External Antennas for Warehouse-style Office Complex?

[KCL]

I originally posted this as a response but I think I needed to post it as a new thread to get some better input:

Our company has expanded to more spaces in our existing complex. In the diagram below, used to only have Unit 14 in both buildings but the landlord prohibited external antennas -- so we ended up having the ISP put in a drop in both buildings. Now that we've expanded significantly, the landlord has DID say we could mount something outside as long as it's "not ugly".

I'm inserting a basic map of the layout. I'd love to go with three antennas if possible as Antenna B is where our primary router will be. The longest distance between two antennas (A and C) is a little under 150'. We've got network drops beween units 14-16 on Building 1. They buildings in Simi Valley, California. My worry is that if we use a point-to-point, I'll need FOUR antennas (A-B and C-B). I am a software guy who has somewhat above a laymans' understanding of hardware, so if this is a dumb question, I apologize.

I'm looking for recommendations as to the best (stylish?) antennas to use that will give us the best throughput. I am not sure about how Meshes work, really, so I'd love to do a Mesh if that's practical. Right now, they have two ASUS AX88Us running in Building 1, Unit 14 and Building 2, Unit 14. If there are better units to support the new topology, I'd love to hear them too. Can't break the bank, however...

Thanks in advance. I'm happy to provide an additional information if it will help!

Scott.

 

[Tech9]

There is nothing from Asus for outdoor use. If your business is expanding you have to plan expandable with it network and leave the consumer products behind. Common low-cost business oriented options are Ubiquiti UniFi and TP-Link Omada. Your local politics may leave you with Ubiquiti as single low-cost option. You need 2x wireless bridges, gateway with network controller and switch at ISP location, switches on the other side of the bridges. Wireless access points as per needed coverage.

All of the above can be done with both UniFi or Omada with single control panel for the entire business with network segmentation options and future expandability. With Ubiquiti product line you can have it all data network (Network), integrated surveillance system (Protect) as well as site access system (Access) all managed and controlled from a single screen. The best approach is to call a local professional for site assessment and installation of what is needed as per your requirements.

 

[Tech9]

Somewhat similar subject thread:

Assistance with Large Wifi Network over multiple Buildings Ubiquiti

Hi All, I've been away a while but here I am back with the big one :) Hope you are all doing well out there? Wondering if some of you clever folk @Tech9 @ColinTaylor @SomeWhereOverTheRainBow @thiggins etc could assist with a project I am involved in. Please note I am a tech hobby guy and not...

www.snbforums.com

 

[KCL]

There is nothing from Asus for outdoor use. If your business is expanding you have to plan expandable with it network and leave the consumer products behind. Common low-cost business oriented options are Ubiquiti UniFi and TP-Link Omada. Your local politics may leave you with Ubiquiti as single low-cost option. You need 2x wireless bridges, gateway with network controller and switch at ISP location, switches on the other side of the bridges. Wireless access points as per needed coverage.

All of the above can be done with both UniFi or Omada with single control panel for the entire business with network segmentation options and future expandability. With Ubiquiti product line you can have it all data network (Network), integrated surveillance system (Protect) as well as site access system (Access) all managed and controlled from a single screen. The best approach is to call a local professional for site assessment and installation of what is needed as per your requirements.

I appreciate the input -- I have some experience with Ubiquiti and it wasn't positive.

However, at this point, we're not looking to replace the ASUS routers, what I was really hoping for is some real-world experience/recommendations for outdoor antennae that can go more than 300 ft, reliably, with direct LoS.

 

[degrub]

You need two sets of point to point outdoor extenders based on just the geography provided. These are narrow beam width antennas with a coax connection to a box inside that interfaces to the LAN. Some may have everything together in the antenna mount and you will need outdoor rated ethernet cable to connect inside to the lan unless the connections are sealed for moisture and the cable is UV protected.

Rain/fog will interfere with the signal if heavy enough. Anything we needed reliable, we used direct burial or aerial fiber cable.

Get a local company with experience if you want a guarantee/service. Your ISP probably has a few names.

Or drop another ISP connection and link them together elsewhere.

 

[Tech9]

I was really hoping for is some real-world experience/recommendations for outdoor antennae

You need wireless bridge and it's not just simple antenna. TP-Link has some options and quite cheap for 5GHz 802.11ac 2-stream links. At 300ft it will do maximum throughput. ASUS just doesn't have such products.

Omada 5GHz 867Mbps Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Bridge

The Omada wireless bridge, EAP211-Bridge KIT, delivers up to 867 Mbps wireless data rates and gives a long-range transmission up to 1 km. Auto-pairing and centralized management enpower your efficient deployment and management.

www.omadanetworks.com

I'm surprised you guys are still dealing with this issue when solutions are available and under $100.

 

[degrub]

The solutions have not changed since the last round of discussion of the situation a while back.

 

[KCL]

You need wireless bridge and it's not just simple antenna. TP-Link has some options and quite cheap for 5GHz 802.11ac 2-stream links. At 300ft it will do maximum throughput. ASUS just doesn't have such products.

Omada 5GHz 867Mbps Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Bridge

The Omada wireless bridge, EAP211-Bridge KIT, delivers up to 867 Mbps wireless data rates and gives a long-range transmission up to 1 km. Auto-pairing and centralized management enpower your efficient deployment and management.

www.omadanetworks.com

I'm surprised you guys are still dealing with this issue when solutions are available and under $100.

Yeah, well one of the owners purchased this: Wireless Bridge 3-Pack, without my input, so we installed it. It seemed to work enough initially.

In looking at my original diagram, I see that I kind of messed up the map. The "C" antenna is about two units to the left (which would be the left side of unmarked Unit that would be "12"). We mounted the master at the "B" location and it gets across the alley just fine.

Connectivity is very sporadic to the far ("A" location). we have it angled so both external antennas are well within a 70º arc. The shorter distance across the alley works great. I'm thinking we just need a better unit. We're going to try the Omada unit and have a dedicated pair to go the long distance.

Thanks for the responses!

 

[Tech9]

Yeah, well one of the owners purchased this: Wireless Bridge 3-Pack

I have never heard anything about Good Story Networks.

 

[KCL]

Well, now you have--and it ain't a Good Story. The good news is that the owner won't be buying any more networking equipment without consulting first... (hopefully)

I'll update you guys with the results of the Omada.

 

[degrub]

pun intended

 

[Clark Griswald]

I'm questioning any company/owner that would go so absolutely Cheap on communications! Especially with the requirements you stated.

 

[Tech9]

Seems like Good Story Networks is just rebranded products. They have a store on Amazon with different brands including known brand names. The bridge in question is some no name Chinese product.