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Long distance point to point wireless for remote communities
I am putting together a proposal for providing internet access to some African communities that exist on the fringe of larger urban settlements. The internet connection will be shared using a wireless point to point solution.
What I am after is any information related to;
1. maximum possible distances that can be covered with existing generation equipement, next gen Wi-MAX or whether I would be better off looking at HF Radio. Distances range anywhere from 2-20KM,
2. Cost is a consideration.
3. If anyone has experience with providing internet access to remote communities I would be very interested in their opinion on the difficulties involved.
The remote Access Point (fed by the point to point wireless) will consist of a proxy server serving up educational pages, forum access and email. Not much bandwidth is required but reliability is essential.
I look forward to any comments or questions.
What I am after is any information related to;
1. maximum possible distances that can be covered with existing generation equipement, next gen Wi-MAX or whether I would be better off looking at HF Radio. Distances range anywhere from 2-20KM,
2. Cost is a consideration.
3. If anyone has experience with providing internet access to remote communities I would be very interested in their opinion on the difficulties involved.
The remote Access Point (fed by the point to point wireless) will consist of a proxy server serving up educational pages, forum access and email. Not much bandwidth is required but reliability is essential.
I look forward to any comments or questions.
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I am hoping to attach the antenna to the roof of a local business on the fringe of the closest urban settlement so getting desired height should not be a problem.
What sort of transfer speeds could be expected for a point-point over the 20KM, assuming optimal tower height and minimal obstruction?
The site survey is a good idea, however at this moment I am trying to determine best/worst case scenarios for a range of environments. I am in AUS, so the Africa trip will have to wait a bit longer. :)