Wifi APs can be placed very close together, often within a few feet, as long as they don't interfere with each other.
Wifi APs can be placed very close together, often within a few feet, as long as they don't interfere with each other.
I'm planning to extend internet connectivity from my garage to the outside. I intend to dig a trench between the house and the garage, bringing in the cat7 cable for a TP-Link AC1200 router. This device would operate in access point mode, allowing laptops and phones inside the garage to connect.
I also need reliable Wi-Fi coverage beyond the garage walls, reaching up to 30-50 feet outside. This will support devices like smart faucets—three of them placed strategically across the yard. I’m uncertain if the garage’s router could reach those devices reliably, especially when doors are closed.
I’m considering using the TP-Link Omada AC1200 Outdoor Access Point instead, placing it outside to cover the three devices. My sketch shows the router in the house, the AP inside the garage, and the three faucet devices needing signal.
My main concern is whether placing an outdoor AP inside the garage would interfere with or weaken the signal reaching the faucets. If the garage AP is in access point mode, it should replicate my indoor network, but signal strength could be affected by distance and obstructions.
I’m not worried about burying the cable or using adapters; my issue is about signal reach and interference. I’m open to evaluating the setup if it helps ensure coverage for all devices.
The garage walls are constructed from a specific material, which could affect how the AP inside interacts with nearby faucets. Most IoT devices operate on 2.4GHz, offering good range in areas with minimal signal loss from concrete or metal. If you're adding another AP, position it at the bottom-left corner where the garage wall meets the exterior. The omnidirectional antennas should cover all faucets effectively. For the indoor AP, since users will be close by and likely need only 5GHz, turn off the 2.4GHz antenna. Broadcasting on the 5GHz side is unnecessary. For the indoor AP, you can also disable its 2.4GHz antenna. Because these two APs use different frequencies, they won’t interfere with each other. You can also fine-tune the antenna’s output power to limit coverage to the required space and avoid disrupting neighbors’ networks. Even if neighbors detect your signal, simply switch to a channel that doesn’t overlap theirs.
Here are some adjustments to your text:
A few points to consider. I’d run a conduit just to simplify things if the cable were to fail. Also, keep in mind that using Ethernet outside means copper is involved. Copper is also used to spread power throughout your home. I mentioned this because if lightning gets into that cable, it could damage the devices. The 8 Bit Guy on YouTube experienced this twice; he switched his outdoor wiring to fiber. They offer products that help ground the cable and protect the connected equipment.
Thirdly, I’m puzzled about why everyone opts for Cat7. It isn’t an official standard and lacks TIA certification, which means its quality can vary significantly. Just be cautious and choose reliable cabling. I agree with @Falcon1986—2.4 GHz should work over that distance, especially in garages without solid walls to block the signal.