Wireless Bridge

What product would be appropriate to connect my home network, to my office.

I have a tower at home 40' high for my wireless transponder for high speed
internet that is shared with 3 PC's with windows XP, on a wireless router.
From the top of my tower I can see my office clearly, its less than an 1/8
of a mile or about a block away. There I have 5 PC's with windows 98, 2000,
and XP, dial up internet on one PC only, not shared. Normal router with
cables to connect.

What I would like to accomplish is hookup a wireless bridge between the two
networks. I don't want to share the internet across the bridge, I need to
limit it to only the home computers. The dial up is all I need for email at
the office, and I don't want to expose that network to constant internet
risks. I really need access to the files and workstations at the shop from
home. I am wearing out my memory stick working between the two places.

I have seen some very cool hardware that will do amazing speed for
thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. I am hoping to spend about
$1000 or less. Here is one I think I could afford:
http://www.streakwave.com/Product-Br...nze.asp?id=142

has anyone tried one of these setups, or have any suggestions.. I am in
Canada where we do occasionally get a blast of winter, and it gets quite hot
in the summer as well, so the hardware should be somewhat weather proof.

thanks in advance for any help... hope my explanation was sufficient, I'll
watch the board for any further questions or ideas about the situation.

Tim

Hi
Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings, and
do affect the Installation.
Clear line of site and 1/8 mile you might get away with Good Entry Level
Hardware (look at the Buffalo tech, line of Wireless
http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless.php ), and two directional
Antenna.
The problem would be protection from the weather; you would need special
equipment to protect the installation.
This site offer hardware for such installation, and might provide some help
in the process.
http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com
The general principle of Bridging, http://www.ezlan.net/bridging
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> What product would be appropriate to connect my home network, to my
> office.
>
> I have a tower at home 40' high for my wireless transponder for high speed
> internet that is shared with 3 PC's with windows XP, on a wireless router.
> From the top of my tower I can see my office clearly, its less than an 1/8
> of a mile or about a block away. There I have 5 PC's with windows 98,
> 2000, and XP, dial up internet on one PC only, not shared. Normal router
> with cables to connect.
>
> What I would like to accomplish is hookup a wireless bridge between the
> two networks. I don't want to share the internet across the bridge, I
> need to limit it to only the home computers. The dial up is all I need
> for email at the office, and I don't want to expose that network to
> constant internet risks. I really need access to the files and
> workstations at the shop from home. I am wearing out my memory stick
> working between the two places.
>
> I have seen some very cool hardware that will do amazing speed for
> thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. I am hoping to spend about
> $1000 or less. Here is one I think I could afford:
> http://www.streakwave.com/Product-Br...nze.asp?id=142
>
> has anyone tried one of these setups, or have any suggestions.. I am in
> Canada where we do occasionally get a blast of winter, and it gets quite
> hot in the summer as well, so the hardware should be somewhat weather
> proof.
>
> thanks in advance for any help... hope my explanation was sufficient,
> I'll watch the board for any further questions or ideas about the
> situation.
>
> Tim
>
>
>
>

Thanks Jack...
you have a great web site, I have been reading up on things..

I am wondering about one part of your reply:

> Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings, and
> do affect the Installation.

should that last line be "do not affect the Installation"
meaning blocking the internet is part of the configuration only and would
not require special hardware?

I am also reading into this that I may not need the outdoor radio kit.

If I put up a "14 dBi High Gain Outdoor Yagi Antenna" at each end then I
would attach them to a less expensive 'indoor' Mode 2 AP's of some type and
plug that into the router at each end? ...or with such a short hop maybe
the big yagi is overkill?

I am still reading up on setting up the gateways and such, I assume there
will be a way to iron out the configuration issues once I decide what
hardware to order.

