Recommended equipment for wireless link between two buildings

Hello all,

I am experienced in networking in general, but not much with wireless.
My manager asked me to research equipment to connect our current wired
network with a new building across the street. The distance between
buildings is about 300 feet. The wireless link will connect our main
network with a new segment in this building, supporting only 5 users on
a switch.

We use Cisco switches and routers on the network, so that was my first
inclination. But, I know the manager is also cost conscious. I realize
that there are a large number of wireless equipment manufacturers out
there. Could someone please narrow down my choices by recommending two
or three quality manufacturers?

Thanks,
Charlie

On 9 Aug 2006 09:53:02 -0700, "Charles Kerekes" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote in <(E-Mail Removed). com>:

>I am experienced in networking in general, but not much with wireless.
>My manager asked me to research equipment to connect our current wired
>network with a new building across the street. The distance between
>buildings is about 300 feet. The wireless link will connect our main
>network with a new segment in this building, supporting only 5 users on
>a switch.
>
>We use Cisco switches and routers on the network, so that was my first
>inclination. But, I know the manager is also cost conscious. I realize
>that there are a large number of wireless equipment manufacturers out
>there. Could someone please narrow down my choices by recommending two
>or three quality manufacturers?

Do you need outdoor equipment, or do you have windows with line of sight
and without film?

Either way, you'll need (1) wireless access point and (2) wireless
client bridge that can support multiple MAC addresses, both with support
for WPA, and with external directional antennas on both.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

John,

> Do you need outdoor equipment, or do you have windows with line of sight
> and without film?

Thanks for the reply. Yes, the equipment will have to be outdoors. So
far I am looking at the following:

- Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Point/Bridge
- D-Link DWL-7700AP Wireless AG Outdoor AP/Bridge
- Proxim Tsunami QuickBridge II

All of the above support WPA and external antennas.

Charlie

On 9 Aug 2006 13:06:31 -0700, "Charles Kerekes" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote in <(E-Mail Removed) .com>:

>John,
>
>> Do you need outdoor equipment, or do you have windows with line of sight
>> and without film?
>
>Thanks for the reply. Yes, the equipment will have to be outdoors. So
>far I am looking at the following:
>
>- Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Point/Bridge
>- D-Link DWL-7700AP Wireless AG Outdoor AP/Bridge
>- Proxim Tsunami QuickBridge II
>
>All of the above support WPA and external antennas.

Any of those should work.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

Since you are using the Cisco network equipment I would suggext the
Cisco 1240 Access points. They can be configures as an access point,
bridge or workgroup bridge on either or both of the radios. They have
seperate radios for 802.11B/G and 802.11A. The best solution is to use
the 802.11A interfaces for the bridging or backhaul and the G for local
wireless clients if needed. External antennas would be required as
there are no built in antennas on the access points.

A second solution is to use the Proxim 5054 802.11A wireless bridges.
These bridges have if you buy the right version a power over ethernet
to the radio antenna combo. This allows the unit to be placed outdoors
with no cable losses and no need for any addditional antennas. The
Proxim bridges can deliver throughput of about 23 mbits per second half
duplex. It is more than adequate in most situations for five users. The
radio also has a built in peltier cooler and heater so that they can
be placed outdoors in all types of weather. I have several in service
in areas that exceed 120 in the summer or below 0 in the winter with no
trouble.



Charles Kerekes wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I am experienced in networking in general, but not much with wireless.
> My manager asked me to research equipment to connect our current wired
> network with a new building across the street. The distance between
> buildings is about 300 feet. The wireless link will connect our main
> network with a new segment in this building, supporting only 5 users on
> a switch.
>
> We use Cisco switches and routers on the network, so that was my first
> inclination. But, I know the manager is also cost conscious. I realize
> that there are a large number of wireless equipment manufacturers out
> there. Could someone please narrow down my choices by recommending two
> or three quality manufacturers?
>
> Thanks,
> Charlie

On 9 Aug 2006 13:52:23 -0700, "kbloch2001" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote in <(E-Mail Removed) .com>:

>Since you are using the Cisco network equipment I would suggext the
>Cisco 1240 Access points. They can be configures as an access point,
>bridge or workgroup bridge on either or both of the radios. They have
>seperate radios for 802.11B/G and 802.11A. The best solution is to use
>the 802.11A interfaces for the bridging or backhaul and the G for local
>wireless clients if needed. External antennas would be required as
>there are no built in antennas on the access points.

