How to Boost Outdoor Wi-Fi Signal for Smart Home Devices

A lot of outdoor smart home tech from irrigation timers to security cameras relies on a good Wi-Fi connection. But once you step outside into a garden or outbuilding, signal strength often drops considerably. Here’s how to fix that.

Which Smart Devices Actually Use Wi-Fi Outdoors

Many smart devices don’t use Wi-Fi directly. Instead, they connect to a hub or gateway using low power wireless protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave or LoRa. The hub then connects to your router via Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).

But some outdoor devices do rely on directly connecting to Wi-Fi. Common WiFi outdoor smart devices include:

• Smart outdoor security cameras
• Smart video doorbells
• Some smart irrigation timers
• Smart outdoor plugs and switches

These WiFi devices tend to be mains powered because Wi-Fi drains batteries quickly. Battery powered outdoor devices usually use more efficient alternatives like LoRa or Zigbee.

Why Outdoor Wi-Fi Struggles

Wi-Fi signal drops off sharply with:

• Distance from the router
• Walls, brick or stone
• Metal sheds or fences
• Electrical interference

This can result in poor connections or devices not responding.

How to Extend Wi-Fi Range Outdoors

Move Your Router

If possible, place your router near the garden facing side of your home and away from thick walls or obstacles. Even moving it a few metres can help.

Use a Wi-Fi Extender

Install a Wi-Fi range extender in a room near the garden. It rebroadcasts your main signal, improving coverage outdoors. It’s a quick, affordable fix but may reduce speed and cause delay (increase latency).

Install an Outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point

For stronger and more reliable coverage, install a dedicated outdoor access point. These are waterproof, designed to handle weather, and can be wall or pole mounted. They connect via Ethernet to your main router or switch.

Switch to a Mesh Wi-Fi System

A mesh system uses multiple devices (nodes) to blanket your home and garden with Wi-Fi. Unlike extenders, they’re designed to work together and hand off devices seamlessly.

Place one node near the garden or in a weatherproof enclosure in a shed or garage.

Powerline Adapters with Wi-Fi

If running Ethernet isn’t practical, powerline adapters can send internet through your home’s electrical wiring. Some models include built-in Wi-Fi, which you can place near a garden wall or outbuilding.

Minimise Interference

Avoid placing routers or access points near:

• Microwaves
• Baby monitors
• Cordless phones
• Metal objects or foil insulation

These all reduce signal quality.

Alternatives to Wi-Fi Outdoors

If Wi-Fi coverage remains a challenge, consider devices that use other wireless protocols:

• YoLink devices use LoRa, with a signal range of up to 300 metres in open air.
• Zigbee wireless can reach further outdoors using mesh technology

Note: YoLink and Zigbee hubs will still need to connect to your home router using WiFi or Ethernet for local network and internet access

Summary

• Wi-Fi is needed for some outdoor smart devices, especially cameras and smart power outlets.
• Walls and distance reduce signal; extenders, mesh systems, and outdoor access points can fix this.
• Where WiFi isn’t practical, use long-range devices like YoLink that don’t depend on it.