Cantenna

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A "cantenna" is also a brand name for a dummy load.

A cantenna is a directional waveguide antenna for long-range Wi-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:

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 many electronic supply stores.

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 cantenna are useful for extending a wireless 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. Cantennas can even be used to increase cell phone range, improving reception and decreasing noise.

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.