5 ways to get a better Wi-Fi signal outside

Get a strong internet connection anywhere in your yard!

- JIM MARTIN

Modern routers are pretty good at filling your home with a wireless internet connection. Most people know how to fix dead zones by upgrading their router or better still-by choosing a mesh Wi-Fi system instead.

But what about outdoors? Plenty of devices still need a connection outside, such as security cameras, smart lights, doorbells and simply your phone or tablet when you want to use it in your backyard. Even BBQs and other outdoor gadgets are starting to come with Wi-Fi, meaning there's an even greater need for good alfresco Wi-Fi.

Since you're reading this, you already know that your home's walls are a fairly effective Wi-Fi barrier, which is why you can't get an online signal in your garden. And although the signals can penetrate glass without too much of an issue, there's still the problem that signal strength gets weaker the further away you are from your router.

It can be annoying if web pages load slowly or Netflix is constantly buffering, but it becomes a major issue if you want to work in an outbuilding such as a garage or a backyard office.

Here, we'll explain the options available and what it might cost you. If you're lucky and you can reposition your router, it might cost nothing at all, but in most cases you'll need to invest in some hardware to get the job done.

FREEBIE: REPOSITION YOUR ROUTER

In most homes, a single broadband router provides your Wi-Fi signal. But it's a box that is often tucked away out of sight, which can seriously hamper its Wi-Fi.

In an ideal world, a single router would be positioned in the center of your home. If you have two floors, that means as close to the ceiling of the lower floor as possible to improve reception upstairs.