Sizes and Shapes

• Wireless networks operate on either the 2.4 Ghz or five Ghz radio frequencies. Since these wavelengths are different sizes, different sized antennas may pick up different frequencies. Antennas can also be directional, meaning they must be pointed at a source, or omnidirectional, which receive signals from any direction.
  
  

Construction

• Homemade antennas can be made out of a combination of several different materials, including solid core copper wire, aluminum cans and pie pans. All antennas must have a way to connect to the laptop, most commonly through an external antenna port, and a section designed to send and receive signals, which is usually made out of copper.
  
  

Warning

• Homemade laptop antennas should only be attached to external antenna ports. Creating a port or splicing the homemade antenna to an internal antenna may void the laptop's warranty and damage the computer.