Whether you need WiFi in a barn, at a solar tower, a jetty, or just want to extend your home network to a guest cottage, there’s an efficient and reliable solution for you. But before we dive in, let’s understand why a traditional WiFi hotspot might not be sufficient.

Understanding the Limitations of WiFi Hotspots

Hotspots are omnidirectional in nature, which means they emit WiFi signals in all directions. While they’re great for blanketing a specific area with WiFi, they become less effective over larger distances. Hence, if your aim is to extend your WiFi over tens or hundreds of meters, a different approach is recommended.

Point-to-Point (PtP) WiFi: The Recommended Solution

In situations like extending WiFi to a distant shed or barn, a Point-to-Point (PtP) network is the best way to go. This approach uses specialized directional radios that focus their signal for a stronger, more reliable connection over a significant distance.

Choosing the Right PtP Equipment

We recommend two options from our AirMax CPE range for this purpose:

2 x LOCOM2 for the 2.4GHz band, capable of up to 300Mbps. This should be considered if there is a challenge to the line of sight (waving branches between radios etc).
2 x LOCO5AC for the 5GHz band, capable of up to 450Mbps. This is the preferred option for performance and link quality, provided there is a clear line of sight.

You’ll find some mounting and other accessories here.

Important Accessories

When working with point-to-point radios, it’s important to use shielded and grounded cables. Additionally, surge protection is highly recommended for added safety. Here are some examples:

How To Set Up A PtP Link

To understand how to set up a PtP link using the AirMax CPE range, you can read our introductory article here. This article will give you a basic understanding of how to build a high-performance point-to-point link inexpensively.

Creating a WiFi Hotspot at the Remote Location

Once the PtP link is established, you can then set up a WiFi hotspot at the remote location. This hotspot will provide WiFi access to devices in its vicinity. This setup can be used for a variety of applications, such as monitoring a security camera, transmitting data from a solar charge controller, or simply getting internet access in a remote building.

For creating a WiFi hotspot, we recommend the following access points:

Learn more about setting up a UniFi Mesh WiFi Network in our guide here.

Note on Powering Your Devices

Do note that the airMax Loco5AC units do not come with a power supply (PoE injector). You can use a PoE injector to power them. However, in this case, it may be more useful to use a small, inexpensive PoE switch at one or both ends, depending on further connectivity needs at each station. This switch can power both the base unit and the remote unit over a single Ethernet cable that also carries data.

Conclusion

Extending WiFi to remote locations doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right PtP equipment and some planning, you can establish a strong, reliable connection over large distances. Remember, the first step is to establish a PtP link, and then create your WiFi hotspot at the remote location. Always consider your specific needs and circumstances to choose the best equipment.

FAQs

Once I have my point-to-point link established, what can I do at the remote end?: Once the PtP link is established, you can think of it as an extended Ethernet cable. You can connect a network switch at the remote end and from there, connect any number of devices. These could include a network printer, surveillance cameras, a desktop computer, or any device that can connect via an RJ45 Ethernet cable. The PtP link thus provides a flexible and robust solution for extending your network to remote locations.
Can I mix wired and wireless connections at the remote location?: Yes, absolutely. You can use a network switch to provide wired connections for devices, and also set up a WiFi hotspot for wireless devices. This hybrid approach lets you make the best use of both wired and wireless connections, according to the specific needs of your devices.
How do I power the devices at the remote location?: Many Ubiquiti devices, including the recommended Loco5AC units and U6 access points, support Power over Ethernet (PoE). This technology allows network devices to be powered over the same Ethernet cable that carries the data, reducing clutter and simplifying installation. You can use a PoE injector or a PoE switch to provide power to these devices.
What if there are obstacles affecting the line of sight between the two points?: For performance and reliability, a clear line of sight is essential between the two points in a PtP link. There can be no guarantee of signal stability if there are trees or other objects in the patch of the signal. However, if there are minor obstructions, such as waving branches, you might consider using 2.4GHz band devices, which can be slightly more tolerant of obstructions. Note, however, that even in the 2.4GHz band, a clear line of sight is still best for consistent performance.
Can I use a WiFi hotspot to extend my network over long distances?: While WiFi hotspots are excellent for creating a local WiFi network, they’re not ideal for extending your network over large distances. A Point-to-Point (PtP) network is the recommended solution in this case.
What equipment do I need to set up a PtP network?: You’ll need two PtP radios like the LOCOM2 or LOCO5AC. You’ll also need shielded and grounded cables, surge protection, and potentially a PoE injector or PoE switch.
Can I set up a WiFi hotspot at the remote location?: Yes, once the PtP link is established, you can set up a WiFi hotspot at the remote location. This will provide WiFi access to devices in its vicinity.
What access points do you recommend for creating a WiFi hotspot?: We recommend the latest generation U6 series access points.

Need more help or have more questions? Feel free to contact us anytime.