Nanostation M5 access point - Need help setting up as a wireless access point

[gerasmus]

Goal: Spread internet access over a square 5ha plot using Nanostation M5.

We are three households on the farm. The plot with houses on are about 5ha in size, square, with the houses in the middle. The object is to provide wireless internet and share LAN resources on one network. I bought a Ubiquity Nanostation M5. The idea is to use the Nanostation M5 as a wireless access point for laptops, desktops, smart phones. The Nanostation should do the same as making a wired network wireless by connecting a wireless access point (WAP) , all IP addressing still done on router. This is where I am stuck. Please would you direct me to a step-by-step instruction ? All the youtube and and other how to videos only shows how to connect two Nanostations as a bridge. I've pointed the antenna in the correct direction.

Here is Google maps layout of my 'plan'.
http://clip2net.com/s/52yKg6


I also have other family meembers who live on the same farm about 600m from me, they have no internet and barely any cell phone signal, ideally I would like them to also be able to get access via the nanostation. I live on a farm, security is of very little concerrn since my neighbours are several kilometers away.

 

[Mal1ce]

If I've read your post correctly you're expecting laptops, desktops and smart phones to be able to connect to a single Nanostation M5 (running in AP mode)? Not going to work well (if at all) for the following reasons:

1.) Distance - most of the laptops/desktops/smart phones won't work at long distances, can you clarify the distances between buildings?
2.) Frequency - most of the older devices only support 2.4GHz, not 5GHz.
3.) Foliage/Obstructions - 5GHz doesn't go through trees/walls very well, you appear to have a lot? Any line of sight between buildings and proposed AP location?
4.) Beamwidth - your Nanostation M5 has 45 deg, you appear to be wanting 90 deg coverage?

Clarify the distance between buildings where access is needed 1st

 

[gerasmus]

See answers in the quoted text.

If I've read your post correctly you're expecting laptops, desktops and smart phones to
be able to connect to a single Nanostation M5 (running in AP mode)? Not going to work well (if at all) for the following reasons:

1.) Distance - most of the laptops/desktops/smart phones won't work at long distances, can you clarify the distances between buildings?

Approximately 70m away.

2.) Frequency - most of the older devices only support 2.4GHz, not 5GHz.
All my devices support 5Ghz and all my receivers are Wireless-N receivers. I've thrown out all G devices a couple of years ago.

3.) Foliage/Obstructions - 5GHz doesn't go through trees/walls very well, you appear to have a lot? Any line of sight between buildings and proposed AP location?

One tree between antenna and my house.. and yes, direct line of sight if I move the antenna.

4.) Beamwidth - your Nanostation M5 has 45 deg, you appear to be wanting 90 deg coverage?

I was unaware of 45 Degree coverage, I was under impression that it gave 90 deg coverage. Most important are the two houses by the Nanostation. Tough luck for the people further away.

Distance between buildings where access is needed 1st

Distance max 90m, average 60m. If required the atenna can be mounted on a pole to be way above tree level. I currently have it at head hight (about 2m).

Can I have the Nanostation in repeater/access point mode like my current EnGenius to pickup wife signal then rebroadcasting it into a biiiiig house.

ll

 

[Level7]

See answers in the quoted text.



ll

The way you are trying to do this is not going to work. You need to set up a rocket + 90degree sector antenna in AP mode. Then you need to set up a nano station in station mode at each house and connect that to a 2.4 ghz wifi router in each house for the end users.

 

[eCliPSe]

802.11n still uses 2.4Ghz.

 

[Level7]

802.11n still uses 2.4Ghz.

Correct, but he wants to use a Nanostation M5 which is the 5ghz version. Even if 2.4 was used, devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops do not have enough TX power to work properly at those distances.

My suggestion as above - Sector in AP mode, and Nanos at each house wired into 2.4 wifi routers. It will work without issues.

 

[b@nD]

Fibre

It is YOUR property -- dig trenches and put in FIBRE
Then just have a smaller wireless node at each house / residence / building

 

[gerasmus]

Thank you for the suggestion guys. I'm investigating the sector antenna option, this seems like least amount of effort and no wires. As fars as the Nanostation M5's concerned, with lots of struggle, youtube and google I was able to set it up and got the M5 to cover an area. I've discovered that the signal is too weak to penetrate walls and massive ancient three trunks. I've ordered by antennas previously from Scoop.

 

[Scoop Distribution]

2.4Ghz offers better penetration characteristics than 5Ghz however this does not guarantee connection through buildings/trees etc.

It would be best to utilize a 2.4Ghz sector antenna as your main AP and LocoStationM2's or NanoStationM2's on each building as client devices. You could then install an indoor AP in each building to provide wireless access to laptops, tablets etc.