WIFI IN THE GARDEN: TIPS FOR BETTER RECEPTION AND MORE RANGE
Anyone who enjoys working outdoors, streaming music, watching videos, or using smart garden devices will eventually reach the limits of their home Wi-Fi.
In many cases, the router's signal does not reach the garden or patio. However, there are numerous solutions to improve or even enable Wi-Fi in the garden. In this article, you will learn how to boost your Wi-Fi in the garden and what you should consider during implementation.
Why does the Wi-Fi signal often not reach the garden?
Wi-Fi signals are significantly weakened by obstacles. Concrete walls can reduce signal strength by up to 85%, brick walls by around 60%. Modern insulated facades with metal coatings or energy-saving windows act like Faraday cages – a shell of conductive material that blocks electromagnetic waves such as Wi-Fi signals, allowing little or no signal through. In residential areas, 20 or more Wi-Fi networks often compete for the same frequencies – causing a digital traffic jam.
Rule of thumb: Each wall reduces the original signal strength by about 50%. With two walls between the router and the garden, only 25% remains.
The 5 Best Wi-Fi Solutions for the Garden
There are various solutions to extend Wi-Fi coverage into the garden. The right method depends heavily on garden size, structural conditions, and desired performance.
1. Wi-Fi Repeaters: The Classic (from €25)
How it works: Repeaters capture the existing signal and transmit it with increased strength.
Advantages:
- Easy installation in 5 minutes
- Affordable to purchase
- Outdoor models are weatherproof (IP65 protection)
Disadvantages:
- Halves the bandwidth
- Only suitable for small to medium-sized gardens
Tip: Place the repeater where the original signal still has 50% strength – usually at the window facing the garden.
2. Powerline with Wi-Fi: Through the Power Grid (from €60)
How it works: The internet signal is transmitted via the power line.
Advantages:
- Easily overcomes thick walls
- Stable speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Works over long distances
Disadvantages:
- Both outlets must be on the same power circuit
- Old wiring can reduce performance
Important: Plug Powerline adapters directly into wall sockets – power strips significantly degrade transmission quality.
3. Outdoor Access Points: The Professional Solution (from €80)
How it works: A weatherproof access point is connected to the router via an Ethernet cable.
Advantages:
- Full bandwidth without losses
- Range up to 300 meters outdoors
- Supports many simultaneous users
Disadvantages:
- Requires cable installation
- More complex setup
Pro tip: Use Power over Ethernet (PoE) – then you only need one cable for data and power.
4. Mesh Systems: Seamlessly Networked (from €150)
How it works: Multiple mesh nodes form an intelligent network.
Advantages:
- Automatic roaming between stations
- One network name for indoors and outdoors
- Automatic connection optimization
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial costs
- Power consumption due to multiple devices
Recommendation: Ideal for large gardens or if you frequently move between the house and garden.
5. Mobile LTE/5G Routers: For Remote Locations (from €50 + plan)
How it works: A mobile router with a SIM card establishes an internet connection via the mobile network.
Advantages:
- Independent of the home network
- No landline required – ideal for allotment gardens and weekend homes
- Modern 5G devices reach over 1 Gbps
Disadvantages:
- Ongoing costs due to mobile data plan
- Requires stable mobile network coverage
Additional Tips for Wi-Fi Optimization in the Garden
- Place the router as centrally and free from obstacles as possible
- If possible, use the 2.4 GHz band for greater range
- Keep the firmware of routers and boosters up to date
- Use Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power access points without separate power supplies
Questions & Answers About Wi-Fi in the Garden
How can I boost my Wi-Fi in the garden?
You can boost your Wi-Fi in the garden with repeaters, powerline adapters, outdoor access points, or mesh systems. The right technology depends on distance, structural obstacles, and usage behavior.
What is the difference between a Wi-Fi booster and a repeater?
In everyday language, both terms are used synonymously. Technically, a repeater is a specific type of Wi-Fi booster that forwards the signal. Boosters could also refer to antennas or boost functions within the router itself.
What does a Wi-Fi booster really do?
A Wi-Fi repeater or booster improves the range of the Wi-Fi signal. However, it usually halves the bandwidth. For video streaming or music in the garden, this is generally sufficient. For stable connections under heavy load, mesh systems or access points are the better choice.
How does powerline with Wi-Fi work?
Powerline adapters use the power grid as a data line. You plug one adapter into a socket near the router and connect it via LAN cable. The second adapter is placed in the outdoor area and sets up its own Wi-Fi network there. Requirement: both outlets must be on the same power circuit.
What to do if no power is available in the garden?
In this case, a mobile router with a battery and SIM card is recommended. Alternatively, an access point can be powered via high-quality Ethernet cable using PoE.
How much does good Wi-Fi coverage in the garden cost?
- Repeater: from approx. €25
- Powerline set with Wi-Fi: from approx. €60
- Outdoor access point: from approx. €80
- Mesh system with outdoor satellite: from approx. €150
- Mobile LTE router: from approx. €50 + SIM card/data volume
Conclusion
With some planning and the right devices, you can get a stable Wi-Fi signal in the garden. Repeaters, powerline, access points, or mesh – each solution has its strengths. It’s important to consider your individual requirements and structural conditions so that your Wi-Fi reception remains stable in the long term.
Also pay attention to weatherproof devices, good positioning, and regular updates. This way, nothing stands in the way of streaming, smart home control, or working from home under the open sky.