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Building a network: What are the potential pitfalls?

Started by Nicole Stewart83 · · 👁 4 views · 4 replies

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Participants Nicole Stewart83George Murphy12Jack Cook7
Nicole Stewart83 Nicole Stewart83 NewcomerOP
2 messages
joined Oct 2020
#1 ·
So, I'm trying to figure out how to link two buildings together via the internet. Basically, I need a network connection between two structures sitting about 150 meters apart—and yeah, they have a totally clear line of sight to each other. In the first building, I’ve got a wireless router from an ISP—think AT&T or Verizon or something along those lines. My plan is to hook that provider router up to some beefier transmitter to beam the signal over to the second building, which is maybe 150 meters away at most (honestly, probably less). There is a height difference between the two spots, but it's nothing crazy—maybe 20 feet or so? I've been digging around online and found some stuff about using two WLAN routers in bridge mode. But, technically speaking, what kind of gear should I actually buy? And more importantly, can you even bridge a standard ISP router to a custom setup like that? Is this whole thing even doable if my budget is capped at $1000? If anyone has a better way to do this, please let me know because right now I'm stuck with a pathetic 2Mbps connection and I'm losing my mind. Just a heads-up: the building with the ISP router gets a pretty solid 4G signal from all the major carriers. However, the building where I actually *want* decent internet has zero signal—except for one carrier that's been absolute garbage in my area, so I'd really rather avoid them if possible.
George Murphy12 George Murphy12 Member
40 messages
joined Apr 2020
#2 ·
Someone already touched on this somewhere else...
If it’s not on Reddit or some tech forum, I don't know where else to look.

Technically you're gonna need a bridge, kind of like this
https://www.amazon.com/KuWFi-Wireles..._t1_B002K683V0

I stumbled onto this one first with about a half-mile range, just Google it and you'll find plenty more...

Otherwise, you could try what's listed below, but honestly, it'll cost you way more and be a total headache compared to the first option.

Run an Ethernet cable from your router to an access point with a directional antenna attached.

Then at the other spot, slap another directional antenna on an access point to grab the signal, run an Ethernet cable to a final access point for your WiFi.
Jack Cook7 Jack Cook7 Regular
376 messages
joined Aug 2017
#3 ·
Watch your step here so you don't end up making a massive mess of things.

Here’s how I see your setup coming together:
1. Building A
- A 4G provider
- A local Wi-Fi access point and/or some LAN gear
- A transmitter and an antenna

2. Building B
- A transmitter and an antenna
- A local Wi-Fi access point and/or some LAN gear

3. You absolutely have to keep that Fresnel zone clear between Building A and Building B. We're talking about an 18-degree line of sight.

Listen, if you aren't using directional antennas, you aren't going to hit that distance. And honestly, the worse that Fresnel zone looks, the more you're gonna need those highly directional antennas. Just a heads up though—using outdoor directional antennas can be a total pain when it comes to lightning grounding.

Stay away from amplifiers. Don't use them for receiving, and for sending? That's straight-up illegal under FCC rules.

If you can check off points 1 through 3 for me, then we can actually start crunching the numbers.

Also, just so you know, the gear at site 1 and site 2 doesn't have to be the exact same hardware. You don't need to go out and buy five different gadgets unless you're counting the antennas.
Nicole Stewart83 Nicole Stewart83 NewcomerOP
2 messages
joined Oct 2020
#4 ·
Thanks for all the input, everyone. I think I’m gonna hold off on pulling the trigger on this for now—mostly because every other ISP out there just capped my data at 200GB, and AT&T finally actually got their act together and sorted my connection up to 15Mb/s.
Not exactly life-changing, but hey, it beats nothing. Mods, feel free to scrap this and lock the thread. Thanks again, cheers.
Jack Cook7 Jack Cook7 Regular
376 messages
joined Aug 2017
#5 ·
That’s just not how it works. You can snag a 1Gbps fiber connection right through the ground for basically pocket change. And honestly? If you really need 10Gbps, you can get that too.

Someone’s totally playing you. They're just looking for a quick payday.

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