Outbuilding

How to bridge internet between buildings

There are only so many ways to move internet from one building to another. Each page below covers a single approach — when it's the right answer, when to skip it, the specific gear to buy, and how to install it without wasting a weekend.

How to choose in 30 seconds

Walk this decision tree from top to bottom. Stop at the first answer that fits.

  1. Does a coax cable already run between the two buildings? Use MoCA. It's the easiest install and delivers up to 2.5 Gbps.
  2. Can you trench and run a cable, and the distance is under 328 ft? Use direct-burial ethernet. Bulletproof and cheap.
  3. Can you trench and the distance is over 328 ft? Use direct-burial fiber. No distance limit.
  4. Can't trench, but have clear line of sight? Use a point-to-point wireless bridge. The default for most house-to-outbuilding links.
  5. No line of sight and too far for other options? Use cellular. Higher ongoing cost but works anywhere with signal.
  6. Just need outdoor-area Wi-Fi (pool deck, paddock, dock — not a separate building)? Install an outdoor AP.

Powerline and mesh extension exist for specific narrow cases — we cover them too, but honestly: skip them if you can.

Point-to-Point

Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge

A pair of directional radios, one on each building. The default answer for distances where running a cable is impractical.

MoCA

MoCA Over Existing Coax

If a coax cable already runs between the two buildings, a pair of MoCA adapters gives you gigabit+ ethernet over it.

Powerline

Powerline Adapters

Carry ethernet over the electrical wiring. Cheap and easy, but only works reliably when both ends are on the same panel.

Buried Ethernet

Direct-Burial Ethernet

Run outdoor-rated Cat6 in conduit. Simple, rock solid, limited to 328 ft (100 m) without a switch.

Buried Fiber

Direct-Burial Fiber

For long runs (over 300 ft) and future-proofing. More work to terminate, but no distance limit to speak of.

Mesh

Mesh Wi-Fi Extension

Extend an existing Wi-Fi network into a nearby building. Works if it's close enough. Often it isn't.

Outdoor AP

Outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point

Weatherproof access points for coverage outside a building — pastures, driveways, pool decks.

Cellular

Cellular / LTE Gateway

When nothing else will reach, bring its own connection. Great for very remote cabins or as failover.