Mac and iPad users may have found a bizarre way in which to regain signal when Wi-Fi offers poor reception in areas – by using a baking tray.
A former technology industry worker for BT found the solution when taking a holiday in the Norfolk Broads and was unable to receive a quality signal.
Peter Cochrane, the former chief technology officer with BT came up with the answer when the narrow boat he was on could not give him a decent signal.
Instead of stopping the boat and heading onto land in order to find a better signal reception, Mr Cochrane used a baking tray and placed his laptop onto it. Immediately the signal improved and allowed him to continue with his work.
Mr Cochrance recorded the information on his blog at Silicon.com, where he offered the tip for Mac users who struggle with their Wi-Fi in certain areas.
“My mobile phone is showing one bar of 2.5G and one bar of wi-fi. My laptop isn’t doing any better, and a data connection is proving impossible.
“There are some buildings behind the trees on the other side of the river, and my scanner is showing a number of open access wi-fi opportunities. But all I have is what I carry, and that does not include a high-gain antenna,” he added.
Mr Cochrane continued with his impromptu lesson regarding how to make the most of the internet connection despite the poor signal.
“Time to improvise,” he continued. “A visit to the galley turns up a much-used baking tray. A few simple experiments later and I’m able to locate the direction of the 2.5G base station and the strongest wifi signal. So I now have three bars of wifi and 2.5G by way of the unlikely combination of a baking tray and some judicious positioning.”
