How to Build an Omni-Directional WiFi Antenna

An omnidirectional wifi antenna is often a built in feature of wireless routers or wireless access points. This antenna is responsible for making the router setups a lot easier, allowing wireless signals to be evenly distributed around a particular space or area. The capability of this built in feature to distribute signals, however, may sometimes prove to be a setback, too. Because it has to expend its power in all directions at once, it may not be able to send signals in long distances. Fortunately, this problem can easily be resolved by adding an external omnidirectional antenna, a device which you can easily make at home.

Step 1 - Mark the Satellite Dish

Lay the satellite dish upside down. Get the antenna of the WiFi transmitter and place it at the center of the back portion of the satellite dish. Trace the shape of the antenna tip with a marker.

Step 2 - Drill a Hole on the Satellite Dish

Spread a newspaper on a flat surface and lay the satellite dish on it in an upside down position. Insert a drill bit into the power drill. Plug the drilling device into a power source and turn it on. Slowly and carefully, bore a hole into the portion of the satellite dish that has been marked previously. The drill bit to be used should match the size of the hole marked on the surface of the satellite dish.

Step 3 - Attach the WiFi Transmitter Antenna to the Satellite Dish 

Insert the tip of the transmitter antenna into the hole of the dish. If the hole is small enough for the antenna to pass through, you may have to drill again until the antenna fits snugly through the hole. Secure the antenna to the satellite dish by wrapping a duct tape in the area where it meets the hole, making sure that it is perfectly secured in place. If you want to permanently attach the antenna to the dish, a bonding glue may be used in lieu of the duct tape.

Step 4 - Test the New Omnidirectional Antenna

Position the new omnidirectional antenna in its desired place, making sure that the satellite dish is turned over strategically to allow effective signal distribution. Most often, the device can already improve signals as soon as it is put in place. However, if you do not notice any improvements to the signals provided by your wireless routers, you may have to check the new antenna you have devised. There may be some technicalities overlooked, such as loose connections. Check to see if the satellite dish has been securely attached to the WiFi transmitter antenna.

Creating your own omnidirectional antenna is a breeze and requires no expertise at all. You can devise your own in no time. However, you have to be careful when using the power drill. Always choose a safe working area when trying to make your own omnidirectional antenna especially when you have to use such tools as a power drill.