Creating a Wireless USB Antenna

introWifi Signal Strainer (WokFi) Long Distance
In this instructable I make a common WiFi Thumbdrive into a beefy wifi extender!'

The parabolic Asian cooking(dumpling) strainer is the perfect candidate for this project.

I was able to pick up 20 more access points in the city and connect to a network a few blocks away!

This is BY-FAR the most simple of all Wifi extensions!

Image 2:
_best paint'job EVER!_ - This is the general Idea behind the parabolic dish.
- it should bounce all waves from the dish into the focalpoint (wifi thumbstick).





step 1
GO GET STUFF!!!

a) Cooking strainer from Asian food market.
- Needs to be PARABOLIC
-The wooden handle on mine made it easy to work with.
-Mesh should be similar "tightness" as pictured. (Don't get the loose mesh)

b) USB Wireless Thumb Drive (g or b/g)

c) USB extension. -- The longer the better.(but get as much as you need.)



step 2Prep and Build the Signal Strainer!
Image 1:
-Using the snips and cup out a hole JUST big enough for the USB extension cord.

Image 2:
Squeeze the tip of the USB cord through hole.

Image 3:
-Adjust everything so the thumbdrive is at the FOCAL POINT of the parabola (I just eyeballed it).
-Fasten the USB cord in to place.







step 3
Testing the Signal Strainer

1) Find your favorite access point!
2) get as far away as possible! (While keeping line-of-sight)
3) Use software like NetStumbler to see the signal strength.
4) Adjust your Signal Strainer where necessary.