Promoting Beaming Wireless in a Steam Rally Arena (United Kingdom)
Promoting Beaming Wireless in a Steam Rally Arena (United Kingdom)
Hi, I'm checking if sending Wi-Fi from your office to a portable cabin 800 meters away works well, especially with visibility and the presence of steam engines and crowds. Are you considering Ubiquiti gear or another option? Some team members prefer Musks Starlink, though it's caused some discussion.
Yes, wired networking is possible. You’d typically need fiber optic cable and media converters to achieve gigabit speeds, though the initial cost could be close to a thousand dollars. In most cases, it would be cheaper than a year’s subscription to services like Starlink. If you’re okay with about 20 megabits per second in each direction, Ethernet-to-VDSL adapters can extend connections up to roughly 2500 meters. There are options available for around $230 that work well for extending networks over twisted copper or RJ45 cables. At about 800 meters, speeds drop to around 22 Mbps down and 19 Mbps up (with a 30a profile), while using cheaper CAT5 cable can get you up to 3000 feet. For most simple needs—like registrations, POS systems, or wireless for staff—20 Mbps is more than enough. The main drawback is using copper wiring, which poses a risk if damaged by weather or lightning, whereas fiber is more durable and offers higher reliability.
It's actually quite affordable to lay cable these days. I'm in agreement with @mariushm's estimate around $1000. The only situation where you'd consider an air-fiber method is if you don't own the adjacent land, but that doesn't seem likely here. Just grab a large spool of cable, hire someone to dig it in, and tackle the job over a weekend.
Thank you both for your feedback. We've reviewed the situation and confirmed that the required area isn't under our control, along with a nearby road. Still, I believe we can find a solution. Appreciate your responses.