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Can I use wireless AP's for point to multipoint connectivity?

EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Retired expert - Graham Robinson

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QUESTION POSED ON: 11 August 2003
I have four sites that I want to connect to my network (an existing LAN with Internet connectivity.) Can I use wireless AP's for point to multipoint connectivity? How do I go about it? Linksys AP's are easy to get in my country (Nigeria.)

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EXPERT RESPONSE
I get asked this sort of question all the time. We get calls a few times a week from people looking to connect two buildings with some D-Link or Linksys equipment and we politely tell them that we're not interested.

The use of SOHO (Small Office / Home) bridging equipment has always been a nuisance to wireless engineers trying to provide excellent link quality to customers using good quality equipment but are forced to deal with RF inference from some fool that has put a wireless bridge up at 50x the power level required and with a energy dispersion pattern that is sure to interfere with someone else's network.

If you want to set up a wireless bridge then I highly recommend looking at Proxim's (www.proxim.com) MP.11 range. The MP.11 is a 802.11b-like point-multipoint bridge that offers excellent reliability (if configured correctly) and superior performance to most other products that operate in the 2.4Ghz range. Proxim sell directional antennae for the gear that allows you to use the minimal power required by directing most of the RF energy in a single direction.

If you're after more than about 6-8 Mbps throughput then you should look to the new Proxim MP.11a that offers up to about 35-45 Mbps throughput and works in the 5.8 Ghz spectrum. It's brand new so you may have to wait a couple of months.


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