Help with the correct setup at my home and Shop

Jeremy,

I agree with Furry.

That said, I suspect you are going to need a bit stronger mesh system. There have been several iterations of better radio strengths since that (and my SX80). A lot of the hoopla is about those being able to distribute giga pop speeds that come from your provider. Neither you nor I have anything near that.

As Furry and the article suggest, construction materials and distance play a big path of what kind of signal the satellite will receive from the master. The weaker that is, the less the satellite can forward to your devices.

The cell signal determines where the 5G modem is even if you can mount an external antenna pointed at the cell tower. That external antennae with or without amplifier can massively improve the strength of the cell tower into the 5G modem IF your modem has ports for an external antenna. The 5GStore.Com is a great resource for cell signal amplification equipment, but let’s leave that alone for now.

I have concrete exterior walls, and some metal stud interior walls. Windows are your friend when trying to penetrate any structure, even wood frame which is much better than concrete or metal.

The goal is shooting signal from Master to Satellite via windows, but not at the expense of substantially greater distance between them, or a substantially greater distances between the Satellite and the devices you will want to access the Satellite.

It is well worth the effort to get the master Orbi to a window in your shop if you have one. Even if that means you run quality ethernet cables from the 5G modem to the Orbi Master and similar cables from the Master back to your 3Dprinter. If you have multiple devices next to the printer, simply add a simple switch and hardwire those devices. If you have mobile devices in the garage that need WiFi access to the Master that is not acceptable, that window location for the Master needs to be revisited.

A map layout with approximate distances, window locations, and construction materials would be helpful. If that map and other info does not look prohibitive, I would try using your SX30 and see results before buying another setup. Although I think you will probably end up there anyway, you will at least be marginally or completely operational while you research alternatives.

I do not know your location or it’s attributes impact on the feasibility of using the Starlink satellite system as your provider. It suited my open field in NH well in a heavily treed area that severely cut down cell signal between me and all cell towers. Starlink’s initial systems did not allow additional routers but I understand that this has been relaxed somewhat. The faster speeds and more reliable signal you can supply to your mesh system the happier you will be. But again, I would get the Verizon 5G as is up and running before venturing into external 5G antennas or an alternative internet provider.

One last thought regarding multiple satellites. Each satellite will seek out the best signal be it from the master or another satellite. You cannot control that connection, and while a clear line of sight Master to Sat to Sat might appear logical and advantageous to you, the Orbi Sat may connect to the Master through walls with only a “Fair” signal that cannot be improved upon without an updated/stronger radio version of the Mesh.

Looking forward to a map of some sort.