Solution #3: ensure everything is set up properly

It’s possible your hardware is fine, but it’s simply not configured properly or requires a firmware update.

Tinker with the settings until you achieve a level of performance you’re satisfied with. Most modern routers have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless frequencies. Try switching from one frequency to the other to see if you get better results.

While the quality of help you get can be quite hit or miss, use your ISP’s tech support if you’re having a difficult time figuring things out.

If you’re not tech-savvy, fixing your internet network issues may feel somewhat overwhelming.

And if tech support isn’t of much help, have your ISP send a technician to your home to fix your network issues. Another option is to hire a home network professional to help you achieve optimal results with your setup.

Don’t forget to keep your home network protected by securing any new network devices you’re adding.

Solution #4: use a WiFi extender

Another solution to improve the strength of the WiFi in your garage and the rest of your home is to use a WiFi extender. This device is also known as a WiFi repeater, booster, or relay.

Whatever it’s called, these devices all essentially do the same thing – they simply extend the range of the WiFi signal from your main router. You can use more than one extender to expand your WiFi signal’s area coverage.

Performance in these devices will be affected by features such as the quality of antennas and processors used by the manufacturer.

Higher quality WiFi extenders that feature dual radios or dual routers will minimize the speed loss that WiFi extenders typically experience.

Other features to consider are whether or not the device is universally compatible with most routers and if the extender comes with intelligent roaming capabilities. The latter improves the reliability of the wireless signal when using your mobile devices.

Solution #5: add a powerline network adapter

Powerline network adapters (also known as just a powerline adapter or powerline ethernet kit) are another option to add internet access and WiFi in your garage.

These adapters use your home’s electrical circuit to transmit your internet signal. They’re easy to install – here’s how they work:

1. Plug one adapter into a power socket close to your router.

2. Connect that adapter to your router with an ethernet cable.

3. Plug a second adapter into an outlet in your garage.

4. Run an ethernet cable to whatever smart device needs internet access.

Hardwiring a particular device in your garage or throughout your home isn’t always practical, so you could also pair the second adapter with another router to give you a usable WiFi signal.

Note that factors like the quality and age of your home’s electrical wiring, the distance a second powerline adapter is from the main router, and interference from other electronics can all affect your signal quality.

Solution #6: install a home mesh network

Adding a mesh network is another way to improve the WiFi coverage in your home.

It’s similar to a WiFi extender in that it takes your router’s WiFi signal and sends it to additional strategically placed hardware devices (called nodes) to expand your signal range.

Unlike most WiFi extenders, however, a mesh network is less prone to certain performance issues. For example, they provide faster network speeds. Mesh networks are also far more reliable with delivering a consistent WiFi connection when you’re using mobile devices while roaming about your home.

Performance benefits aren’t the only reason mesh networks have increased in popularity with homeowners in recent years.

Aesthetics have also played a part. Mesh network hardware has a more modern, stylish look than traditional network hardware devices like WiFi extenders and routers. They’re also smaller and less conspicuous.

Get a WiFi bar boost for enhanced garage functionality

Having a strong WiFi signal allows you to do things like use your mobile devices to check sports scores, the news, or reference an instructional YouTube video while working in your garage.

And now that you know how to get better WiFi in your garage, you can take advantage of the numerous smart garage products available.

Garage Living carries LiftMaster garage door openers that feature innovative MyQ smart technology. The MyQ tech is hooked up to your WiFi and allows you to monitor and operate your garage doors remotely from a smartphone app. You can also get alerts sent to your phone if there’s suspicious activity with your garage doors.

In addition to these smart tech features, a garage door opener upgrade is worth considering if your current opener is more than ten years old. Modern garage door openers are more energy efficient, have better security features, and operate more quietly.

Here are three more smart home tech products worth considering that can use the WiFi in your garage:

• security camera
• lighting
• climate control

Yes, setting up and troubleshooting some smart home tech products and the network they run on can require a little patience. But when everything works perfectly, you can definitely simplify some aspects of your life with the conveniences they offer.