This simple trick can improve your WiFi in minutes

Trying to get your WiFi signal to head into the far reaches of your home can be tricky enough.

But it turns out there's a really easy fix and you've probably got all the supplies you need at home. The technique was originally developed by researchers at Dartmouth College and Columbia University. It involves a 3D-printed reflector with a particular wavy design, all wrapped up in aluminium foil. Xia Zhou, an assistant professor of computer science at Dartmouth and one of the co-authors of the paper, told Eurekalert:

"Through this single solution, we address a number of challenges that plague wireless users. "Not only do we strengthen wireless signals, we make those same signals more secure."

According to the team, when the reflector is placed around the antennas of your router, it funnels the signal towards where it is needed most. And while they used a special 3D printed material in the perfect shape, the researchers acknowledge that not everyone has access to the 3D printer. They say that it is possible to use cardboard to get the wavy structure - although it may not have the exact same effect. Some earlier research had shown that putting an aluminium can behind the router can help send the signal in a certain direction. Zhou added:

"With a simple investment of about $35 (€30) and specifying coverage requirements, a wireless reflector can be custom-built to outperform antennae that cost thousands of dollars.”