Get Better Wifi In Your Workshop! How To Add Wifi To Your Shop, Garage or Outdoor Space

[@AprilWilkerson]

Big thank you to Policygenius for sponsoring this video! To start comparing quotes and simplify insurance-buying, check out Policygenius: policygenius.com/april

[@youtukang]

*TOP* 🙏👍👍👍👍

[@plinytheelder1956]

April, I just caught the video Justin and you did on your biography right after watching this one. If I wasn't completely impressed with you before, I am now, more than ever! If I thought I was getting choked up at your closing waves (read my comment below👇). I had a joyful tear in my eyes the whole video. I just knew you were truly blessed and I'm am so proud of you, and to have been there watching your videos from the beginnings this has given me a even better respect for your journey! I just love your parents, and the support they give you is incredibly comforting. It makes me want to just order something from you knowing your mother would have a hand in me receiving it. 👍 One suggestion if I may, I love your decimal Conversion Charts idea and was thinking how a Drill-bit to Tap-size chart may be a winner for you as well. I can't tell you how much time I've spent looking for the correct drill-bit size for a bolt I need to tap a hole for, and with your decimal Conversion Chart next to it that would take all the guesswork and time out of the process. Thanks again for all you do and may your life continue to be filled with blessings 🙏

[@chipsterb4946]

“Wired backhaul” is a key phrase. I installed a Netgear mesh system using the Ethernet cables laid when I built the house. Finally have WiFi in the workshop off my garage. WiFi calling works everywhere now - great since my house is in a cell coverage hole.

[@partsdave8943]

I’ve never heard the lamp analogy in over 35 years of technology working and hobbyist. Brilliant!

[@joonasfi]

I don't know about Netgear's product line but since your workshop is on your property, at least Ubiquiti would've had a solution to share your existing internet (no need for 4G) to your workshop wirelessly: Ubiquiti NanoBeam is an example. It has around 10 km range. Basically you buy two of them ("antennas") and you point them straight at each other (they need line of sight) and the result is that they allow you to bridge these separate networks wirelessly. Basically the topology looks like this: your main router -> nanobeam -> (distance between your house and workshop) -> nanobeam -> wifi access point in your workshop.

[@petefromhillcountry3268]

Agreed. I have it as a bridge from the house to my shop and it's rock solid.

[@pawpawstew]

I know wireless is all the rage, but call me old school. That Orbi setup is $1,300. She's a maker. Unless the run from her house to the shop and then from the house to the outdoor party space is more than 100 meters, she could have buried Cat 5 in conduit from the gateway in her house to the respective structures, then set up off-the-shelf wireless routers at those locations. If I recall correctly, she was already trenching for utilities. Regardless of the wireless technology, she's still limited to the fastest up/down speeds allowed by her ISP. If they're running fiber, great, but 100mbs otherwise.

[@sykeilla]

@@pawpawstew don't use cat 5 that will greatly effect the speeds. Should use at minimum cat6.

[@zedwpd]

@@pawpawstew unless she gets Starlink

[@NGinuity]

Yep, they're solid systems, been using them for years. 2 nanobeams are 200 bucks and they're managed outside of unifi so you don't need to make that investment either. They just work. The only caution is to get outdoor rated cat 6. We just use a lot of long length patch cables with surge suppressors at each antenna.

[@circadianrebel]

FYI, just after the 4min mark, right as you say "here are a few tips", you show a hard bend in your blue ethernet cable which is a huge no-no. A basic tester may still show the cable as fine, but higher frequencies (i.e. higher speeds) will have issues, and as you try to transfer more at once you'll start noticing issues due to packet loss. Over time (due to temperature changes and things shifting, etc) it'll likely get worse, until it is no longer able to connect at 1000base-T (gigabit) speeds to the router and drops to 100base-T.

[@gardengatesopen]

Wow. Seeeeee - THIS is just the kind of info I never seem to find. Thank You CircadianRebel !

[@TroyCoburn]

Have had the Orbi setup for over a year now, absolutely love it!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@GGFaison]

I thank you for this information. The problem that I am having is trying to get internet to my shed from my home. Thanks a bunch.

[@AprilWilkerson]

You are so welcome! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@CodlFaaic]

With your hand gesture, you always conjure a smile on my face.

