Long Range Wi-fi Dish Antenna
THIS INEXPENSIVE WI-FI DISH ANTENNA OUTPERFORMS ALL OTHERS!
Presented here is a project showing how to convert common satellite TV antennas into high performance wi-fi dish antennas. A large 2 or 3 meter diameter wi-fi dish can provide 802.11 connections to access points dozens of kilometers away. The path must be line of sight – free of hills, buildings, or other obstructions. When used with a high power wi fi adapter this kind of antenna is fantastic. Satellite dishes are easy to convert into wi fi dish antennas. The essential change is replacing the satellite TV feedhorn with a modest directional wi fi antenna. None of the manual “curve making” of scratch built parabolics is necessary. To successfully convert a dish for wi-fi use, you need a C or Ku band reflector in good condition and basic tools for measuring, cutting, and bolting parts.
Note that if your goal is to get wireless internet from another location and use it indoors, you should instead consider using a wireless bridge. If you want to provde strong wireless internet coverage to an area, but cannot provide a fiber optic or ethernet cable to your wireless router, again consider using a wireless bridge to substitute for the unavailable cable, and connect the bridge to the router. This is a better solution for situations such as:
- Providing internet connectivity from one building to users in a remote house or office.
- Providing internet connectivity from one highrise building to another across town.
- Providing internet connectivity from an onshore location to users on an island.
- Sharing connectivity between two locations which can’t be linked by cable.
Obtain an undamaged parabolic reflector designed for C or Ku band satellite television service. These are now inexpensive and abundant. The wi-fi dish pictured above was built from satellite TV gear discarded by a local resident. Similar reflectors can be found in thrift stores, flea markets, and other habitats of electronic scroungers. Seek moderate to large reflectors (at least 76 cm or 30 inches diameter), since these will provide greater gain and directivity. Again, make sure the reflector is in good condition and free of dents! If it is merely rusty, that is okay. Use sandpaper to remove the rust, then repaint the reflector.… Read More
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