Newsletters
Facebook
RSS Feed
EH Store
The ENH210EXT ($279) features two gigabit Ethernet ports.
Most people love the thought of working outdoors on their laptops and other mobile devices. Outdoor Wi-Fi is also necessary if you want to bring your internet music or video devices outside for some summer entertaining. The problem with that plan is that the router inside the house may not have the range and strength to support a solid Internet connection outside. According to Brian Watt, product marketing manager at EnGenius Technologies, access points have become an increasingly popular outdoor amenity. “We’ve seen an upswing in rural customers for use in large backyards and out buildings.” A strong Internet connection is also important for streaming audio and video to entertainment systems outdoors, which is also becoming more prevalent.
A wireless access point is commonly used to extend the range of a router. EnGenius recently announced the availability of an outdoor model. In addition to boasting a data rate of 300Mbps, it’s manufactured to withstand the elements. Although designed for companies that want to provide outdoor Internet access to their employees, Watt says it’s a well suited for residences with large back yards, as well. The ENH210EXT ($279) features two gigabit Ethernet ports, one of which can be used to connect a surveillance camera. The other connects back to the local area network.
Some important tip shared by Watt when using an outdoor access point:
• An omnidirectional antenna ensures an even coverage of an outdoor area.
• Enterprise-grade encryption is helpful, since it may be easier for neighbors, etc. to connect to an outdoor access point than one that’s indoors.
• A robust housing that’s can hold up to harsh sunlight, the cold and rain.
• Complement the access point with a client bridge. This device connects directly to an Internet enabled Blu-ray player, A/V receiver, etc. that might be located in an out building.
Check out more great outdoor AV ideas here.
Then what you do is you go to Walmart, purchase a second cheap-o WiFi router and install it at the fringe edge of your existing WiFi range. Then instead of configuring it as a router, configure it as an access point and you’ve effectively extended your range. You may have to fiddle with the channels for the two routers so they don’t “walk” over each other, but this is what I do when I want more range!
I could use this as I can’t get a signal in our guest house (not THAT far away either) and even outdoors in the immediate backyard the signal is weak but I’m not in for one at THAT price for sure! If there was one for @$30 then for sure.
How HUGE is your house and yard that you need this? I live in a 3,500 sq-ft house in a 9,000 sq-ft plot of land. The Cheapo Belkin WiFI I got at Walmart is accessible from all but the most extreme corners of my yard…
And I have over a dozen wireless devices hooked up to my WiFi at any given time and experience no real issues a simple reboot can’t solve!
- News
- Cool Homes
- Blogs
- Photo Galleries
Phorus and Blumoo Offer Easy, Wireless Audio
One is a subsidiary of DTS, with the other looking to gain traction via Indiegogo.
Family Theater Beams with Durable LED Projection
A SIM2 Mico 50 LED projector and 110-inch screen shine in this room.
Brighter LCD TVs on the Horizon?
3M technology poised to boost the vibrancy and richness of colors on LCD screens.
22 Outdoor Speakers for a Sizzling Summer
We take a peek at some of the current options for outdoor audio.
I’d love to do that but what I read about regards some firmware (called tomato i think) that only works on certain routers. I don’t know of or have read any ‘easy’ way to do what you suggested since you can only use one router.