Wifi Antennas

[stek]

Extend it with another AP and a pair of homeplugs

[Optimus]

Do these things actually make a difference?

The modem/router has an internal antenna and I am struggling to get a signal in the furthest corners of the south and west wings so considering getting some kind of extra antenna to screw into the back.

The antenna might look as if it will make a difference but with the same total power output from the device will it really matter?

Cut up an empty coke can cut the top of from one end then feather it (cut it into strip) at the bottom end make a hole and then pass the router antenna through it and fan out the strips.. and you have a DIY extra antenna which should boost signal strength.

[Contreras]

The antenna might look as if it will make a difference but with the same total power output from the device will it really matter?

While the antenna may in theory have more gain, what this really means is that the signal is focused more in a single plane, which may or may not help depending upon the situation.

I brought one. Arial is about 8" compared to 2-3 on router, made no obvious difference. However, it does have about 8' of lead so if I could get it closer without drilling a hole in the wall that might help.

With 8' of cable the additional cable loss is probably enough to cancel out the increased gain of the antenna element, but at least you get to position it optimally.

Cut up an empty coke can cut the top of from one end then feather it (cut it into strip) at the bottom end make a hole and then pass the router antenna through it and fan out the strips.. and you have a DIY extra antenna which should boost signal strength.

Or one of these... about 15 mins construction time and fun too. Worked for me although only saw an extra +5dB (about half what is claimed) :

Ez-10 Corner Reflector Template
Ez-12

It does however assume that the areas of weak signal are all in one direction, which might not be the case if the router is sited in the centre of the house.