[@steveNCB7754]

Others may have mentioned this, but there are three things you should also do, as soon as your equipment is installed. 1. Update the firmware on the devices, by downloading from the manufacturer’s website (to get the latest protection against potential exploits and perhaps greater performance). 2. Log-in as ‘Administrator’ on each device and change the admin password from that set by the manufacturer (assuming they did anyway). 3. Enable and use password protection for the WiFi signal(s) on both ‘bands’ (usually, 2.4 and 5 GHz). All this should ensure a secure WiFi setup, especially in commercially sensitive environments. 👍👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@sgoossen856]

Thank you April for sharing your helpful tips ideas. Keep up with the good works.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@AdamsLab]

Alt title: “When the need to make an ad forces you to do something in the silliest way possible.”

[@AprilWilkerson]

I don't feel showing my Viewers how I solved my wifi issues is silly at all. I have always shown what I did, how I did it and what I used in the process. This is no different. I wanted to share that info with others who may be having the same problems. If my channel no longer suits you, no hard feelings. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisr9764]

@@AprilWilkerson don’t mind him. I found it helpful.

[@AprilWilkerson]

@@chrisr9764 Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@unclebob8746]

My experience with Netgear is just the opposite of yours. Nice of Netgear to provide all their top products. Chill on responses. All the politically correct bs in this country makes folks jump to negative conclusions… Take a deep breath, count to 10, bite your tongue - whatever works for you - then think a moment before replying. Knowledge comes in degrees, wisdom by contemplation.

[@gardengatesopen]

Off Topic - This video is the first time I've actually SEEN the "Thanks" button! I heard other channels talking about it, and telling us this button is in the Title Line (or whatever it's called!) the same line that has the thumbs up button. However, I've never had it appear in any of the videos I watch. I always thought it was strange that I didn't have the option. Maybe it's just my phone? I kinda thought... But it shouldn't be that reason, as I do have a newer phone. Ok, I'm just rambling at this point! I just wanted to point it out that YOUR video was the 1st to show it, at least for me! And how appropriate that it started showing up on the video about internet connections!! Ha! Nice! 👍 Also- Thanks for sharing this video info! For me - it's a lack of information about this subject that has kept me from upgrading my connection! I'll definitely be looking into this system! Your tips on the terrain are very suitable for me as I also live in The Hill Country, except about 100 miles North of you. My terrain is exactly the same as yours - very rocky, and hardly any top soil ! And I had no idea about running it next to electric lines. Thank You SO MUCH April ! ❤

[@gardengatesopen]

Also - April you did not mention the price of what you installed, did you? Or maybe I just didn't hear it mentioned. I know you don't always tell us the prices of things, I suppose the price range of this subject is especially peaking my interest...

[@MezaMoto]

Yooooo!!! Perfect timing! I literally said yesterday that today I wanted to figure out how to get WiFi to my shop!!! 😂😂 thanks!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Perfect timing then! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@TheErador]

Bear in mind that p2p microwave links exist, which can as good as running an underground cable and not subject to the 100M limit

[@Paul-sc6ic]

I had to watch two adverts before I was allowed to watch this advert for routers with an advert for insurance in the middle

[@genewaddlerandomstuff2122]

I'm guessing no one forced you to watch any of it.

[@Paul-sc6ic]

@@genewaddlerandomstuff2122 no, but I used to the enjoy the content here, this wasn't exactly high quality was it?

[@AprilWilkerson]

KZbin has control on where they put in the Ads. I have always shown my Viewers what I did, how I did and what I used. In this particular video, I showed how I solved my wifi issues and wanted to pass that info along for those who might find it useful. If my Channel no longer suits you, no hard feelings. Thanks for watching.

[@NiHaoMike64]

One other option is if you're running a new power cable to the new space, plan ahead and have an extra wire in the cable or even run a second (small) power cable so you'll have a dedicated circuit to use Homeplug adapters on, allowing them to perform the best they can. Might be a good choice if the run is too long for Ethernet or digging a second trench to maintain separation would be too much work.

[@thtadthtshldntbe]

If your microwave is interfering with your wifi, either the grounding to that outlet (or in your house is messed up), the microwave is leaking or you have placed your access point like right on top of your microwave. There is a faraday cage built into your microwave that is tied to the grounding system for your electrical power. Also the door of the microwave being dirty can actually "make a hole" in the faraday cage.

