Step 1 - You too can build and use a long range wifi antenna cantenna for free internet surfing. There was a time when we moved from one address to another and for about a few weeks did not have any dsl account for ourselves to use. I noticed that our computers were picking up and logging on to a free open wifi within range of our new home but not quite strong enough to utilize.
Step 2 - For the interim use until we were able to get our own isp account set up again we created a wireless wifi antenna out of a few household items to receive the faint wifi signal a little better , so that we could use it.
Step 3 - There are numerous free wifi signals available around most neighborhoods that can provide you with temporary wifi broadband. Library's have them, many businesses and airports provide free internet access and as well even some local resident homes make their wireless signal free for others to utilize at times. Such was the case which we availed of during our time of disconnection.
Step 4 - Your wifi antenna range signal will vary signal strength according to how well you build and place it. Here is what we used (actual picture example shown in photo). For best wifi reception get the largest shiny bowl you can find. The larger the better because it catches more of the broadcasting signal.
Step 5 - You will need to use a wifi antenna adapter which has a usb cord attached that can reach a good many feet away from your computer(so you can hang it in your window etc.). The built in wifi antenna on your laptop will not suffice in most cases to pick up a clear signal. Use duct tape to hold the wifi adapter in the middle of the bowl (suspended in the center so as the wifi signals received will connect well with it). Also use the duct tape to attach the bowl to a window in the direction where the free signal was noticed. Duct tape is strong and holds really well. If you want to be a little more discrete you can also hang a thin curtain in front of bowl so the neighbors don't think you're too strange having a large bowl hanging in your window.
Step 6 - This really works for you to receive temporary free wifi. Our signal strength without this homemade antenna was just barely readable when we first noticed it was showing up but after our homemade cantenna setup our wifi signal strength increased to a strength fluctuating up to 45% and a link connection of about the same at times, providing us a dsl speed which at times peeked to 2.8 mbps.( a good connection considering the lowest paid-for dsl from a local provider reaches a 1.5 mbps reading and costs aproximately $25.00 per month ) .
Step 7 - I would like to stress that this should be really only for temporary use as you need at times. For any longterm internet usage you should setup a broadband account with your local or national isp (internet service provider). We now of course have our regular internet service provider but the above method helped us out in a pinch and perhaps may do the same for you if the need arises.
Technorati Tags: internet,wifi antenna
