This wikiHow teaches you how to use an empty drink can to amplify your Wi-Fi signal at home. You should know that using a can to amplify Wi-Fi will not solve the underlying problem with Wi-Fi coverage, and may even limit Wi-Fi coverage in one direction.
Step
Step 1. Understand how this method works
In theory, placing aluminum on the back of the router will help focus the Wi-Fi signal towards the desired source by increasing the power to increase its range. This helps you stay connected to the internet on devices such as consoles or desktop computers that are out of Wi-Fi coverage.
This step will not work if the related object is more than a few centimeters from outside the range of the Wi-Fi router
Step 2. Prepare the necessary materials
In order to be able to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, you will need the following items:
- Drink cans or other clean and empty 500 ml aluminum cans
- Stanley knife or similar safety knife
- Scissors strong enough to cut thin metal, or a hand saw.
- Small poster sticker or similar adhesive.
Step 3. Wash the can
Fill the can with warm water, let it sit for a few seconds, then drain the water and repeat several more times to make sure the inside of the can is perfectly clean.
- New cans are easier to clean than used cans that have been open for several hours (or days).
- You can also turn the can upside down and place it on paper towels to dry before cutting.
Step 4. Remove the label from the top of the can
The trick, pull the label of the can, rotate it 180 degrees, and disassemble it until it comes off.
Step 5. Cut the bottom of the can
Use a saw or Stanley knife to open the entire bottom of the can.
Make sure to cut as close to the bottom of the can as possible
Step 6. Create the base of the Wi-Fi booster
Cut almost around where the top of the can was previously, and make sure to leave 1cm so that it still connects to the can. At this point, you can turn the can upside down so that the top is now the bottom of the can.
Step 7. Make a vertical cut from the top towards the bottom of the can
Use a Stanley knife to cut the side of the can opposite the side that joins the base to the side of the can.
Position the pieces so that when the sides of the can are spread out, the bottom of the can is still in the middle
Step 8. Open the sides of the can
Now the sides of the can are disconnected from each other so you can open it up and shape it into a kind of radar.
- Be careful when working on this section. The cut edges of the can are usually quite sharp.
- If you notice any liquid or food residue on the inside of the can, scrub and dry it before continuing.
Step 9. Place the tape under the base of the Wi-Fi amplifier
Apply a small amount of poster sticker to what was previously the top of the can to keep it from moving.
You can also use double-sided tape
Step 10. Place the signal booster on the back of the router
The signal amplifier must face the device that will receive the signal. Depending on the router's design, the way in which this amplifier is placed may vary:
- If your router has an antenna, it's a good idea to insert the antenna through the drinking hole in the base of the signal booster.
- If your router doesn't have an antenna, make sure the can is on the back of the router, and that the front of the router (the lighted side) is facing the device that wants to receive the signal.
Step 11. Enjoy a stronger Wi-Fi signal
Even though the increase in Wi-Fi signal is minimal, you can still clearly see changes in internet speed or consistency.
Tips
- Wi-Fi will lose coverage in directions covered by the signal booster. You can work around this by taking a signal booster when not in use.
- If the router is large enough, it's a good idea to build more than one Wi-Fi booster to ensure the entire back of the router is blocked.
Warning
- The edges of a freshly opened can are usually very sharp. So, it's a good idea to wear gloves or other hand protection before handling the can so you don't get hurt.
- Non-aluminum cans will not improve your wireless signal. the same is true for plastic cans, wood, and other non-metallic materials.
