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usbwifi.net - Waveguides / Cantenna
Waveguides / Cantenna

Cantenna parts.
(Image Credit: oreillynet.com)

Cantennas are wave guide antennas made from cans, that can boost wifi range up to a mile. The most popular ones are designed using Pringles potato chip cans. The advantage of using this type of antenna is they are small and easy to handle and set-up in public areas.






There is some drawbacks with using this type of system. The passive element design requires a RF cable between the antenna and the wifi card. The maximum effective length of this cable is 18 inches. Cables longer than 18 inches start to lose the signal strength that was gained by the cantenna. Also, the type of cable required for the connection is more susceptible to failure from fatigue.

From all of the designs linked to on this page, I would suggest modifing the PVC one to accept a USB WiFi device by cutting a slot (where the pigtail is installed) large enough to insert the USB device. Then make the washer/rod eliment depicted in the picture above.

Below are links and demos on how to make and use one..


Cantenna Systems
Steerable Cantennas. - New Link -- Steerable Cantennas
Tin can waveguide - Homebrew Antenna Shootout -
An Inexpensive Waterproof 14 dB Waveguide Antenna for WiFi - PVC
Original Pringles Yagi -
Update DIY 2.4GHz Antennas. - New Link
Pringles Yagi - Long Lost Links :-)
Pringles Yagi - Long Lost Links :-)
Coffee Can Wifi Antenna Tutorial
Pictures of 2.4GHz connectors -


Links Here
Tupper Tenna - Wardriving Antenna - TupperWare
cable loss calculator -
wireless range calculator showing free space loss -


Comercial Sites
Cantenna.com - Buy prebuilt systems here


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