Depending on what you want the wifi for in the barn, your build may vary. Most reliable solution is to run a LAN cable if possible.
Close enough - Aimesh. Too far, see below.
I have this build, it works, though very suboptimal given encumbrances of where I was able to put the router and antenna. That said, it is mess, but works.
--A--LAN--B ))) air link ((( C--LAN--D ))) wifi to barn.
Where
A = Your main router
B = router in access point mode with 3 directional antenna (
https://www.alfa.com.tw/products/apa-m25?variant=36473963839560)*
C = router in media bridge mode with 3 directional antenna
D = router in access point mode in the barn
- you may plug a LAN cable into either C or D for a 'wired' connection.
(My routers B are inside behind a wall and C inside behind a window. I did leave my router B outside for a Canadian winter, it survived and still works - moved into a heated space now)
Of note, they antenna need to be aimed towards each other. Perhaps more important, manually check each channel to see which will provide the best speed. I recently read that, and did that, my speeds are 2x what they were.
Depending on distance 2.4 GHz may give you a more reliable, if slower, connection. Try both frequencies.
Rethinking my air link, will post if the next iteration works.
Limitations: more than listed here.
- With this setup, Aimesh will not work to barn.
- Guest network will not extend to barn.
- Guest network setup on D will not isolate that traffic from your home network.
Good luck, fun sounding project.
*No conflict of interest, used these, they worked. Tried other, they didn't.