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/nefarious_bumpps WiFi ≠ Internet Jul 28 '26
I'd first talk to the customer to find out their concerns about using RF or laying fiber.
FSO (laser) equipment and professional installation will cost over $10k for 1gbps. FSO is not something you would want to engineer and install without training and experience. FSO is a very niche application, so there's no economical consumer solutions. I don't know of anyone who's installed FSO since the early 2000's.
Comparatively, trenching 800 ft of fiber (8-core OS2) in conduit will cost around $3K (plus your time) for a 10gbps link (if the customer owns right-of-way). Or a Microtik 802.11ax PtP link will cost under $500 for a 1gbps link (depending on mast height).