I recently had an interesting challenge that I’d like to share with the community. One of my friends in California needed to monitor her mare in a remote stable, but the stable owner wouldn’t grant access to their local WiFi network. This presented a unique problem: how to set up a camera without relying on the stable’s network?
After some brainstorming, I suggested using an LTE MiFi puck to create a local WiFi network for the camera, with LTE handling the backhaul to the internet. However, my friend was hesitant to invest in a new MiFi device and a carrier plan.
The solution we came up with was surprisingly simple and effective: using an old LTE-capable iPad! The iPad was able to create a local WiFi network for the WYZE camera and connect to the internet via Verizon’s LTE network.
While the LTE coverage in that area wasn’t perfect, the setup has been running smoothly for over a month. The camera can be accessed with a few connection attempts, and the video quality, though not HD, is sufficient for monitoring purposes. It’s not ideal for 24/7 live streaming, but it’s a great workaround for situations where traditional network access isn’t available.
This experience taught me the value of thinking outside the box and repurposing older devices for new uses. It’s also a testament to how creative solutions can solve real-world problems in smart home automation. I’d love to hear if anyone else has encountered similar challenges or has innovative solutions to share!