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How do I extend my wireless?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "How do I extend my Wireless?"


When that question is asked, we first like to find out which of the following you are trying to achieve.  Please note that these solutions won't give you stronger 3G/4G/5G connections.  That is a different technology.   The solutions below are for extending wireless access of your current internet connection.


You want to be able to use a wireless device (laptop, phone etc) over a greater distance than is being covered already by the solution you have in place.
In this instance, you would normally have a wireless router or access point already setup up and you are finding you have dead spots, or it does not reach as far as you would expect / need it to.  Have a read below of the section - Extend my Wireless - To cover a greater area for more information on how to improve your setup.

You want to be able to use wireless in a separate property / location - for example a shed, granny flat or garage that is not physically possible (or not cost effective) to connect using a physical ethernet cable.

This does have a little cross over with question one.   It is often thought that by increasing the power of a wireless access point, it will cover a greater area and therefore "allow" the signal to reach another building.  Although in some instances this may work, various factors including physical distance and building materials used, play a significant role in performance. Creating a wireless bridge is often the most reliable and consistent way to approach this and will work for connections from 10m to several kilometers.  This option can be extended to join multiple locations together in what is called a Point to Multi Point Wireless Bridge.  Have a read of the section below - Extend my wireless - To another location, for more information.


Each one of these have a slightly different approach, but we hope to lay out solutions for all in the page below.   Remember, if you are not sure, need some extra help or are just a little lost and need some direction, we are on hand to help.  Give us a call (1300 910 949), start up a webchat (bottom right hand corner) or fill in the form (right at the bottom of the page)

More common questions

What is the most powerful access point you sell?

This is a question we often get asked.   As standard most access points have a published radius of about 50 - 75m.  You need to bear in mind that many factors will impact this - the makeup of walls, density of brick, trees and plants etc.   Please also take into consideration that having a strong access point won't mean better wireless, the connecting device is the weak link.  See the power of more section below.

How to improve wireless in my house / How can I get a stronger wireless signal?

Improving your wireless coverage in your house, is often quickly fixed by adding more wireless access points.   These can be either wired to your current router, or in some instances can be wireless "repeaters"   Please read the section below - Extend my wireless - to cover a greater area, for more information and options.

How can I extend my wireless range?

Improving your wireless range is often quickly fixed by adding more wireless access points. These can be either wired to your current router, or in some instances can be wireless "repeaters" If you are looking to reach an outbuilding or cover several acres, then you will need to look at a number of access points or wireless bridges.  The section below, Extend my wireless - to another location, should help.

What is a wireless bridge?

A wireless bridge is generally made up of two devices that are used together to create a network connection between two or more buildings, without the need to run an ethernet cable.  Distances can often be from 10m to over 10km or more..  One device is attached to the outside of each property facing each other.  There needs to be no obstructions in the way, ie buildings, tress etc.  If you are looking to create a wireless bridge, please refer to the section below - Extend My Wireless - To Another Location.


EXTEND MY WIRELESS - TO COVER A GREATER AREA

The power of more

In this section we are only going to focus on how to extend the wireless, inside and directly outside your property that already has wireless or needs it.


It is first important to note that wireless is actually about density not distance. We can often think that if we get a really powerful access point, we can then use that wireless on our devices, ie a laptop or a mobile over a greater distance.  Unfortunately, the weakest link is the receiving device as it often only has a small antenna.


Maybe think of it as an adult and a child playing soccer. The adult kicks the ball as hard as they can and tells the child to run after it. Once it stops, they need to kick it back to the adult. It is just not possible as the child can't kick as far as the adult. This is the same in the wireless world. The signal can be transmitted a long distance, but the receiving device is so much weaker it can't send the data back, so it won't work until it gets closer.

To fix this issue we need to add more access points, which will in turn give us better coverage and better speeds as more devices will be closer to an access point.


You may currently have a router from your internet service provider.  To create the best solution, we would recommend, turning the wireless feature of this router off and then adding in wireless access points all from the same vendor, for example, Ubiquiti, Ruijie Reyee, TP-LINK Omada or Aruba Instant On.


Ideally these should be hardwired, using Cat6 ethernet cable back to your ISP's router or switch.   We would suggest an access point per level, as a minimum, and ideally an access point every 20m throughout. This will give you the best wireless connectivity.   


