Install Internet at the campsite: How it works

Autumn is a good opportunity to revise the infrastructure at the campsite.

The season is coming to an end and it's time to lay the groundwork for next year. This may include installing or upgrading internet at the campsite. We are happy to take care of the planning, installation and support of your WiFi system. In this article we give you an overview of what to consider in advance.

Install Internet

The basis for a functioning WiFi is a sufficiently fast Internet. Campsites are often located in rural areas, where the Internet connection is not always optimal.

• In this case, it may make sense to bundle several slow connections or to use a satellite signal.
• A directional radio connection to a distant cell tower is also possible. This makes it possible to achieve a fast connection via a cell tower that cannot even be received with a cell phone,
• Sometimes there is even a fiber-optic node in the vicinity. On request, local utilities often carry out a connection.

Ultimately, a solution can always be found to organize fast Internet at an affordable price. We will be happy to advise you on this.

WiFi install

The WiFi itself consists of an infrastructure that distributes the Internet signal to all points of the campsite. This infrastructure consists of cables (copper or fiber optic) or wireless microwave links.

All components of the WiFi infrastructure must be designed for high user numbers and heavy loads.

• Only weatherproof industrial hardware should be used.
• A Fritz!Box or other hardware for private households is not suitable
• Radio amplifiers (so-called repeaters) should also not be used

Challenges

If you install Internet on your campsite, WiFi is of course part of it. However, installing a WLAN on a campsite can be a challenge:

• There are many obstacles that can attenuate the signal, such as trees, caravans, and guests' structures.
• The situation is not constant. The vegetation changes and so does the distribution of guests.
• There are peak times in the evening when very many users are online at the same time.
• Data requirements are increasing due to ever greater data volumes in the areas of streaming, video telephony and cloud services. The network must be planned for the future so that it works well for a long time.
• Due to the large area, there are many components in use that need to be maintained to keep the network stable.

Measures

To overcome the challenges of installing Internet in campgrounds, it is important to plan and execute a professional installation. This includes the following measures:

• Laying a cable infrastructure: this is the best solution to ensure a stable and fast WiFi .
• Use of directional radio links: If a fiber-optic infrastructure is not possible, microwave links can be an alternative.
• Use of masts: Masts from 4 m height improve the range of the WiFi signal and allow better coverage of obstacles.
• Attachment of sector antennas: Sector antennas radiate the signal at a limited angle, increasing range and power.
• Bandwidth distribution: The bandwidth of the Internet connection is limited. It is therefore important to organize data traffic to avoid bottlenecks at peak times.
• Protection against misuse: The operator of the WLAN may be responsible for misuse. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself legally.

Conclusion

A good WiFi connection is an important service for campsite guests. Installation is a challenge, but one that can be overcome with professional planning and implementation.

Here are some more hints:

• The vegetation on a campsite can change over time. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the WiFi infrastructure and adjust it if necessary.
• Caravans can dampen the WiFi signal due to their metal construction. Therefore, it is advisable not to install the WiFi access points in the direct vicinity or height of caravans.
• Guests can interfere with the WiFi signal through their activities, e.g. by setting up flags or awnings. It is therefore important to position the WiFi access points so that they are disturbed as little as possible by guests. Masts at a sufficient height (4 - 6 m) provide a remedy here.

If you are planning a WiFi installation at your campsite, we will be happy to advise you. We will find a suitable solution for your campsite.