Since I moved into my new apartment, I have been able to pick up a really weak WiFi signal to connect to the internet while I wait for Verizon to get their act together. Windows has been showing "No Signal" (even though I am connected), and my link quality, according to my wireless card drivers, was around 35%. I purchased a
D-Link antenna from Buy.com for $5 after rebates, and this allowed me to get the link quality up to around 60% (with windows saying the signal was between "No Signal" and 1 bar), but I was still getting dropouts.
Then I found plans for a parabolic reflector at
FreeAntennas.com (which seems to have server problems right now). I modified the plans for the EZ-12 reflector to fit my much larger antenna, and using aluminum foil, heavy paper, a glue stick, and some tape, I was able to build the reflector shown above. I couldn't believe it, but it actually improved my link quality to 90-100%, and my signal to 3 bars. It's ugly, but it works.
(P.S. Yes, I got permission from the neighbors)
