THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN ANTENNA BOOSTER (WI-FI ANTENNA BOOSTER)

ABSTRACT    Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to signal loss as they travel hence Wi-Fi users are rarely completely satisfied with the signal strength offered by the off-the-shelf Wi-Fi cards, routers and access points. This project research intends to introduce a device which can provide Wi-Fi users with high signal strength and at a lower cost in order to enable them have a seamless, uninterrupted and reliable communication. This project includes the steps for Biquad antenna construction, steps for the construction of a Wi-Fi booster circuit and the working of the Wi-Fi booster system as a whole.   This project includes in its beginning chapter an introduction into what an antenna booster is and its applications. Also the aims and objectives of the project and the scope of the project are discussed in this chapter. The succeeding chapter looks at the history of Wi-Fi antenna boosters and their various types. Chapter three of this project describes the equipments and software used for the construction process of both the biquad and the booster circuit. Chapter four of this project describes the testing and operation of the system as a whole. The last chapter of this project gives a conclusion of the research carried out, problems encountered and recommendation.

TABLE OF CONTENT  Title Page:  Certification:  Dedication:  Acknowledgement:  Table of contents:  List of Tables:  List of Figures:  Abstract: 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  1.1. Introduction to signal boosters.  1.1.1. Applications of an antenna booster.  1.1.2. Why are boosters needed?  1.2. Aims and objectives of project study.  1.3. Significance of study.  1.4. Scope of the project study.  1.5. Limitations of project study. 
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW  2.1. History of antenna boosters to present date.  2.2. Types of antenna boosters  2.2.1 Mobile phone booster  2.2.2 UHF/VHF antenna booster  2.2.3 Wi-Fi antenna boosters   
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY       3.1. Equipments and materials       3.2. System block diagram       3.3. Design method.       3.4. Construction of the circuit  3.4.1  Designing the schematic and layout diagram  3.4.2  Making of the printed circuit board using Press-n-Peel Transfer Film  3.4.3  Soldering components to the circuit board  
CHAPTER 4:  Testing and Operation  4.1 Testing  4.2 Assembling 
CHAPTER 5:    5.1 Conclusion    5.2 Problems encountered during construction    5.3 Recommendation 
List of Tables  Table 1 Showing components for the booster  -   -  -  -  -     
List of Figures  Fig. 1.1 Cell phone antenna boosters that work    -    -  -  -  Fig. 1.2 Examples of effective Wi-Fi signal boosters   -  -  -  -    Fig. 2.1 Above is a picture of a GSM signal Network Booster for all Networks in   Nigeria. (Office and home use)   -  -  -  -  -  -  Fig. 2.2 A UHF/VHF booster  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  Fig. 2.3 A TV (VHF/UHF) antenna with a built-in-booster  -  -  -  -  Fig. 2.4 Available off-the-shelf Wi-Fi boosters  -  -  -  -  -  Fig. 3.1 The booster system block diagram   -  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.2 The biquad antenna  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.3 A picture showing the how to straighten the wire   -  -  - Fig. 3.4 A picture showing how the wire is bent at the 30.5mm mark  -  - Fig. 3.5 The biquad final look  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.6 The finished biquad soldered to a PCB  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.7 Picture showing the layout printed on the Print-n-Peel Film  -  - Fig. 3.8 Picture showing the ironing process  -  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.8 Picture showing how etching is done   -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.9 Booster circuit  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.10a The USB connector schematic  -  -  -  -  -  - Fig. 3.10b The USB connector PCB layout  -  -  -  -  -  -  Fig. 4.1 Diagram of required antenna measurement equipment   -  - Fig. 4.2 Diagram showing different polarizations of the biquad    -  - Fig. 4.3 Picture of assembled Wi-Fi booster     -  -  -  -  -