sundance-communications.com/forum Forums VOIP Phones & IP PBX Networking How do I get WIFI outside?

Can anyone recommend a product or a method to get WIFI signal outside?

I am trying to setup wireless IP cameras all around the backyard and I need to get a strong wifi signal to these Cameras.

Having the wifi signal travel though the window is just not cutting it.

Thanks.

You're going to need a wireless access point outside...probably in a weather proof box.

What about an outdoor antenna connected in an indoor wireless router in the attic?

That way the electronics can be protected by being in the attic but the range can be outside because only the antenna would be outside?

if you're just messing around with something at home google or youtube wifi antennas and range extenders there are all kinds of things out there . if you're doing it for a customer look at a weatherproof access point or long range commercial router

Using an outdoor antenna is going to be the cheapest way to do it. Even consumer grade equipment has antennas that you can buy for this. An outdoor signal will travel farther than the inside signal so an extender might not be needed. That last statement will depend on the terrain and amount of trees blocking the signal.

Here's a free tool to survey using a laptop
https://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

A window will not degrade the wireless so bad that it shouldn't travel far enough to reach it.

You could have an interference problem with too many different broadcasts on the same channel, antennas pointed wrong direction, etc.

Without a diagram of your property, I'm hesitant to suggest a product, most likely though you'll need something with an onmi-directional antenna.

You can also run into issues with building construction. If the house has radiant barrier sheeting for energy conversation you will play Hell trying to get a signal through the walls. Lots of factors can come into play.

I install the Engenius outdoor access points/bridges pretty frequently... most of them can be picked up for under $100 and come with a PoE injector. I put one on the side of a building on a hill this week and was able to connect from nearly a mile away (downhill, with a tailwind..).

And I second Jeff's post - inSSIDer is an awesome tool and it's free. That said, the Engenius product has a site survey tool in the web config that will show you everything it can see and what channels are in use. Channels 1, 6 or 11 are your best bet depending on what else is in the area.