Simple steps to design and print weatherproof notices that will look great for years to come.
The following page is intended to give some helpful tips and tricks to help get Garden’s connected to the internet. As usual further help is only a click away.
The Benefits of Wireless Internet
Garden Squares have long struggled with basic internet connections owing to:
- Having no formal address / postcode
- Having no credit-record to satisfy broadband contracts
- The prohibitively expensive cost of running wires in heavily protective squares.
Fortunately, wireless internet routers connecting 4G/5G networks, are not only cheaper than traditional hard-wired connections, they are also offer numerous other benefits:
- Faster to order and install
- No fixed contracts
- More stable connections, with less downtime
All that is required is a Power Supply, somewhere in the Garden.
Credit Free Sim Card Providers
Over recent years a number of providers have sprung up that allow customers to pay for a 4G / 5G sim card each month upfront, with a debit/credit card –forgoing the need for credit checks or long-term commitments.
Some of our preferred providers include:
- Asda Mobile (Vodafone Network)
- SMARTY Mobile (Three Network)
- EE Subscription
- Giffgaff (O2)
Most providers will provide a suitable package for £10/month, though the best provider will ultimately depend on the Network strength in the location where the router will be based.
5G vs 4G Wireless Routers
From our experience 4G routers, especially when paired with an external Antenna, are capable of delivering upload/download speeds in excess of10MB/s, which is more than sufficient for most Garden tasks, including connecting to Security Cameras / smart devices.
As of 2024, the price of 5G Routers has finally fallen to a reasonable price (roughly double that of a 4G router), making them a practical choice for Garden’s seeking a faster connection.
Budgets will typically dictate whether to purchase a 4G or 5G router, though the latter is typically only required if deploying equipment requiring higher bandwidth (e.g. 24/7 recording cameras).
Expanding Utility with External Access Points (EAPs)
Once you have 4G / 5G internet in your Garden, the next step is to make thatInternet Connection accessible throughout the Garden. Typically even theentry-level External Access Points (by TP-Link / Wavlink) costing less than£50, installed 2-3m off the ground, will broadcast a Wifi signal upto 100maway (even through Trees, etc).
Some experience can help improve the performance by picking channels with the minimum interference at key, long-range locations. The network can also be expanded by deploying multiple EAPs, with the additional EAPs functioning as Wifi repeaters.
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