The user count is the killer. With $10K per site, you're not going to get 1000 *happy* customers at 2.4GHz, because you will have up to 167 users per bridge. (You'll only be able to dedicate 64Kbps per user, assuming that only 12% are on at the same time.)
However, you can do that with standard Aironet bridges (not APs or WGBs) and antennas with solid all-weather reliability (20+dB SOM) under the following conditions:
- You're the only one in town using 2.4GHz outdoors
- Your customers are willing to accept a *shared* portion of a nominal 5.5Mbps pipe (actually about 3Mbps)
- They all put up masts on their roofs to get 35' (for 5 mile distance) above trees, buildings, etc.
- You have an experienced contractor to ensure absolute minimal loss on all connectors
- You put a big box with all the bridges at the top of the tower with the antennas
The less true all of these things are, the lower your reliability will be - especially for the customers furthest from the tower.
Of course, that's the long-winded way of saying that you are going to need amps, higher gain antennas, careful configuration and good channel planning to do what you want.
With the right components and configuration, you can:
- Move to 11Mbps nominal (6-8 actual)
- Use shorter client-side masts and worry less about obstructions in the Fresnel Zone
- Keep the bridges inside or on the ground
- Reach out more than 6.5 miles with all-weather reliability
- Install smaller, less conspicuous antennas
- Still use the 2.4GHz band (so you and your clients can get cheap off-the shelf equipment) without interference from existing 2.4GHz users
- Spend about the same amount of money
For about $30K per tower, you can get a 20Mbps 5GHz system that would give you much happier customers.
I'll be in the office Monday if you want to call.
Matthew Wheeler
