WiFi dead spots are extremely frustrating, and extending the signal all the way to your garage can be especially difficult in large homes. So what’s the best way to extend a WiFi signal?
The best ways to strengthen your WiFi signal to reach your garage are to use a WiFi extender, home mesh network, powerline network adapter, relocate the router, update hardware, and check the setup. Mesh networks work by sending your WiFi signal to other hardware devices throughout your home to improve the signal.
There are a number of reasons why a signal doesn’t reach your garage and are well worth considering before you set about making changes.
Why is the WiFi in your garage so poor?
It’s quite common for you to have poor WiFi coverage in areas such as outbuildings, garages, or even just certain parts of your house. There are also several things that can cause the “dead spots”, such as:
- The WiFi hardware isn’t in the best location.
- The router and network settings have not been configured properly.
- Your WiFi software is old or outdated.
- Network devices have not had regular firmware updates.
- You have other electronics that are interfering with your signal.
- There are thick floors or walls in your house.
- Other construction materials such as metal, brick walls, or concrete are blocking the signal.
WiFi signal How to get a strong WiFi signal in your garage
Here are 6 effective ways to boost the WiFi signal so that it reaches your garage.
Use a WiFi extender
An alternative method to improve your signal strength is to use a WiFi extender
. They’re also known as WiFi boosters, relays, or repeaters. A WiFi extender is a device that does as the name suggests, extending the WiFi signal so that it reaches further.
It’s important to remember that how well a WiFi extender performs can be affected by the antenna and processor it is using. Better quality ones that have dual routers or dual radios often work better as they do not cause as much speed loss as other extenders do.
WiFi extenders are usually compatible with most routers but it is always a good idea to check that it is compatible with your hardware. Also, some extenders are capable of intelligent roaming and these usually have a more reliable signal when you are using a mobile device.
Home mesh network
Another method that you can use to improve your WiFi signal is to add a home mesh network. A home mesh network works by taking your WiFi signal and sending it to other hardware devices in your home to improve your signal. The other devices are placed at strategic points around your home and are usually called nodes.
I highly recommend this TP-Link wireless access point, which is ideal for extending the WiFi coverage to your garage.
Although it works in a similar way to WiFi extenders, a home mesh network doesn’t suffer from the same issues with its performance and is a much more reliable method, providing a much faster network speed.
Home mesh networks are now a popular choice, not only because of their reliability, but because they are much smaller and have a much more modern look than extenders or traditional routers.
Powerline network adapter
It’s often a good idea to use a powerline adapter, also known as a powerline ethernet kit. These improve the WiFi signal and access to the internet in your garage.
A powerline network adapter is a device that uses the main electric circuit in your house to transmit an internet signal. You can install it using the following steps:
1. First of all you need to plug a powerline adapter into an electric socket near your main router.
2. Next, you need to connect an ethernet cable to that powerline adapter.
3. Plug another adapter into a socket in your garage.
4. Add an ethernet cable to that adapter and plug it into a computer or other device that has an ethernet connection.
5. As it’s not always the best idea to hardwire a device in your garage, you should pair the adapter in your garage with another router. This should now give you a working WiFi signal in your garage.
However, it is important to remember that things such as the quality of the electrical wiring in your house and how far the second adapter is from your main router can affect the quality of the signal in your garage.
Relocate your router
If your WiFi has poor signal strength in several areas of your house, the first thing you should do is try moving your main router to a different location.
A location that is centralized is the best as it means you will have a more equal spread of signal coverage throughout your home. If you live in a multi-story home, then you should move the router to the main floor, ideally in a central location.
However, sometimes it can be quite difficult to move your router if the main connection is located in an awkward place. If this is the case, one option is to add an ethernet cable from your primary internet connection to the place where you want to move your router to.
However, this isn’t a particularly good option because the long cable can be a major trip hazard in the home. A better option would be to run the ethernet cable through the walls, but this requires work by professionals. If you choose this method, then you should enlist the help of an electrician or your internet service provider.
Upgrade your hardware
Sometimes, you can fix your poor WiFi signal by simply upgrading your hardware. It’s recommended that you update your hardware every 3 to 5 years. If your hardware is more than 5 years old, it is best to get a replacement.
When looking for a new router, there is often a wide variety of choices available. Performance and specifications can vary, so you should always research your choice thoroughly.
It’s often a good idea to stick with well-known brands and be aware that online reviews can’t always be trusted. In summary, if your WiFi router is in a central location, but you are still having issues with your signal, then you should consider changing or upgrading your hardware.
Check the setup
Occasionally, the problem might not be the hardware, but simply that it has not been set up properly. The frequencies of most routers are 2.4GHz and 5GHz, so try changing the frequency and settings until your signal improves, and you are satisfied with how it’s working.
If you’re not confident enough to play around with the settings on your router, then you should consider calling your internet service provider for their assistance with finding the correct settings.
If that still doesn’t work, then it might be a good idea to get one of your service provider’s technicians out to resolve the issue.