How to Install a Temporary Internet using Ethernet (less than 300 Feet)

Plug and play solution for temporary internet connection less than 300 feet

There are a lot of scenarios where you might need to extend your network, but only temporarily.

If this temporary connection is less than 300 feet away, then a tactical ethernet assembly is your best bet.

These assemblies are plug and play meaning you can be set up in minutes and they are rugged enough to withstand the harshest of environments.

This article will explain the main ideas of when and why you might need this and complements our TikTok video here.

@lanshack #fiberoptics #fiberoptic #foryou #viral ♬ original sound - LANshack

Basics of Wifi and how it works

While many of us expect WiFi to seamlessly provide connectivity wherever we go, the reality is that its effectiveness hinges on various factors, including distance and interference. At its core, WiFi relies on a network infrastructure that begins with an internet modem, serving as the gateway for data transmission.

As data flows from the modem, it encounters limitations, especially when extending WiFi coverage to outdoor areas. Traditional WiFi signals struggle to maintain their strength over longer distances and in environments rife with interference, such as outdoor venues or expansive festival grounds.

What we’re recomming in our TikTok video is to create a "long extension cord" for your WiFi signal to bring connectivity where you need it outdoors.

Fiber optics serve as the backbone for transmitting data over longer distances. However, fiber requires a conduit to deliver that data to specific endpoints, especially in dynamic outdoor settings.

This is where the tactical ethernet assembly steps in, serving as the conduit that extends the reach of fiber optics to outdoor WiFi access points. Think of it as the crucial link that completes the chain, enabling seamless data transmission from the internet modem to the farthest reaches of outdoor venues.

Why 300 feet and why does distance matter?

The 300-foot threshold serves as a practical limitation based on the performance characteristics of ethernet cables.

Beyond this distance, signal degradation becomes a concern, impacting data transmission speeds and reliability.

Some factors like weather and the quality of the cable can affect how close to this 300 maximum length your cable might reach and still maintain quality of your signal.

Since our tactical ethernet assemblies are high quality and designed for outdoors (meaning they aren’t as susceptible to rodents ore the elements), they are optimized to operate within this range, ensuring optimal performance in outdoor settings.

Why temporary?

We say temporary because you may only need the signal for your event for a short time.

If you have an outdoor event, you’ll want to set up your network quickly, but also be able to disassemble everything fast.

What situations might this be needed for?

Many events, particularly large-scale outdoor gatherings like concerts, festivals, and demonstrations, demand robust networking solutions to support a myriad of activities essential for their success.

Let's delve deeper into the specific needs and applications across various event scenarios:

Outdoor Music Festivals

Outdoor music festivals are dynamic environments where thousands of attendees converge to enjoy live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. In this setting, robust networking solutions play a crucial role in facilitating:

  • Live Streaming: Providing seamless connectivity for live streaming of performances and behind-the-scenes content, allowing remote audiences to experience the event in real-time.

  • Ticketing Systems: Supporting online ticket sales, access control, and attendee registration, ensuring smooth entry and management of festival attendees.

  • Vendor Transactions: Facilitating cashless transactions and point-of-sale systems for food, beverages, merchandise, and other festival offerings, streamlining the purchasing process for attendees and vendors alike.

Demonstrations and Concerts

Demonstrations and concerts often involve intricate setups of audiovisual equipment, lighting rigs, and stage management systems, all of which rely on robust networking infrastructure for seamless operation. In this context, tactical ethernet assemblies enable:

  • Real-Time Data Transmission: Facilitating the transmission of audio and video signals between stage equipment, control consoles, and multimedia displays, ensuring synchronized and high-quality performances.

  • Lighting Control: Supporting remote control and automation of stage lighting fixtures, allowing for dynamic lighting effects that enhance the visual experience for both performers and audience members.

  • Stage Management: Enabling communication between stage managers, technicians, and performers, ensuring smooth coordination of rehearsals, soundchecks, and live performances.

Test Result Gathering

In environments where data collection and analysis are paramount, such as scientific experiments, quality assurance testing, or medical diagnostics, seamless communication between testing equipment and data collection systems is essential. Tactical ethernet assemblies facilitate:

  • Seamless Communication: Providing reliable connectivity for transmitting test results, sensor readings, and other critical data from testing equipment to centralized data collection systems, ensuring accurate and timely analysis.

  • Data Integrity: Minimizing the risk of data loss or corruption during transmission, thereby preserving the integrity and reliability of test results and scientific findings.

  • Remote Monitoring: Allowing researchers, engineers, or medical professionals to monitor experiments or tests in real-time from remote locations, enabling proactive intervention and adjustments as needed.

Backup to Critical Networks

In mission-critical environments where network uptime is non-negotiable, tactical ethernet assemblies serve as a reliable backup solution to ensure continuity of operations in the event of primary network failure. This includes:

  • Redundant Connectivity: Establishing secondary network connections that can seamlessly take over in the event of primary network outages, minimizing downtime and disruption to critical operations.

  • Failover Mechanisms: Implementing automated failover mechanisms that detect network failures and switch traffic to backup connections with minimal intervention, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.

  • Disaster Recovery: Providing a resilient infrastructure that can withstand and recover from unforeseen events such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or equipment failures, safeguarding against data loss and operational disruptions.

What other options are there?

While tactical ethernet assemblies offer unparalleled versatility and performance, alternative solutions such as Point-to-Point (PTP) access points provide additional options for extending network coverage in outdoor environments.

PTP access points establish direct wireless links between two points using radio frequency signals and offer a wireless alternative to traditional wired connections.

FAQs

What about thick foliage?

Have you ever noticed that wifi doesn’t work as well around tall buildings or near big trees?

Thick foliage poses a common challenge in outdoor settings, potentially obstructing WiFi signals and hindering connectivity. However, with the right equipment and strategic placement, this obstacle can be overcome.

Directional antennas offer a practical solution for transmitting WiFi signals through foliage, even in environments where traditional omnidirectional antennas struggle. By focusing the signal in a specific direction, directional antennas can penetrate foliage more effectively, minimizing signal loss and ensuring reliable connectivity.

In scenarios where thick foliage obstructs direct line-of-sight communication between WiFi access points, directional antennas prove invaluable. By directing the signal around or through the foliage, these antennas enable seamless data transmission, overcoming the natural barriers posed by outdoor environments.

How do i get a cat 8 cable through an outdoor wall

  1. Select the Entry Point: Choose a suitable entry point on the outdoor wall where the Cat 8 cable will enter the building. Ensure that the location provides easy access to both the interior and exterior sides of the wall.

  2. Drill a Hole: Use a drill with a suitable drill bit to create a hole in the outdoor wall at the selected entry point. The size of the hole should accommodate the diameter of the Cat 8 cable while allowing for a snug fit.

  3. Protect the Cable: Before feeding the Cat 8 cable through the hole, ensure that it is adequately protected from environmental elements. You can use conduit or weatherproofing materials to shield the cable and prevent damage.

  4. Feed the Cable Through: Carefully feed the Cat 8 cable through the drilled hole, guiding it from the exterior to the interior of the building. Take care to avoid any sharp edges or obstructions that could damage the cable during installation.

  5. Seal the Entry Point: Once the cable is in place, seal the entry point on both the interior and exterior sides of the wall to prevent moisture intrusion and maintain the building's insulation. Use weatherproof sealant or caulk to create a watertight seal around the cable entry point.

  6. Secure the Cable: Inside the building, secure the Cat 8 cable to the wall using appropriate mounting hardware or cable clips. Ensure that the cable is properly supported and does not sag or dangle, which could lead to strain or damage over time.