A cantenna is a directional waveguide antenna for long-range Wi-Fi (compare hi-fi) used to increase the range of (or snoop on) a wireless network. Originally built using a Pringles potato chip can, a cantenna can be constructed quickly, easily, and inexpensively using readily obtained materials: A waveguide is a structure which guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves, light, or sound waves. ... A Yagi-Uda antenna An antenna or aerial is an electronic component designed to transmit or receive radio signals (and other electromagnetic waves). ... Wi-Fi (also WiFi, Wi-fi, Wifi, or wifi) is a brand originally licensed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to describe the underlying technology of wireless local area networks (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802. ... High Fidelity is also the title of a book by Nick Hornby and a film directed by Stephen Frears, based upon Hornbys book. ... Three Pringles cans Pringles is a brand of potato chip or crisps snack produced by Procter & Gamble. ...

• Four small nuts/bolts;
• A short length of medium-gauge wire;
• A tin can roughly 8 cm (3.66 inches) in diameter (the longer the better); and
• An N-Female chassis mount connector, available at any electronic supply store.

An optimal design will use a tin can longer than a Pringles can. Instructions for constructing and connecting a cantenna can be found at Turnpoint.net.

While cantennas are useful for extending a local area network (LAN), the tiny design makes them ideal for mobile applications such as wardriving. The design of the cantenna is so simple that it is often the first antenna WiFi experimenters learn to build. Even the Secret Service has taken an interest in the cantenna. A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small local area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings such as a home, office, or college. ... War driving is often a surreptitious activity: this long-range wardriver leaves only his shadow. ... Wi-Fi (or Wi-fi, WiFi, Wifi, wifi), short for Wireless Fidelity, is a set of standards for wireless local area networks (WLAN) currently based on the IEEE 802. ...

The term 'Cantenna' originally referred to a product sold by Heathkit Co. in Benton Harbor, MI. It was a 50-ohm resistive load used by radio amateurs.

External links

• How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide Antenna for 802.11(b or g) Wireless Networks
• Wlan antenna Waveguide type - includes some basic theoretical explanations and formulae.
• Antenna in a Pringles can
• Do-It-Yourself Wireless Antenna Update - make your own wireless antennas.
• Practical Answers on how to use a Cantenna.