Main Menu
Main Page
Webcam
MyTake™ RSS
Photo Gallery RSS
Panoramic Images
GeoTrace
Appupdater
OpenID
Projects
Services
Software
Hitlist
Links
About Me
Search
Contact
Disclaimer
Wrong Country?
Make a correction
Cantenna
Overview
Devices based on the 802.11a/b/g wireless standard are typically designed to operate in an omnidirectional fashion. That is, it transmits and receives equally in all directions. By using the correct antenna, a signal can be focused in a single direction, which allows for more distance between the two endpoints, while maintaining signal quality. Yagi antennas are used to do this, but typically cost at least $100 (USD). Using the same priciples of these antennas, more cost effective antennas can be made from households items.
Pringles Can
Our design is based on an article on the O'Reilly Network. We had to make some design changes to deal with parts that we had available at the local hardware store. The washers are only 3/4 in. in outer diameter, not the full 1 inch.
Supply List - Pringles Style (USD)| Part | Cost | Quantity | Subtotal | Notes |
| N-connector | $3.71 | X 1 | = $3.71 | Source: Lafayette Electronic Supply |
| Nuts | $0.05 | X 2 | = $0.10 | |
| Washers | $0.10 | X 5 | = $0.50 | only 3/4" in outer diameter, not the full 1" |
| Alum. Tube | $2.00 | X 1 | = $2.00 | |
| Thread | $0.90 | X 1 | = $0.90 | |
| Wire | $0.10 | X 1 | = $0.10 | insulated, needed to be removed |
| Pringles | $0.80 | X 2 | = $1.60 | Two lids are needed |
| Total | = $8.91 |
Cookie Can
Our design is based on a design from Seattle Wireless.
Lessons learned:The hot glue doesn't stick to the metal cans well, some tape can fix this.
Supply List - Cookie Can Style (USD)| Part | Cost | Quantity | Subtotal | Notes |
| N-connector | $3.71 | X 1 | = $3.71 | Source: Lafayette Electronic Supply |
| Wire | $0.10 | X 1 | = $0.10 | insulated, needed to be removed |
| Can | $4.00 | X 1 | = $4.00 | |
| Total | = $7.81 |
Results
In order to use the cantenna, you need a cable to connect it to the external antenna connection on your wireless device (not all devices have these). We got our pigtail adaptors (MC style) from Invictus Networks.
In using the two types of cantenna, both seem to perform well in situations when a directional antenna is useful. The cookie can style seems to be slightly better in our testing.
o Native IPv6 DNS Still Not a Reality
o Time Warner Cable Business Class
o The Solution to San Diego Traffic
o Ticketmaster Website Fataly Flawed
o A letter to Rep. Camp supporting the Digital Media Consumers Rights Act
o State leaders avert cash crisis – for now
o Air tankers delayed as Cal fire season reawakens
o Forecast: Calif. home prices to dip further in '09
o Panel approves casino standards
o Poll: Asian-Americans oppose gay marriage ban
o Sheriff: Calif. family cremated mom, kept benefits
o Court rules L.A. County can't give judges perks
o Feds: Utah minnow may need protection
o Local Calif. GOP compares Obama to Osama bin Laden
o Judge won't block Roan Plateau drilling leases
o Cisco Demos Public Rooms For Telepresence
o RIAA Wants Its $222,000 Verdict Back
o Do Software Versions Really Matter?
o Sex Offender E-Mail Registry Signed Into Law
o Linux Now an Equal Flash Player
o World's Smallest IPv6 Stack By Cisco, Atmel, SICS
o 6 Languages You Wish the Boss Let You Use
o PHP5 CMS Framework Development
o Blizzard Answers Your Questions, From Blizzcon
o Millions of Internet Addresses Are Lying Idle
o 99.8% of Gamers Don't Care About DRM, Says EA
o Watching Tonight's Presidential Debate Online
o Google Demands Higher Chip Temps From Intel
o Internet Co-inventor Vint Cerf Endorses Obama
o NASA To Repair Hubble By Remote Control
This page was last updated on Wednesday, October 1, 2008
If you have questions, comments, or other feedback about this page send e-mail using the Contact Form.
