Boosting Wi-Fi Outside Aluminum-Sided Homes

If you're looking to get WiFi outside your aluminium-sided house, there are a few options to consider. Metal is known to cause disrupted WiFi signals, so you may need to invest in some additional equipment. One option is to get a WiFi range extender, such as the PiFi Long Range WiFi Range Extender, which can reach a WiFi source up to 1 mile away. Alternatively, you could try using a wireless extender with an antenna mounted outside, or a wireless bridge with an antenna. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you could try moving your router closer to the window or using a WiFi bridge to help boost the signal.

Characteristics of getting WiFi outside of aluminum siding house

Use a wireless extender with an antenna mounted outside

If you're looking to improve your Wi-Fi signal outside of your aluminium-sided house, one option is to use a wireless extender with an antenna mounted outside. This solution can be particularly effective if you're dealing with a weak Wi-Fi signal outdoors.

To implement this solution, you'll need to purchase a wireless extender that is compatible with your existing router. Many wireless extenders on the market can be used outdoors and offer features such as weatherproofing and support for multiple devices. When choosing a wireless extender, consider factors such as range, speed, durability, and compatibility with your current router.

Once you've selected and acquired the wireless extender, you'll need to mount the antenna outside your house. Ensure that the antenna is positioned in a location where it can receive a strong Wi-Fi signal from your router. The antenna should be pointed in the direction where you want to boost the signal.

By using a wireless extender with an antenna mounted outside, you can effectively increase the range and strength of your Wi-Fi signal in the desired direction. This solution is relatively straightforward to implement and can provide a significant improvement in your outdoor Wi-Fi coverage.

Run CAT5 or fibre cables and install an access point

Running CAT5 or fibre cables and installing an access point is a great way to boost your Wi-Fi signal outside your aluminium-sided house. This method is a reliable way to get a strong internet connection outside your home.

To start, you'll need to choose the right type of cable. For outdoor use, it's best to opt for exterior-grade ethernet cables that are waterproof. This will allow you to bury them directly in the ground without needing to place them in a conduit. If you don't want to bury the cable, you can choose a waterproof CAT 6 cable with a UV protective jacket to protect it from sunlight exposure.

Before you begin, it's important to contact your local utility companies to understand the location of any buried gas or water lines. This will help you avoid any hazards during the installation process.

Now, you can drill a hole in your exterior wall. Choose a safe location away from electrical wires, pipes, and other essential services. The hole should be drilled from the outside to minimise damage to the interior wall. Once the hole is drilled, seal it with silicone to prevent water and other elements from entering your home.

Next, run the cable through the hole and connect it to your router. You may need to drill additional holes or find a path to run the cable to the desired outdoor area. If you need to run the cable across long distances or through walls, you can use a pull string to help guide the cable.

Finally, install an access point at the end of the cable to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal outside your house. This will give you a reliable connection for your devices and smart home features.

By following these steps and choosing the right equipment, you can effectively extend your Wi-Fi network beyond the limitations of your aluminium siding.

Use a wireless bridge

Aluminium siding can be a real obstacle when it comes to getting WiFi outside your house. One way to overcome this is to use a wireless bridge. This method involves setting up a direct connection between two wireless access points, creating a dedicated link for your internet traffic. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment

Select a pair of wireless bridge kits that operate on the same frequency, either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. For longer distances and better penetration through aluminium siding, 2.4 GHz is usually the better option. TP-Link offers outdoor Wi-Fi bridge kits, such as the CPE210 ($40) and CPE510 ($50), that are suitable for this purpose. These kits include everything you need to get started, including the wireless access points and power injectors.

Step 2: Positioning the Wireless Bridges

Place one wireless bridge inside your house, preferably near a window or an area with a clear line of sight to the outside. This bridge will connect to your existing router and act as the "Access Point" (AP). The second bridge will be placed outside, ideally on a shelf or mounted on a wall, and will be the "Client." Make sure to aim the Client bridge back towards the AP bridge to establish a strong connection.

Step 3: Connect the Bridges

Connect the AP bridge to your router using an Ethernet cable. If you have a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch, you can use it to power the AP. Otherwise, use the included PoE injector, which will provide both power and data to the AP. On the Client side, use either a PoE switch or the included injector to provide power and data.

