Objective:

• I can demonstrate my understanding of computer networks, network operating systems and wireless networking by assembling a directional antenna with the intent of establishing and sustaining a 2.4 GHz wireless signal at a distance of greater than 100 yards.

Links:

Do It Yourself Wireless Antenna (Pringles Can Yagi): https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

Building the Cylinder (Can) Waveguide (measurements calculator):
https://www.wikarekare.org/Antenna/WaveguideCan.html

WikiHow: How to Make a Wi-Fi Antenna:
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Wifi-Antenna

YouTube: DIY ultra long range WiFi directional antenna using thin can and old router:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rii2u76yNPw

$10 Wi-Fi 16dBi Super Antenna:
https://www.instructables.com/id/10–WIFI-16dBi-Super-Antenna-Pictorial/

Topics Discussed:

• Wireless Networking
• 802.11 Wi-Fi spec
• Directional Antennas
• Waveguide Antenna
• Yagi Antenna
• Flickenger design Antenna

Assignment:

Today, we are going to begin a focused short-term project that is to be completed before the Thanksgiving Holiday. The goal is simple: design and build a directional antenna that will sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m).

The stretch goal is a little more complex: design and build a directional antenna that will extend that 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal as far as possible.

1. Use the links I have provided to learn about do-it-yourself directional antenna designs. There are many designs to choose from, so do your research and select the design that you think will be most effective in extending and sustaining the Wi-Fi signal over the longest range.
2. You may work with a partner, or choose to go it alone. If you choose to work with a partner, you will need to download, complete and turn in both a Project Team Agreement and a Project Team Work Plan (available via the links provided above).
3. Even if you are working by yourself, use the Project Team Work Plan to identify and prepare for the steps of this project (i.e. research, acquisition of materials, installation, configuration, building, testing, modification and upgrades).
4. Upload your completed Project Team Agreement Form and Project Team Work Plan Form to today’s assignment post on our Google Classroom as soon as they are completed. The completed Project Team Contract and Project Team Work Plan are due by the end of the class on Friday, November 15th.
5. Proceed with the first identified steps in your Project Team Work Plan. Do your best to follow the plan, but don’t be afraid to amend or alter the plan as the need arises.
6. Tools and equipment will be provided, and all work should be completed in Room 225. You will need to notify the instructor if you need access to any additional tools located in Room 212. Testing PCs (sender and recipient) will be provided on rolling carts to allow for testing of antennas.
7. Please use this time to make progress on your project. We have time provided to complete the project, but no time to waste. It is highly likely that your first antenna design will not work as well as you expect it to, and you will need time to test and make adjustments to your design to achieve optimal results. Use the time given to build, test, modify and retest to get the best results!
8. We will conduct initial tests the week of November 18th. To be considered a success (and receive credit for the project), your antenna design must be able to sustain at least a -67 dBm wireless signal over a 100 yard distance (the length of the football field).
9. Upon completion of initial tests, you will have time to revise and retest your design before the final testing on Tuesday, November 26th.
10. The team (or individual) that produces the antenna that can reliably sustain the highest signal strength over the longest distance on the final testing day will receive a personal pizza and wings party, to be held while everyone else writes a three paragraph personal reflection on Wednesday, November 27th describing their participation in this project.

Good luck, and remember: the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Posted: November 13th, 2024
Due Date: November 27th, 2024