Wireless Ethernet cards

[BigFred]

Hi Folks

We have a small ethernet network in one building, the company has bought another building across the street and about 500 yards further along. There will be another small network in this other building. The file servers, mail server, DHCP server, internet access etc. is all in the first building.

I wish to network the two buildings together, and am considering using wireless ethernet cards.

I believe that I need a dedicated PC in each location to house the wireless cards, and an ordinary NIC. (Both networks will be part of the same domain)

Could someone who has done this please advise on the best operating system to use in the dedicated machines, whether any other software is required (perhaps it will be supplied with the wireless cards) and whether I can put a second wireless card in one of the dedicated machines to service another site which is not curently connected to the network?

All advice on card types, pitfalls, or links to tutorials, appreciated. Thanks BF

[10ECsoon]

I question if regular store-bought wireless systems will reach that far. If it's direct line of sight, and there's not much other RF interference (good luck on that one) then it's possible. Use 2 Wireless Access Points instead of 2 cards in PC's, though. Set them up as a bridge. As far as I know most vendors (Linksys, D-Link, etc.) have this option.
Just remember that using wireless leaves you wide open to outside access to your network. I'd much prefer fiber-optic. Yeah, it's a little spendy, but it's fast.

[Sarrkazztic]

Going to merge this thread with the one already started in networking...

[BigFred]

Hi 10ECsoon

Yes, I am aware of the drawbacks and was thinking of using a system with directional aerials and placing an IP wrapper on the wireless link section. I've never done this and had hoped to find someone here who had, who could give me a few pointers.

It had occured to me that perhaps I should place a linux box at each end of the link and run something like masquerade or Vtun over that hop.

But as I said, I've not done this. So if there is someone who has who would like to point me in the right direction. Please do so. Thanks BF

[DrMDJ]

If your going to do something like this then I would definately recommend not going with products from the typical home network style equipment providers, you'll want something higher end. You might want to take a look at some of the offerings from a company like Orinoco (http://www.orinocowireless.com/).

[BigFred]

Thanks DrMDJ

Make for some interesting reading. The Orinoko outdoors Point-to-Point Radio Backbone Kit looks like the sort of thing that I'm looking for, I'll follow up on this one, thanks for the information.

Also anyone who has used this, or some other product, is welcome to give their opinion. Thanks again. BF