Boerne Community Theatre Wireless Bridge and Guest Wi-Fi Project

Extending Wireless Coverage Between

the Theatre and Classroom

The Boerne Community Theatre needed a stronger and more reliable wireless connection between the main theatre building and a classroom located across the way. The goal was to improve wireless access for classroom use while also providing a stronger Wi-Fi signal for staff inside and around the theatre.

To solve this, I configured a Ubiquiti NanoStation to broadcast a directional wireless signal toward the classroom while also functioning as a wireless hotspot for theatre staff. On the classroom side, I connected the NanoStation signal to a MikroTik router and configured it to operate as a secure guest router.

The setup gave teachers reliable classroom internet access while still allowing them to reach the theatre’s local printer when needed.

The Challenge

The classroom was close enough to be part of the theatre’s daily operations, but far enough away that normal indoor Wi-Fi coverage was not reliable. Teachers needed internet access in the classroom and also needed the ability to print documents, papers, scripts, and classroom materials using the local printer located inside the theatre.

At the same time, theatre staff also needed stronger wireless access near the theatre. The solution had to support real-world use without exposing the internal network unnecessarily.

The challenge was not just making Wi-Fi “reach farther.” The network needed to be useful, controlled, and secure.

The Solution

I used a Ubiquiti NanoStation to create a stronger directional wireless broadcast aimed toward the classroom. This provided a focused signal path instead of depending on weak general Wi-Fi coverage from inside the theatre building.

The NanoStation also served as a wireless hotspot for theatre staff, improving access in the theatre area while keeping the setup simple and practical.

On the classroom side, I connected the wireless link to a MikroTik router and configured it as a guest router. This allowed classroom users to connect through a controlled network instead of directly exposing the theatre’s main network.

The setup allowed teachers in the classroom to access the internet and still reach the local printer inside the theatre for printing scripts, handouts, documents, and other theatre-related materials.

Security and Practical Use

A major part of this project was balancing convenience with security. The theatre needed better wireless coverage, the classroom needed reliable access, and teachers still needed access to the printer.

By using the MikroTik router as a guest router, the classroom connection could be managed separately while still allowing access to specific resources, such as the theatre printer. This helped reduce unnecessary network exposure while keeping the setup useful for daily operations.

Practical Value

This project improved wireless access for both the theatre staff and the classroom. Instead of relying on weak Wi-Fi, workarounds, or file transfers between buildings, the theatre gained a more reliable and organized wireless setup.

The project helped improve:

• Wireless coverage between the theatre and classroom
• Staff Wi-Fi access near the theatre
• Classroom internet access
• Access to shared theatre resources
• Printing of scripts, documents, papers, and classroom materials
• Guest network organization
• Security compared to an uncontrolled wireless extension
• Day-to-day usability for staff and teachers

What This Project Shows

This project reflects my ability to solve real-world connectivity problems with practical network design. It involved wireless coverage planning, directional signal placement, Ubiquiti NanoStation configuration, MikroTik router setup, guest network design, printer access planning, and basic network security awareness.

It was not just about installing equipment. It was about understanding how the theatre and classroom were actually being used, what staff and teachers needed, and how to extend access without making the network messy or insecure.

Technologies Used

• Ubiquiti NanoStation
• MikroTik router
• Directional wireless networking
• Wireless hotspot configuration
• Guest router setup
• Local printer access
• Network segmentation
• Small-site wireless troubleshooting
• Secure resource access planning

Summary

The Boerne Community Theatre wireless bridge and guest Wi-Fi project was designed to extend reliable wireless access between the theatre and a nearby classroom while also improving Wi-Fi availability for theatre staff.

By using a Ubiquiti NanoStation as a directional wireless broadcast point and hotspot, along with a MikroTik router configured for secure guest access, I helped create a stronger, more useful, and better-organized network connection between the two spaces.

The result was a practical wireless solution that supported classroom instruction, staff connectivity, secure guest access, and daily theatre operations.