Novice need suggestions wifi extender(?) 150-200 ft

[hondochica]

Greetings;

I've tried reading many of the 'wifi extender' threads - but it would take me days to figure this out!

I want to know if I can use a wifi extender (or some other option) to 'share' my neighbor's internet service. Our houses are about 150-200 ft apart - a large garage between us. I have been reading that extenders reduce internet speed - ??. There are indoor models and outdoor models, faster ones and slower ones etc etc etc. I don't need alot of speed - 1Mps would be awesome as I've been living off of 500-800 kbps for months (long story). So just about anything would be an improvement. Also, I don't 'game'; just browse internet/research, email, movies.

Can I 'share' my neighbor's internet (w/ his permission of course) - and how is this best achieved? Remember - I'm kinda a novice here - when it comes to anything more technical than an in-house router.

Thanks in advance

Kelly

 

[kanewolf]

I do recommend the outdoor type devices. They can be used indoors also. An Engenius ENS202 can be pointed at the neighbor's house. You can put it in a window or outdoors. You then get both a local WIFI and ethernet cable. You can configure it as a router and treat the neighbor's WIFI as "internet" and get the benefits of a router.

 

[hondochica]

So . . . I'm not sure I follow how this works. I was thinking that an extender 'boosts' the wifi signal from the source, such that my wifi capable devices would be able to pick up the signal. That doesn't sound like what you are describing . . but then. . I'm not entirely certain of 'what' you are suggesting. I don't think I need a 'router'; I just need to create (?)/boost the wifi signal from my neighbor so I can pick it up. Right now, I can 'see' my neighbor's wifi, but it's too weak to use.

what exactly am I doing with this device?

sorry - but I'm really clueless in this arena

Kelly

 

[nigelivey]

You also need to consider that whilst you may receive the signal your device may not have sufficient power to transmit back. A point to point link would achieve this. Look at a pair of Ubiquiti LocoM2s, you would need a router your end and also require line of sight.

 

[hondochica]

. . . your device may not have sufficient power to transmit back.

Wow - had not even thought about that. I will check out your suggestion . .

I have homework to do - clearly this is not as simple as "tell me how to do this"

Appreciate your time

Kelly

 

[hondochica]

Are we making this waaayyyy to complicated? Why can't I just run an ethernet cable from my neighbor's house to my house? It's < 200ft so wouldn't a standard cat5e carry data at sufficient speed for that length?

 

[kanewolf]

Are we making this waaayyyy to complicated? Why can't I just run an ethernet cable from my neighbor's house to my house? It's < 200ft so wouldn't a standard cat5e carry data at sufficient speed for that length?

You could. The limit for ethernet cabling is 100m. Your original question was WIFI so you got WIFI answers. I assume you would bury the ethernet cable. There is direct burial cable that does not require conduit.

 

[hondochica]

thanks Kanewolf - . . . I asked about wifi cuz' it never occured to me that I could just run a cable - didn't think I could run one that far. guess I should have titled it "HOW to share my neighbor's internet connetion" . . I've been online for 2-3 hours now and am sooo lost in "access points", "bridges"; looking up and trying to figure out how the two suggestions mentioned actually work - my head is just spinning! And I have other things to do. Kinda feel like a need a PhD in networking just to have internet service I can afford. (Hence the word "novice" in the title)

so - if I can just use a cable from my neighor's router to mine; I may - or may not bury it - is there 'outdoor' cable in addition to 'direct bury' cable?

Also: any recommendations on an inexpensive router? I just remembered my dlink died just before I put everything in storage. So I will need a new router before I can do anything!

Thanks so much for chiming in! Appreciate your input

Kelly

 

[hondochica]

Oh - and I live atop a mountain and am told that ground lightning (or to house etc) is not uncommon here (Yikes) - what about surge protectors for the Cat5e - and/or the house for that matter? Or should I post a new Q somewhere (what forum)?

thanks

Kelly

 

[kanewolf]

thanks Kanewolf - . . . I asked about wifi cuz' it never occured to me that I could just run a cable - didn't think I could run one that far. guess I should have titled it "HOW to share my neighbor's internet connetion" . . I've been online for 2-3 hours now and am sooo lost in "access points", "bridges"; looking up and trying to figure out how the two suggestions mentioned actually work - my head is just spinning! And I have other things to do. Kinda feel like a need a PhD in networking just to have internet service I can afford. (Hence the word "novice" in the title)

so - if I can just use a cable from my neighor's router to mine; I may - or may not bury it - is there 'outdoor' cable in addition to 'direct bury' cable?

Also: any recommendations on an inexpensive router? I just remembered my dlink died just before I put everything in storage. So I will need a new router before I can do anything!

Thanks so much for chiming in! Appreciate your input

Kelly

There IS outdoor rated cable in addition to direct burial.
I don't know how well you know (or want to know) the neighbors, but I would recommend you have your own router. Again, treat that cable just like a "true" internet connection. That will prevent unwanted interaction between your hardware and the neighbor's.

The single ENS202 that I originally recommended -- This is a pretty good document that describes the uses and shows config examples -- https://www.solwise.co.uk/downloads/files/engenius-wds-bridge-setup-guide.pdf

 

[nigelivey]

Always better to go cabled if you can, sorry but I just answered your question as it was posed!