Backyard Browsing? Conquer Weak Wi-Fi with These Outdoor Solutions
Signal dropping dead in your sun lounger? Fear not, Wi-Fi warriors! This blog tackles your outdoor connectivity woes, revealing clever tricks and tech to extend your wireless paradise beyond the patio. From powerline pals to mesh magic, we’ll explore options for every budget and backyard, ensuring uninterrupted streaming, seamless social scrolling, and happy Wi-Fi wherever you roam.
Key Takeaways:
- Ditch the dead zones with mesh systems: Seamless roaming and wider coverage for sprawling gardens.
- Unleash the powerline potential:** Convert your home’s wiring into a Wi-Fi highway, reaching distant corners.
- Boost the signal with outdoor extenders: Plug-and-play simplicity for a targeted signal surge.
- Befriend the directional antenna: Focus the signal like a Wi-Fi laser beam for focused outdoor bliss.
Q: How can I extend my Wi-Fi signal outdoors?
A: Mesh systems, powerline adapters, outdoor extenders, and directional antennas offer varying solutions depending on your budget, coverage needs, and desired tech simplicity.
Before we look into the options, it is important to test your range first. See how far your signal reaches before you determine the best solution for you.
Before you then install any new equipment, try:
- Relocating your router (if possible)
- Removing any metallic obstacles
- Removing any fish tanks or water features (as these can also block your signals)
If you’ve tried the above and are still coming up short, it is time to consider one of the three following options.
1. Wireless Access Points
A wireless access point is a small piece of hardware that allows WiFi devices to connect to a cabled network. When connected to a router, a wireless access point creates a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). This provides data transfer capabilities to any devices within range.
A wireless access point is connected to a router using an ethernet cable. You will need to consider the length and limitations of your chosen cable when buying one.
For small offices or home networks, a wireless access point is an effective way to ensure that you have access to the internet around your property. They often deliver greater ranges than your standard wireless router. We’ve rounded up the 10 best wireless access points in a previous blog to help you out. We recommend considering a Power over Ethernet (PoE) option since you won’t also need to free up an extra plug socket as part of the process.
If you plan to use a wireless access point, then remember to remove any obstacles. Where possible, use a CAT5e or CAT6 cable at a minimum.
It is also important to locate your access point as close to the location where your WiFi access is needed as possible, considering wire lengths.
2. WiFi Range Extenders
A WiFi range extender is sometimes also known as a wireless booster. Its purpose is to expand the range of your existing wireless network. The benefit of a range extender over a repeater is that it uses different frequencies to send and receive data. This means that the signals do not clash and the negative impact on performance is vastly reduced.
The location of your WiFi range extender can determine whether or not it’ll be useful for your WiFi needs outdoors. Most devices are plug-and-play, making installation easier than other options.
A great place to start is by looking at the best WiFi range extenders and then ensuring that you take advantage of flexible installation options. Many wireless extenders come with ethernet ports attached, which allow you to connect devices that aren’t WiFi enabled to your network too.
3. Wireless Repeaters
A wireless repeater essentially contains two smaller routers within it. One of these routers will be used to send and the other to receive the signal. This method has some issues. Connected users will need to switch between the repeaters when roaming around your premises. Repeaters can also cause a drop in the speed of the network. While this can be a good short term solution, we recommend looking at the Whole Home WiFi section for alternative ways to boost your WiFi.
While connecting to the internet which the WiFi can’t reach is frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be. Getting the right range for you is easier than ever. Whether it’s your home or your business, our range of WiFi equipment can give you peace, tranquillity, and the opportunity to work in the sun.
