How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal Stronger Than Usual Using Cans

Loading...

Share This:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin

Having a bad wi-fi connection can be incredibly irritating. The poor loading times, lost connections, and more can put a strain on your time browsing the internet.

The reason why WiFi signals are stronger closer to the router, and weaker in more distant parts of the house is because the signal is affected by both the distance and by the obstacles, especially walls and appliances.

However, there are some ways to improve your Wi-Fi connection. And you can easily do this using a used soda or beer can made from aluminum.

The video below teaches us a very simple hack that uses these cans to boost your WiFi reception from around 2 bars to about 4 on average, varying between 3 and 5.

All you need for this DIY project are scissors or a knife and empty beer or soda cans – 1 or 2, depending on how many antennas there are on your router.

Procedure:

1. Clean Out the Can

Practically any substance that is found in cans like soda, beer, juice and more can create a sticky residue on the inside of the can. This can attract bugs and make your router sticky. Before you start cutting apart the can, thoroughly rinse it out with soap and warm water. Dry the can as thoroughly as possible.

2. Pull off the Tab

The tab for the soda can really has no use for this project, so it’s best to remove it. To remove the tab, simply bend the tab back and forth until you hear it snap.

3. Cut off the Bottom of the Can

Grab a utility knife and carefully cut a straight, horizontal line around bottom of the can at the point where the sides of the can start sloping to create the bottom.

4. Creating the Base

The base for your wifi extender will be the top of the can. To create the base, turn the can upside down and use your utility knife to make a cut horizontal cut that is similar to the one you made at the bottom of the can, but leaves an inch or so of metal to keep everything in one piece.

5. Cut the Side of the Can

Position the can so that the leftover piece of metal used to keep the base attached is opposite the location you intend to make a vertical incision in the can. Then open the can up to create a shape similar to a satellite dish.

6. Attaching the Can to Your Router

Place the can over the antenna for your Wi-Fi connection through the hole in the base. Using tape or another easily removable adhesive such as adhesive putty, secure the can to your router. Adjust the can to maximize the signal.

Basically the can should be splayed out, creating something similar to a sail around the router’s antenna. The antenna serves as a mast and the pop can helps the router function.

Not only is this clever use of a beer/soda can an ultra cheap tech hack, it also means less fiddling around with cardboard and aluminum foil as required by other hack methods.