Having a dedicated backyard garden office can greatly improve your productivity and work-life balance. However, to make the most of this space, you need a fast and reliable internet connection. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting broadband internet connected to your backyard garden office.
Table of Contents
Choose a Connection Method
There are two main options for getting internet to your garden office:
1. Ethernet Cable
Running an ethernet cable from your home router directly to your garden office is the most secure and reliable method. Ethernet cables can transmit data at speeds up to 1 Gbps over longer distances than WiFi, with minimal signal loss.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds
- Reliable connection
- Not affected by obstacles like trees and walls
Cons:
- More expensive and complicated initial setup
- Permanent cable running outdoors
2. WiFi Bridge/Extender
A WiFi bridge or extender picks up your existing home WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it to your garden office. This wireless method is easier to set up but may have slower speeds.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup
- No cables to run outdoors
Cons:
- Slower speeds than ethernet
- More prone to interference
Consider your budget, required speeds, and how tech-savvy you are when deciding which option is best.
Plan the Installation
Carefully plan where and how the cable or WiFi bridge will be installed before starting.
For ethernet, map out the cable’s path from your home router to the garden office, ensuring it will be protected from damage. Burying the cable underground in conduit is ideal.
For WiFi, place the bridge/extender near a window or area with line of sight to the garden office to maximize signal strength. The closer the better.
Make sure your garden office has electricity ready for either installation option.
Purchase Equipment
For an ethernet connection, you’ll need:
- Outdoor-rated Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable
- Conduit for underground installation
- RJ45 wall jacks and patch panel (to connect cable inside office)
- Ethernet switch (if connecting multiple devices)
For WiFi, you’ll need:
- WiFi range extender or wireless bridge
- Power outlet for extender/bridge
- Optional: directional antenna to point signal toward office
Make sure all equipment is rated for outdoor/wet locations if installing outside.
Run Ethernet Cable
If going the ethernet route, run your underground conduit and outdoor-rated cable from the house to the garden office. Leave plenty of extra cable at each end to connect devices.
Use coupler fittings to connect segments if running cable through multiple conduit sections. Seal all conduit openings.
Connect Devices
For ethernet, install wall jacks/panels and patch cables inside the office. Connect devices via ethernet switch or directly into wall jacks.
For WiFi, place extender/bridge in chosen spot with line of sight to office. Power it on and connect to existing home WiFi network. Connect office devices to the newly extended wireless network.
Optimize Connection
Test the internet speeds over the new connection and move equipment if speeds are slow.
For WiFi, experiment with antenna direction, channel settings, and bridge location to get optimal signal strength. Ethernet connections can be tweaked at the router and switch.
Consider adding a wireless access point inside the office to distribute WiFi signal internally.
Enjoy Your Backyard Office!
With broadband internet professionally installed, you can now enjoy a fast, reliable connection in your backyard garden office. Maintain your equipment to ensure maximum uptime.
A dedicated outdoor workspace with solid connectivity allows you to be ultra productive. Just be sure to also take advantage of the garden views and fresh air when you need a work break!
