Aerial Cabling

[Alemeg]

We have two buildings that are approximately 100 ft apart. We want to string aerial cable from one to the other. Its asphalt between the two so ground cable is not an option. The purpose is to extend our office network which is now serviced by an unreliable wireless transmitter. I was originally thinking copper but based upon things in this forum, I'm leaning towards fiber. I am looking for advice as to the type of cabling would be best.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ironhorse17]

What are your bandwith and speed now, and future needs. Voice,data,video.

 

[Yorkie9]

An underground duct and cable solution would be less susceptible to the forces of nature and you could put your voice and data cabling in the same duct presuming your not running IPT?

 

[Alemeg]

Bandwidth is Gigabit. Running voice data and infrequent video.

Agree wholeheartedly about going underground, however, we have less than 2 years on the leases, probably won't renew, and cost is well above what we ccan spend. What would the environmental risks be. Would grounding protect against lightning?

 

[wires]

With fiber you would only need to ground the messenger if it were metallic. Fiber is the way to go either above or below ground between buildings or any place else with different grounds.

For 100' you should be able to go from one the the other without intermediate support. Be sure to use acceptable means to mechanically connect the run at both ends.

 

[Telecomp9434]

I agree with wires. Fiber is relativley cheap when using only a small amount (100ft). Lookup the Hitachi Armored Fiber Optic Cable. It is very flexible, no need for Duct, can withstand the elements and very durable. You can connect the two ends by installing gigabit interface converters (GBIC)on the network switch side.

http://www.Telecomp-inc.com

"Voice and Data Solutions

 

[robertjo24]

If going 100’ between two buildings, I would either:
1) string a steel messenger cable between the buildings and lash an all dielectric type 50micron MM fiber between the buildings
2) install a 50 micron MM fiber with integrated messenger (“Figure 8” cable), but this would be more expensive
3) string a “Figure 8” duct between the buildings and pull in a fiber between building; likely most expensive, but easiest to get the fiber across and replace if needed.

Which ever way you go, if an all dielectric cable is used, there will be no grounding issues for the sheath/shield of the fiber. This would provide complete electrical isolation between buildings & networks.

 

[swfl]

You could see about getting the fiber pre-terminated if you don't have to drag it through a bunch of conduit.

 

[Mountainbear]

If cost is not an issue, fiber wih a messenger and trancievers on both ends is your best bet. you can get pre terminated fiber if you like.
Since it is only 100' the Most cost effective would be cat5e with messenger, string it between buildings and add a surge protection to both ends. total cost $200.

 

[Yorkie9]

For less than two years i would definitely go for either an overhead cabling solution of possibly an optical one???

 

[mforrence]

Or you could fix the wireless problem. For $500 you could get two fairly competent access points and put the problem to rest.

 

[wires]

Most cost effective would be cat5e with messenger, string it between buildings and add a surge protection to both ends. total cost $200."

About the same cost as fiber. It's only 100' and only needs to last for 2 years! New fiber converters are $50 each, about the same as decent surge units.

For 100' and 2 years I'd go as cheap as any type outdoor fiber and paracord for support if needed.