memilanuk
Occasional Visitor
So, a number of years ago when we moved into this house I looked at the options for getting network connectivity where I wanted it. Settled on a combination of wifi and powerline networking to get to some spots that were on the wrong side of an HVAC duct, or that just needed a more stable connection.
More recently, I thought I'd like to extend that to the detached shop. It's not very far away - maybe 30 feet from the house, or about 20-30 from where the wifi AP is inside. Problem is, between the metal roof on the shop and the good-sized RV (also metal clad) parked between the house and the shop, my wifi signal in the shop is crap - less than one bar, on a good day.
I figured I'd use a spare powerline-Ethernet connector, and an old Buffalo Airstation to get wireless out to the shop. No go. For some reason, the powerline plug could never connect to the other plugs inside the house. So for right now, if I want any kind of internet access in the shop, whether it be Pandora radio or to stream YouTube on my Chromebook for some quick help with a project... I have to do it via my cell phone as a hot spot. Not a big deal with Pandora, but YouTube and such eats up my data plan pretty quickly.
The electrical topography of this place is a little non-standard; originally one house, then split into separate dwellings upstairs and downstairs (basement), complete with two separate panels and meters, then combined back into one house with two panels going into one 400A (!!!) meter base, various additions and renovations, and several sub-panels, including the one going to out to the shop. Technically there is probably room in the conduit going out to the shop... but my understanding is that (around here at least) it isn't strictly legit to run data cable in with power-carrying conductors, with the voltage differential and all that. The conduit runs underneath concrete slab pretty much the entire way out to the shop, so just digging in another dedicate conduit is a no-go as well.
What are my options for getting decent network connectivity out to the shop? I'd like to stick with powerline Ethernet if I can, but am considering the possibility of a wireless repeater from the top of the house to the top of the shop (over the RV) and down in, but again, that seems like overkill given the distances involved.
Thanks,
Monte
More recently, I thought I'd like to extend that to the detached shop. It's not very far away - maybe 30 feet from the house, or about 20-30 from where the wifi AP is inside. Problem is, between the metal roof on the shop and the good-sized RV (also metal clad) parked between the house and the shop, my wifi signal in the shop is crap - less than one bar, on a good day.
I figured I'd use a spare powerline-Ethernet connector, and an old Buffalo Airstation to get wireless out to the shop. No go. For some reason, the powerline plug could never connect to the other plugs inside the house. So for right now, if I want any kind of internet access in the shop, whether it be Pandora radio or to stream YouTube on my Chromebook for some quick help with a project... I have to do it via my cell phone as a hot spot. Not a big deal with Pandora, but YouTube and such eats up my data plan pretty quickly.
The electrical topography of this place is a little non-standard; originally one house, then split into separate dwellings upstairs and downstairs (basement), complete with two separate panels and meters, then combined back into one house with two panels going into one 400A (!!!) meter base, various additions and renovations, and several sub-panels, including the one going to out to the shop. Technically there is probably room in the conduit going out to the shop... but my understanding is that (around here at least) it isn't strictly legit to run data cable in with power-carrying conductors, with the voltage differential and all that. The conduit runs underneath concrete slab pretty much the entire way out to the shop, so just digging in another dedicate conduit is a no-go as well.
What are my options for getting decent network connectivity out to the shop? I'd like to stick with powerline Ethernet if I can, but am considering the possibility of a wireless repeater from the top of the house to the top of the shop (over the RV) and down in, but again, that seems like overkill given the distances involved.
Thanks,
Monte