Cantenna
Encyclopedia
A cantenna is a directional waveguide
antenna
for long-range Wi-Fi
used to increase the range of (or discover) a wireless network.
The term "Cantenna" originally referred to a product sold by Heathkit Co
. in Benton Harbor, MI, USA. It was a 50 ohm resistive load used by radio amateurs. However, in the more casual vernacular of the Do-It-Yourself community, it has functionally become a portmanteau of can (e.g. an empty Pringles can, see below) and antenna, since the device is used to broadcast (and receive) signals, and not just terminate them.
potato chip can, in reality this tube is too narrow to be practical. However, a cantenna can be made from various cans or tubes of an appropriate diameter. Some designs include a pole mount to elevate the cantenna.
At 2.4 GHz, losses can occur if the cable from the cantenna to the Wi-Fi circuitry is too long. A more efficient cantenna can be made by minimising this length or connecting the cantenna directly to the Wi-Fi circuitry.
Waveguide
A waveguide is a structure which guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound waves. There are different types of waveguides for each type of wave...
antenna
Antenna (radio)
An antenna is an electrical device which converts electric currents into radio waves, and vice versa. It is usually used with a radio transmitter or radio receiver...
for long-range Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
used to increase the range of (or discover) a wireless network.
Origin of the name
Heathkit
Heathkits were products of the Heath Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Their products included electronic test equipment, high fidelity home audio equipment, television receivers, amateur radio equipment, electronic ignition conversion modules for early model cars with point style ignitions, and...
. in Benton Harbor, MI, USA. It was a 50 ohm resistive load used by radio amateurs. However, in the more casual vernacular of the Do-It-Yourself community, it has functionally become a portmanteau of can (e.g. an empty Pringles can, see below) and antenna, since the device is used to broadcast (and receive) signals, and not just terminate them.
Construction
Although some designs are based on a PringlesPringles
Pringles is a brand of potato and wheat based snacks originally developed by Procter & Gamble. Pringles are sold in more than 140 countries and have yearly sales of more than...
potato chip can, in reality this tube is too narrow to be practical. However, a cantenna can be made from various cans or tubes of an appropriate diameter. Some designs include a pole mount to elevate the cantenna.
At 2.4 GHz, losses can occur if the cable from the cantenna to the Wi-Fi circuitry is too long. A more efficient cantenna can be made by minimising this length or connecting the cantenna directly to the Wi-Fi circuitry.
Usage
- While cantennas are useful for extending a wireless local area network (WLAN), the tiny design makes them ideal for mobile applications such as wardrivingWardrivingWardriving is the act of searching for Wi-Fi wireless networks by a person in a moving vehicle, using a portable computer, smartphone or PDA....
. The design of the cantenna is so simple that it is often the first antenna Wi-Fi experimenters learn to build. - Cantennas can be used to increase cell phone range, improve reception, and decrease noise.
- A cantenna can be used as a satellite dishSatellite dishA satellite dish is a dish-shaped type of parabolic antenna designed to receive microwaves from communications satellites, which transmit data transmissions or broadcasts, such as satellite television.-Principle of operation:...
feed hornFeed hornIn satellite dish and antenna design, a feedhorn is a small horn antenna used to convey radio waves between the transmitter and/or receiver and the reflector, particularly in parabolic antennas...
. The 5.5 GHz cantenna dimensions are almost perfect in that they make a perfect fit for the standard TV satellite dishSatellite dishA satellite dish is a dish-shaped type of parabolic antenna designed to receive microwaves from communications satellites, which transmit data transmissions or broadcasts, such as satellite television.-Principle of operation:...
. The resulting setup is a low-cost high-quality high-gain antenna. Such setups are widely used in wireless community networkWireless community networkWireless community networks or wireless community projects are the organizations that attempt to take a grassroots approach to providing a viable alternative to municipal wireless networks for consumers....
s for long-distance Wi-Fi links. - Cantennas may be used with other RF devices such as wireless security cameras.
External links
- Amateurlogic Episode 3 (Construction details for a more efficient cantenna)
- Waveguide Can-tenna
- Extend your wireless network by building a Wi-Fi cantenna
- Youtube video on How To Build A low loss Cantenna
- How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide Antenna
- Antenna in a Pringles can
- Do-It-Yourself Wireless Antenna Update
- Cantenna Calculator
- Extending Your Wireless Range with a Cantenna
- How to build Cantenna (Video)