As warmer months roll around, most homeowners want to spend time outdoors engaging with their gardens and, at the same time, enjoy uninterrupted strong Internet connection. For many people, a robust Wi-Fi connection has transformed into a necessity, whether it is streaming music, video calling, or just working while sitting outside. Going out into the garden has now turned into an essential part of the daily routine. However, for many people their connection still suffers the moment they step out the door.
But now, one expert is offering tips that would allow you to extend your Wi-Fi signal past the walls of your home, and one of them doesn’t even cost a dime.
Avoiding Everyday Interference
According to Sam Jenkinson, a garden room specialist at Tiger Modular, router placement is more crucial than most people think. Daily items in your home, like many things that you probably would never imagine, could be interfering with your signal.
“Make sure the location of your Wi-Fi router does not allow it to be put close to thick walls, metal surfaces, or large electronics like TVs and fridges, as they can absorb or block the signal,” Jenkinson explained. “These microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth peripherals also create similar disruptions as they are spaced out.”
Mirrors and aquariums are peculiar in the sense that they can disrupt signal strength. “…by reflecting and absorbing the signal,” said Jenkinson.
He suggests keeping routers out in the open, preferably in central and elevated places, to maximize effectiveness. Placing them behind furniture or cupboards makes it unattractive, which reduces performance. “It’s best to consider Wi-Fi as light from a lamp; the less obstructed it is, the more effectively it will work in your area,” he elaborated.
Is It Time for an Upgrade?
It is possible that the router is the issue if users keep garden spots unmonitored. At that point, Jenkinson recommends upgrading to newer models, as their capabilities far exceed older counterparts.
“Your router is the heart of your setup,” he elaborated further to The Daily Beast:
“If your router is old, debilitated, or of low quality, it certainly would not be able to deliver strong signals to far corners of the property, let alone to the garden. A modern and high-spec router will drastically improve coverage and speeds.”
Routers can help manage devices all at once. For homes that have complex layouts like thick walls, the right technology can help.
Choosing the Correct Method to Expand
Sometimes even the most powerful routers are incapable of reaching every corner, and these are most notable in outdoor spaces like detached garden rooms.
For these cases, Jenkinson recommends routers but notes that other types of signal extension accessories should also be taken into consideration.
“How far your garden room is from your main house and how it is powered are the two things that determine which connection method is right for you,” he answered.
“If your garden room is within a reasonable range and already picks up some Wi-Fi signal, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system can help improve it.” Extenders and mesh systems differ in functionality. While extenders rebroadcast a single signal to amplify coverage, a mesh system employs multiple devices to create a single cohesive network that operates corpus-style throughout the property.
“They’re both great for smaller setups or when the distance isn’t too extreme,” said Jenkinson.
These technologies have their own disadvantages. “These solutions rely on having a decent existing signal to work with, so, for example, if the garden room is too far out or there are thick walls blocking access, performance may fall off,” he continued.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Home
Focusing on the unique contours and tools to tackle the topography of the house may be the most effective in this situation. Moving the router from stuck behind a television to an open shelf drastically impacts its performance, while other households may need to invest toward keeping up with the demands in this era of connectivity.
Given the right guidance as well as making some simple changes, having an uninterrupted internet experience while relaxing in your garden may be easier than you expect. Sometimes, all it takes to resolve the issue is repositioning a mirror or raising your router by a few inches.
