Link of 200 metres connecting Workshop and House
Link of 200 metres connecting Workshop and House
I explored ways to link the two properties using available equipment. The workshop’s Comms Room sits at the front of the shed, which is 100 meters long. We have Cat6 cables running inside the workshop—50 meters from the Comms Room and another 90 meters away. Testing with a 50-meter cable didn’t work due to instability, so we tried a 30-meter cable halfway through the workshop. Plugging it into a wall outlet gave us 100Mbit, but extending further proved problematic. I considered using a bridge like the Ubiquiti AirMAX Nanobeam AC Gen 2 and placed one on the shed’s roof (about 20 meters up) and another near the house (100 meters from the back shed corner). The challenge remains extending the cable without compromising stability or visibility. Alternative methods could involve fiber optics, wireless solutions, or reconfiguring the network layout.
I faced the same challenge while organizing cable installation inside a structure. To address this, we opted to lay fiber optic cables through the building. In your case, concealing the cable might be a viable option. Although I haven’t extensively used Ubiquiti AirMax gear, your suggested approach appears both more attractive and cost-effective compared to traditional underground wiring.
Updated. I replaced the previous switch in the comms room with the TL-SG3424P. Now I’m getting a gigabit link to the end of the shed, and even after connecting a 30-meter Ethernet cable, it still works at gigabit speed. I plan to purchase the two bridges and APs on Monday and will demonstrate the setup afterward.
Which kind of Ethernet cable are you employing? Ideally, opt for a high-quality Cat6a shielded cable. Extra shielding can assist in minimizing certain problems during longer runs.
You're unsure about the current wiring in the workshop—seems like outdoor shielded cat 6 might already be in place, but you're not sure. We're aiming to avoid replacing it if possible. If issues arise, we'll look for a better cable or a simple fix. Our goal is a very affordable solution. Fiber would be ideal, though cost isn't the only factor. The space is mainly for remote work, so we don’t need extensive setup.
Usually, the label on the cable indicates its category. It often shows text like "Cat5e UTP." Ethernet wires are sold in rolls of 305 meters. This length should cover your server room to another building, even with bends or trips. Shielded cables cost more than unshielded ones. Basic unshielded Cat6 is available for $100 to $150 per roll, while shielded versions (STP, FTP, SSTP, etc.) are double or triple that amount. For outdoor use, regular cables aren’t ideal. You may need a gel-filled version to resist moisture damage. Gel-filled Cat6 should cost around AUD$350 for the same length. Keep in mind these aren’t recommended for open-air environments. For longer distances beyond 200 meters, consider expert advice or ask the seller about the best options.
Do you have any news about your development? Did you manage to integrate it with the bridges and entry points?