Site to Site linking (RF Backup)

l33byt · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2006, 07:01 PM

Using Lasers we are joining up our company which are 200m apart.
As a backup we want to install an RF system @ 54g

We have line of site and will be using Uni-Directional aerials.

My question is could some one please recommend and access point/bridge to use.
Prefrably POE, my plan is to uplink onto a Media converter and fibre feed to basement comms room.

Any links to some device which is good on the field would be greatly appreciated from a Virgin forum user.

NZLamb · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 08:08 AM

If you want absolute quality, use Mikrotik RouterBOARDs. These support high-speed bridging with 2.4 or 5GHz operation, IEEE 802.3af standard PoE, routing, VPN, plus every security option you could imagine. On the downside they are a little more complex to get set up and cost more than off the shelf access points.

If you want to go down the cheaper road, use a pair of Linksys WAP54G or similar access points with low cost PoE adaptors. There are very reliable units and are easy to get set up. Linksys make a couple of outdoor bridge solutions based on the WAP54G but they will set you back about $900 per site, which is overpriced compared to what you could achieve yourself.

Either way you could mount the entire lot inside a 'RooTenna', which is a small patch antenna with a compartment to hold the radio gear. This means you get a totally self-contained weatherproof package, all ready to mount on a pole.

Almost any gear will pull 200m even with small antennas so there is pretty much an endless selection there.

NZLamb · #3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 08:19 AM

If you want to find out more, check out the following sites. I or someone else here will be glad to lend assistance explaining setup if required.

Mikrotik www.mikrotik.com
RooTenna, PoE and accessories www.pacwireless.com (Edit: corrected URL)
Linksys www.linksys.co.nz

gowifi · #4 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 07:35 AM

If you have easy access to cable a short run of coax then the Linksys WAP54G and a couple of small flat panel antenna will be your cheapest option. The next option could be the Dlink DWL-3200AP which I have been using, they are POE 802.3af compliant and can be used in bridge mode etc. I don't know if they will fit insde the Rootenna, but will soon as I will have them on my site soon. www.gowifi.co.nz Will post again when I know if they fit or not.