How To Connect An Outdoor Wi-Fi Antenna To A Router

The placement of a Wi-Fi antenna has a direct bearing on how well it can receive a remote wireless signal. An outdoor Wi-Fi antenna is well suited for picking up Wi-Fi transmissions that might be blocks away. Thee outdoor Wi-Fi antenna must be properly connected to the router being used with the wireless home network if it is to be used reliably over time. The procedure requires a few common household tools as well as some supplies from a hardware store and electronics shop.

Step 1

Plug the USB male end of the USB-to-coax adapter into the connection on the USB Wi-Fi adapter that is being used to acquire the Wi-Fi signals for the antenna. Screw an end of the coaxial cable onto the female coax end of the USB-to-coax adapter.

Step 2

Aply silicone paste around the seam where the coaxial cable screws onto the female coax end of the USB-to-coax adapter — this will provide weatherproof protection.

Step 3

Apply silicone paste around the USB male end of the USB-to-coax adapter where it meets the female end of the USB Wi-Fi adapter. Let the silicone paste set for two hours before continuing.

Step 4

Run the coaxial cable to the baseboard of the outside wall of the house. Drill a hole in the baseboard with the portable drill. Push the free end of the coaxial cable through the hole in the baseboard.

Step 5

Run the coaxial cable along the baseboard of the wall until you reach the router. Hammer nail "U" clamps into the baseboard at regular intervals to circle and hold the coaxial cable in position.

Step 6

Screw the free end of the coaxial cable into the female coax end of the coax-to-USB adapter. Plug the USB end of the coax-to-USB adapter into the USB antenna port on the back of the router.

Step 7

Apply silicone paste around the outside of the hole where the coaxial cable goes through. Apply silicone paste around the inside of the hole as well. Let the silicone paste set for at least four hours before reapplying the paste again.