If you are looking for ways to extend the WiFi to your outbuilding, then you have come to the right place. Most of the time, homeowners become exasperated with trying to get their WiFi to reach out to their barn or shed, and they give up and assume it is impossible. However, there are six different methods you can use to get the signal to reach far enough to your outbuilding.
To extend WiFi to an outbuilding use ethernet cables, WiFi mesh networks, point-to-point devices, long-range routers, powerline adapters, or WiFi repeaters. These devices have the ability to reach buildings within a near distance, with some being able to reach outbuildings miles away.
There are many different things to take into consideration when purchasing a WiFi extender such as how far the signal will carry, cost, and difficulty of implementation. The six mentioned ways to extend a WiFi signal will make it possible to reach an outbuilding, however, some are more reliable than others. If you want to learn more about WiFi extenders and which one is the best option for you, then you will want to continue reading below.
Ethernet Cables:
How Far the Signals Will Carry:
Ethernet cable signals will carry 100 meters or 328 feet. After this distance, the Ethernet cables will not work as well and the quality of the signal will be diminished or even completely lost. In addition, if your outbuilding is extremely far away, Ethernet cables won’t be able to reach across those long distances. The more ground they cover, the higher likelihood there is of them snapping or breaking.
Cost:
Ethernet cables vary in price by a great deal. Their prices vary based on how far their signal will carry and the quality of the materials they are made with. However, Ethernet cables can generally be purchased for around $20, however, there are some that cost less than $10 and some that can even cost upward of $1,000. You usually get what you pay for!
Difficulty of Implementation:
Ethernet cables are not difficult to install, and they can be implemented with ease. Since this is a physical product, it isn’t hard to establish a connection to the main network.
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The Cat 8 Ethernet Cable is Amazon’s choice for Ethernet cables. This one is 20 ft long and costs $12.99. This cable has excellent performance and is rated over 4.5 stars, proving customer satisfaction. The Cat 8 Cable is waterproof and resistant to corrosion, so you do not want to worry about it accidentally getting wet.
The Cat 6 Ethernet Cable is one of Amazon’s best-rated cables. This product comes in a ten pack and they are ten ft long. It’s priced at $28.99. It is rated a perfect five stars and has nearly 3,000 reviews. Speed and reliability are not going to be a problem with this Ethernet cable, and it will be able to reach your outbuilding.
The Shielded Cat 8 Ethernet Cable is weatherproof and will be able to withstand nearly any weather conditions. With over 12,000 reviews, it would be expected that there would be at least some people who would not be satisfied. However, 95% of customers have given these cables at least four stars. With an affordable cost of $23.99, these cables are definitely worth it.
WiFi Mesh Network
How Far the Signals Will Carry
WiFi mesh network signals will carry the signal within 6,000 square feet of a home. They are not meant to use for outbuildings, so in order for the signal to reach an outbuilding, it will have to be fairly close to your home.
Cost
WiFi mesh networks cost over $100. Most cost around $200 while others may be up to $400.
Difficulty of Implementation
WiFi mesh networks are easy to implement. Setup is simple as using a mobile app to manage the network, making it user-friendly for all.
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The Amazon eero mesh WiFi system costs $199 and comes in a package of three. The product is rated 4.5 stars and has over 18,000 customer reviews. This system guarantees coverage for the entire home, but not for outbuildings. Although it is not ensured that the Eero system will reach as far as an outbuilding, there is a possibility it will. In addition, it is safe to use because there are frequent security updates.
The TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System costs $169.99. The coverage fares better than other common systems and ensures up to 5,500 sq. ft of coverage. With over 17,000 reviews, it has been given a rating of 4.6 stars, which makes it easy to assume this product is worth its price. This mesh network comes in a package of three, but other packages are available as well for various prices.
The Meshforce Mesh WiFi System costs $159.99 and comes in a three-pack. The signal this system produces is powerful and will reach up to 6,000 sq. ft. Advanced features are also available such as parent controls, which makes this product ideal if you have children or otherwise need to limit WiFi functioning for some people. This product has 3,300 reviews and has a rating of over four stars.
Point to Point Devices
How Far the Signals Will Carry
The point-to-point devices commonly used by individuals can carry a signal for multiple miles. A point-to-point device will be extremely useful in maintaining WiFi as they reach such long distances. These are some of the greatest devices to choose when trying to figure out how to extend a signal. Even if your outbuilding is miles away from your home, the point-to-point device will still enable you to reach it.
Cost
The point-to-point device costs $200. Depending on how far you want it to reach, you may have to purchase a device that is more expensive.
Difficulty of Implementation
Point-to-point devices are not difficult to implement. If you are looking for an easy way to extend your WiFi signal, then a point-to-point device may be one of your best options.
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The EZ Bridge costs $339.70 and has a rating of over four stars. It has the ability to build a connection between two signals three miles apart from one another, making it guaranteed that it will extend far enough to reach your outbuilding. WiFi signals can be faulty, but you will likely have little to no issues with the EZ Bridge.
