Once upon a time, having the internet was considered a luxury, and having it both at work and home was a stroke of luck. But now, our reliance on technology has grown so much that we want the internet wherever we go. It’s not surprising that a lot of people want to have the internet in their separate garages. Curious about how to do it? No need to fret!
There are various ways to achieve this. Keep reading to find the right method for your situation.
How to increase the Wifi Coverage in Your Detached Garage:
Getting a good internet connection in your garage, especially if it’s far away from your main building, can be tricky. Wi-Fi signals lose strength as they travel through walls and obstacles.
But don’t worry, there are ways to improve your internet in the garage. Some are simple and affordable, while others might cost a bit more. Here are the three most common ways to extend your internet to your detached garage:
Use a long Ethernet cable:
You can connect a long cable from your router to a computer in the garage. This might involve burying the cable underground, but it doesn’t always guarantee a big improvement in the connection.
Get a Wi-Fi range extender:
Another option is to buy a Wi-Fi range extender or a second wireless router. This device can boost your Wi-Fi signal in the garage by repeating the signal from your home.
If you want to make your Wi-Fi better in your separate garage, Wi-Fi extenders can help a lot. It’s much easier than trying to move your main Wi-Fi box, buying a whole new one, or changing a bunch of settings. People sometimes call Wi-Fi extenders other names like repeaters, boosters, or relays, but they all pretty much do the same thing.
Think of Wi-Fi extenders as stretchers for your Wi-Fi signal. What’s cool is that you can use more than one of them to make your Wi-Fi reach even farther.
Not all Wi-Fi extenders are the same. Some work better than others because they have better antennas and processors. The ones with two radios or routers are the best performers.
Also, make sure the extender you get works with your main Wi-Fi box. If it can do smart roaming, that’s even better because it will work really well in your separate garage.
Use a Mesh Wi-Fi System:
A mesh Wi-Fi system consists of multiple devices that work together to provide seamless coverage throughout your home and garage. Place one of the mesh nodes in or near your garage for improved internet connectivity.
If you want to connect more devices wirelessly in your garage, creating a mesh network can be a helpful solution.
A mesh WiFi system, usually used in large homes, allows you to move around freely between your main building and the garage without having to reconnect to the internet. This is especially handy if you want to set up work computers, gaming consoles, or a TV in the garage for your projects.
With a mesh network, you won’t miss out on advanced features like bandwidth control and customization. However, it’s important to note that setting up a mesh network can be costly if your main router doesn’t support it.
Consider a Point-to-Point Bridge:
If your garage is quite far from your home, a point-to-point wireless bridge can be set up. This involves installing two wireless devices—one near your router and one in the garage—that communicate directly with each other to extend the network.
Use Wifi Router As Access Point
Turning your old router into a WiFi booster for your garage is quite simple and doesn’t cost much. You can do it by using following simple steps:
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your main router and the other end into the router in your garage.
- Log in to the garage router’s admin portal, go to advanced wireless settings, and change the mode to “access point.”
Using an old router for this won’t cost you a lot of time or money, mainly just the expense of buying a long Ethernet cable or a power adapter. However, keep in mind that if you don’t like the idea of having Ethernet cables outside, this method might not be ideal. Outdoor cables can get damaged by the weather or become an obstacle in your outdoor space.
Optimize Router Placement:
Make sure your router is in the middle of your home, and if possible, closer to where your garage is. Don’t put it near walls, floors, or things that might make the WiFi signal weaker.
Use a High-Gain Antenna:
You can make your Wi-Fi signal go farther in garage area and be stronger by changing to a high-gain antenna. This helps in extending your Wi-Fi to your garage.
Optimize Wi-Fi Settings:
Explore the wifi settings of router and choose the best and latest protocols for better performance. Adjust the channel settings to avoid interference from neighboring networks, and make sure you’re using the latest Wi-Fi standards (e.g., 802.11ac or 802.11ax).
If you have several devices and need high bandwidth, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router, which offers better performance and coverage.
MInimize Interference Ans Obstacle:
Keep electronic devices and appliances that emit electromagnetic interference away from the router and the path between the router and the garage.If possible, reduce the number of walls and obstacles between your home and garage.
Fixing Internet Problems in Your Garage:
Many of us want to have internet access in all parts of our house, including the backyard and garage.
When you take your smartphone or tablet with you, it’s important to have a strong wireless connection. Some of us like to spend time in the garage while we check sports scores, news, or watch how-to videos.
But here’s the issue: garages, especially if they’re separate from your house, often have a weak Wi-Fi signal. Why does this happen? There are a few reasons:
- The Wi-Fi equipment might be in a bad spot.
- The settings on your network and router might not be set up correctly.
- Your Wi-Fi equipment could be outdated.
- Other gadgets could disrupt your WiFi.
- The software on your network devices might need updating.
You should also consider the stuff your garage and home are made of. If your walls and floors are very thick, it can be hard for the Wi-Fi signal to go through. And if your garage is made of metal, concrete, or brick, it can make the signal even weaker.
FAQs
How far can a WiFi extender reach?
WiFi extenders typically have a range of around 150 to 300 feet indoors, but this can vary based on factors like walls, interference, and the extender’s strength. You should place them carefully to get the best outcomes.
Is WiFi mesh better than an extender?
WiFi mesh systems are often considered better than extenders because they create a seamless network with multiple devices, offering better coverage and performance. Mesh systems are generally more reliable for larger areas or multiple buildings.
How do I extend my WiFi signal to another building 100 feet away?
Extending WiFi to a building that’s 100 feet away may require a dedicated point-to-point wireless bridge or a high-powered WiFi extender. Ensure there is a clear line of sight between the two buildings for the best results.
Can WiFi go through walls?
WiFi signals can go through walls, but they may weaken as they pass through solid objects. Thick walls, metal structures, and electronic interference can reduce the signal’s strength.
Conclusion
In wrapping things up, extending WiFi to your detached garage can make a big difference in your daily life. You can turn it into a productive workspace, an entertainment zone, or simply a place to stay connected.
Remember, there are different ways to do it, whether through cables or wireless solutions. Each has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for you.
Security is important too, so always keep your WiFi network protected with a strong password and encryption.
If you run into issues, don’t worry. Troubleshooting can often solve problems and ensure your garage WiFi works smoothly.
In the end, with the right setup, you’ll have WiFi in your garage, making it a more functional and enjoyable space. So, go ahead and bring the internet to your garage – you won’t regret it!
