WiFi range problems – a cheap solution

14 Oct 2007 15:52:49

John Surtees

My Speedtouch wifi router is in a brick-built workshop in my garden. The rooms in the back of the house are 40-60 feet away. I get an average signal, but it seems to vary.

I thought of repeaters etc but didn't want the set-up hassle. Then I found this site: <www.tritium.co.uk>. They sell what they call the Tritium Flatenna. A bit of foil backed cardboard that costs £7, but it actually works.

Basically, when made up, it just sits on your router aerial and acts as a reflector, directing the signal towards the area where you need it.

Although they make what I feel are exaggerated claims, on iStumbler, I am getting an increase of around 10% signal strength. Which for my use is just what I needed. Making the signal much more consistent. And for £7 its a bargain.

Now I know there will be a certain Scottish gentleman who will probably be saying '£7 for a bit of coated cardboard' – Hello David, good to meet you at the Fareham meeting on Saturday, :-) – but I've tried making one and all I managed to do, was somehow, to reduce my signal.

I bought mine from <www.wifi-antennas.co.uk>. They have a very interesting site for anybody interested in wifi.