Dm32z
asked on
Wi-Fi Backhaul
Hello,
We are running into intermittent packet lose and connection drop on a backhaul connection between two buildings connected with wi-fi antennas and APs in bridge mode. First let me break down the equipment:
Antennas:
Model - CP Technologies Levelone Freecon indoor/outdoor wireless antenna with 8.5 dBi Gain – WAN - 2085
Installation - on the outside of each building with clear line of sight to each other
AP:
Model - Linksys WAP54G v3.0
Installation - Using cable provided with antennas, so no longer the 3 ft. of cable between the antenna and access point. The AP is mounted inside the buildings. It is not a cat-5e (wire) issue as we have tested the runs from the APs back to the MDFs thoroughly.
The two building are roughly 100 yards apart. The antennas do have clear line of sight. The few points that come to mind are that the buildings are covered on the sides with metal siding that has the perforated edges. By perforated edges I mean the sheet metal ridges in and out. We have even switched the APs to B mode thinking that maybe the metal was causing some odd reflections of signal and that would help. Though I keep thinking it does have something to do with the metal on the sides, I am at my wits end of how to diagnose further and come to a resolution. Thanks for any guidance that can be offered.
We are running into intermittent packet lose and connection drop on a backhaul connection between two buildings connected with wi-fi antennas and APs in bridge mode. First let me break down the equipment:
Antennas:
Model - CP Technologies Levelone Freecon indoor/outdoor wireless antenna with 8.5 dBi Gain – WAN - 2085
Installation - on the outside of each building with clear line of sight to each other
AP:
Model - Linksys WAP54G v3.0
Installation - Using cable provided with antennas, so no longer the 3 ft. of cable between the antenna and access point. The AP is mounted inside the buildings. It is not a cat-5e (wire) issue as we have tested the runs from the APs back to the MDFs thoroughly.
The two building are roughly 100 yards apart. The antennas do have clear line of sight. The few points that come to mind are that the buildings are covered on the sides with metal siding that has the perforated edges. By perforated edges I mean the sheet metal ridges in and out. We have even switched the APs to B mode thinking that maybe the metal was causing some odd reflections of signal and that would help. Though I keep thinking it does have something to do with the metal on the sides, I am at my wits end of how to diagnose further and come to a resolution. Thanks for any guidance that can be offered.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
At just 100 yards of travel with uninterrupted line of sight, it may pay you to investigate a non-radio solution, like laser. The only real issue with laser systems is that they have to be carefully aligned (i.e. earthquakes and buildings that flex in the wind can be problematic) and they can be affected by fog. See, for example, http://www.winncom.com/products/manuf/10130/list.html
http://www.pulsewan.com/wireless/laser_pp_menu.htm
http://www.cablefreesolutions.com/
http://www.pulsewan.com/wireless/laser_pp_menu.htm
http://www.cablefreesolutions.com/
ASKER
From what I can gather from those sites, that is a very costly solution in comparison to 802.11. We are now in the process of raising the antennas off the roofs with poles (about 6 ft.). Also changing the antennas to a more fine directional. Any other guidance within 802.11 would be of great help. Thanks
ASKER
I have now moved the devices off the roofs of each building by 4 ft. The system still continued to experience the exact same issues.
I have now elected to replace the entire system with new equipment. (Antennas and APs)
I will update with results.
I have now elected to replace the entire system with new equipment. (Antennas and APs)
I will update with results.
ASKER
It now is working.
In the process of the switch out I discovered that the problem was the APs. I am very sastified with the Airlink 101 APs we ended up using.
In the process of the switch out I discovered that the problem was the APs. I am very sastified with the Airlink 101 APs we ended up using.
ASKER
You had the closest solution to the problem as it was hardware. Thanks.
ASKER