Parabolic reflector for Wi-Fi antenna

23rd September 2008

PC World magazine proposed its own way to strengthen the signal coming from wireless antenna of Wi-Fi network.
Using simple reflectors one can significantly increase power of the signal. However, this signal will be directional, so one can to use access to the wireless network not everywhere. Nevertheless, if your home or office is quipped with a wireless router or other access point with an external antenna, but you can not get the right signal level at a specific point, such a reflector will be extremely useful.
To create your own reflector, you should start from calculations performed through a free utility Parabola Calulator. Initial data for this calculating is a diameter (width) and the depth of the reflector you are going to create. As a result of calculations, you will have a profile of the reflector and the focal length.
Put down the obtained curve and the place for a hole (the antenna to be inserted in), to a piece of paper, then - to a piece of plywood or plastic.
You must have at least two copies of such profiles, and then drill holes in the marked places. After that, you need to cut quite a long rectangular piece out of thin metal plate, which will reflect the signal. Glue the list to the profiles andâ€¦ your own parabolic reflector for the Wi-Fi radio antenna is ready!
According to the authors, such reflectors can significantly increase the range of transmitting signals, as well as improve security of your wireless network.