How can we connect two buidlings using wifi ?

[prashanma]

Hi Team,

How can we connect two buildings using access points ? Customer want to have wifi network for internal users and at the same time he wants to connect two buildings

What are the mechanisms we can use to achieve customer goal ?

[balaji.bandi]

You can extend the LAN between Building using External AP. ( depends on Distance and Line of Sight).

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/outdoor-wireless/index.html

[Haydn Andrews]

To connect 2 buildings using WIFI first thing is you really a clear line between the buildings, ie. no other building is in the way. Also worth ensuring there isn't really chance another building will be built soon, as nothing worst than putting in the link and then a building gets built and your link dies.

Dependent on the distance between the buildings will determine if it can be done via WIFI or you need to look at other technologies (microwave, laser, light etc).

You ideally also want to have a look at the wireless in the area and if it will interfere with the link.

The distance is also going to determine the antennas required at each end.

Some documentation on wireless mesh here:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/technology/mesh/8-2/b_mesh_82/Connecting_the_Cisco_1500_Series_Mesh_Access_Points_to_the___.html

If this link is a redundant link in case the WAN goes down, make sure you ensure Spanning tree doesn't become an issue

[kahsieh]

one extended question: if the APs are installed inside a building, have you ever heard of any material on the window glass that prevents the wireless signal from passing through?

[balaji.bandi]

It all depends on the Quality Glass used in the building.

I have tired in India, if the Line of site is good, you will get reasonalble speeds.

Tried in UK, because of some reason, have poor results but the links works (to Mitigate the issue, we need to extend the anntenna with externall antenna to fix the issue.

Againg wirelss is different case to case.

[Haydn Andrews]

I have seen windows that drop 40 dBm or more, and some that only drop 3dBm its all dependent on the window.

Have seen windows also completely block 4G and Wireless. Its normally when the windows are covered in decorative films over here in Australia, i believe these films have a metallic component to them.

If i was connecting buildings to each other I would try and avoid having to go through walls and glass or any RF obstacle. 

[patoberli]

I suggest to use a wireless (NOT Wi-Fi) connection between the two buildings, with specialized hardware.
I don't know if Cisco even has such a product, but here are some alternatives:
https://www.ui.com/airfiber/airfiber5/
https://www.engeniustech.com/engenius-products/outdoor-wireless-bridge-enstationac/
They use a different coding scheme for the signal and aren't Wi-Fi compliant. On the plus side, they are typically much more robust and even work if it's raining!