If you have ever thought of resorting to aluminum foil to redirect your home’s poor WiFi signal, it turns out you are not really that far off the mark. EurekAlert reported these days that researchers at Dartmouth College have discovered that 3D printed signal reflectors, consisting of a thin layer of metal and plastic, will drastically and cheaply improve the wireless signal around a home.
These experiments were based on the concept of using an aluminum tin behind a router in order to direct the signal away from deadening walls and other obstructions. The team was able to analyze a space and make a custom reflector that might optimize the WiFi signal in that room. They then fed their data into a custom program referred to as WiPrint that designed an optimal plastic reflector and created it using a 3D printer. The last step is to cover the object in aluminum foil and place it on the router. you’ll see a demonstration in the video.
This solution solves multiple issues with WiFi signals. 1st of all, it’s inexpensive; if you’ve access to a 3D printer, it’ll only run you about $35. Directional antennas price lots more than that. Second, it allows you control over your WiFi signal, that has more advantages than you think that. Not only will it make sure you’ve signal within the rooms you need it in, but it allows you to cut off signal where you do not. This improves physical security, ensuring neighbors (and unsavory types) cannot access your network.
The next step for the team is to figure out how to design reflectors that are made of a special material than 3D printed plastic. the concept is to eventually produce an object which will truly change shape if the room’s layout changes. this may not expand the coverage area of your router, but it’ll make sure that you will get the stronger signal in the areas you need it most.
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