Dartmouth University researchers have proven aluminum foil
can improve wireless strength and security. The research started with the idea
to place an aluminum can around a wireless router’s antenna to direct the Wi-Fi
beam to a specific location. They discovered the aluminum can prototype to be a
slight improvement over standard antennas. Expanding the concept, they bent
several styles of aluminum foil into directional antennas, and after several
iterations, they were able to develop specific shapes that greatly improved
wireless reception to their targeted areas.
The researchers then took the idea one step further and
created a program called WiPrint. WiPrint is a program that works in
conjunction with a 3D printer to create customized antenna apparatus unique to
each individual’s needs. This device is then wrapped in aluminum foil to
redirect the router’s Wi-Fi signals to the targeted areas. The Wi-Fi signal is
funneled into a beam which greatly improves its strength. The custom antenna
also helps to improve the Wi-Fi security by not sending the signal to unwanted areas.
With standard omnidirectional antennas, the signal is sent in every direction
this makes it easier for packet snooping and hacking. The program has not been
yet released, but tests have shown the 3D printed antennas it creates can
outperform even the most expensive antennas.
I remember trying this with my old routers years
ago. Has anyone tried to use something like this to improve your Wi-Fi signal?
If so, what were your results?
Wow, this is interesting! I would use this; my wi-fi can be terrible!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried this or anything like it. Did you have any level of success when you tried it? What exactly did you do? Did you just think about it or hear about it from somewhere?
Tyler, when I tried it years ago the Wi-Fi router technology was still very weak and unreliable (802.11b/g). I read about router hacks on tech blogs like lifehacker.com. I figured what could it hurt, so I wrapped cardboard with aluminum foil and placed that behind the antennas. The gains in speed were marginal at best, so when was able to I upgraded to a wireless-N router. Now with cheap 3D printing, I might have to revisit the idea.
DeleteI remember reading about this a while back and had likened it to the 'microwave your phone to recharge it' craze--so I never tried it. It seems more credible now that it has a Dartmouth University backing. This could be a really cool product for serious gamers who, at times, need the strongest signal they can get.
ReplyDelete