Dimensions of the Can MatterĮach radio frequency has a different wavelength. Radio waves will be “guided” into the can and interact with the wire element, which sends a signal down the pigtail cable and then to your computer or router. The aluminum can acts as a medium for the radio waves to be guided through, hence the term waveguide cantenna. Basic understanding of wireless networking concepts (radios, wavelengths, frequencies, etc.).

Ability to install components with screws.

Fine-tip Sharpie or other utensil to mark the location of the screws.

Can opener (or something to remove the lid with).

Digital (preferred) or analog calipers or just a tape measure.

Soldering iron (a fine-tip with lower heat works best).

12-gauge copper (if you have scrap cables, you could also unsheath them and see if the copper wire is thick enough to fit into the N connector).

Screws (sometimes they come with the chassis-mount N connector).

pigtail) or an N-male to RP-SMA-male cable for connecting to USB adapters

RP-TNC-to-N-male cable for connecting to most routers (a.k.a.

Empty 1qt baby formula can or other similarly-sized aluminum can.

A wireless router with external, removable antennas, preferably with custom firmware or a wireless USB dongle with a removable antennta.

Requirements For This Walkthrough Materials Create a cantenna to drastically extend your Wi-Fi signal! Works great with a router that has external antennas, like the old-school classic WRT54G.

Cantenna wifi calculator