[@royinmon9356]

I really enjoyed this build series you provided more instructions and explanations than anyone I ever viewed thank you April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@dj-bn1fj]

I use wifi power line to my shop and it works great at 70 bucks vs 1300.00 for mesh units, my house is brick with reflected insulation making getting a strong signal to outside very limited. 😁

[@dontfit6380]

I’ve got the Tenda nova mess system says it covers 6000sqft but I’m covering about 3 acres at the almost the same speed as in the house. I’ve had it 3 years maybe it won’t last as long as others but it’s $116

[@plinytheelder1956]

Thanks April for the great solutions. I must say those are crazy fast speeds, even the one setup with the SIM card. I live Off-Grid in northern Washington and I'm the only one up on this mountain with internet and the speeds are close to the puny ones you had before your upgrade . I'm using a system similar to the one @Joonas Loppi is talking about in the comments below to receive my internet service. My router however is a Netgear 5G in my cabin and it sends a great signal even to my Airstream trailer that's over a 100 feet away up the hill. I would also like to agree with @Codl Faaic below in the comments, your closing wave and smile is mesmerizing and tends to get me kinda choked up with emotion in every video. It has such a sincere kindness and appreciation that can't be put into words. The one thing this world is short on today you have April and we all see it and appreciate it. Thank you my friend... Thank you! ❤️

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for your kind words. Thanks for watching. :)

[@hocuspocus4871]

$1300 for the Orbi Mesh is more than 3 times what I would be willing to pay for it.

[@craigregan4862]

The prices on these units!!!

[@jeremyjjet4909]

Did you need a booster for your cable but what do your outdoor kitchen? Maybe I should’ve finished the video before I commented you probably go over it

[@JimmyStewpot]

I've been using orbi for all my wifi for years. You should have tried wire between your satellite and base. So much better

[@casey8836]

You know you're watching the right channel when you have a PlayStation VR. Let's get some Beat Saber on the channel April!

[@hotlineoperator]

Wow, now you can upload 4K videos. Nice episode.

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

Excellent configuration and equipment selections. I run Orbi's too and am very happy with them.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great to hear! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing those tips, and the make, good test!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found it useful.

[@youtukang]

Hello friend woodworkr 🤝🤝

[@talladegadude4852]

This would make a GREAT gift! Thanks for the info!

[@ebutuoyebutouy]

Nice expiration. Stay safe.

[@robertmadden7536]

Hi April completely off topic, but how are you set for wildfire suppression especially your bush kitchen. It’s looks like it could be an issue to look at if you haven’t done so already. BTW thanks for your videos

[@barrylitchfield250]

Really good insurance would be good for starters. BUT.... Many insurance companies will not sell homeowner insurance here. I had three out of six refuse to insure my home with a metal roof, stucco siding, and fire department 1 mile away. The biggest danger we face here is wildfires.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us April. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋

[@YaYaLee]

We can’t get internet service where I live. Is it possible to use the device you put in your shop to boost the cell signal? Thanks

[@joexg50]

My daughter is in the same boat Lee.. Not much she can do either.. She has her reasons for staying but basically the forest shields her from receiving a good clear signal. They have tried several times..

[@makermark67]

Excellent topic. Thanks for the information. Love your channel.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching.

[@craigyarmulasr1845]

As always great information.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@cleokey]

Great info, but it would have been nice to get into details about running cables, going through this one step at a time, sim cards., etc. Thanks

[@n2ocharged]

Alan, If you're looking to run cabling in your home for network access points, you're probably going to have to cut open some walls at some point to get the cabling between the floors. If you're trying to go outside, it's a very simple process, you cut a hole in the side of the house (I would recommend using conduit between building structures to futureproof your installation, but there are some direct bury cables out there). I have to run cabling to 2 floors in my house but the only way I'm going to be able to do it is to open an entire wall (top to bottom, not side to side) on the second floor. That will allow me access to the attic as well as the first floor where I need to run the cabling. Other projects you may want to consider while doing this is to "soundproof" your rooms between the walls. I found a Rockwool insulation (Safe 'n Sound) for sound damping between bedrooms. You may also want to consider running enough network cable to install network outlets in each room. To be honest, the Cat7 cable is "overkill" for the application, however; It does offer shielding from electrical signals. Again, I would run all of it in a conduit between structures, just make sure you waterproof the connections and fireproof the conduit (if required by local codes).

