By Alberto Daniel Barboza
A homemade trick has gone viral for its effectiveness in improve WiFi signal at home. Using an essential element; foilyou can activate the technique that has a scientific explanation and that really helps to have a more stable internet.
Routers distribute the wireless signal in all directions, forming a kind of invisible sphere around the device. The problem is that this signal loses strength when it passes through walls, furniture, appliances or metal structures. And that’s where aluminum foil comes in..
Read also: 5 real tricks with the router to improve the internet and 5 that are false
Aluminum works as a reflector of electromagnetic waves. When placed behind the router with a curved shape, it helps redirect part of the signal to a specific area of the houseinstead of allowing it to disperse everywhere.
In simple terms, The trick acts as a kind of homemade “satellite dish” that pushes the signal forward.
The method gained notoriety after a study carried out in 2017 by researchers at Dartmouth University, in the United States. Specialists developed custom reflectors using 3D printing to better control the distribution of WiFi signals within different spaces.
During testing, they saw improvements of up to 50% in certain coverage areas.
In normal home applications, Using only aluminum foil, the improvements are usually more moderate, usually between 10% and 20% additional intensity in rooms far from the router.
How to do the aluminum foil trick correctly
To apply this technique you do not need to spend money or have advanced technical knowledge. The recommended steps are as follows:
- Unplug the router before handling it
- Cut a sheet of aluminum foil approximately 20 x 30 centimeters
- Give it a slightly curved shape, similar to a half moon
- Place it behind the antennas or the back of the modem
- Orient the curvature towards the area where the signal arrives with less strength
The idea is that the aluminum “bounces” the waves to the front and prevents part of the signal from being wasted against walls or empty spaces.
However, experts clarify that, Although the trick can help, it does not work miracles. If the internet continues to be slow, it may also be due to contracted speed problems, device saturation or interference from other electronic equipment.
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