Wireless connection between 2 houses

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Brenden_E

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Hi,

I'd like to setup a wireless connection between 2 houses, about 5km max apart (Might be more like 2-3KM, but say 5 to keep it safe). There is no direct line of sight, with trees mostly blocking the way. What kind of equipment will I need, and where can I buy it?

Ballpark on what this will cost? I'm hoping it wont cost more than 10K...

Any advice appreciated! :)
 
You'll very likely need to establish a LOS location between the two locations for a decent wireless link to work unfortunately.

Are raised antenna's not an option?
 
Trees are never a good thing with wireless signals and when they get wet, well your signal gets scattered, usually causing total loss of the link. That said you can try the 2.4GHz band, its wavelength is about 12cm and so could maybe penetrate a few skinny trees. Maybe try something like the Ubiquiti AirMax Bullet, it’s fairly simple to configure. If however you are trying to go through a 2-3km forest, don’t waste your time; rather look for a line of sight location that is visible from both houses where you can install a repeater. Also remember that if you are going to be sending a wireless signal across a public road, you should have an ECN license.
 
5GHz not better for lack of LOS?

http://scoopdistribution.co.za/

D-Link
Products: A wide variety of wireless equipment and products.
Location: Centurion
Telephone: +27 12 665 2165
Email: tobie at d-link dot co dot za
Web site: http://www.d-link.co.za

Fasttech
Products: Wireless network solutions and wireless equipment.
Location: Cape Town
Telephone: +27 21 761 2077
Email: greg at fasttech dot co dot za
Web site: http://www.fasttech.co.za/wifi.html

Hiconnex
Products: A wide variety of wireless equipment and products.
Location: Midrand
Telephone: +27 11 315 1909
Email: info at hiconnex dot co dot za
Web site: http://www.hiconnex.co.za

JLC Computing
Products: Various wifi equipment.
Location: Centurion
Telephone: +27 12 663 4621
Email: kowie at jlccomputing dot co dot za
Web site: http://www.jlccomputing.co.za

Miro Distribution
Products: SENAO Wireless LAN equipment (home, SOHO and enterprise), aerials and amplifiers
Location:Deliveries in Cape Town and Gauteng; countrywide by courier
Telephone: 086 123 123 1
Email: sales at miro dot co dot za
Web site: http://www.miro.co.za

Poynting
Products: Antennas
Location: Wynberg
Telephone: +27 11 262 5155
Email: sales at poynting dot co dot za
Web site: http://www.poynting.co.za
 
I wonder how tall you can make an antenna mast before it becomes a problem? :P

I really doubt I'll get line of sight, since there's some tall neighborhood trees between the 2. What a bummer, sounds like it wont work then :(
 
What about talking to the PTAWUG guys?
You would just be routing your traffic through someone else's wireless link.
Plus you'd have the benefit of being on the WUG. :D
http://www.ptawug.co.za/
 
The big question - can I make my own VPN on the wug? I dont' mind sharing, but there's certain private things like family photos, etc that I wouldn't want to share to everyone.
 
Yes! - There's nothing against you setting up your own encrypted VPN on the WUG. :)
Nothing in the Code of Conduct that says you can't, as long as it's not commercial.
 
Haha, awesome! Ok any suggestion on what to get - I'll prob buy the equipment in the next month.
I'm in Centurion, dunno if anyone can give tips on where is the best to connect :P
 
You're going to have to talk to the Pretoria WUG guys about that.
I've only just started getting involved with the Cape Town WUG, so have no idea what's happening up by you.
They will need to know where the 2 houses are so they can plot your connections, and then advise you on equipment.
They might advise you to get 2 WUG starter kits from Scoop or Miro (they both sell the same stuff, but according to a certain poster, Miro's equipment is inferior :p ) which go for about R1800 each.
Or something similar. Thanks to I Am Penguin for all the contacts. Get in touch with PTAWUG via IRC. Sure they'll be very helpful. All the best. :)

KVIrc - http://www.kvirc.net/
Server - irc.ptawug.co.za
Channel - #ptawug
 
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