How to extend a signal to cover a large backyard where there are no ethernet cables for extenders?

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southwestform

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Jun 9, 2014
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I currently use an Apple based wireless network with an Airport Extreme as my main wireless router and an Airport Express to extend the network. I have a large backyard and have three sprinkler timers in three separate locations that i use to set my sprinklers. I would like to replace all three sprinkler timers with ones that I can control over my network/internet, though the signal does not go far enough, and I do not think I could extend it far enough, I am open to getting new wireless gear if necessary. I heard about extenders that only need to be plugged into a power source. Can someone please provide some suggestions.

Thanks.
 
Solution
kanewolf
Even if you don't have an ethernet cable, for something as minimal as this, powerline network adapters should be fine. Get a pair of powerline adapters, then get an outdoor rated WIFI access point. Connect the WIFI access point back to your primary router via the powerline network adapters, then a short ethernet with the POE injector will let you put the outdoor rated WIFI access point outdoors where the signal should be plenty strong. If your WIFI signal can be directional then you can use this -- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168115 If you need 180 degree coverage something like this -- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168118
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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May 29, 2013
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Even if you don't have an ethernet cable, for something as minimal as this, powerline network adapters should be fine. Get a pair of powerline adapters, then get an outdoor rated WIFI access point. Connect the WIFI access point back to your primary router via the powerline network adapters, then a short ethernet with the POE injector will let you put the outdoor rated WIFI access point outdoors where the signal should be plenty strong. If your WIFI signal can be directional then you can use this -- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168115 If you need 180 degree coverage something like this -- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833168118
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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If you want reliability you do not want to use a wifi extender/repeater.

kanewolf pretty much nailed it on what to do.
Me personally I like Ubiquiti over EnGenius. i suggest a Nanostation for directional, or picostation for omnidirectional.

If at all possible, best option would be ethernet line from airport to the ubiquiti accesspoint. Using the included POE injector you wont need power at the actual location of the access point.
If hardwired ethernet is just not possible then using the powerline adapter like kanewolf said is the next best option.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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Also, look into where your current WiFi source is located.
Far too many times, this is in the man cave/basement, or other non wifi-friendly location.

From the basement to the backyard, you're (sort of) going through cement walls and then 50 feet of dirt.
Relocating that WiFi source may help.
 
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