House → Shop
Getting Internet From Your House to Your Shop
CNC control, network-licensed software, shop cameras, and a Bluetooth speaker that actually works.
A detached shop is one of the best-case scenarios for outbuilding internet — usually under 200 ft, often with a clear line of sight, and on the same property grid so power and grounding are easy. The install is typically a weekend project.
What shops actually need: solid throughput for software licensing (Fusion 360, Mastercam), reliable video for CNC control screens and camera feeds, and enough Wi-Fi coverage that a phone or tablet works anywhere in the space. For most shops, a single point-to-point link plus a Wi-Fi 6 access point inside covers it.
If you're in active metal fab, plan for Wi-Fi interference — big metal workpieces and machine tools are signal absorbers. A wired drop to the CNC controller beats Wi-Fi every time.
What you'll typically use it for
- CNC and 3D printer control
- Software license servers and cloud CAD
- Shop cameras and tool inventory
- Music and podcasts on speakers
- Machine status dashboards
What to think about
- Hardwire critical control devices (CNC, plasma table) — don't trust Wi-Fi for safety-relevant data
- Metal in the shop absorbs Wi-Fi — mount the AP high and central
- Run outdoor-rated ethernet in conduit if you can — it's more reliable than PtP for runs under 200 ft
- Add a PoE switch inside for cameras, an AP, and future expansion
Best solutions for this scenario
Ranked by typical best-fit for this kind of building and distance.
- 1Point-to-Point Wireless BridgeA pair of directional radios, one on each building. The default answer for distances where running a cable is impractical.
- 2Direct-Burial EthernetRun outdoor-rated Cat6 in conduit. Simple, rock solid, limited to 328 ft (100 m) without a switch.
- 3MoCA Over Existing CoaxIf a coax cable already runs between the two buildings, a pair of MoCA adapters gives you gigabit+ ethernet over it.
Gear commonly recommended here
Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco (NS-5ACL), 2-Pack
The default UniFi point-to-point pick. One box, both ends.
The most-installed outdoor PtP radio in the world. Two of them create a dedicated wireless bridge between buildings. Small, weatherproof, 24V passive PoE. Real-world throughput ~300–450 Mbps with clear line of sight. The 2-pack ships with both ends, mounts, and injectors.
Best for: Most house-to-barn / house-to-shop installs under 1500 ft.
- Proven, huge install base, tons of community support
- airMAX config is well-documented
- Both units + mounts + PoE injectors in one box
- Requires clear line of sight
- 24V passive PoE (not 802.3af)
- Band
- 5 GHz
- Gain
- 13 dBi
- Range
- Up to 1.5 km
- PoE
- 24V passive (included)
trueCABLE Cat6 Direct-Burial Bulk Ethernet, Gel-Filled, 500 ft
UV-resistant, gel-filled ethernet for outdoor runs and underground conduit.
Use outdoor-rated cable for anything that leaves the house — even if it's only running up the wall to a radio on the eaves. Gel-filled / direct-burial rating is required for unprotected underground runs. 500 ft spool is the right size for most home installs.
Best for: Any cable run exposed to sun, weather, or underground conduit.
- UV + moisture resistant
- Gel-filled for direct burial
- 23 AWG solid copper
- PoE++ rated
- Stiffer than indoor cable
- Terminations take practice
- Rating
- Cat6 Direct Burial
- Length
- 500 ft
- AWG
- 23 solid bare copper
Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite Access Point (U6-Lite)
Default UniFi AP for inside the barn.
Standard 802.3af PoE Wi-Fi 6 access point. Once your bridge brings ethernet into the barn, plug this into a PoE switch or injector and you have fast Wi-Fi over the whole building. Manage via any UniFi controller (Cloud Gateway, UDR, Self-Hosted).
Best for: Indoor Wi-Fi coverage in the destination building.
- Wi-Fi 6
- Standard 802.3af PoE
- UniFi controller (free) for config
- Not outdoor-rated
- PoE injector sold separately
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 (AX)
- PoE
- 802.3af
- Ports
- 1x GbE