If you have a weak Wi-Fi signal in some areas of your home, there is a simple and cheap way you can improve the connection using ordinary household objects.
Unbelievably, all you need is an empty aluminium drinks can, a pair of scissors or craft knife and a piece of sticky tack.
Step by step guide on making a beer can booster
- 1. The first step is to wash out the aluminium drinks can so you are working with clean materials. You can use a soda can or a beer can, it doesn’t make any difference, but is should be made from aluminium for the best results. Remove the ring pull at the same time, if it is still attached, so there is a nice, clean hole left in the top.
- 2. It might be a good idea to wear protective gloves to make sure the metal doesn't cut your fingers when you are working. Using a sharp craft knife or a strong pair of scissors, completely cut the bottom off the can.
- 3. Next cut around the top of the can, but this time leave roughly 3cm attached to the top. You will be left with a tube shape attached to the can top by a small piece of uncut aluminium.
- 4. On the opposite side of the can to the attached 3cm piece, cut a straight line down the length of it which allows you to flatten out the metal.
- 5. Take this construction to your Wi-Fi router. Place the drink hole of your beer can booster over the external antenna and curve the metal. The finished product looks a little bit like a satellite dish or radar sitting on your router.
- 6. Use a piece of sticky tack to secure the booster into position. You may find the signal can be made better still if you try angling the metal in different directions - have a play with it and see what works best for your system.
How does the beer can booster work?
What you are making is a parabolic reflector, it is a way to extend the Wi-Fi signal. The curve of the can directs and concentrates the Wi-Fi signal. Aluminium is especially good at doing this.It works well if you want to direct the signal in one particular direction but it might not work well if you want the Wi-Fi to be evenly distributed around your home. The great bit is that if it doesn't work as you want it, these boosters are easy to remove, and no money has been wasted. Most people who try this method can see an improvement to their Wi-Fi signal.