Researchers at Dartmouth College have discovered that 3D-printed signal reflectors made out of foil and plastic “drastically improve the wireless signal around a home”.
According to Engadget, the reflectors are based on the idea of using an aluminium soda can behind a router to concentrate its signals in a specific direction.
The reflectors are made out of plastic and covered in aluminium foil, with a unit’s shape determined by data fed into the WiPrint system.
The custom program analyses the layout of a space and designs an optimal reflector in a 3D printer.
Excluding the price of the 3D printer, a reflector costs around $35 to make.
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