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[MamaLiberty]

I don't know if this really works or not, but the article is very funny... as are some of the comments.

http://dsc.discovery.com/gear-gadgets/boost-your-wifi-signal-using-only-a-beer-can.html#mkcpgn=otbn1
Boost Your WiFi Signal Using Only a Beer Can

I love a good hack, especially one that requires me to throw back a cold one before hand (or during). This simple wifi boost has actually been shown to increase signal strength by at least 2 to 4 bars. And, well, I will drink to that.

[Bear]

Yes, this can work, but the shape matters.

Here's a good way to think about vertical antennas:

Cut a round piece of paper. Imagine this represents the signal seen from above,
radiating in all directions.

Now fold the paper in half into a semi circle. If you put a flat reflector in back of the
antenna, this is effectively what you've done - you've doubled the signal strength
on the side opposite the reflector. Doubling the power is a 3dB gain in power.

This is represented by the paper model in that how the folded paper is twice as thick.

Now fold the paper in half again, so that it is a quarter circle. The paper is four layers
thick, and the signal has four times the energy. (Another 3dB gain is 6 dB total).

You accomplish this by using two reflectors that meet at right angles - just like the paper model.

Now, if you use a curved reflector, the actual gain depends on the particular shape. If you make
it a parabola, so that the the antenna is at the focus, that it becomes like a flash light, and
the gain can be quite high.

Bear

[Rarick]

That is the way I learned it.  That is also why a lot of high gain antennas are parabolas, efficient use of energy for longer range, especially if you know a location you are sending the signal too.......  Something to keep in mind if you are using wireless, you can give away your location if you have a bunch of antennas pointing back to you home from something like my wireless camera rigs........  Somewhere along the line you will need a broadcast (regular) antenna as a cut out......or aim a lower gain antenna off axis on purpose..........