Indoor Mesh providing multiple bridges

[awcevans01]

Here's the issue:

I'm looking at a solution to connect a bunch of buildings using a mesh solution. The distances aren't that great (under 100m total), but we need to deliver a Ethernet segment to every building (8 remote buildings). The thinking was to use 1242a/g AP's with a single radio for back haul and the Ethernet port for the local LAN segment. We would use a 2112 WLC with version 7 code. All the buildings would link up to a main office, but some of the end buildings don't have line of site (hence the mesh). The 1242's would use higher gain omni antennas instead of the rubber duck style, which would also allow us to mount the antenna outside of the building. There will be no client connectivity to the wireless, on the mesh. Speaking with the local Cisco team, it does look like indoor mesh is not a common scenario. Is this all looking too hard?

Thanks

[Leo Laohoo]

If you are using LWAPP/CAPWAP firmware, yes.  It's got something to do with bridging which LWAPP/CAPWAP firmware could not do.  HOWEVER, if you consider using Mesh firmware (which, by sheer coincidence your 1240 is supported), it could work.

Release Notes for Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Mesh Access Points for Release 4.2.207.54M

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/customer/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn4220754M.html

[awcevans01]

Thanks

Mesh firmware is fine, the 1240's with a single wireless radio is ok? The only reference guides I could find mentioned you needed dual radio for indoor mesh, i'm hoping that as i'm not using both radio's it won't care. There used to be an indoor mesh license on the WLC's but this has apparently been removed or included in WLC 7.0?

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

Dual radios is recommended if you want to provide wireless.  802.11b (longer range) for the backhaul and 802.11a for wireless.  But if you want to bridge buildings only, then single radio would be fine too.