Extending WiFi Coverage to Gate Areas: Solutions for Reliable Connectivity Using WiFi Extenders and Point-to-Point Wireless Bridges

Access to our WiFi or CAT-5 intercom systems requires dealing with potential problems including no WiFi signal at the gate or running a CAT-5 cable to the gate location becoming impractical. There exist several efficient techniques that allow you to broaden your WiFi coverage to reach the gate area.

A WiFi extender with built-in external antenna and amplifier provides an option for extending WiFi coverage when placed strategically outside the building. This solution lets you boost and widen the WiFi signal to provide dependable gate coverage.Another option available is the point-to-point wireless bridge solution. A point-to-point wireless bridge functions like a WiFi extender with enhanced flexibility for spanning greater distances. These solutions have been specifically developed to solve connectivity problems so you can access our intercom systems with ease at any gate location.

There are two separate devices for connectivity solutions which are WiFi extenders and point-to-point wireless bridges. Here's the key difference between the two:

Function: A WiFi extender functions as a range extender or repeater to expand the coverage of an existing wireless network. The device picks up the existing WiFi signal to boost network coverage through retransmission.

Usage: WiFi extenders ensure complete network access by eliminating dead zones and weak signal areas within homes and offices.

Installation: Installing a WiFi extender typically requires basic steps which start by identifying the best placement spot within the current network's reach. A CAT-5 wired connection between the router and the extender typically delivers better performance than utilizing the repeater mode.

Ideal For: WiFi extenders work best in homes and small businesses that need better coverage throughout large spaces and areas with weak signals.

Performance: The network speed and reliability from WiFi extenders typically fall short of the original router's performance because signal strength reduces as you move further from the extender.

Here is an example of an extender: WiFi Extender

Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge

Function: A point-to-point wireless bridge connects two separate networks or locations by establishing a direct wireless link between them. This solution becomes essential when wired connections are unfeasible because it is used to link a home network to a detached garage or connect buildings on campus and extend network range through open spaces.

Usage: Point-to-point bridges provide essential connectivity solutions in situations where physical wiring is impossible between distant locations.

Installation: Point-to-point bridge setup requires two bridge devices to be configured at each endpoint to establish a direct and high-speed wireless connection.

Ideal For: Point-to-point wireless bridges provide reliable high-speed connectivity between two distant locations.

Performance: Point-to-point wireless bridges deliver superior performance with faster and more stable connections across greater distances compared to WiFi extenders. They represent the preferred solution when network quality needs to stay consistent.

Here is an example of a point-to-point bridge: point-to-point wireless bridge

When selecting the best solution you need to evaluate the distance you will cover. For coverage needs that reach up to a couple thousand feet, a WiFi extender should be adequate. The need for a point-to-point wireless bridge emerges when bridging distances that span across miles.

Applications for WiFi Equipment

We use WiFi extending devices at IntercomsOnline.com for two primary applications. Our WiFi gate intercoms which are commonly installed at driveway gates can experience difficulties when WiFi signals fail to reach the gate or maintain a strong connection. When there are connectivity issues with WiFi signals at distant locations a WiFi extender provides a useful solution by enhancing the signal strength.

Point-to-point bridges become the solution for situations requiring extended distance coverage. Our WiFi intercom systems are designed to operate through a wired CAT-5 connection. The configuration involves creating a wireless link between two bridge devices with the gate bridge connecting to the WiFi intercom.

WiFi equipment enables the transformation of a wired IP-based intercom system into a wireless setup. CAT-5 cables function as the primary communication medium within these networks. When running a CAT-5 cable becomes impractical, a WiFi point-to-point bridge provides an outstanding solution to eliminate the requirement for a long Ethernet cable between internal and external communication points.

The following systems function as WiFi gate intercoms:

Common Installation Issues

Installation problems may occur regardless of using high-quality equipment. Successful WiFi bridge setup demands knowledge of troubleshooting typical issues.

Line of Sight: To achieve long-range wireless transmission WiFi antennas should be optimally placed 15-20 feet above any obstructions. Stable connectivity demands an unobstructed line of sight.

Applying these considerations and troubleshooting methods allows you to maximize your WiFi bridge equipment efficiency and solve typical installation problems.

Call us at 888-298-9489 if you have questions.