A One To Many Problem

We have a LAN network inside of our building that works perfectly on the 192.168.1.0 subnet. We now want to add three outdoor signs that each have an ethernet adapter inside of them that is harwired to an 192.168.1.X address.

The problem is that the signs are across a parking lot, so we don't want to run ethernet cables to them. Also, the distance to the furthest sign is about 200 ft.

Our plan is to run a ethernet cable to the outside and connect it to a wireless AP point that would then broadcast wirelessly to the three signs. Each sign would have its own wireless receiver that would connect via a short LAN cable to that particular sign. Bandwidth isn't so much of as an issue, nor is speed. We just need to communicate to the signs infrequently to update them with new content.

As these devices will all be outdoors (in the snow and the heat of Pennsylvania) they will need to be outdoor tested and rugged.

Here's the pinch ... We need to purchase all of the parts for under $1000. The further under the better, but we definitely will spend a few extra dollars for something that will definitely work vs. saving money by buying something that might work.

So ... anyone know which manufacturer's devices would work best for this setup? We're looking for the make and model for each device so we can go online and price (and order) them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Can you share some information about the signs?

Manuf/Make/Model URL etc

I don't have the info for the signs in front of me (I'm not at work today), but I know that the first sign we have responds via IP address 192.168.1.182. We currently have a TP-Link router connected to the sign via an ethernet cable and we are contacting it wirelessly via a wireless notebook we are using outside of the building and within proximity of the sign. This allows us to program the sign, but due to signal strength issues it won't work from the inside. The inside of the building produces a lot of wireless interference, which is why we currently have no wireless networking inside of the building.

We want to connect these signs to our internal ethernet network so we can program them from inside the building, and my understanding (though I could be wrong) is that we could hook a wireless outdoor AP via ethernet to our main router (which would connect the AP to our internal network), drill a hold through a wall to the outside an connect it to the building, and then create a wireless bridge to wireless routers that are connected directly to the signs via ethernet cables.

Our main concern is that we want equipment that will do well outdoors in all weather conditions and that these devices support wireless bridging and they coordinate well together. The rest (so to speak) should fall in place if these considerations are all met.

My instincts tell me that standard routers would not live long through a Pennsylvanian winter, even if they were shielded properly from the elements. That's why we're looking for equipment which is specifically made for such an environment.

I was looking at using four Hawking Technologies HOWABN1 Hi-Gain Outdoor Wireless-N Access Points, but I am beginning to question if this might be overkill for this setup.

I hope this info helps.

I would say integrate the AP, get the external antenna installed, and check for connectivity with the signs. Make sure you place the external antenna correctly.

Then you should be at a point of determining whether or not you need to deploy a couple of bridges.

Hope it helps!

1 Ubiquity Bullet M5, $90
1 Ubiquity PoE for Bullet, $20
1 9 dBi omni, $80
3 Ubiquity Loco M5, $50 ea, $150

Total $340

Awesome suggestions!

I'm looking into both of them right now and I greatly appreciate all of the help.