Best Mesh WiFi for Outdoor Coverage

As the sun starts shining and temperatures climb, your backyard, patio, and deck suddenly become prime spots for everything from leisurely weekend hangouts to outdoor work sessions. But if your WiFi signal fizzles the second you cross your doorframe, it’s tough to really enjoy the fresh air. Learn how Orbi can help cover your outdoor spaces with powerful WiFi.

NETGEAR Orbi
WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Orbi Team

Not so long ago, devices needed to be close to your router to achieve a reliable internet outdoors connection. Wireless technology has evolved dramatically since 2015, when the first NETGEAR WiFi mesh systems were introduced. Today’s blazing-fast WiFi 7 mesh networks allow you to enjoy seamless connectivity and whole-home coverage upstairs and downstairs, from the front door to the backyard.

Understanding the Need for Strong WiFi in Outdoor Areas

Indoor/outdoor lifestyles and open-plan living trends are here to stay. However, with the increasing demand for seamless connectivity, having a stable and reliable WiFi signal outdoors is more important than ever. WiFi mesh systems are the solution. Whether you want internet access on your patio, in the garden, or by the pool, extending your WiFi range and eliminating dead spots with WiFi mesh can make it possible.

A WiFi signal gets weaker as we move away from the WiFi router. This can be challenging if you want good internet speeds with robust signal strength outdoors. A poor internet connection will limit your ability to stream music, connect with smart home devices, or send updates to friends and family. Upgrading your home WiFi network isn’t difficult, but you should first assess the WiFi range of your current system. Then, you’ll understand the areas of your property requiring improvement and can plan accordingly with a suitable wireless networking setup.

Exploring Mesh WiFi Solutions for Seamless Coverage

The next step in achieving wireless connectivity with fast speeds in the backyard is to explore your options. Your main router access point can only broadcast the WiFi signal so far. A WiFi extender can rebroadcast the signal further but with diminished signal strength. Running Ethernet cables everywhere or purchasing additional routers and access points will become complex and costly. Fortunately, the best mesh WiFi systems such as NETGEAR Orbi Whole-Home WiFi 7 Mesh Systems provide excellent performance and functionality. These systems have the fastest WiFi speeds and also have their own ethernet ports with 2.5 gb and 1 gigabit for devices requiring an ethernet cable for connections.

What is Mesh WiFi and How Does It Work?

Mesh WiFi comprises a main router and one or more WiFi satellite access points strategically positioned around your home. The satellites act in daisy-chain fashion to extend the WiFi signal and eliminate WiFi dead zones, without diminished WiFi signal strength. NETGEAR Orbi satellites perform just like your main router and include multi-gigabit wired Ethernet ports, WAN ports, and USB ports to deliver fast throughput download speeds for whole home over thousands of sq. ft. coverage indoors and outside in the backyard. If placed near a window or wall adjacent to your outdoor space you can expect on strong coverage compared traditional WiFi setups.

Comparing Traditional Routers and Mesh WiFi Systems

Traditional routers can provide adequate signal strength in smaller homes and apartments. They are also useful for connecting with one or two priority devices for gamers, streamers, and remote workers. However, a traditional router will struggle to meet the WiFi demands in larger homes or multi-story homes with multiple connected devices. A mesh router system is the answer for maximizing square feet of WiFi coverage.

Progressive NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 systems include the new 6GHz band alongside the traditional 5GHz band and 2.4GHz band. This mesh WiFi innovation provides the option for enhanced dedicated backhaul between the router and satellites for faster and more seamless connectivity for up to 200 devices running simultaneously. And there is much more to get excited about with new WiFi 7 technology.

Key Features of the Best Mesh WiFi for Outdoor Use

NETGEAR Orbi quad-band WiFi and tri-band WiFi mesh systems offer the best mesh home coverage on the planet. The average home in the US today contains 20+ connected WiFi devices and smart home applications, making Orbi WiFi 7 a savvy investment to future-proof your network. Key features and capabilities include:

Automatic Configuration with the Orbi App

With NETGEAR Orbi, there’s no need to manually configure the router and satellites. The Orbi App can do everything for you. The entire system can be operated with a single password so you can move through your home with seamless connectivity.

Superfast WiFi Speeds

Multi-Gig speeds are a reality with Orbi mesh networks. WiFi 7 mesh distributes the signal evenly across your home at speeds up to 27Gbps, perfect for HD streaming, multi-player gaming, conferencing, virtual reality, and outdoor parties.

Network Expansion and Reliability

With Orbi mesh systems, you can set up a home network, guest network, and smart home Internet of Things (IoT) network. NETGEAR Orbi 970 can handle the needs of large households, even when everyone is connected to the internet. To expand the WiFi network even further, simply connect an additional Orbi add-on satellite.

Robust Security Features

NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers include WPA3 encrypted security. They also support NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender with VPN. This advanced web protection system includes automatic security updates for your router, satellites, and end-point devices such as computers, Apple iPhones, Android smartphones, Amazon Alexa, and other smart home applications. Armor security blocks viruses, spyware, malware, ransomware, malicious links, and other online threats. Also consider adding NETGEAR Strict Parental Controls to protect your kids online.

Tips for Setting Up Mesh WiFi for Backyard Coverage

There are several ways to optimize high-speed WiFi coverage outdoors. Here are some WiFi coverage solutions for achieving the best possible device performance for large homes and in the backyard.

Optimal Placement of Mesh Satellites: Overlap satellite coverage for best results. If satellites are too far apart the signal won’t be stable. If too close together, satellite signals may interfere with each other.

Elevate the Satellites: Placing the satellites on a table or shelf can deliver better signal strength. Consider Orbi wall mounts for a high-tech decor touch.

Avoid Walls and Obstacles: Position your router and satellites so the wireless signal doesn’t need to pass through WiFi barriers. Orbi is the best mesh WiFi for penetrating thick walls and other obstacles.

Add Additional Satellites: The most popular Orbi mesh networks come in two-pack or three-pack systems. If you need more WiFi coverage, you can purchase add-on Orbi satellites separately.

Use the Orbi App for Setup and Monitoring: The Orbi App can be downloaded on your computer or smartphone. It will walk you through step by step for easy setup and monitoring for optimal indoor and outdoor performance. You can even run speed tests to ensure your system is operating at maximum capacity.

Real-World Outdoor WiFi Benefits

Orbi Mesh WiFi is a state-of-the-art technology that offers real-world benefits for networking in the home and backyard. Orbi satellites include beamforming antennas to target specific devices. Transform your connected BBQs or WiFi for garden parties with Orbi for the best mesh home coverage available and take the experience to a whole new level of enjoyment.

Suggested NETGEAR Products

NETGEAR has been the world leader in wireless technology since the 1990s. Development is ongoing, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of router and mesh systems for every type of home and lifestyle. NETGEAR Orbi is the best mesh WiFi for backyard connections. The best WiFi routers are all available from NETGEAR, with top picks that include: