Need Help Setting Up Wireless LAN

[Prey521]

OK, here's the situation:


1 Customer owns 2 buildings and they're 400' apart. Wants to setup a wireless LAN between the 2 buildings, problem is I dunno the max distance on the 802.11/b standard, argh, I'll be learning something new on this install. Anybody gotta clue and a few pointers and/or suggestions on products to help a brotha out with this? Thanx.

Each site has only 1 non-networked PC with no WAPS or wireless NICS

Also, my boss wanted to know if they make WAPS that have a port so that you can connect an external antenna to it to extend the range.

[twwabw]

Hi Prey- long time since you've been around! As far as this situation, there are many options. But 1st, maybe some more details of what they want to accomplish.

- Are they just trying to connect the 2 PC's to share data?
- Do they want to share an internet connection?
- Is security an issue?

As far as wireless, there are many, many choices. You say 802.11b, but if I were you, I think i would consider waiting for the implementation of 802.11g. It will encompass backward compatability with 802.11a and b, and encompass new features not available in either of the existing a or b specifications. At the very least, I think I would consider an 802.11a implimentation at this point, due to its higher theoretical throughput.

There's lots to consider here, and no matter which "flavor" you choose, you must make sure your application is suitable.
- is there a clear line of site between buildings?
- will the antennae be outside or inside?
- through glass, or any other obstructions?
- can they tolerate the intermittent changes in QoS that weather and rain can cause to Wireless?

At the very least, you will need external antennas, to pinpoint the liinks. The standard dipole "rabbit ears" will not be sufficient for this kind of range.

Post back with some more info.

[Prey521]

Hey Tww, nice to see that you're still around and helpin out us poo folk ;) :D


I do have a little more info:

1. The buildings are 400' apartbut there is a clear line of sight between them, no obstructions whatsoever.

2. I looked into some Cisco WAPS with optional antennas that extend the range. Would I need another WAP at the other site as well?

3. The computers have to run as if they were on a local wired network. I'm a database admin and the version of the database that this client uses has the optional console addon which allows the database on the server to be viewed/managed by another PC on the network. thats why it has to be 24/7.

4. No security issue and no web access

Thanx a lot and any info is much appreciated

[JamieLee2k]

This might give you some more info on networking with your wireless LAN http://www.homenethelp.com/802.11b/index.asp

[YeOldeStonecat]

Go up to 6 miles with this setup:

http://www.orinocowireless.com/template.html?section=m56&envelope=97&page=3198