I have a similar arrangement with my layout in my garage some 30 metres from my Windows pc running JMRI 4.12 in the study, so I bought a Raspberyy Pi 3 (micro-computer)?for around $100 Aus which runs 24/7 under my layout.? I got some help from a tech friend to install the Linux (Ubuntu) Operating System on the Pi and to also install the Linux version of JMRI 4.12. The Pi has onboard Wifi and four USB ports, enough for the USB connection to the Control Centre and for a mouse and keyboard, plus an HDMI output, These outputs enable to? me to temporarily?use the Pi much like a desktop computer?in the garage by?connecting an old PC monitor, which I find helpful when setting things up on the Pi and controlling the layout directly from it.
I then use the comfort of the study pc to do all the setting up of the JMRI data files; loco roster, turnout table, panel design using PanelPro, etc and store all this data on Google Drive.? Google Drive also runs on the Pi over my home Wifi so that any changes I make on the PC are seen by the Pi and vice-versa.
I also use the Wifi and a cheap Android Tablet (using the Engine Driver Android App)?as a control panel to switch the turnouts and an old iPad Mini 2 and two old iPhone 4's (all using the iOS WiThrotle App) to control the engines.? The iPad can run four throttles (Locos) at once and the iPhone up to two each.? JMRI, Google Drive and the Apps are all free software and friends or family can use the iPhones to run their own locos (they can even use their own phones as the Apps are simple to install and run).? The apps also enable the remote (phone) control of the turnouts so I can wander around the layout to work on the track or on a particular engine to do any troubleshooting.
There's also free SSH and VNC software available to enable me to "see" directly into and control the the Pi from my study laptop rather than setting up the temporary monitor etc in the garage.? If you don't want to buy a Raspberry Pi, use an old "throwout" laptop - which I'd suggest you reformat and install Linux (Ubuntu) 'cos it just runs on old gear whereas Windows 10 can be so resource hungry !
This may all sound a bit techie, but I'm no guru and Google provides so much info to help set up such a system and it's well worth the diversion from modelling to enable you to get awesome control of your layout.
