Telecom companies refuse to install new infrastructure, Google tries to fill the gap by launching balloons, Facebook says the solution is in drones, and a certain electric car manufacturer plans to launch satellites. But what about WiFi? Extending its range is technically possible, and several companies around the world already do it. However, our favorite crazy Ukrainians on YouTube are back at it, developing a homemade alternative.
WiFi has multiplied our connectivity potential, and beyond some security headaches, it remains one of the most important technological pillars. If you go to any public space, you'll likely find an open WiFi signal offering basic browsing speed, and I emphasize 'basic.' The number of connected users affects connection stability, as does the 'competition' from other nearby networks, and of course, the distance separating us from the source.
The Homemade WiFi Antenna
Speaking of distance… building homemade antennas to connect to remote access points is quite common. YouTube is full of tutorials with rather extravagant designs, and joining them is one of the latest videos published by the kreosan channel. Their antenna is a kind of hybrid between a Yagi antenna and a patch antenna, and all you need to build it is a sheet of metal (copper is not mandatory) that you cut into circles, a threaded rod, several nuts, and a cable to connect it either to a WiFi adapter or to a router if the plan is to broadcast a signal. By combining two of these antennas, kreosan managed to cover a distance of nine kilometers.
Does It Really Work?
Now, setting aside the comedic aspect of the video, how well does it really work? Some YouTubers have challenged this antenna, and although it can work in a pinch by detecting routers hundreds of meters away, it seems to have design flaws. One of the main recommendations is to isolate the conductive element from the rest of the antenna, and judging by the second video, the difference is notable. As for the nine kilometers, well… I think the antenna is too small for that even when using two (without even opening the discussion about power), but it's not impossible. There are commercial solutions that comfortably exceed ten kilometers, as long as you have patience with external factors like weather.
