WokFi

WokFi (a portmanteau derived from blending Wok + Wi-Fi) is a term now commonly used to indicate a style of Wi-Fi antenna made out of simple low-cost Asian cookware scoops, or similar easy to find household metallic reflective items.

Description

WokFi antennas can be fabricated out of commonly available scoop-shaped utensils (which need not be perfectly parabolic) in conjunction with a USB Wi-Fi dongle. This approach is considered simpler and cheaper than classical home-built antenna projects (such as the popular Cantenna), but is a very effective method to boost the Wi-Fi connection quality, audit access point coverage, and even quickly establish WLAN viability -- perhaps if a more professional setup is eventually intended.

Advantages

A significant advantage is that regular cheap USB passive extension cables can be used for five-meter (and sometimes greater) runs, with no concerns over proprietary fittings or microwave signal losses (such as when costly coaxial cable is used), since the USB communication operates in the 'slower' digital domain with standardised connectors. Chaining active USB repeaters and passive cables, it is possible to extend the connection even more (10s of metres), which is especially useful with WiFi's microwave frequencies when Line-of-sight (LOS) obstacles (such as vegetation and walls) need to be cleared. If using mesh reflectors, usually with a grid under 5mm, the antenna will be lighter and less wind-prone than larger dishes.

Performance

WokFi gains are typically 12-15 dB, with range boosts thus 4-6 times over a bare USB adapter. Ranges (LoS) are typically 3-5 km, [citeweb|title=“WokFi” Down South|url=http://www.peteredge.orcon.net.nz/wokfidownsouthedit.html|publisher=peteredge.orcon.net.nz|accessdate=2008-03-18] although two similar point-to-point setups may approach 10km over a clear path. In addition, certain improved Wokfis allow even far greater range, up to 20 km. [citeweb|title=$10 wok keeps TV station on air|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10425224|publisher=nzherald.co.nz|accessdate=2008-03-18] Interference from nearby 2.4GHz signals (perhaps from cordless phones, AV links, leaky microwave ovens, other APs or Bluetooth) can also be nulled out -- a useful feature in this increasingly crowded spectrum portion. Additionally, the performance of abundant low-powered WiFi "dongles", typically selling for approximately US$15-20, but of only 30-40 mW transmitter power and modest receiver sensitivity, can be easily boosted with little more than cheap cookware or pot lids. The "sweet spot" on such ad hoc reflectors can readily be found by bringing the sun's rays to a focal point.

ee also

* Cantenna

References

External links

* [http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/ USB adaptors & DIY antenna = "Poor Man's WiFi" ?] - Kiwi Stan Swan's site, where the whole WokFi thing sparked
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/E2YSD0JZ80EQZJIFKI/?relatedLink WokFi Instructables #1 ] - based around the web site above.
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/EC0S9C3F0HPZCGN/ WokFi Instructables #2 ] - Step by step instructions on making a WokFi.
* [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10425224 $10 wok keeps TV station on air] - A Wokfi which spans 20 km
* [http://dustydragon.com/wifi.htm WiFi Anywhere] - WokFi as a quick way to get a viable connection at RV parks & campgrounds etc
* [http://www.josepino.com/other_projects/index.php?howto_wifi_lid_antenna.jpc Quickee WokFi] - pictorial outline of a quickly made ~13dB gain WokFi