If you are looking to cover an outdoor space, then use an outdoor wireless access point mounted to the outside of your property for the best results.   Do remember though that the coverage will be dependent on the device connecting, so we would suggest it will cover no more than about 50 - 70m.

quick summary

More access points are better than less. Hardwire them back to your router or switch for the best results. If you can't hardwire them, then there are options to allow access points to "Mesh" to each other. This will reduce throughput speeds by half but will allow you to extend the wireless where cabling is not possible. Use a good quality external access point if you want to cover an outside space like the Ruijie Reyee RAP 6262-G

what do I need to order?

We all like simple, ready to use solutions that are cost effective. For us using Ruijie or Ubiquiti products are some of the quickest ways of getting up and running.   Expand the links below to read about each product offering and the options you need to build your wireless network expansion.

Ruijie - One of the easiest solutions currently out there (in our opinion!)

Routers

For many people replacing the Starlink router is a good first step.   You certainly don't have to do this and if you just want to extend wireless outside, but it will make a neater, seamless and manageable solution.

This really leaves you with two router choices.   If you are going to hardwire (ethernet cable) wireless access points in your property, then you may not need a router that has wireless built in.   As a result the EG105G-P may be the best as it includes PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports to allow you to power your connected access points.   If you are looking for a simple start and want to use devices around your house to "mesh" and extend the signal then we would recommend the EG105GW(T). 

If you are not looking to add in any wired access points, then we would highly recommend using the Ruijie EW3200GX Pro Wireless 6 Router.  Multiple can be used, meshed together wirelessly, to improve wireless inside larger properties. 

Access Points

Next up are your access points.  If you are looking to hardwire (ethernet cable) then you can choose the number of access points you need.  We would suggest that they are positioned at least 1 per property level and then around 15m apart, depending on the wall makeup.  This will allow for good all-round signal for each device and make sure no device can reduce the speed for any of the others due to being too far away from the access point.

If you want to extend your wireless in your property and can't run cables, then first replace your Starlink router with a EG105GW(T) Router and then purchase additional to cover the areas you need, using it in "mesh" mode.

For the best coverage outside it is best to mount a dedicated outside access point on the roof or high up on a wall of your property.   The RAP6262 is the best for this situation.

Each access point will need power to be provided by PoE (power of ethernet).  You will either need a PoE Switch or a PoE injector to power them.

Cables and that little bit of extra help

So you will need some cables to get this all joined up together.  We would recommend Cat6a as a good allrounder.   If you have some long outside runs, then do grab some pre-made outdoor cable as it is UV balanced and will last just that bit longer.

Although you can purchase the cables individually below, we also have some common cable bundles that suit most requirements and can save you a bit at the same time.  

The indoor bundles are good for each access point you want to add.  They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the access point and then on to the access point you need to wall or ceiling mount.

The outdoor bundles are good for each outside access point you want to add. They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the outdoor access point and then on, through your wall or roof to the pole the device is mounted on.

Do you need a little bit of extra configuraiton  help?   You can pre book our time, or we can pre-configure everything for you.   Generally we only need 30 minutes for a bridge or an hour for a bridge and a couple of other devices (a switch and an access point for example)   Reach out to us if you want us to price your install for you.
$80.00

Ubiquiti - Tried and tested, just needs a little bit of technical knowledge

Routers

For many people replacing the Starlink router is a good first step.   You certainly don't have to do this and if you just want to extend wireless outside, but it will make a neater, seamless and manageable solution.

If you are going to hardwire (ethernet cable) wireless access points in your property, then you may not need a router that has wireless built in.   As a result the UDM-SE may be the best as it includes PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports to allow you to power your connected access points.   If you are looking for a simple start and want to use devices around your house to "mesh" and extend the signal then we would recommend the UDR.
$1,842.75$1,857.38

Access Points

Next up are your access points.  If you are looking to hardwire (ethernet cable) then you can choose the number of access points you need.  We would suggest that they are positioned at least 1 per property level and then around 15m apart, depending on the wall makeup.  This will allow for good all-round signal for each device and make sure no device can reduce the speed for any of the others due to being too far away from the access point.

If you want to extend your wireless in your property and can't run cables, then first replace your Starlink router with a Ubiquiti Dream Router and then purchase additional  access points to cover the areas you need, using it in "mesh" mode - Please note this will only mesh the wireless, you won't be able to downlink to any ethernet devices.

For the best coverage outside it is best to mount a dedicated outside access point on the roof or high up on a wall of your property.   The U6-Mesh is the best for this situation.

Each access point will need power to be provided by PoE (power of ethernet).  You will either need a PoE Switch or a PoE injector to power them.

