Expanding wireless range

We have three buildings. We currently provide a wireless hot spot in
one building via 764 kbps from an ISP. That is the fastest speed we
can currently get in our area. We have an ISP provided 2 Wire Gateway
(Wireless router).

We also own a couple of 506e Cisco wireless routers and a Airnet
access point that are not in service. I'd like to know if it is
possible to extend the range of this wireless network into the other
two buildings, and if so what method would be best for doing so. The
longest distance from the router is about 800 ft.

On 27 Jan, 18:29, pamlico_t...@hotmail.com wrote:
> We have three buildings. We currently provide a wireless hot spot in
> one building via 764 kbps from an ISP. That is the fastest speed we
> can currently get in our area. We have an ISP provided 2 Wire Gateway
> (Wireless router).
>
> We also own a couple of 506e Cisco wireless routers and a Airnet
> access point that are not in service. I'd like to know if it is
> possible to extend the range of this wireless network into the other
> two buildings, and if so what method would be best for doing so. The
> longest distance from the router is about 800 ft.

Best answers you get if you provide answers to these questions...

1) Do you got free wireless line of site between one building and the
two others? Preferably from the building you got xDSL. (Are you sure
you know what "free WIRELESS line of sight" is?)

2) Is this a low budget project?

3) Are you past average when it comes to knowledge about wireless and
computers?

4) Does this project got a potential growing into something bigger?
(meaning more than 50 users and 5 basestations)

1. I believe the answer to this question is no. The accuracy of that
response is probably relevant to the second part of your question “Are
you sure you know what "free WIRELESS line of sight" is?". I believe
it is delivers connectivity without requiring the use of the service
provided by local telephone or cable companies.

2. Yes, it is a low budget project.

3. I work in IT but am new to wireless beyond setting up a wireless
router off a copper network here and there.

4. There is no anticipation for the project expanding to cover more
users or geography.

5. The short answer to “Is there already an existing wired network
between the buildings?” is no. Technically there is, but the whole
reason for us having the ISP provided wireless is to keep open access
completely secure and totally independent of our business network.



On Jan 28, 7:46*am, "Bill Kearney" <wkearne...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > I'd like to know if it is
> > possible to extend the range of this wireless network into the other
> > two buildings, and if so what method would be best for doing so. The
> > longest distance from the router is about 800 ft.
>
> Is there already an existing wired network between the buildings?

I would try to find a way to do it wired.

But if not, and you can manage antenna placement to get line of
sight, then you could set up a backhaul route on the roof or side of
the buildings. An appropriate AP/antenna at the gateway building and
then a client bridge at each building with it's appropriate
antenna. From there, run APs off of the client bridges (w/switch)
to cover their respective areas. \

The backhaul would ideally be on a different band (A?) and be
secured. The local APs in each building would likely be G and, as you
say.... open.

Steve

> Your REAL question is how to have your internal network and the public/open
> wifi co-exist
> without security issues, or potentially bandwidth hogging issues...

Actually that isn't me real question. I shouldn't have even mentioned
the wired network as it is moot to this discussion. The wireless is
from an ISP and completely independent and it will remain so for a
variety of reasons. The REAL question was how I can expand the range
of this wireless network. I am not concerned about security on this
wireless network. It is open access as would be available in a coffee
shop, etc. I doubt there would be anymore than twenty users at one
time, probably less, but I'd like them to have access farther from the
access point and I’m trying to find the best and simplest method. I am
looking to some of the suggestions given here and I appreciate the
input from all who took the time to respond.