With smartphones occupying the pockets of most Americans, our reliance on ever-ready internet access is stronger than ever. This is especially true at home, where a poor wifi connection can quickly cause unlimited frustration.
The garage is a major pain point for those struggling to get wifi working throughout their property. As a common workplace, having wifi adds a layer of comfort, efficiency, and entertainment. Unfortunately, several factors can contribute to poor wifi connection in the garage, including the following:
- Network hardware is out of range.
- Router or network settings are not properly configured.
- Hardware is outdated.
- Signal interference from other devices.
- Thick walls or construction materials that block signals like metal and concrete.
Despite the numerous inherent difficulties of setting up wifi in a garage, there are several approaches that can accomplish your goals. This article will detail the following six simple ways to get wifi in your detached garage:
- Relocate Your Router
- Upgrade Your Hardware
- Use a WIFI Extender
- Connect a Powerline Ethernet Adapter
- Install a Home Mesh Network
- Run an Ethernet Cable
6 Best Ways to Get WIFI in Your Detached Garage
Getting wifi to your detached garage can be quick and simple or complicated and expensive depending on the problem. If you are struggling with a poor or non-existent wifi connection in the garage, try these methods to boost your signal.
1. Relocate Your Router
The first step in trying to resolve a poor connection is setting up the router in a different location. Locating the router as close to the center of the home is ideal. This provides adequate signal strength to all corners.
A central location does not do much for detached buildings, so you may want to try moving the router off-center and closer to the garage. Try relocating the router and check to see if a) the garage signal improves and b) that you did not lose connection in other areas of the house.
Relocating your router may involve using a long ethernet run if you have limited positioning for the modem. This can be impractical in some cases, especially if it is exposed and presents a potential trip hazard. You may need to contact your internet service provider to explore your options.
2. Upgrade Your Hardware
Older or basic routers can suffer from hampered performance, so a tech upgrade could be a simple solution. Since technology evolves at such a rapid pace, experts recommend switching out your router and modem every 3-5 years for the best quality. If you invested in an inexpensive router or have had your model for more than three years, research top-performing AC routers and make the upgrade.
3. Use a WIFI Extender
Wifi extenders, also called repeaters, are a less expensive yet, in many cases, more powerful solution than getting a new router. These remote devices receive your router’s signal and extend it, allowing you to turn that weak garage signal into a strong, consistent connection. You can even add more extenders to boost the signal further.
Extenders vary in strength according to the quality of their antennas and processors. When researching extenders, note their compatibility with your router to ensure it will work with your system. Opt for extenders featuring dual radios and intelligent roaming, as these offer the best performance in getting a wifi signal to a detached garage.
4. Connect a Powerline Ethernet Adapter
A powerline network adapter transmits your internet signal with your home’s electrical system. It is usually sold in a kit of two adapters, which work in tandem to extend your wifi. It may sound complicated using your home’s internal circuit to connect your wifi system but it is actually a straightforward process.
The first adapter plugs into a power socket near the router and connects to the router with an ethernet cable. The second adapter is plugged into an outlet in your garage. From there, you can use an ethernet cable to hardline it to a computer in the garage. Alternatively, you can connect the adapter to another router.
This can be an effective solution but you may suffer poor signal transfer if you have an older electrical system in the home. Signal interference and the distance from the second router can also negatively impact signal strength.
5. Install a Home Mesh Network
A mesh network is a higher-performing version of range extenders. In a home mesh network, small, inconspicuous nodes are placed throughout the house to receive and extend your router’s signal.
Using these nodes provides better performance than a single extender, offering faster network speeds in a more reliable system. If you are travelling through the home or out to the garage, this type of network is more likely to maintain a consistent signal.
6. Run an Ethernet Cable
When all else fails, running an ethernet cable to your garage is the most reliable method to make your garage internet-capable. Running a line is also the trickiest method as well. You will need to run the cable underground through a conduit, requiring you to dig a trench between the buildings.
If there are obstructions between the house and the garage, an ethernet connection may be impractical. You will also have to likely deal with unsightly, exposed wires at connection points.
Setting up internet access in your garage is possible through some trial and error. For the best results, start with easy, low-cost upgrades and adjustments to your router. Sometimes it just takes relocating the router and testing your router’s frequency to see if you get a better signal.
If you still are not getting the results you need, know that you have more powerful options available. As the technology evolves, it will become easier and easier to get wifi in your detached garage.
If you like what you are reading, please consider checking our other blog posts:
- Dream Garage Workshop
- How Much Does a Detached Garage Add to Property Value
- How to Secure Garage Door for Hurricane
