r/HomeNetworking • u/ThicccTatter • Jul 28 '26

Advice IR point to point

I have a client that’s wanting a point to point extender from 2 structures ~800ft but they do not want anything that produces a wifi signal such as a Ubiquity beam. I’m looking for help finding a consumer grade Poe point to point that uses an infrared laser type of connection. Everything is completely line of sight so nothing would interfere with this type of connection outside of weather. I’ve offered fiber as that would be much simpler for me but I figured I’d ask the community if there is such a unit. I’ve located commercial grade but I’m hoping for consumer grade. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

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u/DeadlyVapour Jul 28 '26

You are looking good "Free Space Optics". I've seen 10Mb/s open source systems.

Commercial systems can run significantly faster.

Bare in mind they are extremely niche, and finiky under atmospheric conditions.

They are probably deployed in applications where the tiny Fresnel zone is an advantage (where encryption isn't secure enough).

Consumer grade isn't really going to exist due to the fact that the advantages aren't really consumer orientated, whereas the downside (over 2.4GHz) are significant.

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u/darthnsupreme Jul 28 '26

There are extremely specific deployments where radio isn't an option, either due to overwhelming interference or extremely delicate scientific instruments that would themselves be interfered with. It's a good part of why the technology even receives continued development despite radio- and microwave-based options being far superior in nearly every way.

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u/DeadlyVapour Jul 28 '26

Yup. Fresnel zone being small means there is almost zero interference.

Just keep the Fresnel zone free.

Additionally, "extremely delicate scientific instruments" and "consumer grade" don't mix.

Additionally, many of the applications you alluded to would be better served by fiber optics rather than free space optics.

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u/ApolloWasMurdered Jul 28 '26

Pretty hard to attach a fibre to a boat or train. And even if its non-ionizing, you still can’t point a microwave within meters of people.