[@cleokey]

@@n2ocharged great information, thank you. I installed 1 inch conduit from house to garage already, just wasn't sure what kind of materials to use from existing location to new location. I'll pull in cat 7 as you suggested, never thought about insulation, another good idea.

[@BigBear-qr4zn]

We have such horrible reception here at home that all my phone does is buffer and I've called our provider about it and all they said we are good. We only have 1 bar and 2 bars so I'm wondering if this will help. Thanks for posting this.

[@scotttovey]

"Don't hide your router" But I want going to put it in my metal filing cabinet. 😁 Actually, that would work for me because I have the wifi disabled and it will free space on top of the filing cabinet. The downside is that I would not be able to just glance over and see if the connected light turned orange. But I'll probably think of something different like a couple 1 X 4s and a sheet of plywood to make a shelf.

[@daver681]

Good internet is great but just what does all that equipment and service cost, even just what you would need for a fairly large house and a shop a 125 ft away cost total, I am just looking at what the total package would cost me, Thanks, Dave

[@bobmccann1886]

Great video!

[@meleeisgood]

If my garage is only about 15 feet from the house but the router is actually about 50 feet from the garage, will I still need to use cables or will the satellites still cover the garage?

[@dddube12]

Thank you!!!

[@fordraven5884]

The outside kitchen 👍🏾💕

[@mgrey9066]

I have an orbi. It’s awesome

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! It works great. Thanks for watching.

[@chrish2666]

My shop is in my 2 car attached garage. My wifi was really spotty in the garage, the router is located 30 feet away in the center of the house and 4 walls away. Listening to music in my headphones while running loud equipment was normally frustrating and distracting with the sound constantly cutting out. I picked up a NetGear wifi extender that takes the wifi in the house and boosts it in the garage. Money very well spent.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching.

[@roleypoleycoley5018]

We have the Orbi mesh wifi system in our house and absolutely love it. The wifi is crazy fast and reliable

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great to hear. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@zeex-14rse57]

I used to do WiFi until I found out about all the security issues. WiFi sure is user friendly, but dang. I’m hoping that the temps drop a bit so I can run CAT6 out to my shed. Interesting video overall

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@mikecurtis2585]

Great information nice to know. Thanks 😊🙏

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@kevinedmonds9013]

How much does service cost per month for card in your shop?

[@imyour_hucklebearer]

hi april!! who is your broadband provider?

[@ikkuranus]

I can't help but wonder if a point-to-point wifi solution from the house to the shop or from the outdoor kitchen would have been a more cost-effective solution. It looks like there is a gap in the trees between the house and the shop so that shouldn't be an issue.

[@jerrythecoo3295]

You’ve come Along way April!,………….👀😏🙂👍👏👋✌️🇨🇦🌟 #Youronaroll

[@Tailgatesntoolboxes]

You know the old technology saying....you buy it in the store....when you walk to your car it's already obsolete lol

[@Martiesim]

Just a quick heads up, because many people don't think about stuff like this: Check your local regulations! In germany e.g. it's not legal to use a wifi device that is made for indoor usage* outdoors and even placing it in a window is stretching the law. *Some devices have an outdoor mode but you'll have to activate that manually.

[@johnchapman3225]

How Well do those work to transmit a signal to a Metal Pole barn,

[@natemalnaa1]

6:07 "those numbers are so puny" Me "those numbers are 3 times faster than what i have now" 😑

[@AP-vv1yu]

What service provider do you use out in the county? I pay for the best Package with Hughes net and it's not cutting it.

[@mabmachine]

If you don't have local land based service look into Starlink satellite internet, still is testing mode but MUCH better.

[@rogsmith66]

I like my Netgear Orbi.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great! I am loving having one. Thanks for watching.

[@wootlesswocks]

Oh this is so cool

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@Grunt49]

Thx! I am at a loss on hi tech.

[@heinzbauer5528]

Good!

[@rtrspb]

Oh, come on, your woodworking videos way better then that!

[@AprilWilkerson]

I always showed my Viewers what I did, how I did it and what I used for each project. In this one, I showed how I solved my wifi problems in hopes it may help them. Thanks for watching.

[@ontheroadwithralph1530]

OMG, April doing tech. Watch out iJustine (or now that she is back in her native Texas, Sara Dietschy)! Actually, you ought to connect with Sara and do a crossover video or two.

