Is it possible to extend a Raspberry Pi's Wifi range with an antenna?

a year ago by thatcrow to c/raspberrypi

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I don't know much about electronics, so any advice would help.

I'm also interested in knowing realistically what the upper limits are for this sort of thing.

lowspeedchase 6 points a year ago

Why not buy an external wifi adapter with a large antenna? Would be a lot simpler.

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Kit 2 points a year ago

I agree with this. And also, if the highest range is your goal, you'll want a directional (not omni-directional) antenna. Even a cantenna might be good for your use case.

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fubarx 5 points a year ago

If a Pi Zero-W: https://hackaday.com/...

All the other models, you can add a USB-based adapter with their own antennas. For really long range, look up Yagi antennas. However, beware there are regulations on antennas.

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CameronDev 4 points a year ago

Yes, but not easily.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y648CjIiEv8

You can do it for other boards by cutting traces and soldering the antenna directly. You can buy antennas from Aliexpress.

Unless your a good solderer, itll be very hard.

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cmnybo 2 points a year ago

It's not very hard if you have some experience with SMD soldering. The other boards do have a footprint for a U.FL connector, but you have to scrape off some solder mask for the ground pads.

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CameronDev 2 points a year ago

Thats a bit like saying "Its easy for an expert" :D If you can do it, thats some mad skills you've got.

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