Getting wireless signal to detached garage

[Motofixxer]

I hope I'm not hijacking this thread but here is my problem. My kids want to use their kindle fires in my polebarn shop,about 50' from the belkin router, the signal stops when you go in the building.I just got a new wireless router from windstream and I was wondering if I hook up the windstream router in the house and run an ethernet cable to the shop could I use the belkin router as a access point?

Well it is a thread hijack, but it's essentially the same issue. You can also search and find multiple threads on this issue. As mentioned previously you can use a range extender or additional access point. Sometimes relocating the router fixes signal issues.

Some routers can be used as an access point or repeater but it depends on the capabilities of the router. Look through your router settings and find a bridge setting or turn off the DHCP option for it. If it will work as a repeater, it should work to set that inside the building and being higher powered it should pick up the signal and "repeat it".

But using a router behind another router will segment the network and block access between all the computers when set normally. Internet will usually work, but that's about it. Can also get complicated when troubleshooting. Anything behind the 2nd router can't access the computers behind the first router etc. The second router needs settings changed to operate properly.

 

[kossuth]

Agreed. I have a dedicated CAT5 going out to my garage and a B/G/N WAP feeding Wifi to the area. I think wireless N protocol operates in the 500GHz band? This might offer faster communication between N devices and possibly improved connection stability and range because of less interference.

Cat 5 to the garage is the best option. Fyi, your WiFi spectrum goes like this.
802.11a. 5.0Ghz. 54 Mbps. Not so good with distance.
802.11b. 2.4Ghz. 11Mbps. Better with distance but 2.4 spectrum is very chatty
802.11g. 2.4Ghz. 54Mbps. Same as above
802.11n. 2.4/5.0Ghz. 300Mbps per band or 600Mbps if operating with both bands (these speeds are in theory per the IEEE and many n devices either can't reach the rated speeds or are not dual band rated.). Distance is in theory alittle farther than b and g.

WiFi is subject to loss of signal through EMI and other things. Unless your signal is already strong in there I would setup a second access point and use an ESS if WiFi is a must.

Even though I have dealt with WiFi a lot with my work I'm not a fan of it over long hauls even though it can be done.

 

[sands35]

Direct burial cat5e is pretty cheep. You'll pay more to rent a ditch digger than the wire. Much better speed, security and signal integrity.

Frankly MUCH simpler than messing with two routers and range extenders.

If you really want to go wireless, you'll need two routers. One is the main and one is set up as a repeater/dhcp forwarder (the slave router). There are DIY plans to basically use pvc pipe to make a range extender for the antennas.

As for routers, if you are somewhat techy, look at dd-wrt or tomato firmware. They basically turn a $30 used router into a $100 router feature wise. You need a router with firmware that can do master-slave. The nice thing about dd-wrt is that you can encrypt the wireless signal so people don't pirate your service.

 

[gatchel]

Direct burial cat5e is pretty cheep. You'll pay more to rent a ditch digger than the wire. Much better speed, security and signal integrity.

Frankly MUCH simpler than messing with two routers and range extenders.

If you are going to hard wire, don't forget the $100 worth of RJ-45 surge protectors to install at each end. Oh, don't forget the ground wire too...



I installed 2 Nanostation Loco M5 units at my friends garage. 75 megabits actual throughput. Plenty for a garage PC. He can even stream cameras from the garage in to his house. They are about $80 per unit. They work well.

 

[hoffman912]

Why not just get a wifi range extender? plug it in to the wall closest to the detached garage and go.. http://microcenter.com/category/4294966876/Wireless-Antennas-Signal-Boosters

 

[Scott r c]

Reviving an old thread. I bought a powerline extender to get Wi-Fi from the house out to my metal skin pole barn. It doesn't work, apparently because they are on separate power panels, even thou its on the same meter. Any suggestions??

 

[My Old Tools]

I just asked my network guru (major defense contractor, we network the world) about this. He said the best answer was to get out the shovel. He said he had this in the ground for 10 years with no problems.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007P5S172/?tag=atomicindus08-20