Making extension cords for your Router's Antennas

The Problem

I needed to increase my wireless router's range. I was having trouble getting through some solid walls. I also wanted to have my router outside, but I did not want to make an enclosure for it - though all I really needed outside were the antennas.

The Fix

Summary: I removed and then made extension cords for the router's antennas (my router has two) and mounted them on either side of the structure. This greatly extended my range and signal quality. I used coax cable to make the extension. It is important to use coaxial cable because of its shield which blocks any interference. Antennas are made in specific shapes and sizes; adding an unshielded wire would essentially change the shape of the antenna, since it would now include the wire.

Bottom line - went from 2 bars to 4 bars (out of 5).

Step 1 - Opening the Case

3 - Remove Screw

I did this with a Linksys router. First, unscrew the antennas (if that is an option for you). Then look at the pictures to see how to get the case apart. In the third picture you will see the screw that you need to remove in order to get the circuit board completely exposed.

Step 2 - Preparing the Wires

After

Before

Now you need to find an antenna wire. The wire I found was shielded, which worked well with the coax cable.

Step 3 - Soldering

Soldered

After

Before

In order to get the case back on you will need to first cut a hole in the case for the coax. I did this by removing the part of the case that separates the 'Internet' jack from the 1-4 jacks.

Then be sure to thread the wire through the hole before you solder! Solder the shields together and the middle wires together.

Step 4 - Installing the Antenna

I was too cheap to buy any sort of connector. I just stripped the wire and inserted it into the antenna and wrapped it tightly with electrical wire. Just make sure that the coax's outer wire does not touch the inner wire.

Step 5 - Finished Product

My antenna was installed on an exterior wall, so I caulked it well and inserted it. Now I have 4 bars, up from 2 bars out of 5.

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The Problem

The Fix

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