How to extend wifi range outside: Tips for better outdoor connectivity

Looking for wifi that can go the distance? Nowadays, it only seems natural that reliable wifi follows you from inside to outside––from the patio to the tree house, the pool to the clubhouse, the farmhouse to the barn.

Standard home wifi routers aren’t designed for outdoor coverage. Fortunately, when it comes to extending your wifi range outside, you have options. With a few simple upgrades, you can extend your wifi outdoors to enjoy connectivity across your whole property. Read on to learn actionable tips for how to extend your wifi range outside.

Add an outdoor router to your mesh wifi system

Mesh wifi systems have been gaining popularity for extending your wifi signal, but what is mesh wifi? Unlike traditional routers that broadcast a wireless signal from a single router, mesh systems create a web-like structure—or mesh—with multiple devices. Whether you need wifi at the poolhouse, treehouse, patio, or clubhouse, you can extend your indoor mesh network to the outdoors––but you need a mesh access point that’s made for it. For example, eero Outdoor 7, which has an IP66 rating for protection from dust, rain, and snow and has been tested to operate in all seasons, so it can safely remain outside throughout the year during:

  • Severe storms, such as driving rain and 100 mph winds 
  • Cold winters (down to -40°F) 
  • Blistering heat (up to 131°F)

Placement tips for optimal outdoor coverage

To make sure your wifi signal can travel through exterior walls, follow these best practices for placement of your router and outdoor devices.

Position your router strategically

It all starts with the location of your router. Position it in an open area with minimal obstructions and at a central point to ensure the signal reaches all areas of your outdoor space. Avoid placing near walls or dense landscaping.

Use quality cables and waterproof equipment

Weak or exposed cables can lead to failure. Use durable, high-grade Ethernet cables for your outdoor equipment. Protect any connectors with waterproof housing, if possible, to guard against rain, dirt, and temperature swings. Durable hardware design prevents downtime and helps ensure reliable, stable performance.

Set up a guest network for outdoor use

Setting up a guest network can improve your network performance and efficiency. It isolates outdoor devices like cameras and smart devices, so you can free up your main network. Fewer devices competing for bandwidth equals stronger performance everywhere. It also adds a layer of security since visitors get easy access without exposing your network.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about outdoor wifi

How do I install my eero Outdoor 7 router?

To properly install your eero Outdoor 7, please refer to the videos below by your wall’s material type:

Do I need a waterproof router?

Yes. To help ensure maximum reliability and performance, your outdoor routers should be weather-tested and proven to be suitable for extreme weather conditions.

How far can wifi reach outdoors?

It can vary widely by outdoor router manufacturer. For example, eero Outdoor 7 provides up to 15,000 sq. ft of outdoor coverage.

Can I use a wifi booster outside?

Yes. An FCC-certified wifi booster can work outdoors if they’re designed specifically for outdoor use. Outdoor-rated devices are built to withstand heat, cold, and moisture while maintaining signal strength. For added strength, use waterproof housing or mount your devices under overhangs.

Extend your eero network beyond your walls 

eero Outdoor 7 meets the growing need for outdoor internet connectivity. Its tough design has been weather-tested for year-round reliability outdoors, so you can extend your eero network from whole-home (or business) to whole-property. With an IP66 rating, it can operate in below freezing temperatures (down to -40°F) and blistering heat (up to 131°F).

Learn more about extending your wifi outside with eero Outdoor 7. 

Sources: 

Made By Wi-Fi. How to Extend Wi-Fi Range Outside: 8 Pro Tips

https://www.madebyWi-Fi.com/blog/8-tips-for-extending-Wi-Fi-range

PCMag. No More Dead Zones! How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Mesh Network

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-a-wi-fi-mesh-network

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

https://www.the-sun.com/tech/12219522/fast-Wi-Fi-in-garden-tricks-gadgets

EPB. The Best Place to Put Your Router For Strong Wi-Fi.

https://epb.com/get-connected/gig-internet/the-best-place-to-put-your-router

EPB. How Far Will Your Wi-Fi Signal Reach?

https://epb.com/get-connected/gig-internet/how-far-will-your-wi-fi-signal-reach/