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07.02.2007 at 10:49AM PDT, ID: 22671093
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Increasing network range and costs

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I need to setup a network for my organization but I have some issues.  Our wired infrastructure is crap, even our dial-up connections cut out more than our cheap router.  Our only options are wireless dsl, which is almost 4 times the price due to our remote location, or satellite, which limits our utilization of the bandwidth.  If we buy bandwidth in bulk the price starts to even out but in order to make it cost effective for us to buy that much bandwidth we need to offer services to our programs and possibly some residents.  Since we have to spread our network connectivity over a larger area than a business router could cover I need to know which services would assist us.  I have been reading about wimax and wireless mesh networks but I don't know the technical hurdles I would have to jump over. The prices aren't listed on some items making it hard to compare.
There's also our current technology to consider.  We could put an outdoor antenna with some kind of power booster onto our existing router.  Would we have to buy new wireless cards to be able to connect further away or will our current adapters be able to connect? Our part-time IT recommended getting away from cheap routers but he doesn't have to pay the bills.
I could use some assistance in purchasing a full system from someone who has already done it so I can compare the cost of setting up a central system, to setting up individual Internet connections for each isolated individual/building.
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Question Stats
Zone: Computer Hardware
Question Asked By: wylackii
Solution Provided By: TreyH
Participating Experts: 1
Solution Grade: A
Views: 0
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07.03.2007 at 05:11AM PDT, ID: 19410394

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07.03.2007 at 08:26AM PDT, ID: 19412059

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07.03.2007 at 08:26PM PDT, ID: 19416392

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07.20.2007 at 12:46PM PDT, ID: 19534513

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07.20.2007 at 01:03PM PDT, ID: 19534697

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07.03.2007 at 05:11AM PDT, ID: 19410394
How many separate buildings do you need to connect?
How far apart are these buildings?
Is there any existing cabling connecting these buildings already?
Are you after internet connectivity only for these separate buildings, or do you need file sharing between buildings also?
 
07.03.2007 at 08:26AM PDT, ID: 19412059
1 building, 2 modular.  They are just out of reach of our linksys router they bought a long time ago. We do not have cabling connecting the buildings. We are looking to add them to the network with Internet connectivity. 5 computer total with the option to add some more later on.
 
07.03.2007 at 08:26PM PDT, ID: 19416392
Usually, the best approach, when connecting separate buildings, would be for each building to have its own, internal physical layer network connected to the main building via a wireless bridge.

One approach would be the following:

Main building:
-Wireless access point with outdoor omni-directional antenna.
-Internet connection
-Switch for connecting workstations
-Cat5e wiring to each workstation

Modular Buildings:
-Wireless access points with outdoor directional antennas bridging to the main building.
-Switch for connecting workstations
-Cat5e wiring to each workstation

A good entry level access point would be the DLink DWL-2200AP. ~$180.00
(With these units you can adjust the transmit power. This allows using a high gain antenna to increase your receive sensitivity and still remain within legal limits on transmit power)
Outdoor omni-directional antenna. ~$80.00
Outdoor Directional antennas. ~$50.00 each
Coax/connectors. ~$100.00

You want to place the access points indoors but as close as possible to the external outdoor antennas. If less than 20ft you can get away with the least expensive coax cable to make the connections. The 2200AP's are Power over Ethernet capable so if there's not a power source close to where you wish to place them, you can power them over CAT5 wiring using a POE adapter.

A good web site for some reading and examples:
http://wireless.gumph.org/
Accepted Solution
 
07.20.2007 at 12:46PM PDT, ID: 19534513
what do you think of outdoor access points?
 EnGenius EOC-3220 802.11g High Power 400mW Outdoor Wireless AP/Bridge/WDS w/ Integrated 9dBi Patch Antenna - Retail
 
07.20.2007 at 01:03PM PDT, ID: 19534697
I've only used a few outdoor AP's and they seemed to work fine. Be sure and check the operating temp range and make sure its ok for your area. The disadvantage with outdoor AP's is with troubleshooting. If they are mounted in an  accessible area they aren't much trouble, but if they are mounted on a 60ft mast then plan on renting a bucket truck for troubleshooting. Personally, I like having all the electronics  close to the ground <grin>.
 
 
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