dish model number, or the words "Wi-Fi antenna" or "DIY Wi-Fi".
- Most of the materials used in this project can be easily purchased from the store, or even found in your own home, so you don't have to spend a lot of money for this.