The indoor Wi-Fi signal often does not reach gardens, terraces or porches well enough. For these areas you can use Mesh Wi-Fi units built for outdoor conditions. Mesh is a system in which several units work together as a single wireless network.
Choosing an outdoor unit
First, choose models with a stated IP protection rating. The IP rating shows how well the device is protected against dust and water; IP66, for example, means protection against dust ingress and powerful water jets. The operating temperature range is separate from the IP rating and must be checked as well. As an example, the NETGEAR Orbi Outdoor Satellite (RBS50Y) is rated IP66, and the manufacturer specifies an operating temperature of -20°C to +50°C.
Check compatibility too: the Orbi Outdoor Satellite is a Wi-Fi 5 (AC3000) device and, according to the manufacturer, is not compatible with Orbi Wi-Fi 6 models; it works with certain Orbi AC routers or in extender mode. The 6GHz band used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices passes through obstacles less easily, and its outdoor use is subject to different regulations from country to country.
Installation Tips
- Mount the device as high as possible (e.g. on the porch ceiling); a unit mounted high usually covers a wider area.
- In many Mesh systems the link between units (backhaul) can also be an Ethernet cable. Running a cable between the outdoor unit and the router gives a more stable and faster link than a wireless one.
- Do not put extenders designed for indoor use outdoors.
