One connection linking three nearby homes
One connection linking three nearby homes
You should have a switch with sufficient ports for connecting computers and Wi-Fi routers. Use outdoor-rated cables between buildings. Consider placing a switch in your home, running separate cables to each building, and linking them to a central switch elsewhere. Add Wi-Fi routers as needed for coverage. The main downsides would be handling technical issues yourself and reduced flexibility when adjusting network settings. Multiple connections improve reliability by providing backup options. ~edit: Assumes the cable runs on private land; check if it passes through public areas. Also verify you won’t encounter underground utilities during installation.
Thanks for the confirmation. I’m already handling tech support for the whole family, but it’s nice when it’s just next door. Trenching will stay on private land, which is a good reminder to mark utilities first. Should I consider a POE switch instead of just injectors, or skip POE APs altogether? Also, would my current router, the Netgear C7800, still suffice?
Set up multiple Ethernet connections to each residence. Have a backup ready if one cable fails later. Assume you're using waterproof or PVC conduits. Consider fiber optic options if lightning or power surges are likely in the area—they won't conduct electricity and reduce surge risk. Fiber is lighter on costs but may need PoE injectors. PoE switches can save money and work well with unmanaged devices. If you plan to place several PoE APs per house, a single PoE switch per home might be simpler and more powerful. Also, note that newer Ubiquiti models don’t have PoE injectors, while older ones did. Does this match the speeds you expect from your ISP?
If the ISP finds out they might get hell of mad. Generally sharing services on a residential connection is a no no. This will work but I do want to caution you. Ethernet is copper meaning it conducts electricity. People will tell you it will be fine BUT it can conduct electricity. Meaning if lightning were to strike around where the cable is, even buried, the lighting could find the cable underground then fry anything connected to that said cable. You will either want to ground the cable and hope for the best or look in to Fiber, because electricity cant run thru glass. The 8bitGuy had this happen to him twice, with a setup similar to what you are proposing.
Wireless bridging may become costly fairly soon, especially when considering APs. There are also challenges like antenna positioning and interference. It works well for longer distances if the budget allows, and it offers extra protection during electrical surges. This approach is used on business accounts in the US as well.
I understand that with small business internet there might be limitations. If it were, for example, an enterprise connection, it would likely not work.
It hinges on how convenient it is to run cables or provide power at the desired locations. If network access and a nearby wall outlet are sufficient, PoE offers little benefit but no drawbacks beyond possible higher costs. In challenging areas, having just one cable is advantageous. Generally, they shouldn't be easily detected unless someone shares details (like during a support call). Two separate homes without contracts might raise suspicion. Wireless connections tend to struggle in poor weather, such as heavy rain. Location matters too—directional antennas may not meet signal strength requirements in some areas.