thanks for the help...
Tim

================================================== ==============

"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi
> Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings, and
> do affect the Installation.
> Clear line of site and 1/8 mile you might get away with Good Entry Level
> Hardware (look at the Buffalo tech, line of Wireless
> http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless.php ), and two directional
> Antenna.
> The problem would be protection from the weather; you would need special
> equipment to protect the installation.
> This site offer hardware for such installation, and might provide some
> help in the process.
> http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com
> The general principle of Bridging, http://www.ezlan.net/bridging
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> What product would be appropriate to connect my home network, to my
>> office.
>>
>> I have a tower at home 40' high for my wireless transponder for high
>> speed internet that is shared with 3 PC's with windows XP, on a wireless
>> router. From the top of my tower I can see my office clearly, its less
>> than an 1/8 of a mile or about a block away. There I have 5 PC's with
>> windows 98, 2000, and XP, dial up internet on one PC only, not shared.
>> Normal router with cables to connect.
>>
>> What I would like to accomplish is hookup a wireless bridge between the
>> two networks. I don't want to share the internet across the bridge, I
>> need to limit it to only the home computers. The dial up is all I need
>> for email at the office, and I don't want to expose that network to
>> constant internet risks. I really need access to the files and
>> workstations at the shop from home. I am wearing out my memory stick
>> working between the two places.
>>
>> I have seen some very cool hardware that will do amazing speed for
>> thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. I am hoping to spend about
>> $1000 or less. Here is one I think I could afford:
>> http://www.streakwave.com/Product-Br...nze.asp?id=142
>>
>> has anyone tried one of these setups, or have any suggestions.. I am in
>> Canada where we do occasionally get a blast of winter, and it gets quite
>> hot in the summer as well, so the hardware should be somewhat weather
>> proof.
>>
>> thanks in advance for any help... hope my explanation was sufficient,
>> I'll watch the board for any further questions or ideas about the
>> situation.
>>
>> Tim
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

Just my two cents here, but at these frequencies you would want the 14 dBi
High Gain Outdoor Yagi Antenna as close as possible to your radio, or you'll
loose the gain from the antenna in the cable run. Rain, snow, even leaves on
trees can block or attune the signal.

