Hey everyone

[G+_Juscelino Acevedo]

Hey everyone. I could use your help with a wireless question. I am not familiar with reliable wireless from one building to another. It would be about 200 to 300 feet in between the buildings and it is line of sight.

 

I can get Ethernet to the location in each building where the two access points (or whatever devices) will be located. The bandwidth between the two does not have to be high; I am more concerned about the reliability. It MUST tie into our existing network, as the purpose is to manage a system within the "remote" building. I am NOT able to run any type of cable between the two buildings, so that is completely out of the question.

 

Any thoughts?

[G+_David Wiggins]

I would think something with some highly directional antennae would do the trick. I wonder what the wifi gurus here have to say. I know wired is always preferred, (esp when reliability is key). There is also optical networking, but things like bright sunlight and other obstructions can interfere worse than with radio.

[G+_Juscelino Acevedo]

David Wiggins I was thinking the same thing regarding the directional antennae, but I am not familiar with that technology and/or how to integrate it into my existing environment. Hoping someone is.

[G+_Black Merc]

An access point (AP) and a bridge (client to the AP) are the required equipment. Everyone is acquainted with the AP at the coffee shop, a bridge is a device that connects to the AP and provides a lan connection.

 

300 feet, two small directional antennas will do the job very well.

 

The trick is going to be, finding a bridge in your price range(commercial units ate a bit pricey for my taste).

[G+_Black Merc]

Another option to the bridge is in software of one machine at the remote building. If a computer can connect to the main building using wifi, it may be able to share that connection out the lan connection to the rest of the building.

 

I've seen a house across the street from the public library with a laundry basket, aluminum foil, tripod and, a usb wifi dongle.

 

One big thing, you shutdown that machine, that whole building looses the connection.

[G+_David Peach]

I have some friends running Ubiquiti equipment and getting reliable service at a much longer distance. I know they are parabolic antennas. But not sure any other details.

[G+_Peter Hanse]

David Peach I would also recommend Ubiquiti heard good things. We have some EnGenius but want to swap for Ubiquiti use the 5 gHz band less noise lightbeam AC or Nanobeam may fit bill. What data rate you expecting to need? Make sure to have encryption enabled as well.

[G+_Jared Twomey]

I would get 2 Ubiquiti radios, set them up Point-to-Point. That will give you a solid connection between the 2 buildings. If speed isn't a huge concern I would go with a set of LiteBeam M5s. About $50 each and you should get a solid 100+ Mbps link out of them. If you want more speed go with AC radios.

[G+_Jared Twomey]

And as far as the networks being connected, you can set up the radios as bridges, so they just pass traffic, no routing. Just plug one into a switch at the 1st building, plug the other into a switch at your 2nd building, and they will all be on the same network.

[G+_Ben Reese]

+1 for Ubiquiti. I've never used their outdoor gear, but have had great success with their indoor APs. Something like this should work, but may even be overkill for this application: Ubiquiti 5GHz LiteBeam AC 23DBI (LBE-5AC-23-US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANIQCE6/

 

I've read reports of some Ubiquiti gear (maybe not this specifically) connecting at 10+ miles.

[G+_Golden Retriever]

Ah if both buildings have Internet why not just connect that way.

[G+_Peter Hanse]

That is double cost to have Internet feed to both. Cost of equipment can be offset by only one internet connection. Also connecting over VPN between buildings can work but slower speed.

[G+_Juscelino Acevedo]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, as I definitely have some good ideas now. Interestingly enough, I am a huge Ubiquiti fan and have no idea how I overlooked them. Jared Twomey and Ben Reese I am really liking your ideas. Thanks again to everyone who shared their thoughts.

[G+_Daniel Stagner]

I was out with a group last year that used a ubiquiti airFiber setup (not sure of the exact one) to provide non secure internet access to what can be best described as a camp site on top of a hill about 10 miles out of town. They used ratchet straps to attache one to a tree. The connection was pretty good to. Able to provide realtime video from a few ipCam's and my 1Dx back to town.

[G+_Jason Perry]

+1 for Ubiquity gear.

That being said it isn't the only option. If you need cheap go with some of the other options mentioned above.

[G+_David Peach]

I looked up the distance (on Google maps) of where my friend is doing the 2 Ubiquiti antennas for his connection. It is 1,500+ feet. As far as I know it is reliable.

[G+_Darrell Sullivan]

I have had this wireless bridge in continuous use for three years and it has worked flawlessly. It appears to be more expensive than the Ubiquity gear though. These are weather proof, but I have them mounted inside the two steel structures and there has never been a communication issue.

 

amazon.com - Amazon.com: EZ-Bridge Ultra5 5GHz 100Mbps 250mW Wireless Bridge: Computers & Accessories

[G+_Peter Hanse]

Darrell Sullivan if you looking to change ever I would consider Ubiquity as the price for ones you have seams a bit high. I have been wanting to upgrade our enginus links we use. Have been doing wireless links between our building since 802.11B but go for 5 gHz. In outdoor applications make sure to follow FCC rules and frequencies

[G+_Juscelino Acevedo]

Peter Hanse I looked into the EnGenius and I really like what I see. Would you be able to answer the following questions? Can I connect it to my existing Aruba wireless network or would this be a separate SSID? Do they bridge together via wireless? Can I place them both inside the buildings, but literally at windows where the two building see one another? Thanks in advance.

[G+_Peter Hanse]

Not sure on Aruba network but typically they connect on Ethernet then make a wifi bridge. If you want to go through glass may work but outdoors is best. Low E glass that is coated will really cut down wireless signals.

[G+_Juscelino Acevedo]

Peter Hanse That definitely answers my question. Thank you. For clarification, let's put aside that I have Aruba, when I connect them to my network do they work based on my existing SSID? Or do I need to configure a new SSID for EnGenius devices?

[G+_Peter Hanse]

They work on separate wifi network so want to select channel away from current used. If it is bridge they are not setup with SSID but for direct connect using MAC address and don't forget to use WPA encryption. Can also be used as access point and client but this may limit network visibility. If you want to act just like it was a wire connecting two switches use as bridge.

[G+_Juscelino Acevedo]

OMG. I can't believe that I asked that question; twice. I kept think of these as access points, when I am simply looking for a wireless bridge. Sorry for the senseless question and thank you for your help. Everything is clear now. :-)