A Wi-Fi network’s range is limited by the transmission power, antenna type, and environmental obstacles (i.e. trees). So, if you’re out in the boonies where the signal is spotty, you may be SOL. Unless, of course, there’s a baking pan handy.
Silicon.com’s Peter Cochrane uncovered this interesting trick while cruising the Norfolk Broads aboard a yacht. When both of his connected devices showed a single bar each of 2.5G and Wi-Fi, he employed a “much-used baking tray” to boost the signal. He reportedly achieved 3 bars for each service by placing the pan nearby to act like the parabolic dish on an antenna. He located the 2.5G signal station and situated the pan to reflect more transmissions towards his Wi-Fi/2.5G dongle.
I wasn’t able to independently confirm that this works in the 10 minutes or so I tried, but there doesn’t seem to be any reason why it wouldn’t work. If this or a similar home-brew system has worked for you–like the Tinfoil-in-an-envelope-under-an-MBP trick–let us know in the comments. [Silicon.com]
Matt
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 3:18 PMNo.
Ian
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 3:28 PMI used to use an oriental wok strainer (the kind with the bamboo handle) to directionalise my wifi so my PS3 would get a reasonable signal. It operated like a satellite dish works. It boosted the signal dramatically!
Greg
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 3:30 PMI used to use a blank CD on the antenna of my Wifi Modem to boost the signal to the extremities of the house for several years.
Morf
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 4:06 PMI made a directional tinned fruit antenna for my previous apartment before wireless N technology was prevalent. It was remarkable in that I went from having the signal frequently drop out on me or live on 1 or 2 bars without the antenna to having a reliable 60% + signal.
graz
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 9:46 AMI also made a few cantennas back in 2005 and was amazed by the signal boost. I think the best one I made was out of a long tinned soup can and a dlink USB wifi dongle with a 1m USB extension cable. :)
lolwut
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 4:35 PMi used a tinfoil wrapped around my computers antenna to direct it towards the router to boost the signal, it works wonders
Dan
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 4:50 PMpringles can FTW!
Ron J
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 5:09 PMThere is an old yachty’s tale that is used out at sea when signals are weak – standing next to the mast (big aluminium stick poking into the sky) improves the signal. Don’t know how well it works but many swear by it.
Rich
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 11:34 PMNice brickwork on the yacht
jeremy
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:15 PMI use a similar trick with vivid wireless. it is the difference between 750kbps and 6Mbps when I get it aligned spot on, and I get 2mbps even when SOMEONE knocks it :-) Oddly, it seems to increase ping somewhat … very odd.