Figure $1200+ for a pair. Can you say, "OUCH!"

>A second solution is to use the Proxim 5054 802.11A wireless bridges.
>These bridges have if you buy the right version a power over ethernet
>to the radio antenna combo. This allows the unit to be placed outdoors
>with no cable losses and no need for any addditional antennas. The
>Proxim bridges can deliver throughput of about 23 mbits per second half
>duplex. It is more than adequate in most situations for five users. The
>radio also has a built in peltier cooler and heater so that they can
>be placed outdoors in all types of weather. I have several in service
>in areas that exceed 120 in the summer or below 0 in the winter with no
>trouble.

Not much cheaper than Cisco.

The manager is "cost conscious" and there are quality solutions for
quite a bit less.

>Charles Kerekes wrote:
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I am experienced in networking in general, but not much with wireless.
>> My manager asked me to research equipment to connect our current wired
>> network with a new building across the street. The distance between
>> buildings is about 300 feet. The wireless link will connect our main
>> network with a new segment in this building, supporting only 5 users on
>> a switch.
>>
>> We use Cisco switches and routers on the network, so that was my first
>> inclination. But, I know the manager is also cost conscious. I realize
>> that there are a large number of wireless equipment manufacturers out
>> there. Could someone please narrow down my choices by recommending two
>> or three quality manufacturers?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Charlie

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

Some times the lowest cost equipment is not the cheapest to operate
long term. I have placed many links in place and using cheap equipment
usually costs more in the long run.

Consumer quality equipment like dlink, netgear etc is fine for home
use. It becomes very expensive when people cannot work because the link
is down. If a network is already using the Cisco equipmenet they
understand the value of having things work when they are supposed to.

$1,300 for a pair is more like it plus antennas etc will easily make it
over $2,000 for a link. the Proxim bridge kit can be found for about
$2,000 last I saw at CDW. The Proxim is designed for outdoor use and
would offer higher throughput and easier to install as a RF cable is
not needed and cable losses are not an issue.




John Navas wrote:
> On 9 Aug 2006 13:52:23 -0700, "kbloch2001" <(E-Mail Removed)>
> wrote in <(E-Mail Removed) .com>:
>
> >Since you are using the Cisco network equipment I would suggext the
> >Cisco 1240 Access points. They can be configures as an access point,
> >bridge or workgroup bridge on either or both of the radios. They have
> >seperate radios for 802.11B/G and 802.11A. The best solution is to use
> >the 802.11A interfaces for the bridging or backhaul and the G for local
> >wireless clients if needed. External antennas would be required as
> >there are no built in antennas on the access points.
>
> Figure $1200+ for a pair. Can you say, "OUCH!"
>
> >A second solution is to use the Proxim 5054 802.11A wireless bridges.
> >These bridges have if you buy the right version a power over ethernet
> >to the radio antenna combo. This allows the unit to be placed outdoors
> >with no cable losses and no need for any addditional antennas. The
> >Proxim bridges can deliver throughput of about 23 mbits per second half
> >duplex. It is more than adequate in most situations for five users. The
> >radio also has a built in peltier cooler and heater so that they can
> >be placed outdoors in all types of weather. I have several in service
> >in areas that exceed 120 in the summer or below 0 in the winter with no
> >trouble.
>
> Not much cheaper than Cisco.
>
> The manager is "cost conscious" and there are quality solutions for
> quite a bit less.
>
> >Charles Kerekes wrote:
> >> Hello all,
> >>
> >> I am experienced in networking in general, but not much with wireless.
> >> My manager asked me to research equipment to connect our current wired
> >> network with a new building across the street. The distance between
> >> buildings is about 300 feet. The wireless link will connect our main
> >> network with a new segment in this building, supporting only 5 users on
> >> a switch.
> >>
> >> We use Cisco switches and routers on the network, so that was my first
> >> inclination. But, I know the manager is also cost conscious. I realize
> >> that there are a large number of wireless equipment manufacturers out
> >> there. Could someone please narrow down my choices by recommending two
> >> or three quality manufacturers?
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Charlie
>
> --
> Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
> John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
> Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
> Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

