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wireless bridge

clones_jer

clones_jer

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Apr 16, 2006
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this is probably a dumb question, but I want to get internet to an outbuilding without burying cable. i've heard of using "power conductor riders" but not really sure what I'm looking for. any ideas? building is probably roughly 150' from the house, just out of range from my wifi extender, works outside the door, nothing inside.

basically I'm trying to watch sports in my shed when needed.
 
I had the same issue recently. I did some research and decided an actual physical wire was best as I have a metal pole barn. Metal building are known to mess with signals. I rented a small trencher and buried about 200' of cat 6 wire. It was very easy and it works great. You don't have to go very deep.
 
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I used this point to point wireless solution for doing the same. Need clear line of site between the 2 points. This just gets your network there - like running a cable. You will need a WIFI router on the other end (or switch if you are wired) If your out building isn't climate controlled make sure to get a switch / wifi router that is rated for the cold winter temps.

Wireless bridge
 
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thanks - it's a "barn" looks like a barn but basically a 2 car garage with an attic to get the barn effect. it's wood, so hopefully wouldn't have the troubles a metal building would. it's got a small hanging heater that runs in the winter.
 
scottwv said:
I used this point to point wireless solution for doing the same. Need clear line of site between the 2 points. This just gets your network there - like running a cable. You will need a WIFI router on the other end (or switch if you are wired) If your out building isn't climate controlled make sure to get a switch / wifi router that is rated for the cold winter temps.

Wireless bridge
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this is the way ^^. window to window should span that.
 
yeah was gonna ask that - may not need to mount externally for 150'? I can make that happen, just less drilling holes the better.
 
BWRhasnoAC said:
Just make a can-tenna with a Pringles can and a wire. Shoots a signal like a mile.

Here's an article that I didn't read but covers what I'm getting at.

www.makeuseof.com

How to Make a Wi-Fi Antenna Out of a Pringles Can

Use a Pringles can to make a simple home-made antenna to boost your Wi-Fi range.
www.makeuseof.com www.makeuseof.com
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I fought this for six months on a metal outbuilding. Tried a few solutions, ended up burying cable. 200', dug it by hand using a spade and just cracking open a slit, buried the wire as is. Been 8 months without issue. 300' cat6 outdoor cable was around $60.

If the doors were open my house wifi worked. Doors closed, couldn't even get cell signal. Now I have dedicated shop wifi with no issues.
 
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I'm no radio expert, but I'll say if it's a metal building you're punching a hole in a wall somewhere. Unless you use power over ethernet, which *might* work, and would then use a pre-existing hole.

(just saw in a different post you said it was wood, statement retracted)
 
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I agree with the P2P thing. Of course burying some cat or fiber would be better, and maybe easier, but that's not what you asked.

By wireless rider, you're probably talking about a powerline adapter? I used one of those in my house to get internet to a point upstairs, and it worked okay. I think it travels on your neutral wire, so it'd work if you had power connected somehow.
 
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NickTheGreat said:
By wireless rider, you're probably talking about a powerline adapter? I used one of those in my house to get internet to a point upstairs, and it worked okay. I think it travels on your neutral wire, so it'd work if you had power connected somehow.
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I also tried a powerline adapter. My testing in the house worked, plugging them in the shop did not. Don't know if there was a circuit interruption, too much distance or lack of talent issues.
 
clones_jer said:
this is probably a dumb question, but I want to get internet to an outbuilding without burying cable. i've heard of using "power conductor riders" but not really sure what I'm looking for. any ideas? building is probably roughly 150' from the house, just out of range from my wifi extender, works outside the door, nothing inside.

basically I'm trying to watch sports in my shed when needed.
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You have a lot of options.
1. Point-to-point Yagi (brother uses this to share his satellite with neighbors)
2. Over power lines is slow, but can get the job done depending on your speed requirements I used this when I had multiple trailers.
3. Separate cell service - I couldn't use this if I wanted to as I live in one of the few cell-free areas in the U.S.
4. Separate Starlink - I've heard nothing but good things about this. But, then again, we live in the mountains so anything like this is going to be better than Hughesnet.

I built a detached office and don't regret one bit about burying my Cat6. Even with the labor, it's still the cheapest and best solution. My distances were pretty much what yours are. But, then again, I also needed to run power too (separate ditch).
 
gypsyroad said:
I'm no radio expert, but I'll say if it's a metal building you're punching a hole in a wall somewhere. Unless you use power over ethernet, which *might* work, and would then use a pre-existing hole.

(just saw in a different post you said it was wood, statement retracted)
Click to expand...

Power over ethernet (POE) is the sending 24V power to a device over Cat cable. To power a camera or other device, with one cable for data/power.

The powerline adapter mentioned above is sending data over your existing electrical wires. And may or may not work in this case.
 
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