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

A cantenna.

A cantenna is a directional waveguide antenna for long-range Wi-Fi used to increase the range of (or discover) a wireless network.

[edit] Origin of the name

Cantenna dummy load suitable up to 30 MHz and up to 1 kW

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.^[1] 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 they're used to broadcast (and receive) signals, and not just terminate them.

[edit] Construction

Although the original design was based on a Pringles potato chip can, a cantenna can be made from various cans/bottles. Some designs include a pole mount to elevate the cantenna.^[2]

[edit] Usage

While cantennas are useful for extending a wireless local area network (WLAN), 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. Cantennas can even be used to increase cell phone range,^[3] improve reception and decrease noise.

[edit] See also

• FON#La_Fontenna, an omnidirectional, cheap and high power antenna to distribute internet access around the world using a series of wireless LAN's
• WokFi antenna
• WarXing

[edit] External links

• Waveguide Can-tenna
• Extend your Wireless Network by building a wifi Cantenna
• Youtube video on How To Build A low loss Cantenna
• How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide Antenna
• Wlan antenna Waveguide type
• Antenna in a Pringles can
• Do-It-Yourself Wireless Antenna Update
• Cantenna Calculator
• Designs for 2.1GHz, 2.45GHz, 3.5GHz, and 5.8GHz cantennas
• Extending Your Wireless Range with a Cantenna
• Calculate the dimensions of a cantenna

[edit] References