How To Improving Wifi in a metal roof cabin

[drlaura]

I need a solution to the following problem. We have a cabin that is out of reach for cable wifi so we've have to go through verizon for our internet service. It was ok until we replaced the old shingles with a metal roof. Verizon's solution was a combined modem/router and an exterior antenna. I have no idea how it's hooked up (my husband did it) but we have absolutely zero internet. Once in awhile we are able to get on in the morning but then it stops working after 30 min. or so. Our verizon cellular service is not great there either but we can make phone calls (texts don't always go thru). I will take any advice. Help!

 

[mxnerd]

If it's your husband who hooked it up, ask him what the modem/router model is and how it's hooked up. And pictures. You probably have a mobile wireless service from Verizon? The weak signal you talked about probably was wireless signal from Verizon, not wifi signal inside the cabin?

It's even better that he asks the question himself.

==

Some Verizon 4G LTE signal boosters at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Verizon+Cell+Phone+Signal+Booster+4G+LTE&i=mobile&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

[SamirD]

That metal roof has done wonders for blocking your signal. Your husband will need to move the external antenna.

 

[JackMDS]

In general, when WIFI/Wireless needs an External Antenna it is not a good solution to connect an outside Antenna to an indoor Modem/Router via long Antenna Coax wire.

Under normal practice, a special Access Point that is weather proved has to be put on a Mast outside and connect to the inside with POE Ethernet cable.

This site shows the Hardware involved.

https://www.data-alliance.net/bridges-pt-to-pt/

 

[RadiclDreamer]

In general, when WIFI/Wireless needs an External Antenna it is not a good solution to connect an outside Antenna to an indoor Modem/Router via long Antenna Coax wire.

Under normal practice, a special Access Point that is weather proved has to be put on a Mast outside and connect to the inside with POE Ethernet cable.

This site shows the Hardware involved.

https://www.data-alliance.net/bridges-pt-to-pt/

To expand on what JackMDS has stated here, the shorter coax cable you can use, the better. There is loss in cable so the longer your run, the weaker your signal.

Its also a good idea to find out what direction the cell antenna comes from and be sure to place it on that side of the house.