Q&A for How to Make a Wi Fi Booster Using Only a Can

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Question

Does this really work?

Community Answer

It reflects a signal from the reflective side (inside of the can) to the antenna and vice versa, causing the signal from the antenna to go in one side. This almost doubles the signal going to the reflective side, while killing the signal on the other side.

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Question

How does this work?

Community Answer

The can is acting as a parabolic reflector, just like on the old multi-element television antennas.

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Question

Can I use a plastic bottle instead of a can?

Community Answer

No, as it is not made of a reflective signal material such as aluminum is.

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Question

Can aluminum foil work just as well as the aluminum can?

Community Answer

Yes, of course. It's more about the shape and placement. So use a base (thick paper for instance) to make the appropriate shape in case of using thin foil.

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Question

Can I buy one on Amazon?

Community Answer

You can buy WiFi boosters on Amazon, but they won't look like this one (made of a can).

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Question

What if my WiFi modem doesn't have an antenna?

Community Answer

Place the modem next to device you want to connect.

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Question

Is it true that there isn't really a way to improve your Internet, that the only thing you can do is extend the reach of it?

Community Answer

Your bandwidth has a ceiling based on your Internet service package. However, you can maximize that by having the strongest signal possible, keeping all devices on your network free of spyware/malware and, where possible, using an Ethernet connection rather than wireless.

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Question

How can I get an internet signal far away from the city?

Community Answer

You can buy outdoor WiFi antennas on Amazon.com that can pull in an open WiFi signal from up to 6 miles away. That might be a potential solution for you depending on where you'll be exactly.

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Question

Why is the booster on only one of the two antennas?

Community Answer

You can put it on both sides. Your choice. Putting it on one is economical and boosts the one side. Putting it on both is not bad at all.

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Question

Can I use an iron sheet?

Community Answer

Iron sheet won't be as helpful as the aluminum foil or a can. The reflector on foils and can are more than strong enough to reflect the signal to your device.

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