DYI Wireless Network

My first thought is what country are you in, so that we can assess what radio regulations might apply and by whom?

Also what, if any, planning regulations would you need approval for for the 25 foot masts, 40 foot trailer etc...

I would guess you probably are in the States, in which case I'm not familiar with the regulations.

My second thought is to have a microwave network, possibly working at a convenient frequency of 2.5 GigHz to be able to utilise off-the-shelf satellite components, TV satellite dishes, LNB, rf Amps etc... but what the interference would be is problematical.

John.

motorola makes wi-max hardware for this application. Clearwire will sell t to you.

lots of wimax suppliers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiMAX

Wireless Bridges from a few Mfg's would do the job. They have coverages ranging to 25 miles point to point, (Several miles point to multi-point) They are typically used for links to satellite offices that are not typically linked via fiber or other means.

I'm not quite sure if I understand the idea. Could you elaborate on it?

Before you spend TOO much Money, have you checked out Motorola Canopy? I can tell you that it is VERY reliable and Very High Speed I LOVE it.

If you need any more info Holler at me (as they say in arkansas) ha

Donald

I would like to wish you a sincere good luck with the project. I should however give you a few notes of personal input as I have gone down this road twice before.

First, do not even consider 802.11B, G, or N without a much higher transmission point. Line of site is critical in these technologies. Trees and fog will stop or significantly degrade the signal. The antennas and cabling are expensive, and the connectors to the interior equipment are difficult to work with. To make these work, location is critical on bith the transmitting and receiving ends.

Read up on WiMax. I am doing so now. It looks like it has the most possibilities of anything out there. If possible, beofre buying any equipment, go to a class offered by a manufacturer or distributor. These will be weighted toward their product line, but will give you a better idea of its possibilities and limitations.

I have built two wireless networks. The first one did not have good line of sight and was a dismal failure. (802.11 b/g) I got into this because, as you were told by the phone and cable companies, there is no plans for service there. Guess what, 2 years later, there was both and I could not have competed or maintained the nework for the price they charge. There is a way to get the phone company to put in service. You need to get a bunch of signatures on a petition and they have to respond if you have enough. With that many new homes going in, you can bet there will be interest of some kind.

The second network I was conned out of - sort of. I had a sales rep working with a builder and they took my design and ran with it, without my company. Be careful not to let anyone take your designs and not include you in the project. It too turned out to be a loser. I have found that b/g is just not reliable enough for non techs to use outdoors.

sorry for the long, and what turned out to be a negative sounding post. I would hate to see you go through the same things I did and lose time and money on the project.

BTW: In my local area, 3 wireless providers have come and gone due to these type of issues. Turns out, it is still hard to compete with wired tech. Mabye WiMax will change that.

To all who've responded. Thank you. Sorry to say I've been swamped or I could have returned quicker--and I still am. I will be getting back here asap because of the many interesting thoughts I would like to talk more about. Thank you for your patience while I handle some things first. Later, guys.

Thanks again.