Get Better Wi-Fi Outside
So often, we are glued to a screen and otherwise connected to our digital devices. Some people will tell you that our constant need to stay connected is the reason many of us are lacking in Vitamin D, but with wireless technology, we can now do what we need to do with our devices outside in the sun.
Taking our smartphones, tablets, and other devices outside can be a challenge. Once we leave the confines of our homes, we often have a weaker Wi-Fi signal. This issue can be incredibly frustrating, especially if there is work to be done. You can solve the problem of a weakened Wi-Fi connection and restore your peace of mind with these simple ways to get better Wi-Fi outside.
1. Avoid Cheap Equipment
Shopping for all the bits and pieces you need to set up your home Wi-Fi connection can be expensive. Extending that connection typically comes at an additional cost. Many electrical and digital suppliers will offer you bundles at excellent prices. Be sure to take a close look at the quality of the equipment. Quite often, retailers bundle together a collection of gear that isn’t selling well or is of questionable quality. These bundles may help save you money, but you may also leave you disappointed with the strength of the Wi-Fi connection in and out of your home.
2. Move Your Router
So you’re ready to kick the signal up a notch outside. Select your outdoor workstation and consider the distance between it and the location of your router. If possible, move any routers – including VPN routers – near a window or wall that is closer to your particular outdoor area. Keep in mind that relocating your router to accommodate Wi-Fi users outside may weaken the signal strength inside.
3. Invest In A Wi-Fi Extender
Let’s say that you moved your router closer to the patio, and now the Wi-Fi signal in the rest of the house is noticeably lacking. If this happens to you, consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender. A Wi-Fi extender gives you more flexibility with your Wi-Fi range. You can leave your router where it is and put the Wi-Fi extender closer to your outdoor area. You can experiment with your configurations until you find the one that works for your household.
4. Use A Powerline Adapter For Faraway Locations
Of course, not all outdoor workspaces are just beyond the back door. If you have a larger property, the distance between the hotspot inside of your home and your workspace outside might be too great for commonplace solutions. Instead, you can improve your Wi-Fi connection with a powerline adapter. Powerline adapters transfer data via your electrical wires, making it possible to get a decent Wi-Fi signal from your pool area, detached garage, or shed.
5. Set Up An Outdoor Access Point
Improve your external Wi-Fi connection by setting up an outdoor access point. You will need to choose a dedicated outdoor area for this, but once you do, these access points can give you a Wi-Fi signal that is equally strong indoors and out. Configuring the access point might require a unified management system, but the resulting boost in the Wi-Fi signal will keep you reliably connected while you soak up some rays.
6. Run A Cable
While a cable connection may not be your first choice, it could be the best answer to your connectivity woes in certain situations. If your outdoor area is a considerable distance from your house, consider going old-school by running a cable from your home to your airy workspace. A cable installation done well will hide any unsightly cords, leaving you with a sense of freedom often reserved for the truly wireless.
7. Use A Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
Kids are notorious for hogging the internet when the family goes on road trips or if they find themselves at a boring function. They will ask you to turn on your mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to share your internet with them. You can also do this to get a better Wi-Fi signal when you are outside. Connect any device to the internet on your smartphone, laptop, or notebook, and keep everyone happy.
It is possible to enjoy extended internet connectivity outdoors while keeping all household members happy. From bolstering your productivity while getting tan to hosting a watch-party on the lawn, a little time and creativity can put that signal exactly where you need it.