I agree, except for your putdown of D-Link et al, which actually make
gear as good or better than what you recommended; e.g.,
* D-Link DWL-7700AP Wireless AG Outdoor AP/Bridge
* ZyXEL ZyAIR B-5000 Outdoor Access Point & Bridge
The DWL-7700AP is one of the options being considered by the OP, along
with Cisco and Proxim.

On 10 Aug 2006 07:24:46 -0700, "kbloch2001" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote in <(E-Mail Removed) .com>:

>Some times the lowest cost equipment is not the cheapest to operate
>long term. I have placed many links in place and using cheap equipment
>usually costs more in the long run.
>
> Consumer quality equipment like dlink, netgear etc is fine for home
>use. It becomes very expensive when people cannot work because the link
>is down. If a network is already using the Cisco equipmenet they
>understand the value of having things work when they are supposed to.
>
>$1,300 for a pair is more like it plus antennas etc will easily make it
>over $2,000 for a link. the Proxim bridge kit can be found for about
>$2,000 last I saw at CDW. The Proxim is designed for outdoor use and
>would offer higher throughput and easier to install as a RF cable is
>not needed and cable losses are not an issue.
>
>John Navas wrote:
>> On 9 Aug 2006 13:52:23 -0700, "kbloch2001" <(E-Mail Removed)>
>> wrote in <(E-Mail Removed) .com>:
>>
>> >Since you are using the Cisco network equipment I would suggext the
>> >Cisco 1240 Access points. They can be configures as an access point,
>> >bridge or workgroup bridge on either or both of the radios. They have
>> >seperate radios for 802.11B/G and 802.11A. The best solution is to use
>> >the 802.11A interfaces for the bridging or backhaul and the G for local
>> >wireless clients if needed. External antennas would be required as
>> >there are no built in antennas on the access points.
>>
>> Figure $1200+ for a pair. Can you say, "OUCH!"
>>
>> >A second solution is to use the Proxim 5054 802.11A wireless bridges.
>> >These bridges have if you buy the right version a power over ethernet
>> >to the radio antenna combo. This allows the unit to be placed outdoors
>> >with no cable losses and no need for any addditional antennas. The
>> >Proxim bridges can deliver throughput of about 23 mbits per second half
>> >duplex. It is more than adequate in most situations for five users. The
>> >radio also has a built in peltier cooler and heater so that they can
>> >be placed outdoors in all types of weather. I have several in service
>> >in areas that exceed 120 in the summer or below 0 in the winter with no
>> >trouble.
>>
>> Not much cheaper than Cisco.
>>
>> The manager is "cost conscious" and there are quality solutions for
>> quite a bit less.
>>
>> >Charles Kerekes wrote:
>> >> Hello all,
>> >>
>> >> I am experienced in networking in general, but not much with wireless.
>> >> My manager asked me to research equipment to connect our current wired
>> >> network with a new building across the street. The distance between
>> >> buildings is about 300 feet. The wireless link will connect our main
>> >> network with a new segment in this building, supporting only 5 users on
>> >> a switch.
>> >>
>> >> We use Cisco switches and routers on the network, so that was my first
>> >> inclination. But, I know the manager is also cost conscious. I realize
>> >> that there are a large number of wireless equipment manufacturers out
>> >> there. Could someone please narrow down my choices by recommending two
>> >> or three quality manufacturers?
>> >>
>> >> Thanks,
>> >> Charlie
>>
>> --
>> Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
>> John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
>> Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
>> Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

Thanks for all the advice. One critical point I failed to mention
earlier is that we are also using VoIP on a separate/dedicated Cisco
network (another area that I'm just now learning). This wireless link
will have to carry not only data, but also 5 VoIP phone conversations.

