Building an Antenna

   There are many different types of antennas for specific applications.
Omnidirectional antennas are for sending a signal in all directions.
Targeted antennas come in different varieties, but there main purpose
is to direct a signal towards a specific point. Since I want to target
just my girlfriend's house, I am going to use a targeted antenna.
For my application, I need a bigger antenna than I am going to build here.
However, this is my first try at this; and you must walk before you run.
So we are going to start small with a coffee can antenna.

   This is a very simple antenna to build. The only special parts you will need
are the connectors. These may be a bit hard to find locally,
Radioshack doesn't even have them, but they are abundant on the internet.
The first thing you will have to know is the type of connector on your router.
Each manufacturer uses a different type, D-link uses a reverse SMA connector
and Linksys uses a reverse TNC connector.
Those are the two biggest manufacturers so odds are you have one of them.
If not, you will have to look at the documentation for your router,
or on the company's website. I have a D-Link so I will be using
reverse SMA. The easiest thing to do is get an SMA to N-connector adapter.
You can then get two N-connector to f-connector adapters.
An f-connector is your standard coaxial cable connector
used on televisions. Using this standard cable prevents you
from having to mount any connectors onto the cable.
I used SMA cabling because I like to do things
the hard way. Actually, my local electronics store didn't
have the right adaptor. Along with other N to f-adapter,
you will need a bulkhead mounted female N-connector.
This will be the transmitter, so to speak, for your antenna.
You will also need some 16 awg copper wire to
put in the end of this connector.

Building the Antenna

Detailed plans can be found here

1. Determine where to drill the hole in the coffee can.

2. Screw the adaptor on through the hole in the coffee can.

3. Attach the cables to the router and coffee can.

4. There is no step 4, You're done, easy huh?