[@youtukang]

☺👍👍👍👍

[@TimZ007]

I think you could just run a burial cat6 cable from your router in your house out to a router in your shop and that's going to be pretty much perfect signal. I think the limit is hundreds of feet. Anything that's relying on over the air Wi-Fi is not going to be good. Plus it's basically free just to add another router most people have one laying around just buy a thousand feet of CAT5 or cat6 burial cable make your own connections they're pretty cheap just bury a few inches under the ground out to the shop. Now I could speculate there could be some hazard of lightning catching this and bringing it back into the house.

[@TimZ007]

@@daveklein2826 you could lay the cable on the ground and cover with sand or gravel if need be. its not like its high voltage or hard to replace. also "I think" means its just a option, not fact. no need to be rude.

[@AdamsLab]

@@daveklein2826 - You can do anything with enough time and money, including digging a trench in rock. In this case, unless your goal is to make an ad, a point to point bridge between the house and shop would make more sense. Depending on the layout (what the sightlines are between structures) you could run bridges between the house outdoor kitchen shop. Also, the max distance for CAT6 is 300-350'. There are ways to go further but at that point you might as well run fiber.

[@AdamsLab]

@@TimZ007 - Yeah, don't just lay the cable on the ground...

[@bradleyclark5936]

Cable information you used please? Cat7…….spool? Where from? Outdoor shielded? Thank you. Long time viewer. Your amazing 🤩 own it!

[@youtukang]

☺☺👍

[@joexg50]

One can buy different type-cat wifi lines from Amazon. Yes most people do not know this but cat 5 is the slowest,one can get up to cat 9 from Amazon, maybe higher now if one needs it..

[@koolBOY8323]

looks like a great system, but if the connection to your house from your ISP isn't great, none of this will do you any good. like trying to drive a corvette with no wheels on it.

[@justtheadam3895]

Wish I had that fast speeds from my provider

[@ronaldhunter9011]

Look for plans for picnic table

[@abdulaziznasir169]

Good

[@jamiemajerick91]

Solid advice, and I'm an enterprise network engineer. Keep up the great work!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome, thank you! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@Malandrin]

shame that Space X didnt sent you a couple of Starlink packages so you could try them out, would have been perfect for the outdoor kitchen area and the workshop

[@SaRa-ur9ny]

شيء جميل جدا

[@Masadu6]

I would suggest to blur the QR codes.

[@cabman86]

I built my shop to get away from wifi

[@no_handle_required]

I want your shop.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Nah, I need it. :) Thanks for watching.

[@youtukang]

*APRIL W* ❤❤❤❤❤ 🤝🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@sawomirjarzyna7453]

Cat 5e today for wifi 5gen or Wifi 6gen ? seriosly Arpil ? Only CAT 6 for nextgen wifi including PoE+ or PoE++ standards.

[@karenmitchell6814]

I thought she said she DIDN’T use Cat5, she used Cat7?!

[@absexpo6066]

👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@askmemynameg3040]

April, You always talk and do jobs as if it is effortless. I have to say it is quite frustrating for me. Especially when I can watch you tube videos to show me how to do things but I am not successful. What age were you able to do most everything you do?

[@greb3212]

You'd be better off running fiberglass to each area. Much better distance coverage, and no worries about a lightning strike running through the ground and frying your system.... also, you could have done a lot of this with outdoor waps...

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Hey they kinda stole my you tube name. lol.

[@Legendary_UA]

That's an expensive solution .

[@fordraven5884]

👍🏾

[@youtukang]

👍👍👍☺

[@MrInbetweens]

April, as much as I enjoy your videos and I do understand the need to monetize your content, your videos are starting to look like one big advertisement for one product/service after another. Don't spoil your channel by becoming a slave to the advertisers all for the sake of a few bucks.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I monetized my channel because this is not just a weekend hobby but my business and livelihood. Everyone has bills and obligations. I also have employees to pay. If I owned a successful cafe, would you begrudge me what I made? If my channel no longer suits you then no hard feelings.

[@AntoineGst]

Vendue

[@PhotonHerald]

Sorry, but CAT7 is a waste. CAT6 is good for 10 gigabits up to 50 meters feet. CAT6a is good for 10 gigabits up to 100 meters. CAT7 is good for 10 gigabits up to 100 meters. I mean, for a relatively short run, I GUESS. But for anything close to a max length run, you're talking a 50% markup at least.