The Wireless WiFi Bridge has 100% customer satisfaction and only costs $96.99. It is specifically designed to extend to your outbuilding, so you can be sure that it will extend to your barn or shed with ease. No matter where you are on your property, you will see that your signal is still just as strong as it is inside of your house. In addition, it is waterproof so you do not have to worry about it out in the elements.
The TP-Link is a great option to check out if you are looking for something cheaper. This device only costs $39.99 and has over four stars with nearly 3,500 people giving it reviews. The TP-Link can carry a signal for multiple kilometers, ensuring a great signal strength in your outbuilding.
Long Range Routers
How Far the Signals Will Carry
Routers that are classified as long-range can typically cover up to 3,000 square feet. While there are some that can only reach 2,500 square feet, most can carry a signal further from this. Otherwise, they are understandably not considered to be long-range.
Cost
Depending on the type of long-range router you purchase, the cost can vary. However, a good one can be purchased for about $100.
Difficulty of Implementation
Long-range routers are easy to implement and require very minimal work.
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The TP-Link AC4000 costs $122.99 and has a rating of 4.5 stars. This wireless router has great customer satisfaction and it is extremely popular among users. Network speed and power will be greatly enhanced, and it has the capability to reach combined speeds of 4.0 Gbps. Parental controls are available and online threats will be blocked.
The Netgear Nighthawk Cable has a rating of 4.5 stars and has been given over 3,000 reviews. It can be purchased for $119.99. This router can cover up to 1800 sq ft, making it possible to reach your outbuilding. 30 devices can be connected at a time, each with optimal speeds and connections, so you do not have to worry about having slow service.
The TP-Link AX5400 has been left nearly 1,000 reviews and has a rating of 4.6 stars. It costs $195.49 but it is well worth the price. In your outbuilding, you will be able to have high-speed internet which will allow you to browse the internet, play games, or do anything else you desire. This router should be able to work with any internet service provider you have, making it easy to use and convenient.
Powerline Adapters
How Far the Signals Will Carry
Powerline adapters will carry a signal approximately 300 meters. When using a powerline adapter, the signal will be strong for just under 1,000 feet of coverage.
Cost
Powerline adapters are not very expensive. There are some on the market that are available for under $50 and only the most expensive ones are over $100. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to increase the signal of your WiFi, then a powerline adapter may just be for you.
Difficulty of Implementation
Powerline adapters are easy to implement. With such a cheap price and simple installation, it makes you wonder why more people do not use these!
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The ZyXel G.hn 2400 has a rating of over four stars with over 1,5000 reviews. It costs $79.99 which is a fairly normal price for a powerline adapter. When not in use, it will go into standby use which will help reduce your electric bill. Optimized WiFi connection is possible for all of your devices when you use this product.
The ZyXEL 1300 costs $69.99 and has a rating of just over four stars. Many products do not offer good reliability, however, the ZyXEL 1300 does. Consistency is key, and this product capitalizes on that need. High-speed WiFi is a given and it will be able to reach your outbuilding if it is nearby. Its easy-to-use setup allows even those who are challenged with technology to be able to start using this powerline adapter.
The NETGEAR Powerline Adapter costs $109.99, which is more expensive compared to others of its kind. Although it has a higher price, it is made with high-quality materials and is guaranteed to last. The powerline adapter has been given over 5,500 reviews, most of which are praiseworthy, giving this product an overall 4.2-star rating. Devices in your outbuilding will finally work and you will no longer have to put up with faulty WiFi. The expanded network reliability is enough of a reason to purchase this powerline adapter.
WiFi Repeaters
How Far the Signals Will Carry
A WiFi repeater will carry a signal about 2,500 feet. This is much further than some of the other previous options, which means that WiFi repeaters should be heavily considered if you want to be sure the signal will reach your outbuilding.
Cost
Most WiFi repeaters are under $50. This makes WiFi repeaters both easy on the budget and effective at what they do.
Difficulty of Implementation
WiFi repeaters are not difficult to install at all. As long as you follow the brief instructions for your specific repeater, you will have it all set up in no time.
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The WiFi Extender has over 500 ratings and nearly four stars. It has a price of $39.99 and can cover up to 3,500 square feet. This makes it a fierce competitor compared to many similar products. With the main purpose of purchasing a WiFi repeater to reach an outbuilding, you will want to make sure that it can reach far distances.
The Rockspace is a popular purchase for those in need of a Wifi repeater. This product has been reviewed almost 17,000 times. With so many reviews, you can be confident knowing that this is a quality product to purchase, especially given its near four star rating. The $49.99 price puts it on the edge of being overpriced, however, it is still a good purchase.
The TP-Link AC750 has an extremely low price of $19.98, however, it can only reach up to 1,200 feet. This is below the average for a WiFi repeater, however, it can only be expected with a price this low. This product has a shocking 80,000 reviews and it has been rated with an overall score of four stars.