--
David Hettel
Microsoft MVP Mobile Devices

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
"Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Thanks Jack...
> you have a great web site, I have been reading up on things..
>
> I am wondering about one part of your reply:
>
>> Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings,
>> and do affect the Installation.
>
> should that last line be "do not affect the Installation"
> meaning blocking the internet is part of the configuration only and would
> not require special hardware?
>
> I am also reading into this that I may not need the outdoor radio kit.
>
> If I put up a "14 dBi High Gain Outdoor Yagi Antenna" at each end then I
> would attach them to a less expensive 'indoor' Mode 2 AP's of some type
> and plug that into the router at each end? ...or with such a short hop
> maybe the big yagi is overkill?
>
> I am still reading up on setting up the gateways and such, I assume there
> will be a way to iron out the configuration issues once I decide what
> hardware to order.
>
> thanks for the help...
> Tim
>
> ================================================== ==============
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi
>> Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings,
>> and do affect the Installation.
>> Clear line of site and 1/8 mile you might get away with Good Entry Level
>> Hardware (look at the Buffalo tech, line of Wireless
>> http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless.php ), and two directional
>> Antenna.
>> The problem would be protection from the weather; you would need special
>> equipment to protect the installation.
>> This site offer hardware for such installation, and might provide some
>> help in the process.
>> http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com
>> The general principle of Bridging, http://www.ezlan.net/bridging
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>> "Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> What product would be appropriate to connect my home network, to my
>>> office.
>>>
>>> I have a tower at home 40' high for my wireless transponder for high
>>> speed internet that is shared with 3 PC's with windows XP, on a wireless
>>> router. From the top of my tower I can see my office clearly, its less
>>> than an 1/8 of a mile or about a block away. There I have 5 PC's with
>>> windows 98, 2000, and XP, dial up internet on one PC only, not shared.
>>> Normal router with cables to connect.
>>>
>>> What I would like to accomplish is hookup a wireless bridge between the
>>> two networks. I don't want to share the internet across the bridge, I
>>> need to limit it to only the home computers. The dial up is all I need
>>> for email at the office, and I don't want to expose that network to
>>> constant internet risks. I really need access to the files and
>>> workstations at the shop from home. I am wearing out my memory stick
>>> working between the two places.
>>>
>>> I have seen some very cool hardware that will do amazing speed for
>>> thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. I am hoping to spend
>>> about $1000 or less. Here is one I think I could afford:
>>> http://www.streakwave.com/Product-Br...nze.asp?id=142
>>>
>>> has anyone tried one of these setups, or have any suggestions.. I am
>>> in Canada where we do occasionally get a blast of winter, and it gets
>>> quite hot in the summer as well, so the hardware should be somewhat
>>> weather proof.
>>>
>>> thanks in advance for any help... hope my explanation was sufficient,
>>> I'll watch the board for any further questions or ideas about the
>>> situation.
>>>
>>> Tim
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Hi
Quote: "I am still reading up on setting up the gateways and such, I assume
there
will be a way to iron out the configuration issues once I decide what
hardware to order". End of Quote.
Yap, that sums it well.
As for David's remark above. He raises a very important issue, you do not
want to use more than 10 feet of coax from the Access Point's RF output to
the Antenna. If the Antenna has to be out and higher. The Access Point
should be installed on the tower in special weather protected box. The
Antenna should be attached to it at the spot. The Access Point get the feed
through a CAT5e cable that is connected to the network, and getting the
operating DC power through POE.
The site in my link above ((and many others specializing with WIFI pro
service) sell all of these "Gizmos".
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Thanks Jack...
> you have a great web site, I have been reading up on things..
>
> I am wondering about one part of your reply:
>
>> Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings,
>> and do affect the Installation.
>
> should that last line be "do not affect the Installation"
> meaning blocking the internet is part of the configuration only and would
> not require special hardware?
>
> I am also reading into this that I may not need the outdoor radio kit.
>
> If I put up a "14 dBi High Gain Outdoor Yagi Antenna" at each end then I
> would attach them to a less expensive 'indoor' Mode 2 AP's of some type
> and plug that into the router at each end? ...or with such a short hop
> maybe the big yagi is overkill?
>
> I am still reading up on setting up the gateways and such, I assume there
> will be a way to iron out the configuration issues once I decide what
> hardware to order.
>
> thanks for the help...
> Tim
>
> ================================================== ==============
>
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi
>> Whether you use the Internet or not are a matter of software settings,
>> and do affect the Installation.
>> Clear line of site and 1/8 mile you might get away with Good Entry Level
>> Hardware (look at the Buffalo tech, line of Wireless
>> http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless.php ), and two directional
>> Antenna.
>> The problem would be protection from the weather; you would need special
>> equipment to protect the installation.
>> This site offer hardware for such installation, and might provide some
>> help in the process.
>> http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com
>> The general principle of Bridging, http://www.ezlan.net/bridging
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>>
>> "Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> What product would be appropriate to connect my home network, to my
>>> office.
>>>
>>> I have a tower at home 40' high for my wireless transponder for high
>>> speed internet that is shared with 3 PC's with windows XP, on a wireless
>>> router. From the top of my tower I can see my office clearly, its less
>>> than an 1/8 of a mile or about a block away. There I have 5 PC's with
>>> windows 98, 2000, and XP, dial up internet on one PC only, not shared.
>>> Normal router with cables to connect.
>>>
>>> What I would like to accomplish is hookup a wireless bridge between the
>>> two networks. I don't want to share the internet across the bridge, I
>>> need to limit it to only the home computers. The dial up is all I need
>>> for email at the office, and I don't want to expose that network to
>>> constant internet risks. I really need access to the files and
>>> workstations at the shop from home. I am wearing out my memory stick
>>> working between the two places.
>>>
>>> I have seen some very cool hardware that will do amazing speed for
>>> thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. I am hoping to spend
>>> about $1000 or less. Here is one I think I could afford:
>>> http://www.streakwave.com/Product-Br...nze.asp?id=142
>>>
>>> has anyone tried one of these setups, or have any suggestions.. I am
>>> in Canada where we do occasionally get a blast of winter, and it gets
>>> quite hot in the summer as well, so the hardware should be somewhat
>>> weather proof.
>>>
>>> thanks in advance for any help... hope my explanation was sufficient,
>>> I'll watch the board for any further questions or ideas about the
>>> situation.
>>>
>>> Tim
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

About 2 years ago I ran all the network cables and phone lines at work under
ground to 3 different buildings through plastic grey pipe used for
electrical wiring. They have all types and sizes of boxes with very good
gaskets and screws. I think that would do it as long as the plastic will
not interfere with the signal. I guess you put the antenna up with a short
lead to a lightning switch and into the box where the radio is. I assume the
wire from the radio down is not as big a power loser as the lead from the
antenna. I am going to go up that tower and see how high I have to be to
see across the gap. I may not need to go all the way up, my internet
transponder is up 40' but it faces back over a forest and I need to see up
the road, quite clear but how high I will need to find out.

I was reading about the 108.11"n" radio's, I understand they current
hardware may be orphaned when the standard is settled in a year or two. I
don't have any legacy hardware to worry about and I don't intend to expand
on the link in the future. I wonder if its worth the trouble to consider
these radio's, would it mean the routers and LAN cards would have to be
changed as well.

this looks interesting,
http://www.buffalotech.com/products/...&categoryid=31
but I don't know if you can hook a big antenna on it or if it will take the
cold. Will pink foam insulation lining a box help?, also if that grey pipe
can be used you could pipe it right into the building, it may keep it from
getting super cold, we don't often get sub zero F around here..

