How do rural and semi rural properties receive internet and wifi across large areas and multiple buildings and structures?
On rural properties and farms, internet may be received into the main building but then needs to be used in outlying sheds and properties for camera’s, monitors etc.
iTech WA are familiar with these challenges and can suggest and implement the most suitable solution.
- Option 1 – Put a Starlink dish or NBN connection in each building
- Option 2 – Lay ethernet cables between main and outlying buildings
- Option 3 – Lay fiber optic cables between main and outlying buildings
- Option 4 – Relay Internet from main building to other buildings using beam technology (mini-microwave-dishes)
We examine the advantages and disadvantages to each option below:
Option 1 – Put a Starlink dish or NBN connection in each building
A very simple solution, but also expensive if there are many buildings requiring multiple services, subscriptions and equipment,
Option 2 – Lay ethernet cables between main and outlying buildings
The simple solutions are often the best and laying ethernet cables between buildings, underground or overhead can be a very simple and cost-effective solution.
The maximum length for most Ethernet cables, including popular categories like Cat5e and Cat6, is 100 meters. This limit is for a single cable segment between devices and is designed to prevent signal degradation that can slow down or disrupt the network. For distances longer than 100 meters, you can use devices like network switches or repeaters to extend the signal or fiber optic cabling.
When the signal gets to the other end, you will still need a switch or a WAP (Wireless Access Point) to be able to connect to devices at that end.
However, the cost of excavating trenches and burying cables in conduits, can be very, very expensive. Given this we recommend option 4.
Option 3 – Lay fiber optic cables between main and outlying buildings
In commercial situations, fiber optic cables are used to connected modem/routers and switches between buildings or within large buildings such as warehouses.
Terminated cables of up to 80 meters are available for purchase but for longer distances the fibres would need terminating by a technician. Professional switching gear would also need to be employed at either end.
This technology offers the fastest connections with no loss of signal but is also very specialised and the cost of the equipment alone would reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. Given this we recommend option 4.
Option 4 – Relay Internet from main building to other buildings using beam technology (mini-microwave-dishes)
This elegant and simple solution can by implemented for as little as A$3,000 (estimate, basic equipment cost and setup)
Longer-range dishes covering up to 5 klm are also available. Quotes available upon request after initial site survey.
Need More Help?
iTechWA offer paid consultancy services, onsite or remotely. Our rates can be found here. For help or further assistance, please contact us here.
iTechWA are experts in everything Microsoft, Apple, Ubiquiti, Sonos and Starlink.
For further help or assistance, contact us here or refer to vendor support websites such as Microsoft and Apple
