Access to high-speed internet is a must-have for nearly every household. But with the advent of working from home and home-based work, many of us have discovered it difficult to connect Wi-Fi inside the home doesn’t extend into a garden office or is too weak to guarantee the reliability and usability.
While each person’s situation may be different however one thing is certain – the demand for high-bandwidth streaming and internet-based streaming services is expected to grow.
There’s many economical options to look into for your next project, whether it’s an entirely new garden office or retroactively transforming an existing structure.
So, what’s the best method to bring Wi-Fi into an office in the garden?
Wi-Fi repeater
Also called a Wi-Fi extender , or booster A Wi-Fi repeater functions via wireless connectivity to your Wi-Fi router and redistributing the signal to be able to pick it up from further distances.
In order for a Wi-Fi Repeater to perform effectively, it requires power and an sufficient signal from your Wi-Fi router.
How far can my Wi-Fi be able to reach?
For reference the Wi-Fi routers that operate within the 2.4 GHz band are able to reach 45 meters indoors, however they can reach less you are using the (faster) 5 GHz band. However, it depends on the kind of router, the place of installation, as well as the wall’s construction and other obstructions.
5. GHz offers greater connectivity, but it does not traverse obstacles as easily as the 2.4 frequency band.
It is vital to know that all repeaters using Wi-Fi have a loss of speed but some will experience more than others. Single band repeaters need to receive data and then transmit it via the same channel Dual band repeaters receive signals on one band while transmitting the Wi-Fi signal to another band.
The pros: It is simple, simple and affordable to set-up and install.
Cons: There is a limit in terms of distance/reach. Expect a slower speed from your Wi-Fi provider that may not be suitable for business or power users.
The price range is PS20 – PS50
How to extend wifi to garden office – Using an ethernet cable to wireless access point
The most secure, reliable and future-proofed method of extending your Wi-Fi connection to your garden office. It’s the most reliable choice for those who require an extremely fast connection.
Simply connect an ethernet cable from your Wi-Fi router into your garden office. Connect to an access point wireless, as well as a wireless router. It is also possible to connect any device that has an Ethernet port directly to the Wi-Fi access point/router in case the highest level of performance are needed.
Connecting an Ethernet cable to your office in the garden
In the process of installing an electrical source to your office in the garden it is recommended to install an outdoor-grade Ethernet cable that is protected by a 25mm flexible plastic conduit , and set in the ground with a an average depth of about 450mm.
Pros The advantages include: A fast, reliable with a secure connection to the internet restricted solely by your internet.
Pros: Cable requires protection from the elements by a professional installation.
Price range: PS25 for exterior grade ethernet cable; PS25 for flexible PVC conduit; Professional installation PS100 – PS200.
Wireless router and Wireless Access Point Which is better?
A router functions as an access point, setting up an Local Area Network (LAN) and policies to control the devices and communications. Access points are an accessory device within the Local Area Network which simply serves as a second connection point for devices to.
Many Wi-Fi routers are set up to act as access points.
Point-to-Point Wi-Fi (PtP)
In situations where other networking options are not practical or unsuitable, Point-to Point Wi-Fi offers the benefit of offering more reach than a Wi-Fi repeater that connects networks wirelessly, without the necessity of laying an Ethernet cable.
Following the same principle as the Wi-Fi repeater, Point to-Point Wi-Fi involves the installation of a sender unit outside your home as well as a second unit connected to an office in your backyard. The signal that is transmitted between two units must be in a clear line of view free of obstructions from the trees, or any other structure that could hinder the signal.
Although it offers a much more extensive range Repeater that uses Wi-Fi Point-to-Point Wi-Fi is complicated to setup and install and provides an efficient and reliable connectivitywhen alternatives are not viable.
Pros: Offers an option for wireless connections that extends over longer distances, from 30m to several kilometers (line of sight is allowed).
Cons: More difficult to set up and install, yet still needing an unobstructed line of sight.
The price range is PS150+
Powerline adaptors
A Powerline adapter transforms the electrical wiring in homes into Ethernet cables. It can be used to form an Powerline network anywhere there are outlets that can be powered and eliminate the need for Ethernet cables.
To establish a Powerline network it is necessary to have at minimum 2 Powerline gadgets. One adaptor is connected to the Wi-Fi router in your home. The second adaptor connects to the WiFi access point or router in your office in the garden.
Since Powerline networks rely on your electrical wiring in your home, the efficiency of the network can not meet expectations because of interference due to many factors like the condition and age of the electrical wiring inside your home, and interference from other devices or appliances on the same electrical power source.
Pros: Very simple and affordable to set up.
Pros: Performance may be below expectations. Additionally, your garden office needs connect to the distribution of electricity.
The price range is PS20 – PS50