Granny flats, studios, shed offices, and detached guest houses are becoming a standard feature across the Illawarra. With more Australians working remotely and studying online, reliable internet in these external buildings is no longer a "nice to have" — it's essential.
Yet this is one of the most common issues we see at Blue Moon IT: "The Wi-Fi kind of works… sometimes."
The reality is simple: extending internet to a separate building isn't one-size-fits-all. Distance, building materials, terrain, and how the connection will be used all matter. Get it right and everything just works. Get it wrong and you'll fight dropouts, slow speeds, and frustration.
The good news is there are three proven ways to do it properly.
The Three Reliable Ways to Connect an External Building
1. Mesh Wi-Fi (Best for Short Distances)
Mesh Wi-Fi systems extend your existing wireless network using multiple nodes placed around your property.
Best suited for:
- Granny flats or studios within ~20–30 metres
- Clear line of sight
- Lightweight construction (not heavy brick or metal)
Pros
- Quick to install
- No trenching or structural work
- Lowest upfront cost
Limitations
- Performance drops quickly with distance
- Metal roofs and brick walls cause major signal loss
- Not ideal for serious work-from-home use
Mesh can work well — when conditions are right. When they're not, mesh becomes unreliable fast.
2. Point-to-Point Wireless (The Sweet Spot for Many Properties)
Point-to-point (PtP) wireless uses two fixed outdoor units to create a dedicated wireless link between buildings — essentially an invisible ethernet cable through the air.
Best suited for:
- Buildings 30 metres to several hundred metres apart
- Properties with clear line of sight
- Users needing stable, work-grade internet
Pros
- Much more reliable than mesh over distance
- Handles video calls, streaming, and business use
- No digging or trenching required
Limitations
- Requires proper mounting and alignment
- Needs clear line of sight
- Slightly higher upfront cost than mesh
For many Illawarra properties — especially larger blocks and acreage — this is the most balanced solution.
3. Ethernet Cabling (Maximum Reliability)
Running a dedicated ethernet cable between buildings is the most robust option available.
Best suited for:
- Long-term properties
- Critical business or high-performance needs
- Situations where reliability is non-negotiable
Pros
- Fastest and most stable connection possible
- No wireless interference or weather impact
- Fully future-proof
Limitations
- Highest upfront cost
- Requires trenching or structural work
- Must be installed by a registered cabler
This is the "do it once, do it right" option — but it's not always necessary.
Choosing the Right Solution (Without Guesswork)
Most problems happen when people choose based on price alone.
What actually matters:
- Distance between buildings
- Construction materials (metal roofs matter — a lot)
- Line of sight and vegetation
- How the connection will be used
- Whether the setup is temporary or long-term
Two properties on the same street can require completely different solutions.
Why Talk to Blue Moon IT First?
We see this exact scenario across the Illawarra every week. Our role isn't to sell you the most expensive option — it's to recommend the simplest solution that will actually work.
What we provide:
- On-site assessment of distance, obstacles, and building materials
- Clear explanation of your realistic options
- Honest recommendations based on performance, not upsell
- Professional setup or coordination with registered cablers
- Ongoing local support if things change
A $500 system that doesn't work is more expensive than a $1,200 system that does.
Ready to Get It Done Properly?
If you're planning — or already struggling with — internet in a granny flat, studio, home office, or external building, we can help you get it right the first time.
Contact Blue Moon IT for a no-obligation assessment.
We'll explain your options clearly, recommend the right approach, and handle the setup end-to-end.
Reliable internet shouldn't be a gamble.
Need Help Connecting Your Granny Flat or External Building?
Get expert advice on the best internet solution for your property. We serve the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, and Southern Highlands regions.