Boost your wireless for 25¢
How can I boost my wireless signal strength?
Folks, I have been asked many times about what can be done to improve the wireless signal produced by a home router/WAP. A weak signal slows you down, and can cause “connectivity issues” (aka “disconnects”).
Like so many things in life, there is no one, single, best answer, but, methods for achieving a stronger wireless signal, at a greater distance, include:
* Replace your router’s firmware with a Linux-based system that allows for “antenna gain” adjustment. (Advanced) — free (some risk).
* Add a “reflector” (Simple) — free. (and.. today’s video!)
* Replace your antenna with a “signal boosting” (aka “range extending”) antenna, or a directional antenna. (Simple) — $25 -$50.
* Upgrade to a Wireless N router. (Simple) — $100 (or less).
I recommend the last option. Wireless N routers are quite reasonably priced now. But, if you have some tinfoil, scissors, and glue, I can tell you that a parabolic reflector will improve your signal (aka “gain”) .. in one direction, and it won’t cost you much more than a few minutes of your time to try it!
This short video tutorial demonstrates:
And the template is here, http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html
And, you may want to look around the Internet some. There are, literally, thousands of these “hacks” and tips.
Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All Rights Reserved. 
post to jaanix.
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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Tech - for Everyone 
TechPaul,
I can remember when growing up experimenting with radio antennas to get a better signal. This one, to increase my wireless range, is right down my alley.
Great tip!
Rick
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Rick,
In principle, the addition of a parabolic reflector should improve the signal in one (general) direction: which is why radar and satellite antennas have “dishes”. Adding one to the receiving antenna should also “catch” more signals; again, improving the ‘transmission’.
Anecdotally, I have heard (and read) reports ranging from “useless” to “fantastic!”, so I don’t know what your results might be… or if certain foils work better? (or if ‘shiny side’ makes any diff.) But I do know that a little bit of stiff paper and tinfoil is a negligible cost, and some people swear by the result. What’s it hurt to give it a try before you invest $50 in a new antenna?
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