The external network "bridge" hardware is not needed.
The external network "bridge" hardware is not needed.
I have a home with a separate annex and a nearby converted space. I need internet access there but can't connect via cables or powerline. A wifi extender doesn’t help. Could a smaller setup similar to what Linus used for the lab be an option? Are there other solutions possible? The annex is close—just 15 meters or less from the main house.
The optimal solution is likely to lay an Ethernet cable via underground conduit, incorporating a switch and/or wireless access point within the annex structure. By steering clear of excavation, you might install several exterior wireless access points—one at the primary residence transmitting the signal and another at the annex receiving it.
I don't have any personal suggestions to share. Still, I can ask a few questions to better understand your requirements. How extended do you expect to use this annex area? If it's meant as a permanent setup, it's advisable to excavate directly. For immediate upgrades, adding more or new cables through your current conduit is much simpler and cost-effective than purchasing and reconfiguring wireless access points. Could you clarify the purpose of this internet connection? Basic web browsing needs minimal bandwidth, but streaming high-definition content requires a quicker link. You also mentioned an office space in the annex. If you depend on internet for remote work there, a more stable connection would make sense, even if it costs more.
I've had direct experience with a network setup built entirely outdoors. Ubiquiti, for instance, advertises their custom WiFi solutions as tailored to handle the extra interference found outside, which appears to improve reliability. While I'm currently using their older Litebeam hardware and don't have strong preferences for Ubiquiti overall, I'd suggest focusing on a solution where all components are in one place if you're experiencing significant signal loss through cables at higher frequencies.
I wonder why a Wi-Fi extender struggles even when placed just a short distance away. You might consider using mesh systems like Google Nest or TP-Link Deco devices. Set the first one inside your home, position the second near the new building, and place the third in the annex. They will help distribute the signal across the space. It won't be ideal for gaming due to high latency, but it should suffice for regular internet tasks.