Wireless Bridge Required

[mikeloaf]

Advice please!

I need to install a wireless bridge between two buildings. We have 2 cabled networks in two buildings less than 100m apart. They are just in line of sight (one corner of 1st building to one corner of second) and so would definatley be line of sight for two externaly mounted antenna.

Does anyone know of a kit to do the job? I have found kits on US sites but none on UK. I have tried sourcing all the components seperateley from dlink, expansys etc but its a nitemare.

Just to add to the problem, I need quite high bandwidth (domain authentication + database access). From my research so far, we need 802.11g standard (54mbs).

Any ideas or info people?

Cheers,

Mike

 

[mikeloaf]

No ideas anyone?

 

[bcastner]

Two thoughts:

1. Several manufacturers offer such devices. The most comprehensive that I have seen is by CISCO, but there are others. A Google search on "wireless bridging" would benefit you.

2. Measure your distance accurately. My gut reaction is to run Cat5 if the distance is within spec; Cat5 if I can interpose another device instead of a continuous run; Fiber if I cannot; and wireless as a bridge as a last resort.

I have used wireless bridges, and like them. But once you specify a minimum of 802.11g it is clear that bandwidth is important. Use wireless bridges where bandwidth is not important. Use traditional cable or fiber where bandwidth is important. And it is likely cheaper in the short, medium an long-run as well.

 

[tharder]

I agree with bcastner that copper or fiber is your best bet in terms of cost(over the long run) and bandwidth. If it HAS to be wireless, Cisco would be my first choice for 802.11b connection. I'm not so sure about 11g, I think they just came out with a AIR1400. Also,give

http://www.proxim.com

a lookover, the Tsunami family of wireless comes in 10,100,480mb flavors...these are not 802.11 but offer a lot of bandwidth if you need it.

http://www.proxim.com/products/bwa/point/tsunami/index.html