Cables and that little bit of extra help

So you will need some cables to get this all joined up together.  We would recommend Cat6a as a good allrounder.   If you have some long outside runs, then do grab some pre-made outdoor cable as it is UV balanced and will last just that bit longer.

Although you can purchase the cables individually below, we also have some common cable bundles that suit most requirements and can save you a bit at the same time.  

The indoor bundles are good for each access point you want to add.  They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the access point and then on to the access point you need to wall or ceiling mount.

The outdoor bundles are good for each outside access point you want to add. They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the outdoor access point and then on, through your wall or roof to the pole the device is mounted on.

Do you need a little bit of extra configuraiton  help?   You can pre book our time, or we can pre-configure everything for you.   Generally we only need 30 minutes for a bridge or an hour for a bridge and a couple of other devices (a switch and an access point for example)   Reach out to us if you want us to price your install for you.
$80.00

Remember, if you are not sure, need some extra help or are just a little lost and need some direction, we are on hand to help. Give us a call (1300 910 949), start up a webchat (bottom right hand corner) or fill in the form (right at the bottom of the page)

Extend my wireless - to another location

So you have a shed, granny flat, barn, garage, AirBNB, campsite, solar farm or even a StarLink connection and you are looking to connect devices in these locations to wireless.


There are many ways to approach this, but there is only really one truly reliable way to make it all work and that is a Point to Point connection, often called a Wireless Bridge.


Using a wireless bridge we can connect two locations together via wireless, without the need to run cables in the ground.   The distance can be 10m to several kilometers and can handle speeds up to and beyond 1Gb/s.


Once we have created the wireless bridge, then using a little more equipment we can create a wireless (and wired if needed) network in that new location, allowing your devices (laptops, smart phones, tablets) to connect and become part of the same network and use the same internet connection that the main property does.

Want a quick overview?

This video will give you a good idea of what is possible and what you need to consider to make a good point to point / wireless bridge connection.


There are a number of different vendors that create solutions to make this all work.  It will depend on what you already have in place, or the brands you know along with your technical skill level to be able to configure and install it all.


It is entirely possible to link multiple buildings together with one system, contact us for a little more help if this is what you are looking to do.


The simplest, most cost effective option, we have called "The Tech Geeks Way"  This is a pre-configured solution that just needs the physical cables run and the devices mounted to the outside of your buildings.

what do I need to order?

We all like simple, ready to use solutions that are cost effective. For us, creating a link using Ruijie Reyee is as simple as installing, powering up, installing the app on your phone and scanning the QR codes.  The added benefit is additional wireless access points and switches at your remote location if you need as well - we call this The Tech Geeks Way!


You can also create simple and effective solutions using Ubiquiti as well, you just need a little more network knowledge to configure it all.


Expand the options below to see everything you need.

Ruijie - One of the easiest solutions currently out there (in our opinion!)

Bridges

Getting your Starlink connection to another building, first starts with your ethernet adapter.  You will need to have purchased this from Starlink and plugged it in to your current Starlink router.  A bridge is made up of two devices.  Each will be mounted on the outside of the property pointing towards each other, without any obstructions.

The first bridge device will need to be wired, using an Ethernet cable, in to a PoE (Power other Ethernet) Injector and then on to your Starlink ethernet adapter or a switch port on your router or switch if you have those already connected to Starlink.

At the other end the device will wired back through to another PoE Injector and then on to your Access point, Switch or Router.

For connections where you only need around 100mb/s then the EST310 wireless bridge 2 pack is the best choice.   It includes a pair of bridge devices, along with their PoE Injectors

If you are looking to provide the maximum speed your Starlink can achieve to the other property, then the EST350 wireless bridge 2 pack is the best choice. It includes a pair of bridge devices, along with their PoE Injectors

You may just need a mounting arm for the wall of the second property - probably best to fix the first bridge device on to the roof with your Starlink dish.

Access Points

Once you have the bridge in place, you will need a wireless access point.  For small properties like a shed or a granny flat, then the most cost effective solution is the EG105GW(T) router, as it gives you a 4 port switch and also a wireless access point 

If you are looking to  cover a larger area and hardwire (ethernet cable) then you can choose the number of access points you need.  We would suggest that they are positioned at least 1 per property level and then around 15m apart, depending on the wall makeup.  This will allow for good all-round signal for each device and make sure no device can reduce the speed for any of the others due to being too far away from the access point.

For the best coverage outside it is best to mount a dedicated outside access point on the roof or high up on a wall of your property.   The RAP6262 is the best for this situation.

