Wi-Fi on a large site

[sparkythecat]

I manage the local community hall, which is run on a shoe string budget.
Wi-Fi would a big advantage and would perhaps encourage more use of the hall, but at this stage, our budget won’t stand the fixed cost.
The MD of a local factory has agreed that we can piggyback their Wi-Fi if it’s feasible. The two buildings are about 100m apart and in direct line of sight.
What kit would we need to install to make this work.?

[Order66]

Something like this:
https://www.spycameracctv.com/products/long-range-...

However have you looked into a 5G router? Unlimited data at £16 a month if you have decent enough signal (smarty mobile).

[silentbrown]

Confused about "fixed cost" comment. Do you mean the monthly charge or the on-off costs?

Talk to your local broadband providers. They're sometimes keen to do this as a PR exercise.

https://gigaclear.com/posts/gigaclear-doubles-vill...

https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/free-broadband-for-vi...

[Harpoon]

Microtik Wireless Wire kit - £282. Pre-configured, mount, point and power on.

https://linitx.com/product/mikrotik-wireless-wire-...

You can save £50 if you drop the max range to 100m and don't have the built-in backup radio (£234)

https://linitx.com/product/mikrotik-wireless-wire-...

Pop to B&Q and get TV aerial brackets / poles to mount them on.

I'd just ask the MD that his IT people are segmenting the hall from their business network.

[sparkythecat]

Order66 said:

Something like this:
https://www.spycameracctv.com/products/long-range-...

However have you looked into a 5G router? Unlimited data at £16 a month if you have decent enough signal (smarty mobile).

Unfortunately, mobile coverage in the village is pretty poor.

[sparkythecat]

silentbrown said:

Confused about "fixed cost" comment. Do you mean the monthly charge or the on-off costs?

Talk to your local broadband providers. They're sometimes keen to do this as a PR exercise.

https://gigaclear.com/posts/gigaclear-doubles-vill...

https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/free-broadband-for-vi...

I don’t want to commit to the monthly cost of broadband rental.
I can probably get someone to pay for the cost of the kit for sharing the factory Wi-Fi as a one off, that’s why I’m trying to identity and price up what we need

[silentbrown]

sparkythecat said:

I don’t want to commit to the monthly cost of broadband rental.
I can probably get someone to pay for the cost of the kit for sharing the factory Wi-Fi as a one off, that’s why I’m trying to identity and price up what we need

Understood. Grant from parish council, maybe - but I'd certainly try local ISPs for a freebie.

Whereabout are you - there's often local support orgs that can help with this. (eg this, around us... https://www.comfirst.org.uk/village_halls)

[BigTZ4M]

Another vote for the "wireless wire" - just point them at each other and it's like you ran a cable between the two sites. Couldn't be a better example of it doing what it says on the tin!

At the village hall you run that into a switch and from there install a few access points and you're done. But also heed the advice that you make sure the kind person sharing is OK with segmenting you. You (and maybe they) are also liable for ensuring you track usage of the free wifi under various legislation by using something like a captive portal. Many access point solutions offer this built in. I also concede many places don't bother but you should know it is a risk.

[mattley]

BigTZ4M said:

You (and maybe they) are also liable for ensuring you track usage of the free wifi under various legislation by using something like a captive portal.

Have you ever actually found or can you cite any legislation?

I'm not saying you're wrong, indeed it seems probable but if there is then it must be second most widely ignored law after possession of cannabis or urban 20mph zones.

[xeny]

I think there was some proposed legislation, but it was never implemented. Would also be curious to know for certain.

[BigTZ4M]

mattley said:

Have you ever actually found or can you cite any legislation?

I'm not saying you're wrong, indeed it seems probable but if there is then it must be second most widely ignored law after possession of cannabis or urban 20mph zones.

Can’t say I’m a lawyer, but the advice I get quotes the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and its requirement to hold customer data for a period of time if you provide a communication service (in this case free WiFi) I also don’t think any business has been prosecuted under it because it’s really a belt and braces heavy handed approach for counter terrorism, hence why so many folks don’t bother - I don’t think I would in this case but thought I should mention it.

Edited by BigTZ4M on Saturday 10th June 21:36