Question 1

How do I get WiFi to a granny flat or studio?

Accepted Answer

The reliable method is to run a cable from the main house to the outbuilding and install an access point there. That gives the building its own full strength network rather than relying on a weak signal passing through two sets of external walls. Wireless options exist but are inconsistent, particularly where the outbuilding has metal cladding or rendered masonry walls.

Question 2

Why does my garage have no WiFi even though it is close to the house?

Accepted Answer

Distance is only part of it. The signal has already crossed the house before it reaches the back door, and the garage then has its own external walls blocking it from getting in. Metal cladding and roller doors are especially effective at reflecting WiFi signal. A building five metres from the house can have almost no usable coverage for this reason.

Question 3

Do powerline adapters work for a detached building?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but they are unreliable to plan around. Powerline adapters send data over the electrical wiring and only perform well when both points sit on the same circuit and the wiring is in good condition. Older homes and detached buildings on a separate sub-board often give poor results. They are worth trying if you already own a set, but a cable run is the dependable solution.

Question 4

Can network cable be run outside safely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when it is done properly. Outdoor runs need external grade cable, protection from sun and weather, appropriate conduit, and correct protection where the cable enters and exits each building. Indoor cable run along a fence will fail. Cabling connected to the telecommunications network must be carried out by a registered cabler, and AVsion holds ACRS Master Cabler registration A036841.

Question 5

Can I get WiFi on my deck or around the pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using outdoor rated access points designed to handle sun, rain and salt air. Standard indoor equipment corrodes quickly in coastal conditions and is not built for outdoor mounting. It helps to be specific about which areas you want covered, because covering a seating area is a considerably smaller job than covering an entire block.

Question 6

Can a tenant in a granny flat have their own separate network?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A separate network can be configured so the granny flat has its own access and cannot see devices on the main household network. This is worth setting up from the start if the space is tenanted, both for privacy and for keeping the two households' devices apart. It is a configuration decision, so it is easiest to raise it before the work begins.

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About the Author: Julia U

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About the Author: Julia U