Upon extending a wireless network across three buildings, do I need to have two devices on a building so wireless Nanos or repeaters can connect to a Nano or repeater on a third building?
In a business that is spread over three buildings, I am trying to connect Unify NanoStations to extend wireless access from the first building in which the ISP comes into. From the ISP's router, I have an unmanaged switch connecting to a Nano mounted on the outside of the building where the ISP comes into. From there I have it pointed to a second Nano mounted on the second building through another unmanaged switch and a Unify AP is also connected to that same switch within the second building. Internet is working fine in the second building. A third Nano is mounted on the second building with another unamanged switch connected to it. The fourth Nano is mounted on building 3 with a fourth unmanaged switch and a Unify AP connected to it. Initially, building 3 connected fine and also connected without the third Nano's help for a short period of time. Recently and presently, I get a blinking light on the AP and no Internet connectivity. All devices are setup to talk on a 192.168.2.x network.
John
Can you get Ethernet between buildings? Using Wi-Fi extensions as you describe will significantly drop signal strength which is probably why you get no Internet.
To be clear, you have no problem with connectivity between building 1 (where the internet connection exists) and building 2. The issue is with the connection between building 2 and building 3? If so, look at the web management pages for the devices that connect 2 and 3 for clues about what is the issue.
As a test, take the AP from building 3 and bring it very close to the AP on building 2 (with power and an ethernet cable to a laptop). Does it connect when close but not when it is on the building? If so, then you're looking at a distance or alignment issue. If not, then there's a configuration issue (though it would be odd if that was working before).
John makes a good point. If you can get a cable (wired Ethernet) strung between the buildings (underground or in the air), that will likely be much more reliable. If not, your basic approach is sound.
As a test, take the AP from building 3 and bring it very close to the AP on building 2 (with power and an ethernet cable to a laptop). Does it connect when close but not when it is on the building? If so, then you're looking at a distance or alignment issue. If not, then there's a configuration issue (though it would be odd if that was working before).
John makes a good point. If you can get a cable (wired Ethernet) strung between the buildings (underground or in the air), that will likely be much more reliable. If not, your basic approach is sound.
With this kind of devices you will never get a stable solution. invest some money to have proper cables between the buildings. and build a stable network to connect youre accesspoints to. these kind of solutions are fun for at home. not for a bussiness solution.
wifi use to be a nice to have for end users. dees days its a must to have a stable network.
wifi use to be a nice to have for end users. dees days its a must to have a stable network.
@ Benjamin: I will politely disagree. WiFi connections between buildings can be reliable, they just need to be set up correctly. Ubiquiti devices (as well as other reliable manufacturers) can do a good job of connecting remote sites, if the conditions are correct. That being said, if cabled connections can be established (within the length limits), they would be preferable.
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