Hi,

I would wanted to know if you anyone specialize in long range wifi for residential area? or
If not, would like you to comments on my wild idea to save cost over long term.

Kindly refer to pictures attached for more details on the area and distance.

- Objective:
Is to connect to have a point-to-point connection between 2 houses to share internet and documents/pictures.

-Preliminary Requirements:
Able to get minimum throughput of 1Mbytes/sec on download/upload.
Distance from roof to roof is estimate around 1.7km
Line of sight (LOS), I think only could be achieve is the antenna/router is at height of 11~12meter (in between highest building is 3-storeys).

-My idea:
To install at each location point something like Tplink TL-WA5210G.
To get LOS, will extend a 6 meter length piping extend out from the root with the antenna mounted on it.
The TL-WA5210G will be connect using CAT5e cable (with POE) back to router at each of the house.





Thanks.

I noticed there are couple of big tree in between the LOS.
Would this cause significant drop in signal or block the transmission?

Let say I were using Ubiquiti nanostation m5?

This post has been edited by muncheno: May 6 2013, 09:52 AM

Thanks for all advise here.

Here is my finding and my review based on my personal opinion (disclaimer).

For 1.7km tranmission, on theoyl it work well using either path:-
Item Frequency Bands | Max EIRP (Watts) |Max EIRP (dBm)
a. 2400 MHz to 2500 MHz 500 milliWatts 27 dBm
b. 5250 MHz to 5350 MHz 1 Watt 30 dBm
c. 5725 MHz to 5875 MHz 1 Watt 30 dBm

[Above it requirement set by SKMM, which based Max. EIRP = (CPE TX dBm) - (cable loss) + (antenna dBi).]

1) Frequency
Using 5Ghz would have advantage where you could set up to 30dBm (1watt) vs. 27dBm (500mW) and 5Ghz is less polluted comparing to 2.4Ghz which commonly found in microwave, core-less phone, wifi and etc.

For my case here 2.4Ghz still can be use but might use highest allowable EIRP power due some high trees in between.


2) Transmission power
Typical 23-27dBm will able transmit range of 3-5km easily using directional antenna for point-to-point transmission and with both unit have same power. Using parabolic antenna it is possible to achieve >5km.

3)Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
Based on reply in this thread, so far the most recommended units given is Mikrotik SXT Lite2 or Ubiquiti nanostation m5 (NSM5).
In Malaysia you could get Ubiquiti (UBNT) easier which I manage find one at RM350/unit (you need 2 units to get the distance).
As for SXT Lite2, I can't find it anywhere online here.

The price for both SXT Lite2 & NSM5 unit is somewhere around USD50 (from US website), however once is reached Malaysia price popup to RM350~RM500 for the NSM5. On ebay SXT Lite2, I could found it at RM180/unit including deliver.
Problem for importing wireless product under frequency listed above, it is subjected to SIRIM approval, which means we need to apply special approval permit from SIRIM and it will cost RM100 per approval and each approval for device with same model upto 3 units.

For TP-link CPE - TL-WA5210G (2.4Ghz) or TL-WA7510N (5Ghz), it still can be use, however the software maybe not so friendly or powerful comparing to AirOS by UNBT.

Summaries of the CPE:-

No. | Model | Max. output power | Antenna Gain | Cost for 2 units
i | UBNT NSM5 | 28dBm | 16dBi | RM350 x 2 = RM700
ii | SXT Lite 2 | 27dBm | 10dBi | RM180 x 2 + RM100 permit + effort= RM460
iii | WA5201G | 20dBm (for MY) | 12dBi | RM225 x 2 = RM450
iv | WA7510N | 27dBm | 15dBi | RM380 x 2 = RM760

No. | Model | Frequency
i | UBNT NSM5 | 5Ghz
ii | SXT Lite 2 | 2.4Ghz
iii | WA5201G | 2.4Ghz
iv | WA7510N | 5Ghz


4) Throughput by wireless Type
Wireless N-300mbps (NSM5, SXT Lite 2)
- Tranmission speed at 300Mbps - actual throughput is around 90~100mbps or 11.25~12.50 mb/s

Wireless N-150mbs (WA7510N)
- Tranmission speed at 150Mbps - my guess throughput is around 20~30mbps or 2.50~3.75 mb/s

Wireless G-54mbs (WA5210G)
- Tranmission speed at 54Mbps - throughput is around 10~14mbps or 1.25~1.75 mb/s


5) My decision
Based on 1-4, my decision go for SXT Lite 2 for the pricing and specification, however I still can't anyone selling it in Malaysia and hopefully the price is below RM500 for 2units.
If order from Ebay, I live far from KL, thus I do not wish to travel to Sirim, Shah Alam just to get the permit.

Alternative unlikely I will consider it.
I found that China sell alot of DIY CPE or some of their local brand Todaair.
Very cheap for Wireless N-150mpbs which pricing at around RM140/unit inclusive delivery and able to run AirOS or their original Topaair firmware.

While still sourcing the for cheaper CPE, I now have to do my homework for installation. This is approx. 4-6m length of 1-1/2" to 2" piping mounted on the root and also lighting rod.

Thanks for reading.

This post has been edited by muncheno: May 13 2013, 04:45 PM

Thanks Baron for your advise.

I did consider that option before, however I don't like the setup which too bulky. This make it hard to install and also required a more rigid structure (thus >$$$).

I prefer something small and easily mount on to a pole which easily protrude out from the roof.

This post has been edited by muncheno: May 23 2013, 09:23 AM