If you’ve ever caught yourself in the position that you could pick up a wireless signal from your computer but the signal wasn’t strong enough to connect then you definitely know what I mean when I say WiFi signals can be a hassle to work with.

Microwaves, cell phones, TVs, other wireless signals and many other factors contribute to overall WiFi signal interference. These types of objects send out their own signals that interrupt the flow of data in a wireless connection. Distance, on the other hand, is a factor that usually can not be changed so another solution will need to be found.

Without buying a new router or wireless card your options are very limited. The answer to this problem is to increase the strength and of the antenna you have.

There are two types of home-made, Do-It-Yourself WiFi antenna boosters I would like to discuss with you. One is an attachment to a wireless USB card, and the other is for regular PCI wireless network cards with the pen-shaped antennas.

Regular WiFi antenna – This method also works on the router antenna to boost it’s strength to the computer.

Things you will need:

-Preferably 24 Oz. soda/beer can

-Scissors, saw or sharp knife

-Screwdriver, large nail, drill or any object that can put a 1/8th inch hole in metal

Start off by cutting the top off the can at the bottom of the last bend (at it’s widest point). Now, using a pair of scissors, a saw or sharp knife, cut the can in half vertically (up and down).

Cut or drill a hole in the bottom of one of those halves, just big enough to fit your wireless antenna inside of it.

Now point your wireless antenna straight up and place it through the hole. If it is a good enough fit the can should be fairly secure. Rotate the can towards the direction of incoming wireless signal and test your signal strength. Continue experimenting until you find the best location.

USB wireless adapter

What you will need:

-A round dish or bowl-shaped object, approx 12 inches in diameter.

-Aluminum Foil

-Tape

-Drill, screwdriver or other object that can pierce through dish

-USB cable for antenna

First find a parabolic shaped object such as a bowl or dish that is made of a material like plastic or wood or even a round, screen kitchen filter/scoop. It should be approximately 12 inches or larger. (Bigger is usually better as long as it’s parabolic shaped!)

Wrap the object in aluminum foil if the material is not reflective (such as metal)

Drill/screw a hole in the very center of the bottom of the dish just large enough for the tip of the USB cable to fit through. If you make it a tight enough fit your USB will be snug and not need any more modification such as tape to hold it in place.

A parabolic dish reflects all WiFi signal in the dish’s reach into one place called the focal point. The focal point being your USB adapter.

While cheap, if you experiment with these methods and use your imagination gains of 20-50% have been achieved.