Subj : Wireless bridge
To   : Ben Carpenter
From : Willie McKemie
Date : Thu Mar 07 2002 08:28 pm

This did not get to me via fido, but Ben forwarded it to me via email:

---
Could you provide some more info on this wireless bridge?  I do not know
any thing about them.  Are they some sort of network?  What kind of
equipment is needed to set them up?  With them being wireless is there a
security problem to be concerned about?
---

A "bridge" is a link connecting two networks.  In this case, the
wireless "access points" were connected (with regular UTP/RJ45 cable)
to existing hubs, one on each of the two existing networks.  Of course,
the "networks" could be single computers.  The "access points" talk to
each other over their radio link and relay packets to/from the network
to which they are wired.

I used regular 'ole IEEE 802.116 stuff.  On each end:
1) a Buffalo AirStation access point $150-$200
2) an antenna adapter connector ~$20
3) 10 meters of antenna cable with "N" connectors ~$50
4) a LanPoynte 25dbi dish antenna ~$90

Other access points could be substituted if they have provision for
external antennae.  This could be done also with a "roll your ow

.