Four must-know tricks to get fast Wi-Fi in the garden – so you can enjoy the sun and stream your favourite TV shows

EXTENDING your Wi-Fi out in the garden is perfect for an impromptu office set up on a warm day or a makeshift cinema in the evenings.

Here are four ways to do it.

A woman working from home in her garden using a laptop

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A woman working from home in her garden using a laptopCredit: Getty
A powerline network uses an electrical power cable between the home and a garden building, like a shed, to deliver internet

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A powerline network uses an electrical power cable between the home and a garden building, like a shed, to deliver internetCredit: Getty

Wi-Fi booster

The easiest way to extend your internet connection is by getting your hands on a Wi-Fi extender.

Wi-Fi boosters essentially pick up the internet emitting from your main box and spit it out further.

They can be used to eliminate Wi-Fi dark spots at home, or to push your broadband into the garden.

You can sometimes get Wi-Fi extenders free from your network provider.

Getting the gadget from the same company that provided your router can actually boost your internet more than a pricier alternative from elsewhere.

Although it’s important to note these only work at a short range of roughly 30metres.

Powerline Networking

A powerline network uses an electrical power cable between the home and a garden building, like a shed, to deliver internet.

It works alongside your home Wi-Fi network, and does not need an IT professional to install.

However, the garden building will need to have a working plug socket inside.

Six objects affecting your Wi-Fi

With a Powerline Networking kit, you essentially get at least two adaptors each with their own ethernet cable.

One adaptor is plugged into the mains and connected to your main Wi-Fi router with the ethernet cable.

The second adaptor is plugged into the garden building, and is either plugged straight into a device, like your laptop, or another Wi-Fi router.

If the cable runs through the garden for extended periods, it will require shielding from elements or professional installation underground

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If the cable runs through the garden for extended periods, it will require shielding from elements or professional installation undergroundCredit: Getty

Ethernet Cable

Running an ethernet cable is arguably the best option for a garden office that requires a reliable and fast internet connection.

That being said, it does require a cable trailing across the garden.

The ethernet cable is either plugged straight into your device, or another Wi-Fi router that you can keep in the shed or garage – depending on your set up.

If the cable runs through the garden for extended periods, it will require shielding from elements or professional installation underground.

Wi-Fi Point-to-Point

A Wi-Fi Point-to-Point, or WiFi PtP, is similar to a Wi-Fi extender but the installation is more complex – so it may be better suited for someone for tech-savvy.

Although it’s trickier to install, you’ll get a more reliable and further-reaching connection as the payoff.

It requires two units to be installed: one on the outside of your house and another on a garden building.

The unit attached to your house is connected to the home Wi-Fi router, which transmits a signal to the second device mounted on the garden building.

This works best when there is clear line of sight between the two units – trees or shrubbery will interfere with the signal.

What appliances interfere with your WiFi?

Avoid placing your router near these…

  • Speakers
  • TV
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Christmas lights
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Washing machine
  • Cordless phone
  • Kettle
  • Toaster
  • Water pipes
  • Other people’s WiFi routers