We have some property in our family that includes a house and a couple of barns. In one of the barns we have a small living space where we hang out and bunk when the whole family is around. The rest of the barn is used for various projects such as working on cars and bass boats. Having good Internet service out there isn’t just nice, it’s often a must when trying to update things like a fish finder. Even more important are the security cameras around the property that rely on Wi-Fi to send video to the apps on our phones.
Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi from the house doesn’t quite reach. Certainly not reliably. The route is in the basement, which is fine for the whole house, but not for any extended range outside. Phone service in the area is pretty bad too. Especially inside any of the buildings.
The solution was to get a point-to-point wireless bridge. A simple set that will span as much as a mile or more is only about $60. These devices come in a pair, and you point them at each other to create a wireless connection. Think of it as a replacement for an ethernet cable, the cable that you’d usually use to hard-wire your Internet devices together. A wireless bridge can transmit your Internet service from a couple hundred feet to many miles depending on the model you get and how much you’re willing to spend. And, they can even transmit through walls and other obstructions within reason.
Most wireless bridges will come with a set of 3-4ft ethernet cables to connect each side to their power source (POE). But, these cables are sometimes too short. They need to reach from a wall plug to your bridge devices. You may want to consider longer ethernet cables where you plan to put each of the devices at both ends. In my case, I not only wanted them out of the way, but to get the best service, I had to mount them above things like shelves and to the side of major structural beams.
How hard is it to setup a point-to-point wireless bridge? Not as hard as you might think. You don’t need to higher a networking engineer or electrician. If you don’t have a little experience with general household Wi-Fi or Internet devices, like cable modems and Wi-Fi routers, then maybe you have a friend that does. Worst case, give a local computer or Internet service shop a call. They should be able to set it up in about an hour.
Here’s a basic diagram to show you how all the pieces come together.
Key points:
- Wireless Internet service between two locations from feet to to miles away.
- Point the front side of each bridge at each other as best as you can.
- Signal will pass through most walls and moderate obstructions.
- Each end of the bridge device is NOT a Wi-Fi router or access point. You will need a router in your garage or barn.
What you’ll need:
- The set of point-to-point wireless bridges
- 2 x ethernet cables – from your bridge devices to a 120v plug (if included cables too short @ 3-4ft)
- 2 x ethernet cables – from your 120v plug to your modem/router on either side
- A Wi-Fi router if you plan to have Wi-Fi in your barn or garage.
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