Widen my wifi for elderly neighbours.

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dwilson

162 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 123

#215472 29-Jun-2017 07:19

Hi,

I have an elderly neighbour over the back fence who asked me about getting internet, I helped out but it turns out she doesn't have a load of money, in fact none. She also has a friend who lives across the road from me who wants it. So basically, a couple of older ladies, in separate houses, one west, one east of me.

I thought I would see if they could just leech mine via wifi and the job would be done, and I have a couple of laptops loafing around needing a home.

House over the back gets 10% signal at the fenceline (25m).
House across the road gets 20% signal at the footpath (20m).

What would be the best bang-for-buck way to get about 50% signal in their lounges (about 50m each)?

I'm thinking I could spend up to $500 as a one-off, to help them out and they'd have internet forever.

Is it possible? Or am I dreaming?

Cheers.

froob

698 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Lifetime subscriber

#1808577 29-Jun-2017 07:34

Sound so like it should be very possible, if you're getting some signal at their properties already from your standard wifi. I would be looking at a directional wifi unit from Unifi. I have one set up at my parents house, pointing at their second dwelling next door (there are two houses at the address), which gives full coverage through the second house.

These directional units can be mounted outdoors and aimed at where they need to go. Over longer distances, you can use two units to create a wireless bridge. Someone on here will be able to recommend a specific model.

Be aware however that sharing your Internet connection like this might breach your ISPs terms and conditions.

Guide: Installing Network Cabling in New Zealand Homes

Coil

6614 posts

Uber Geek
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Inactive user

#1808580 29-Jun-2017 07:45

froob:
These directional units can be mounted outdoors and aimed at where they need to go. Over longer distances, you can use two units to create a wireless bridge. Someone on here will be able to recommend a specific model.

Be aware however that sharing your Internet connection like this might breach your ISPs terms and conditions.

TP link make a good little device that advertises 15KM point to point but work well as an access point!
Sharing connection isnt an issue, But reselling it is.

Kiwifruta

1425 posts

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ID Verified

#1808584 29-Jun-2017 07:58

You also need to consider the ability of those laptops to transmit, an AP in each place would be good.

For the neighbour over the back fence could you run an Ethernet cable (housed in pipe) underground?

deadlyllama

1283 posts

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#1808611 29-Jun-2017 08:17

For $500 you could get a set of mikrotik or unifi gear on your roof and theirs, and APs in their houses.

For more like $100-$150 plus cabling, a couple of Comfast E110Ns or KuWfi units off aliexpress on your roof or even on windowsills inside your house, one pointing each way. I'd get one, first, check signal (it might be good enough both ways).

Aredwood

3885 posts

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#1809298 30-Jun-2017 01:39

I would also stick an old router in each of their houses and run their Internet through it. Sure they will have double NAT. But I doubt a couple of old ladies will be doing anything serious enough on the Internet for double NAT to be a problem.

And if they get a phone call from the nice helpful person from Microsoft who is nice enough to remove the viruses from their computer. It will be less likely to affect your network.

noroad

1025 posts

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#1809306 30-Jun-2017 06:34

If you already have a low signal where you want to go, I would suggest upgrading your router to a decent MIMO AC wireless unit and then using matching usb adapters with an external aerial on the laptops would do the trick perfectly well.

Mighty Ape

Shop now at Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

noroad

1025 posts

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#1809307 30-Jun-2017 06:38

noroad:

If you already have a low signal where you want to go, I would suggest upgrading your router to a decent MIMO AC wireless unit and then using matching usb adapters with an external aerial on the laptops would do the trick perfectly well.

For example -

Use as an access point connecting to your existing router - https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETEDM1089/Edimax-RG-21S-AC2600-Wave-2-MU-MIMO-Wireless-Gigab

In each laptop - https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETEDM1085/EDIMAX-AC1750-Wireless-Dual-band-USB-30-adapter

Cheap but should do the trick considering you don't need a big boost.