Each access point will need power to be provided by PoE (power of ethernet).  You will either need a PoE Switch or a PoE injector to power them.

Cables

So you will need some cables to get this all joined up together.  We would recommend Cat6a as a good allrounder.   If you have some long outside runs, then do grab some pre-made outdoor cable as it is UV balanced and will last just that bit longer.

Although you can purchase the cables individually below, we also have some common cable bundles that suit most requirements and can save you a bit at the same time.  

The indoor bundles are good for each access point you want to add.  They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the access point and then on to the access point you need to wall or ceiling mount.

The outdoor bundles are good for each outside access point you want to add. They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the outdoor access point and then on, through your wall or roof to the pole the device is mounted on.
$80.00

Ubiquiti - Tried and tested, just needs a little bit of technical knowledge

Bridges

Getting your Starlink connection to another building, first starts with your ethernet adapter.  You will need to have purchased this from Starlink and plugged it in to your current Starlink router.  A bridge is made up of two devices.  Each will be mounted on the outside of the property pointing towards each other, without any obstructions.

The first bridge device will need to be wired, using an Ethernet cable, in to a PoE (Power other Ethernet) Injector and then on to your Starlink ethernet adapter or a switch port on your router or switch if you have those already connected to Starlink.

At the other end the device will wired back through to another PoE Injector and then on to your Access point, Switch or Router.

For connections where you only need around 100-200mb/s or distances less than 500m then the Loco5AC is a great choice.   Do remember you will need to purchase two devices plus two PoE (Power over Ethernet) Injectors as they are not included in the box.

If you are looking to provide the maximum speed your Starlink can achieve to the other property,  or for distances up to 2km then the Nanobeam 5AC is the model to run with.   You will need to purchase two, but the PoE Injectors are included, so that is one less item to think about!

Access Points

Once you have the bridge in place, you will need a wireless access point.  For small properties like a shed or a granny flat, then the most cost effective solution is the U6-Lite (ceiling or wall mounted) or the UDR (if you are looking for a combined switch and access point)

If you are looking to  cover a larger area and hardwire (ethernet cable) then you can choose the number of access points you need.  We would suggest that they are positioned at least 1 per property level and then around 15m apart, depending on the wall makeup.  This will allow for good all-round signal for each device and make sure no device can reduce the speed for any of the others due to being too far away from the access point.

For the best coverage outside it is best to mount a dedicated outside access point on the roof or high up on a wall of your property.   The U6-Mesh could be good options for this..

Each access point will need power to be provided by PoE (power of ethernet).  You will either need a PoE Switch or a PoE injector to power them.

Cables and that little bit of extra help

So you will need some cables to get this all joined up together.  We would recommend Cat6a as a good allrounder.   If you have some long outside runs, then do grab some pre-made outdoor cable as it is UV balanced and will last just that bit longer.

Although you can purchase the cables individually below, we also have some common cable bundles that suit most requirements and can save you a bit at the same time.  

The indoor bundles are good for each access point you want to add.  They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the access point and then on to the access point you need to wall or ceiling mount.

The outdoor bundles are good for each outside access point you want to add. They include a cable from your switch / router / Starlink ethernet adapter to the PoE device needed to power the outdoor access point and then on, through your wall or roof to the pole the device is mounted on.

Do you need a little bit of extra configuraiton  help?   You can pre book our time, or we can pre-configure everything for you.   Generally we only need 30 minutes for a bridge or an hour for a bridge and a couple of other devices (a switch and an access point for example)   Reach out to us if you want us to price your install for you.
$80.00

Want to see a Ruijie Reyee wireless bridge in action?

For speeds up to 100Mb/s

For speeds up to 700Mb/s

not sure what choices to make?

Hey,  we know, this one is not straight forward and one option does not fit all.  Our pricing tools are designed to just cover the common setups, but what if:-

You have several properties you need to connect?
The connection needs to span several large distances?
You need a specific speed across the link?
You need a design made up?
You just want to install it and not worry about the technical bits?

Well, that is where we can help.  Fill in the details below and one of our team will work with you to create a list of all the items you need to create the perfect solution.

What our customer say about this product

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You may prefer to drop us an email at info@thetechgeeks.com with your Google location, the properties  you want to connect up, and the speeds you need.  We will then create a design for you and a list of equipment needed to make it all work.

If you are a little more adventurous, then why not have a go with Ubiquiti's UISP design tool yourself which can be found here -  https://ispdesign.ui.com/