Wireless networking between 2 buildings

[jdport]

My company has two buildings that are a little over 1 mile apart and I'm curious if I can set them up with wireless capabilities so that they can use the same T1 line and what the cost would be to accomplish this. I've never set up WiFi that extended past my current building (home,office,whatever) so I'm not sure what kind of range is possible for wireless internet between two locations. I've seen some stuff on the net so far about antenna's and such but very little information on how far you can actually transmit the signal. I assume they probably can't give specific distances because it will depend a lot on buildings between the two points, atmospheric conditions, etc... I just want to know if that distance is too far to cover without spending a lot of money or if this is a feasable solution.

Thanks for any input!

 

[azev]

if you have line of sight 1 mile is very doable. I would recomend using an enterprise grade 802.11a wireless bridges, and a directional antenna.

 

[ktwebb]

Feasible? Yep. For a professional installer. Since this is a business, and based on your post it would be a ridiculously bad decision to try to do this yourself. Inquire about a site survey from a local wireless LAN/WAN company. Many will roll the site survey fee into the price if you go with them.

 

[nweaver]

LOS?

don't think you need a pro. but a good 5 Ghz solution would be best. Tranzio has some desent bridges that I have used for 5-7 mile links.

 

[ktwebb]

Without a doubt.

 

[azev]

I agree with ktwebb, there are alot of variables involved in designing a good wireless solution. LOS is a good thing, but there might be other interference on air that you cant see, and can only be detected via spectrum analizer.
I've been using belairnetworks products in the past few years, and as far as I know they make one of the best radio on the market right now.

 

[jdport]

Thanks for the input everybody!

 

[ktwebb]

Originally posted by: azev
I agree with ktwebb, there are alot of variables involved in designing a good wireless solution. LOS is a good thing, but there might be other interference on air that you cant see, and can only be detected via spectrum analizer.
I've been using belairnetworks products in the past few years, and as far as I know they make one of the best radio on the market right now.

If your doing it for you and your buddy so you can play games in houses a mile away sure. Do it yourself. If you have to come to a BBS to ask if it's even a possibility (no offese OP. Just trying to make a point) AND it's a business venture that the WWAN link will serve, then do it yourself should not be an option. And if it is then do not be suprised if it works today, doesn't tomorrow. Fresnel zone clearance, interference issues, signal quality in general, etc, etc.. Just not something that should be left to an amateur if reliability, efficiency, functionality is important. If you expect to depend on a WAN link over RF then pay someone who can respond when, not if, it goes down.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Sounds like you need something like this:

http://www.streakwave.com/Product-Bridge-80211g.asp

There are a lot of factors though as to what particular product you should get. Everything from weather conditions, line-of-sight obstructions (trees, leaves, other buildings), other local interference, etc., will play a big role as to what you can/should use. A site survey is probably the best thing to do no matter what you go with. Heck, you never know if there is some major interference in your area (like a local radar system, microwave antenna uplinks, etc.) which will simply cause certain solutions to be worthless.

 

[Twr1]

I'll second the 5Ghz solution.

No competition from B/G devices and one mile is an easy shot.
Fresnel zone is not a factor at 1 mile (9' in diameter at it's widest point)

Expect to pay around $700 to $800 for a commercial grade link including mounts, cable and lightning protection. The standard 14 or 16dBi integrated panel antenna will be more than enough gain for that link.

 

[ktwebb]

Radius at 1 mile for 5.8 is around 12 feet radius so 24 feet diameter. That's at 80%, which is acceptable. If you want complete clearance it's 15 and 30. Fresnel zone clearance is definitely a factor for a one mile shot. 5.8 makes it an easier link but it doesn't allow you to disregard the fresnel zone. 14-16 dBi panel would be a huge waste. 7dBi yagi with a decent beamwidth would be more effective, both link calc and performance. Not to mention price I'd guess though it's been along time since I had to buy any gear for a WAN shot.