How to Extend Your Network Outdoors with External Network Cables
Extending your network outdoors can be a great way to improve your connectivity and expand your coverage area. Whether you want to connect a remote building or add Wi-Fi to your backyard, external network cables can help you achieve your goals.
Choosing the Right Cable Type
The first step in extending your network outdoors is choosing the right type of cable. There are two main types of outdoor network cables: direct burial and aerial. Direct burial cables are designed to be buried underground, while aerial cables are designed to be strung overhead.
Direct burial cables are typically more expensive than aerial cables, but they offer better protection from the elements. Aerial cables are less expensive and easier to install, but they are more susceptible to damage from wind and other factors.
Determining the Cable Length
Once you have chosen the type of cable you need, you need to determine the length of cable you need. The length of the cable will depend on the distance between your indoor network connection and the outdoor location where you want to extend the network.
It is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a cable that is longer than you think you need. This will give you some extra slack to work with and will help prevent you from having to buy a new cable if you make a mistake.
Installing the Cable
Installing an external network cable can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do it yourself with a little planning and preparation. Here are the steps involved in installing an external network cable:
1. Plan the route of the cable. The first step is to plan the route of the cable. You need to choose a path that is clear of obstacles and that will not be disturbed by future landscaping or construction projects.
2. Dig a trench for the cable. If you are installing a direct burial cable, you need to dig a trench for the cable. The trench should be at least 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide.
3. Lay the cable in the trench. Once you have dug the trench, you can lay the cable in the trench. Be sure to leave some slack in the cable so that you can connect it to the network connection and the outdoor device.
4. Backfill the trench. Once you have laid the cable in the trench, you need to backfill the trench with dirt. Be sure to tamp the dirt down firmly to prevent the cable from being damaged.
5. Connect the cable to the network connection and the outdoor device. Once the cable is installed, you need to connect it to the network connection and the outdoor device. Be sure to use waterproof connectors to protect the cable from the elements.
Testing the Cable
Once you have installed the cable, you need to test it to make sure that it is working properly. The easiest way to test the cable is to use a network tester. A network tester will send a signal through the cable and tell you if there are any breaks or faults in the cable.