5-Minute Project Video: Parabolic Cookware Wi-Fi Antenna

Here we have yours truly demonstrating a quick and easy way to greatly enhance your computer's ability to detect and connect to Wi-Fi networks both near and far with a piece of Asian parabolic cookware. Yes, the steamer basket we used is perhaps not the most Asian member of the parabolic cookware family, but this project is most famously done using a wok or deep-fry strainer, and the term stuck. Basically anything parabola-shaped and made of metal soft enough to puncture will work to some extent—experimentation will determine which yields the best pickup.

And if you want to get really precise, you can plot the focal point of your improvised antenna and position the Wi-Fi USB stick there for greater reception. Much more info can be found here. —John Mahoney

As always, our 5 Minute Projects are available in video podcast form—subscribe here.

Comments

[Manuka]

It's not a practical joke! "WokFi" antenna certainly work (ahem- wok?!)well,with even simple setups like this doubling range. For in depth insights & field tests see the mad Kiwi "poor man's" site => www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz

[JoeP]

Warning! Nitpick ahead!
In the video (database loading) cookware is spelled 'cookwear'. As in something you wear. Party wear. Swim wear. etc.

[officedespot]

Not really that good of a demo. Yeah, the project was completed in 5 minutes, but no demo! And for optimal reception you're going to want to have the antenna at the focal center of the parabola. How do you figger that one out? I know but I'm not telling (haha)

[The_Dark_Knight]

Hey Joe,

Guess thats why it's Popular Science and not Popular Spelling. :)

[Some Guy]

this project reminds me of a similar-looking wifi hack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY8Wi7XRXCA

[Mobile Mark]

Thanks for this nice article. Wi-Fi is technology is very good and easy to use. Mostly people are trying to use that. And for the convenience of people wi-fi antennas are available in different sizes and shapes. These antennas are made to boost the strength of Wi-Fi signal. For the different types of Wi-Fi antennas you can check http://www.mobilemark.com , it will help you for sure.