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Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal Using Only a Beer Can

Posted by timothy on from the for-some-values-of-only dept.

First time accepted submitter AmyVernon writes with a small hack that "is supposed to boost signal strength by at least 2 to 4 bars," and which requires little more than a can of beer (or Orangina). She writes: "What you need: scissors, a utility knife, some adhesive putty and an empty beer can. The brand doesn't matter for the router, but I suppose it would be cooler looking if it were Asahi or Stella Artois than if it were Budweiser." Perhaps this will be added one day to my favorite (and very extensive!) list of low-budget Wi-Fi amplifying rigs.

4 of 229 comments (clear)

  1. Bars by TarMil · · Score: 5, Informative

    Since when is WiFi signal strength measured in bars? It's a pressure unit.

  2. News? by nbetcher · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Haven't we known this since 802.11 came out? Pringles can, anyone?

  3. Re:Lameness and collateral lameness by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    OTOH, amplified signal power in one direction = reduced noise for your neighbors in other directions. Granted, if you measure signal in "bars", it's safe to assume you know nothing about laying out a site for minimal interference, but for those who know and care, directional antennas of modest gain can be quite effective for making your home network work without tragedying up the commons.

  4. Re:Even better... by gomiam · · Score: 5, Funny

    that you need to keep

    Someone elbowed that sat dish again, didn't they? ;)