Because of the VoIP requirement, I have been looking more at the Proxim
Tsunami QuickBridge II 40 2xT1/E1 Link. This device reserves two T1
channels for VoIP. It claims to be the easiest to configure. If my
choice is between Proxim and Cisco, I see the following advantages:

Proxim: Dedicated T1 channels for VoIP, probably simpler to configure
than accomplishing the same with QoS on Cisco. The promised simplicity
is appealing to me because I am not familiar with these technologies.
But, I'm not sure if simplicity is the best long-term choice for this
decision.

Cisco: We have other Cisco equipment and are familiar with the
interface and configuration. In general, I tend to favor
standardization within an organization, giving the Cisco another
advantage. My concern is the higher level of perceived complexity to
establish this data/VoIP link.

Both will be in the $2000 range for the link, Cisco maybe a little
higher--basically equal in price.

I would appreciate additional advice regarding the VoIP component,
especially from those who have used the Proxim solution.

Charlie

The Proxim choice may have a dedicated T1 that is used for voice but
that is not for VOIP. VOIP uses a ethernet type service and the T1 is
a voice type service. A T1 has 24 voice channels that are each 64 kbits
wide giving a total of 1.544 mbits per second. If only five channels
are used the other bandwidth for the T1 service is unused but still
consumed over the air.

For a VOIP type deployment where call quality is very important I would
reccomend the Proxim equipment as it is designed for outdoor use with
the WORP protocol which is a Proxim name for a polled type protocol
versus the standard 802.11a protocol of the cisco units. Being that the
subscriber unit gets polled from the base station unit the problem of
collisions is greatly reduced or non existant.

Keep in mind that both the cisco and Proxim radios mentioned are half
duplex radios. This may cause a problem with VOIP calls at some point
in time but ususally the delay is so short that most voip equipment
will not have any problems.

For ease of installation and cost versus performance I would still
reccomend the Proxim 5054 outdoor units for both subscriber and Base
station. A complete kit at CDW is around $2,300 and eliminates the need
for coax cable and a seperate antenna. The only thing you may need is
either a outdoor rated cat5 cable or you need to run the cable inside a
conduit or a UV protected sleeve such as 1/2 flexible tubing used for
drip irrigation.

As far as the person who took offence to my comments about dlink etc.
My comments stand. they are very suitable for home use but not a good
choice in my opinion for a business type environment as they do not
have all the management features or reliablity over the long term that
more expensive solutions offer. I would not want to put my job on the
line by using consumer grade equipment for anything important. We have
a wirleess access point setup for guest connections to the internet
using a newer linksys access point that needs to be rebooted a few
times a week. The device is not desinged for a always on type
enviroment. The device replaced a Belkin Pre N router that was even
worse. Simply put the consumer grade equipment is not desinged for a
long life time.




Charles Kerekes wrote:
> Thanks for all the advice. One critical point I failed to mention
> earlier is that we are also using VoIP on a separate/dedicated Cisco
> network (another area that I'm just now learning). This wireless link
> will have to carry not only data, but also 5 VoIP phone conversations.
>
> Because of the VoIP requirement, I have been looking more at the Proxim
> Tsunami QuickBridge II 40 2xT1/E1 Link. This device reserves two T1
> channels for VoIP. It claims to be the easiest to configure. If my
> choice is between Proxim and Cisco, I see the following advantages:
>
> Proxim: Dedicated T1 channels for VoIP, probably simpler to configure
> than accomplishing the same with QoS on Cisco. The promised simplicity
> is appealing to me because I am not familiar with these technologies.
> But, I'm not sure if simplicity is the best long-term choice for this
> decision.
>
> Cisco: We have other Cisco equipment and are familiar with the
> interface and configuration. In general, I tend to favor
> standardization within an organization, giving the Cisco another
> advantage. My concern is the higher level of perceived complexity to
> establish this data/VoIP link.
>
> Both will be in the $2000 range for the link, Cisco maybe a little
> higher--basically equal in price.
>
> I would appreciate additional advice regarding the VoIP component,
> especially from those who have used the Proxim solution.
>
> Charlie