Imagine: Friday night, you in your pajamas, popcorn on the table, curled up on the couch like the king of comfort. Remote in hand, your favorite series marathon begins... and then: the spinning wheel. That evil symbol that spins as if it has all the time in the world, and you're slowly losing the will to live (and the internet). Is it time for a Wi-Fi signal booster?
If you've ever had the feeling that your Wi-Fi signal contemptuously ignores your room where you actually need a connection, we have some interesting news for you. There is a completely banal, almost ridiculously simple trick that involves aluminum foil – yes, the one from the kitchen! And no, this is not an internet myth from a forum from 2009. Science says it can work. But before you wrap the whole router like a roast, read on.
How is aluminum foil supposed to strengthen Wi-Fi signal?
First the basics: Wi-Fi signal comes from the antenna on your router and spreads as radio waves – in all directions. The problem? Like a water jet from a sprinkler, most of this signal goes where it’s directed. you don't need (e.g. into the wall, through the window, to your neighbor...), while your favorite corners remain in the digital shadow.
With aluminum foil you can put an end to this. If you strategically placed behind the router, designed in curved “C” shape, acts as reflector, which directs the signal where you need it: to the living room, bedroom, home office or, if you're a true romantic, to the balcony. The shining side The foil reflects the signal and focuses it, much like a mirror for light – except now you're not looking for a good selfie, but a decent transmission.
Does this really work? (Surprisingly: yes!)
If it sounds too good to be true – you're not the only skeptic. But that's where it comes in. Dartmouth College, where researchers have demonstrated that simple curved metal surface (like foil or a can) boosts signal up to 55 % in certain parts of the apartment, and at the same time reduces to 63 % where you don't need it. Not bad for something you usually wrap around a sandwich, right?
And as if that weren't enough: shorter signal range = more securityIf Wi-Fi doesn't leak outside your home, the chance of someone from outside "eavesdropping" on your online activity is also reduced. Physical signal limitation thus serving as additional protection, in addition to the existing encryption.
How do you use aluminum foil for better Wi-Fi?
1. Prepare the foil
Cut a piece about 30 cm long and the height of your router. If you have an external antenna, the foil should extend a few centimeters above it.
2. Shape the foil
Fold it in "C" shape, with shiny side inside, towards the middle of the curve. You don't need a degree in design, just a little patience.
3. Set it up as a router
The curved part should be facing the routerso that the signal is reflected in the desired direction. The foil should stand upright - if necessary, fold it slightly at the bottom.
4. Test the speed
Open a browser on your phone or computer and type “Google speed test". Press "Run a speed test” and check the difference in download and upload speed.
What about other kitchen items?
If aluminum foil is too mainstream for you, you can try other metal objects – beer cans, metal trays, copper vessels – in short, anything that reflects a signal. The key is that the surface curved and facing the area where you want better Wi-Fi.
Other ways to speed up your Wi-Fi signal
If your router is more stubborn than your cat, don't give up. Experts recommend:
- Place the router in the middle of your home, raised and unobstructed.
- Reset it regularly – yes, the old trick still works.
- Check the national broadband map and assess whether your package really delivers what it promises.
- If all else fails: buy wisely – maybe it's time for a better router or a good Wi-Fi extender.
Bonus point: Now you have an excuse to buy foil in an XL pack
If someone asks you why you have five meters of aluminum foil at home, calmly answer: “A scientific experiment.” Sometimes the greatest technological advances are hidden in the most banal things. And whoever laughs at foil today... may be surfing faster tomorrow.
