WokFi - Parabolic Cookware WiFi Antenna!
by manuka in Circuits > Wireless
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WokFi - Parabolic Cookware WiFi Antenna!
We've reached an age when internet access & email should be available for everyone AS A RIGHT. Aside from obvious educational benefits, the ability to port audio, phone calls,messages & even video helps banish the tyranny of isolation & ignorance. Better informed people make for a happier world...
In regions without a wired LAN infrastructure, 2.4GHz IEEE802.11b/g "WiFi" increasingly allows a attractive datacomms pathway at modest end user & setup cost. However (given successful WiFi links are still rather a black art!) it'll be the boring things which will limit success,blow budgets & frustrate. And by boring we mean costly copper cables, specialised connectors, aluminium sections & plates, plastic housings, sturdy fasteners,mount poles etc. Allow $$$ ...
As part of an altruistic 2004 NZ student project,it was realised cheap USB WiFi adapters, in conjunction with reflective parabolic cookware, could offer a cost effective workaround. The USB approach appealed since -
In regions without a wired LAN infrastructure, 2.4GHz IEEE802.11b/g "WiFi" increasingly allows a attractive datacomms pathway at modest end user & setup cost. However (given successful WiFi links are still rather a black art!) it'll be the boring things which will limit success,blow budgets & frustrate. And by boring we mean costly copper cables, specialised connectors, aluminium sections & plates, plastic housings, sturdy fasteners,mount poles etc. Allow $$$ ...
As part of an altruistic 2004 NZ student project,it was realised cheap USB WiFi adapters, in conjunction with reflective parabolic cookware, could offer a cost effective workaround. The USB approach appealed since -
- All the microwave-data decoding is done right in the USB "key", so no cable losses occur.
- Regular cheap USB extension cables (to some 5m) & connectors can be used to locate signal localised sweet spots, perhaps with auditing software such as Netstumbler.
- USB "keys" are cheap (~US$10),although their power output may be low (~40mW).
- Easy swap outs for testing assorted reflectors & adaptors results.
- The USB keys can readily be mounted at the focal point of suitable parabolic reflectors, yielding gains of ~12dB at little cost with just cookware,sieves,woks or the like. Such gains can extend line of site (LOS) ranges to several km.
Inbuilt Laptop WiFi May Only Be Useful With Strong Nearby APs
Laptop inbuilt WiFi may be "screened"- roving USB adapters help find "sweet spots"
Parabolic Asian Cookware!
Reflective devices for 2.4 GHz WiFi abound- pot lids,sieves,lamp shades etc! Asian cookware is sturdy,cheap & easily modified
High School Level Parabolic Maths & a Tape Measure IDs Prospective Cookware !
The Profile of Promising Parabolic Reflectors Can Be Matched to a Hanging Chain
The profile of promising parabolic reflectors can be matched to a hanging chain
Reflecting Sunshine to the Parabolic "hotspot" Also Helps Locate the Focal Point
Reflecting sunshine to the parabolic "hotspot" also helps locate the focal point
Support the USB WiFi Adapter & Lead With a Cheap Garden Hose Connector!
Support the USB WiFi adapter & lead with a cheap garden hose connector!
Suits Site Survey Auditing!
Done- suits site survey auditing!
Portable or Indoor Use- Simple Supports.
Portable or indoor use- simple supports.
Boutique Version- Flexible Lamp Stand. (Netstumbler Shows ~12dB Gain = 4x Range!)
Boutique version- flexible lamp stand. (Netstumbler shows ~12dB gain = 4x range!)
Long Range Work (wok?) May Now Be Possible- Typically Maxing at 3-5km Line of Sight (LOS)
Weather Proofing? Perhaps a Wide Mouth Baby's Bottle?!
Weather proofing? Perhaps a wide mouth baby's bottle?!
Smartphone Based Site Surveying?
With today's smartphone abundance, perhaps use a free app. like "WiFi Analyzer" to survey signal coverage and monitor dish enhancements.