The thought of extending your WiFi signal (up to precisely 400 feet!) can seem like a complicated process that should be left to a professional. However, this is far from the truth.
Fortunately, the process is quite simple and you are likely to be able to get it done on your own or with minimal help that will not be too costly.
So before you make the hefty investment of consulting or hiring a network engineer, go through this post. We have outlined the different ways you could extend a Wifi signal to a building 400 feet away along with the pros, cons and costs of each approach.
4 Ways To Extend Wifi To A Building 400 Feet Away
Below are some of the easiest and most popular ways to extend your WiFi signal to a building 400 ft away without consulting a professional.
- Wireless bridges (Best option)
- Wifi repeaters (Cheapest)
- High gain antennas (Strongest signal)
- MoCA Networks (Most compatible)
Let’s take a look at these greater details:
Opt For A Cable Connection
Before we dive into other technologies, did you know that you could extend the connection using cables?
While some may argue that cable connections are a thing of the past, here’s why they shouldn’t be. While a cable connection to a building 400 feet away may not sound like the most practical option, it is by far the most reliable one.
As regular Cat 5 or Cat 6 cables can only cover a distance of 328 feet, you will need to purchase an Optical Fiber cable.
However, do keep in mind that optical fiber cables are relatively expensive and often require digging permits and other regulations; depending on where you reside.
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If you’re certain that factors such as cost and permits will not be an issue, this is undoubtedly a good option.
Use A Wireless Bridge
Having read about cables, you have an understanding of the drawbacks of an optical fiber cable connection. If you’re looking for a relatively affordable option that does not involve the hassle of obtaining permits, a wireless bridge is the way to go!
A wireless bridge involves mounting a piece of equipment called “wireless bridges” on each building. The most critical factor to take into consideration is that both pieces should be given to each other without any obstruction.
Once the equipment is in place, the bridge will use infrared or microwave transmission to extend your WiFi signal from one building to the other.
Although this option requires a few purchases (network switches, cabling etc.), it is still significantly cheaper than installing an optical fiber connection.
Wifi Repeaters
Repeaters are one of the most popular ways to extend your wifi signal to out buildings (even buildings that’s 400 ft away). These devices are also referred to as wireless extenders, wireless boosters, and wireless range extenders.
WiFi repeaters work by taking a weak signal and amplifying it and then transmitting it. They are easy to install and super CHEAP! Plus, they don’t need wires and support multiple devices.
But unfortunately, they reduce the connectivity speed a lot resulting in connectivity issues and have some security issues with implementation.
High-gain Antennas
While your router does have an antenna of its own, a high-gain antenna can extend signals much further. Such antennas are omnidirectional– enabling them to send a signal through a focused area (e.g: a building 400 feet away in this case).
As high-gain antennas vary in price, this is quite a flexible option. While keeping your budget in mind, ensure you select a reputable long-range antenna that is omni directional.
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However, if you need to purchase a directional antenna owing to your budget, here’s what you need to know:
Simply make sure the antenna is pointed in the correct direction and that there are no obstructions between point A and point B.
MoCA Network
A MoCA (Multimedia over coax alliance) Network uses coaxial ports in a building to create a wired internet network.
This is by far one of the best options in terms of compatibility as a major area of most buildings is covered in coaxial wiring.
An added advantage is the fact that this is quite simple to set up. As a MoCA Network can be configured to connect all the routers using the coaxial wires, the process will be quick. However, do keep in mind that the speed of such a network is likely to decrease when connected to multiple routers.
Final Thoughts
While each option has its pros and cons, the best one for you will depend on factors such as your network requirements and budget.
However, from a general perspective using wireless bridges appears to be a great option overall. With very few affordable purchases and a relatively simple installation process, a wireless bridge can provide you with a good connection at a reasonable cost.
