Need solutions for getting wireless signal from main house to guest house (300ft)

[NOT_PROVIDED_190]

I have browsed the site for answers to my issues but I haven't been able to anything so I decided to post for myself.

So our main house has an ATT router that actually works pretty well. The closest wall of the guest house is about 300ft away with a clear line of sight. Inside the guest house I am able to get the wifi from the main house but only when near that wall closest to the main house. I installed a netgear ac750 wifi extender in an outlet against that closest wall. It seemed to work well at first but the connection has become hit or miss. The extender keeps indicating that it needs to be closer to the main router. Running cable is nit really an option for me.

What would be my easiest option at this point.

 

[radiodude7]

get a wireless repeater with good antennas

 

[Pooneil]

What would be my easiest option at this point.

As you've found out, wifi extenders are questionable.

The easiest option, if it works would be to use powerline networking adaptors to bring your network to the outbuilding. They work best when on the same circuit, but can still be OK is on the same breaker box. I don't have a particular brand recommendation, but buy from a store with a good return policy just in case powerline networking doesn't work in your case.

 

[NOT_PROVIDED_190]

The guest house is on a completely different power line so I do not think powerkine networking would work. The extender I am currently using is only picking up the main Wifi with 29% strength, so if I could boost the signal of the main Wifi then I think that would solve my problem. I'm just not sure how to boost the main wifi

 

[Pooneil]

Then an option is an outdoor access point such as the Engenius ENH500 or the ENS202

It is possible that one of these would provide network access if there is a line of sight to your outbuilding. If one isn't sufficient to reach user devices, then a bridge setup with a second as a client bridge, which in turn would be connected to a local access point.

The use of a bridge to access point has a similar effect as an extender, but is a much sounder technology with far better user satisfaction. Among the benefits is the ability to use the 5 GHz bridge connection to avoid interference on the more ubiquitous 2.4 GHz band. Interference may or may not be a problem in your location.

 

[NOT_PROVIDED_190]

Then an option is an outdoor access point such as the Engenius ENH500 or the ENS202

It is possible that one of these would provide network access if there is a line of sight to your outbuilding. If one isn't sufficient to reach user devices, then a bridge setup with a second as a client bridge, which in turn would be connected to a local access point.

The use of a bridge to access point has a similar effect as an extender, but is a much sounder technology with far better user satisfaction. Among the benefits is the ability to use the 5 GHz bridge connection to avoid interference on the more ubiquitous 2.4 GHz band. Interference may or may not be a problem in your location.

Just so I'm clear. Start with one of these set up as an access point outside of the main house. If the signal is not sufficient then I would need to buy a second one to set up on the guesthouse with With both units set to a bridge mode?

 

[Pooneil]

That is almost it. If the bridge method is used, you will need a access point at the guest house attached to the client bridge. These have somewhat directional antennas and need to point at one another. They also need line of site and can tolerate very few obstructions, somewhat dependent on the distance. Buy from a store with a good return policy in case it the advice of some random guy on the internet doesn't work for you.

 

[NOT_PROVIDED_190]

That is almost it. If the bridge method is used, you will need a access point at the guest house attached to the client bridge. These have somewhat directional antennas and need to point at one another. They also need line of site and can tolerate very few obstructions, somewhat dependent on the distance. Buy from a store with a good return policy in case it the advice of some random guy on the internet doesn't work for you.

I appreciate all your help. this is definitely over my head.

you stated "It is possible that one of these would provide network access if there is a line of sight to your outbuilding." my line of sght is great so would i be able to just buy one of these products or do i need a pair in both cases?

 

[Pooneil]

There is no way to know until you try. It depends on the distance and the materials of the building. If you want to try just using one for an outdoor access point, then 2.4 GHz is probably best. It is less subject to signal loss and some devices still cannot use 5 GHz.

OTOH, for a bridge, the 5 GHz may be better because it is less subject to local interference. I am user/admin rather than a pro at this and that is about the extent of the guidance as I can give. But what I suggest is what the equipment is designed to do. The installation can be done by anyone with the perseverance to stick with it and some online guidance for the sticky parts.

Ubiquity Networks also makes some very good equipment for bridging. https://www.ubnt.com/products/

ETA: In my non-expert opinion, if you want the most stable internet, go with a bridge on the outside and an access point on the inside of the guest house. It is worth the investment to get the most buttoned down system you can install.