Step 4: Configure the Bridges

To configure the bridges, you'll need a laptop or PC with an Ethernet interface. Connect your computer to the same network as the AP bridge and access its configuration page by entering its IP address into a web browser. From there, you'll be able to set up a new SSID (network name) and password for your extended Wi-Fi network. Repeat this process for the Client bridge, connecting it to the new SSID you created.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Once both bridges are configured, test your Wi-Fi connection both inside and outside your house. You should now have a stable and dedicated connection even with the aluminium siding. If you need to extend the range further, you can add additional access points or repeaters to your network.

Using a wireless bridge is an effective way to get Wi-Fi outside your aluminium-sided house. By following these steps and choosing the right equipment, you can enjoy uninterrupted internet access both indoors and out.

Get a new router

If you're experiencing poor Wi-Fi outside your aluminium-sided house, it might be time to replace your router. Routers should be upgraded every few years to ensure optimal internet speed and performance. The latest routers offer faster Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, which provide increased capacity, efficiency, performance, and security.

When choosing a new router, consider the size of your home and the number of devices that will be connected. Place the router centrally and out in the open, avoiding brick or concrete walls that can impede the wireless signal. If you have a large home, you might want to consider a mesh Wi-Fi system, which includes a central hub and additional satellites that you can place around your home to extend the Wi-Fi coverage.

• Connect and extend the antennas if you have a wireless router.
• Connect an ethernet or coaxial cable to your internet wall outlet, and then plug the other end into the "LAN" or "Internet" port on your modem.
• If you have a separate modem and router, connect them using an ethernet cable from one of the "WAN" ports on the modem to the "LAN" or "Internet" port on the router.
• Plug in your modem and router, and wait for them to fully boot up.
• Connect the router to your computer using an ethernet cable, or an ethernet-to-USB adapter if your laptop doesn't have an ethernet port.
• Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address, which is usually something like "192.168.1.1" or "10.0.0.1."
• Log in with the default username and password provided by the manufacturer.
• Update the firmware, if available.
• Change the default password to a more secure one.
• Update the security settings to WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
• Set a new Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password.
• Save your settings and connect to your new Wi-Fi network.

By following these steps, you should be able to improve your Wi-Fi coverage and performance, even with the challenges posed by aluminium siding.

Use a USB wireless dongle and extension

If you're looking to get WiFi outside your aluminium-sided house, one possible solution is to use a USB wireless dongle with an extension. This approach can help you overcome the signal degradation caused by the metal siding without the need for extensive modifications or additional routers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

Step 1: Get the Necessary Equipment

You will need to purchase a USB wireless dongle and a USB extension cable. The dongle should be compatible with your computer or device, so make sure to check the specifications before buying. As for the extension cable, its length will depend on how far you want to place the dongle outside.

Step 2: Set Up the Dongle

Once you have the equipment, plug the USB wireless dongle into the extension cable and position the dongle near a window or an area where it can receive a good WiFi signal. You may need to experiment with different locations to find the spot with the strongest signal.

Step 3: Secure the Dongle

To ensure the stability of your setup, securely fasten the dongle in its designated position. You can use adhesive hooks, suction cups, or any other method that safely attaches the dongle to a window or exterior wall. Make sure it is firmly in place to avoid accidental movement or damage.

Step 4: Connect to WiFi

With the dongle in place, connect it to your WiFi network. You may need to go through the WiFi connection process on your device, including entering the password for your network if required. Once connected, the dongle should now be providing a stable WiFi connection outdoors.

Step 5: Manage the Cable

Depending on the length of your USB extension cable, you may need to manage it carefully to avoid any tripping hazards or damage. Consider using cable ties or clips to secure the cable along the walls or window frames. Ensure that the cable is not stretched or placed in high-traffic areas to prevent accidental disconnection or damage.

Step 6: Monitor Performance

After setting up the dongle and extension, monitor the WiFi performance outdoors. You may find that certain areas have better reception than others due to the positioning of the dongle or the layout of your house. If necessary, adjust the dongle's position to optimise the signal strength in the desired outdoor areas.

Using a USB wireless dongle with an extension is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to boost your WiFi signal outside an aluminium-sided house. By following these steps, you can enjoy improved WiFi coverage and maintain a stable connection even in areas affected by metal siding.

Frequently asked questions