I'll keep reading up on this in my spare time, thanks for the info guys.
I'll post again if I come up with a plan.
See ya,
Tim

================================================== =======================
"Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi
> Quote: "I am still reading up on setting up the gateways and such, I
> assume there
> will be a way to iron out the configuration issues once I decide what
> hardware to order". End of Quote.
> Yap, that sums it well.
> As for David's remark above. He raises a very important issue, you do not
> want to use more than 10 feet of coax from the Access Point's RF output to
> the Antenna. If the Antenna has to be out and higher. The Access Point
> should be installed on the tower in special weather protected box. The
> Antenna should be attached to it at the spot. The Access Point get the
> feed through a CAT5e cable that is connected to the network, and getting
> the operating DC power through POE.
> The site in my link above ((and many others specializing with WIFI pro
> service) sell all of these "Gizmos".
> Jack (MVP-Networking).

well... I came up with a plan!

the plan is to hire a pole jockey to climb that tower. I got up about 30'
and could still see trees toward the target location. It seemed a little
wobbly up there and although I forced myself to go from 20 to 30' I didn't
have the heart to climb to the top. The base of the tower is not properly
anchored to the ground, (rusted out at ground level) although its firmly
attached to the building about 12' up. I weigh about 270 (possibly slightly
more when I sh*t myself at near the top) so I would have to firmly attach
the bottom and get a proper safety rig before I would consider going back
up.

My ISP owner was up there and he said he can see it and we wouldn't need a
tower at the shop. I was hoping he would hook this up but he is going flat
out hooking up internet service and I don't need a high speed business
account at work. He may be suspicious this plan is a gimmick to get his
service at work without paying for it. It isn't.

I'm sure I can find somebody who isn't afraid of heights to go up, or I may
force myself to do the job (so to speak) if I'm convinced I have the right
hardware and its all going to work.

Thanks again... I will keep looking up hardware specs and all the other
pertinent info..
I love the internet, you can find out about almost anything you want to
learn.

Tim

===============================================
"Tim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> About 2 years ago I ran all the network cables and phone lines at work
> under ground to 3 different buildings through plastic grey pipe used for
> electrical wiring. They have all types and sizes of boxes with very good
> gaskets and screws. I think that would do it as long as the plastic will
> not interfere with the signal. I guess you put the antenna up with a
> short lead to a lightning switch and into the box where the radio is. I
> assume the wire from the radio down is not as big a power loser as the
> lead from the antenna. I am going to go up that tower and see how high I
> have to be to see across the gap. I may not need to go all the way up, my
> internet transponder is up 40' but it faces back over a forest and I need
> to see up the road, quite clear but how high I will need to find out.
>
> I was reading about the 108.11"n" radio's, I understand they current
> hardware may be orphaned when the standard is settled in a year or two. I
> don't have any legacy hardware to worry about and I don't intend to expand
> on the link in the future. I wonder if its worth the trouble to consider
> these radio's, would it mean the routers and LAN cards would have to be
> changed as well.
>
> this looks interesting,
> http://www.buffalotech.com/products/...&categoryid=31
> but I don't know if you can hook a big antenna on it or if it will take
> the cold. Will pink foam insulation lining a box help?, also if that grey
> pipe can be used you could pipe it right into the building, it may keep it
> from getting super cold, we don't often get sub zero F around here..
>
> I'll keep reading up on this in my spare time, thanks for the info guys.
> I'll post again if I come up with a plan.
> See ya,
> Tim
>
> ================================================== =======================
> "Jack (MVP-Networking)." <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi
>> Quote: "I am still reading up on setting up the gateways and such, I
>> assume there
>> will be a way to iron out the configuration issues once I decide what
>> hardware to order". End of Quote.
>> Yap, that sums it well.
>> As for David's remark above. He raises a very important issue, you do not
>> want to use more than 10 feet of coax from the Access Point's RF output
>> to the Antenna. If the Antenna has to be out and higher. The Access
>> Point should be installed on the tower in special weather protected box.
>> The Antenna should be attached to it at the spot. The Access Point get
>> the feed through a CAT5e cable that is connected to the network, and
>> getting the operating DC power through POE.
>> The site in my link above ((and many others specializing with WIFI pro
>> service) sell all of these "Gizmos".
>> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
>