help me extend my network

Joined
Jan 11, 2011
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Here is my setup. DSL internet connection with a linksys wireless router connected directly to the dsl modem. It is located pretty much in the center of my house.

The wireless signal reached throughout my house. I bought an airport express to get internet for my sons xbox360. It only has a wired connection and is no where near the dsl modem. This works fine and I also hooked the airport express up to the stereo system and airplay works nicely.

I have a workshop (metal building) that is about 75' from my house with no obstructions between the two. I can take my ipad and stand by the workshop door (outside the building) and I get a weak but usable signal but as soon as I go inside the workshop I lose signal. I would like to get internet signal to the shop. Trenching in a ethernet cable is not going to be easy as I have sprinkler system, buried electric lines, septic tank, sidewalks, concrete patio, fences, etc. I would like to do it wirelessly and am looking for ideas.

On the house side I am thinking I would need to either add another wireless access point of some sort in the house and place it right by a window facing the shop or move my current router close to a window facing the shop.

On the shop side I am thinking I would need some sort of range extender with an external antenna to get the signal through the metal building?

Any ideas or recommendations?
 
Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Messages
7,163
Reaction score
275
Points
83
Location
UK
Your Mac's Specs
Mac Mini i5 (2014 High Sierra), iPhone X, Apple Watch, iPad Pro 12.9, AppleTV (4)
If the electrical wiring from your house feeds the workshop consider a pair of ethernet over power adapters (one attached to the router, one plugged in the workshop).

Connect the workshop one to an airport express or old router if you need wifi.

Alternatively you can get a router (in bridge mode). Placed in the house as close as possible to the workshop to relay/extend/boost the wifi to the workshop. If you choose the right kit you could attach a directional and/or external antenna.
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2011
Messages
100
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Location
Kentucky, USA
Your Mac's Specs
Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 Xeon 6gb DDR2 1TB OSX Server
I agree with mrplow. Ethernet over power or a directional antenna will do the trick. You could also consider a wireless repeater.
 
OP
S
Joined
Jan 11, 2011
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Thanks for replies. Actually the workshop and house do not share electric lines. They are each on separate meters.

I am not really up on all the wireless repeater technology. What specifically do I need? Can I just move my existing wireless router closer to the window facing the shop and then put a wireless repeater inside the shop with some sort of external antenna outside the shop facing the house? Do these things have two antennas - one for uplink and one for local connections? If I put an external antenna outside the metal building and it is the only antenna I don't see the signal working too good inside the building
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2011
Messages
100
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Location
Kentucky, USA
Your Mac's Specs
Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 Xeon 6gb DDR2 1TB OSX Server
You cant 'face' a router that broadcasts radio signals, they are omni-directional. You could try directional antenna which will essence point the signals focus to your shop I think that will be your best option.
 
OP
S
Joined
Jan 11, 2011
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Points
6
You cant 'face' a router that broadcasts radio signals, they are omni-directional. You could try directional antenna which will essence point the signals focus to your shop I think that will be your best option.

When I was talking about "facing" them I meant putting them on the sides of the two separate buildings so that there were minimal obstructions between the two. Essentially trying to get line of sight between them.
 
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Wilmington, NC
Your Mac's Specs
MacBook Pro 13" Mid 2012 2.9 GHz i7 8 GB RAM, MacBook Pro Mid 2009 13" 2.26 GHz 4 GB RAM
Or buy a cheap Linksys router and install DD-WRT on it and set it up as a repeater.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top