How to get BT wi-fi to bottom of garden?

[Dr Murdoch]

Firstly, I know next to nothing about wi-fi, so please post using layman's terms!

We are using BT, and have three extending discs (which I believe is the maximum that BT will provide?), two in the house and one in the garage. However, this doesn't provide wi-fi to the bottom end of the garden, where there is a seating area. To get around this issue, I need to move the garage disc outside, which is a bit of a faf and not ideal should it suddenly rain....

So........what are my best, cost effective options? Can I get an external extender that will group with the BT discs?

TIA

[WhiskyDisco]

For the best experience run an ethernet cable to th ebottom of the garden and use a WiFi access point. You can then use the highest bandwidth 5Ghz, as opposed to the longest range 2.4Ghz

You'll need a high capacity network switch (1Gbps), and an access point like a UniFi.

[audi321]

I'm assuming the seating area doesn't have power? If that's the case you're limited to options.

There are external wifi boosters (non BT) which you could attach to the outside of the house and 'boost' the garage further. You'll need a good one if the distance is a long way (i.e. in excess of 25m)

[Dr Murdoch]

WhiskyDisco said:

For the best experience run an ethernet cable to th ebottom of the garden and use a WiFi access point. You can then use the highest bandwidth 5Ghz, as opposed to the longest range 2.4Ghz

You'll need a high capacity network switch (1Gbps), and an access point like a UniFi.

Thanks WD

My router is at the front of the house, so running a cable from there to the rear of the garden isn't an option. In fact, even running an Ethernet cable down the garden itself will not be easy. Can it be plugged in to the wi-fi disc in the garage? Also, I assume I could get an armoured cable?

Lastly, what are the benefits of 5ghz over 2.4ghz? I did say I was lacking in knowledge regarding all things wi-fi!

If its any use, I would be looking to stream spotify/radio via a Google nest and send and receive emails. No video streaming or MS Teams meetings.

[audi321]

Dr Murdoch said:

WhiskyDisco said:

For the best experience run an ethernet cable to th ebottom of the garden and use a WiFi access point. You can then use the highest bandwidth 5Ghz, as opposed to the longest range 2.4Ghz

You'll need a high capacity network switch (1Gbps), and an access point like a UniFi.

Thanks WD

My router is at the front of the house, so running a cable from there to the rear of the garden isn't an option. In fact, even running an Ethernet cable down the garden itself will not be easy. Can it be plugged in to the wi-fi disc in the garage? Also, I assume I could get an armoured cable?

Lastly, what are the benefits of 5ghz over 2.4ghz? I did say I was lacking in knowledge regarding all things wi-fi!

If its any use, I would be looking to stream spotify/radio via a Google nest and send and receive emails. No video streaming or MS Teams meetings.

You want to use 2.4ghz, its not as fast as 5ghz, but has a much stronger signal

[hurstg01]

Just use a more powerful ROOTer

[sgrimshaw]

The maximum number of discs supported depends on which one's BT have supplied.

It's likely either 6 or 8.

Two questions ...

1. How far is it from your garage to the bottom of the garden where you want to get wi-fi?
2. Do you have power at the bottom of the garden?

[Dr Murdoch]

sgrimshaw said:

The maximum number of discs supported depends on which one's BT have supplied.

It's likely either 6 or 8.

Two questions ...

1. How far is it from your garage to the bottom of the garden where you want to get wi-fi?
2. Do you have power at the bottom of the garden?

Thanks.

1. 25m (85ft)
2. Yes I have power

[otolith]

Dr Murdoch said:

Thanks.

1. 25m (85ft)
2. Yes I have power

If you have power to the end of the garden, you may be able to use something like this;

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5585575

[VeeReihenmotor6]

I struggled with this, even after buying a signal amplifier which would drop in and out. The router is at the front of the house and my office is at the end of the garden. In the end I run an external grade ethernet cable which has been the most reliable solution for me.

[WhiskyDisco]

some APs are POE, so solving your power problem.

[audi321]

Ah you have power in the seating area! Homeplugs every day then. Argos link from previous poster is perfect

[Mr Pointy]

Dr Murdoch said:

Thanks.

1. 25m (85ft)
2. Yes I have power

As others have said Homeplugs may work - these carry a network connection over the house mains wiring from your router to the recieving Homeplug at the end of the garden. It does require that the power at the far end in connected to the same consumer unit in the house & they aren't 100% guaranteed to work but they are worth a try. Plug one Homeplug into a mains socket near your router & connect the Homeplug network port to your router with the supplied cable. Plug the other end into a socket at the end of the garden & with luck you'll get a connection.

[sgrimshaw]

As already suggested, powerline is a reasonable option. TP Link have worked well for me for many years.

I'd go for these, buy from Amazon and you can easily return if they don't suit ...

TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline ac Wi-Fi Kit, Dual Band Speed Up to 1200 Mbps, Wi-Fi Extender/ Booster, Extra Power Socket, No Configuration Required (TL-WPA7617 KIT) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QSK84JL?psc=1&r...