Access to internet in rural areas
Access to internet in rural areas
I’m looking for a fast internet connection for online gaming and streaming. Cable isn’t working because the distance is too great. I tried paying, but it didn’t help. Satellite is too slow. I have HughesNet but only about 300 kb/s, and it doesn’t work well in heavy rain. Are there any ways to get a higher speed where I live? I’m open to building or buying a solution.
Construct a box near the edge, connect to Ethernet, route through a cable, and you're done.
At that range, if you manage to energize the endpoint, options like the link from Newegg seem quite logical. Around $300 for extra-overhead networking gear (when visibility exists) can be significantly more economical than installing extensive cabling.
It would provide a Wi-Fi connection. It would be the most affordable option. Using 48V PoE over Ethernet could extend up to that distance without needing repeaters.
The specialized Ubuquiti "wifi" operates as a focused radio signal. It delivers very low latency and likely full bandwidth over such distances. The main challenges are maintaining a clear line of sight and ensuring power at the equipment. You'd set up a Cable Modem or router box at the property's start, then connect it to your home via this specialized network. As @GDRRiley mentioned in the thread video, you'd need to locate a power source near the box—probably through some branch of your existing system—and run the cable over 2100 feet. That length is quite long for any powered cabling.
They need to lay fiber for that length. Ethernet works only up to about 300 feet, after which you need repeaters. You must also verify that any poles or buildings have power available. I’m surprised Comcast would invest in this for a fee. I think they could have earned at least $50,000 from the project. My estimate suggests they had to install new fiber and a node, making it uneconomical for them. This is why I prefer living in the city—rural areas consistently offer poor internet. The only alternative is reviewing the franchise agreement, as sometimes there are conditions that require connecting you to their network. It really depends on the specific terms.