My mom has created an amazing artwork that includes WiFi LED lights. They work great at home because they connect to our WiFi, but she’s got an exhibition in a park this December, and there probably won’t be any WiFi available there. The lights do work without WiFi, but we can’t control them. Does anyone know what options we have to create a WiFi network or a hotspot in the park, just for the day, to connect the lights? Thanks in advance!
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If the lights just need WiFi to be controlled and don’t actually require an internet connection, a simple travel router could work. Some travel routers can create a local WiFi network without needing internet access, which should be enough for your mom to control the lights.
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Do the lights need to be connected to the internet, or just to a WiFi network? If they only need WiFi, you can set up a WiFi router without needing internet access. Just plug in the router where you have power, and it will allow the lights to communicate with other devices on the same network. I do this often for event production, and it works great. Since there’s already power for the LEDs, you might just need to plug in a WiFi router as well.
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But wouldn’t I still need an ethernet cable to make a router work? Or am I totally off here? I’m not sure if there’s WiFi in the park—it’s a light festival, so I’m hoping there will be power boxes at least, but we’re still waiting on that info. Just trying to be prepared since my mom isn’t super tech-savvy, and honestly, I’m not much better! But I’m doing my best to figure it out.
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No worries, you’re not off! Normally, routers do need an ethernet connection for internet access, but in this case, you’re looking to create a local WiFi network rather than getting online. Devices like portable routers or travel routers can create a WiFi network without needing an ethernet cable—they just need power. As long as your lights only need a WiFi signal to be controlled (and don’t actually need the internet), these devices should work perfectly.
And if there are power boxes at the festival, you should be good to go. It sounds like you’re on the right track!
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If you’re worried about signal stability, especially in a crowded park, renting a dedicated portable WiFi unit could be a good idea. Companies rent them out specifically for events. They’re usually more reliable than a phone hotspot.
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You might also consider a mesh network if the area is large and you need extended coverage. Set up one device with internet access (like a MiFi) and use mesh nodes to spread the signal around the area. But if it’s just a small area, a basic portable hotspot should do the trick.