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Dirt Simple Wi-Fi Signal Booster for Free

Saikat — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Learn how to make a dirt simple (basically free) wifi antenna booster using tin foil. Yes, it sounds crazy, but it actually works and significantly increases your wifi signal in the dead zones of your house. The video above is pretty lengthy, but does a good job walking you through a few optimal designs.

You can make this wi-fi parabolic antenna for your router without breaking a sweat.

Manila file folders
EZ-12 Templates for the antenna from Freeantennas.com
Adhesive
Aluminum foil

The parabolic antenna is nothing but a focusing device cut out from the stiff manila folder and backed by a layer of aluminum foil on the back for the reflective surface. The exact cutting pattern is aided by the EZ-12 template.

As the video shows, the construction is as easy as an elementary school project. The effect is pretty impressive for such a simple device. You can expect a signal boost from 9 to 12dB. The signal gain depends on the size of the antenna and the number (1 or 2) in use with your wireless router.

More Wifi Projects:

Make a DIY Wifi Repeater/Range Extender

Joe L — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:00:19 +0000

Problem: A wireless network is just barely out of reach.� Solution: Build your own wireless repeater, place it between you and the wireless router and it’ll repeat the signal, stronger than before, giving you access to the previously unaccessable network. You can buy a repeater on eBay for cheap or build your own:

1. The Outdoor Repeater:

When the network is across the neighborhood, sometimes a weatherproof repeater is necessary. Learn to build your own with this detailed range extender tutorial.

2. Universal Wifi Repeater:

Learn to build another universal wireless repeater – A device that you can place anywhere and it will wirelessly repeat the strongest signal, onto another wireless network (with or without security).

3. Low Budget Solution:

The method is an approach to form the omni-directional radiated signal into a beam signal.� The goal is to increase both incoming and outgoing signal strength on the antenna.� A simple, affordable wifi repeater.