Long distance wireless

maxspd · 01-27-2004

If I wanted to setup up long a distance wireless network...where would be a good point start. Money is not a huge consideration. What ranges are 'do-able'?

genexen · 01-27-2004

are you looking at point-to-point (IE connecting two buildings 20 miles apart?), or are you looking at point-to-multipoint (providing an "umbrella" to multiple mobile users?).

esdjco · 01-28-2004

Would a roof antenna such as a 24DB pickup other AP's? Are they specifically designed to just go from point to point within the range?

Thorn · 01-28-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
Would a roof antenna such as a 24DB pickup other AP's? ...

Yes, if another antenna lie within it's beamwidth (and is facing the correct way if it's also a directional.)

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
... Are they specifically designed to just go from point to point within the range?

Yes (or as the "point" end of a MultiPoint-to-Point system.) The rule for directionals is: higher the gain, the narrower the beamwidth.

Just as an FYI: "Range" is a slippery concept defined by any number of parameters, including but not limited to RF power, antenna gain, terrain, foliage, etc. You cannot say "Using antenna 'X' the range will be 'Y' miles." It doesn't work that way.

esdjco · 01-28-2004

Not to overdo the question but since the beam is focused, would it pickup other home routers or acess points? What is the best method if I would like to use another connection a few blocks away?

Multi directional antenna - What do you suggest for a small wireless project with distances of about .5-1miles distance.

Which sort of antenna? Would other access points in peoples homes be detected?
THanks for the clairifcation.

Thorn · 01-28-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
Not to overdo the question but since the beam is focused, would it pickup other home routers or acess points? ...

Yes.

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
...What is the best method if I would like to use another connection a few blocks away? ...

"Best" is subjective. Antennae are not isolated devices. It depends on any number of factors such as what the device is on the other end, power levels, etc.

BTW, this assumes you have permisson. Word to the wise: Don't connect illegally.

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
...Multi directional antenna - What do you suggest for a small wireless project with distances of about .5-1miles distance.
...

By "multi directional" do you mean and omni-directional or a sector?

Assuming an omni, then 4dBi should be fine, on average. Again: power, terrain, foliage...

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
... Would other access points in peoples homes be detected?
THanks for the clairifcation.

Yes.

maxspd · 01-28-2004

point to point.

Thorn · 01-28-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by maxspd
point to point.

What is the distance? And is it clear LOS?

esdjco · 01-28-2004

The distance is about a half a mile and there is a clear line of sight. The signal is just flying over houses for the most part.

Thorn · 01-28-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by esdjco
The distance is about a half a mile and there is a clear line of sight. The signal is just flying over houses for the most part.

Compute the SOM and the Frensel Zone and you're good to go.

MarcusJClifford · 01-29-2004

Thorn is correct about needing to calculate the SOM and Frensel Zone (although upto a mile its minimal (less than 20 ft))

See here for good calculators.
http://www.ydi.com/calculation/som.php
and
http://www.ydi.com/calculation/fresnel-zone.php

Where are you based, it is also important to ensure you are not violating the rules over power, if your in the US (or a FCC area) you will be fine, if in Europe (as I am) you have to be carefull not to exceed the 100mw limit.

maxspd · 01-29-2004

Let's say less than 50 (ish) miles and yes&no to Los.

Thorn · 01-29-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by maxspd
Let's say less than 50 (ish) miles and yes&no to Los.

If you're going to go that distance, then you will need LOS, assuming you want to get "network speeds" out of it. A NLOS system can be achieved using lower freqs, but you're then limited to much lower connection speeds.

In addition, fifty miles will almost certainly mean multiple towers/repeater sites. You'll need towers or mountain tops to achieve the nesessary Frensel Zone.

Licensed microwave systems may be a better choise, depending on what you are doing.

While you said "Money is not a huge consideration" you are talking a huge amount of money here. Also, you face all sorts of other potential hurdles such as permits, depending on location and political situation. Unless the location/terrain precludes it, don't discount the possibility of using fiber or land lines. A Frame Relay VPN can be had for a lot less cash than this type of link.

maxspd · 01-29-2004

Thorn - Please email me and I will tell you more of what I have in mind.

wmgossett@mailvault.com

Thorn · 01-29-2004

Done.

01-27-2004	#1 (permalink)
maxspd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6	Long distance wireless If I wanted to setup up long a distance wireless network...where would be a good point start. Money is not a huge consideration. What ranges are 'do-able'?

01-27-2004	#2 (permalink)
genexen Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 34	are you looking at point-to-point (IE connecting two buildings 20 miles apart?), or are you looking at point-to-multipoint (providing an "umbrella" to multiple mobile users?). __________________ wr mem lech mich am arsh!

01-29-2004	#11 (permalink)
MarcusJClifford United Kingdom User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 130	Thorn is correct about needing to calculate the SOM and Frensel Zone (although upto a mile its minimal (less than 20 ft)) See here for good calculators. http://www.ydi.com/calculation/som.php and http://www.ydi.com/calculation/fresnel-zone.php Where are you based, it is also important to ensure you are not violating the rules over power, if your in the US (or a FCC area) you will be fine, if in Europe (as I am) you have to be carefull not to exceed the 100mw limit. __________________ Orinoco Gold, Mobile Mark 5 DBi Mag Mount, Belkin WAP, 4x D-Link 1500 WAP / Bridges, 2x 24Dbi Parabolics, 1 12Db Omnidirectional.

01-29-2004	#15 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,360	Done. __________________ Thorn "Read Altas Shrugged. Compare it to today. Repeat as necessary"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-28-2004	#3 (permalink)
esdjco Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3	Would a roof antenna such as a 24DB pickup other AP's? Are they specifically designed to just go from point to point within the range?

01-28-2004	#5 (permalink)
esdjco Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3	Not to overdo the question but since the beam is focused, would it pickup other home routers or acess points? What is the best method if I would like to use another connection a few blocks away? Multi directional antenna - What do you suggest for a small wireless project with distances of about .5-1miles distance. Which sort of antenna? Would other access points in peoples homes be detected? THanks for the clairifcation.

01-28-2004	#7 (permalink)
maxspd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6	point to point.

01-28-2004	#9 (permalink)
esdjco Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3	The distance is about a half a mile and there is a clear line of sight. The signal is just flying over houses for the most part.

01-29-2004	#12 (permalink)
maxspd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6	Let's say less than 50 (ish) miles and yes&no to Los.

01-29-2004	#14 (permalink)
maxspd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6	Thorn - Please email me and I will tell you more of what I have in mind. wmgossett@mailvault.com