Building solution for portable wireless network

[benAGL]

Hi, I'm looking for guidance in building out a solution for a portable wireless network for tactical use.

FIPS 140-2 compliant

60-120 users with 500ft signal range

Operate in -20F to 150F temperatures

Include physical cat5 ports

I don't have much network architecture knowledge/background or wireless in general but my thoughts are 1 router with 1-2 access points to ensure signal reliability out to 500ft in real world locations. A question I have is how many connection points would be required for 60-120 users. I've yet to find a product that delivers both operational temperatures required and has the FIPS 140-2 certification/validation. Since the solution is requested to be portable and given the temperature range, I imagine there would be extensive outdoor use (weatherproof/resistance for access points as well). Any assistance would be appreciated.

-Ben Owens

[balaji.bandi]

Look at the below compliance devices :

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/industries/government/global-government-certifications/fips-140.html

If you do not have much experience, suggest hiring a consultant who can do site surveys and install equipment as expected to get better results. Good wireless deployment starts with a site survey.

[benAGL]

Thank you BB, I agree a site survey would be smart however this solution is going to be portable and likely never go to a location more than once; it is for military application. I will review the FIPS 140 list you provided and hopefully find some wireless options that fit the need.

-Ben Owens

[balaji.bandi]

Think need of the hour option,. Let me give 1 suggestion here since you mentioned - More than once.

One customer asked us to deploy a solution after our suggestions were made, the Customer made an a  decision we do not want all these, we just need to install the box, so just installed the equipment showed it working, bills paid.

When the real usage came as urgent it never worked as fit for the purpose. so think on that nothing take granted., do it in a way it should work as expected. not for name sake, we installed. (sorry if this disappoint you, but i more like to tell the truth, so you can make the right decision).

[Leo Laohoo]

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@benAGL wrote:

A question I have is how many connection points would be required for 60-120 users.

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In my humble opinion, this is a "loaded" question.  

The most important question I want to ask is this: 

What is the "best" uplink speed available when this solution is out on the field?  

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Answer this question and the answer to the number of APs will become relevant.  

[benAGL]

I agree it is a loaded question and does not have a clear answer.  Uplink speeds will likely be fairly slow and vary by location, but that is not something I'll probably ever be told from my customer. From past experience I would think there would be substantial need for local/intranet network communications. 

[Scott Fella]

It’s a start, you just need to have a requirements meeting to better understand their needs. That way you can do your research and provide the best solution you can.

[Leo Laohoo]

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@benAGL wrote:

Uplink speeds will likely be fairly slow and vary by location, but that is not something I'll probably ever be told from my customer.

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We had a projected and the stake holders wanted a WiFi solution that covers 100 metre radius from the "command" vehicle -- But there was one major hurdle.  The "package" will be deployed in an area with ZERO 3G/4G/5G coverage.  Zero.  Nadda.  Zip.  Sayonara.  None.

With satellite communication is "not allowed", one solution was to ask one of the telco providers for a "cell site in a box" but that added more difficulties because it requires a line-of-sight to haul the carriage back to civilization.