Question : Problem: Connecting two building with traditional UTP 6 and some wireless issues

Hi friends !

Currently, We are going to make a connection between our old and new buildings. In our old building, we have fiber optics leased line from ISP. But due to some financial problems, we cant purchase new line for new building. So, we are going to connect the new building to our running network of old building and for this we are using traditional UTP CAT 6 cable.

Now, the distance between these buildings is about 80 meters. I want to use the repeater at the half of the distance means at 40 meters so that the signal will be healthy for further transport.

Now I want to know&

1. Can I use a switch as a repeater or I will have to use a dedicated repeater for this purpose ? If I use either switch or repeater, where I will use this repeater, there is no arrangement for power. So if you can suggest a low budget Linksys repeater or Switch that has PoE (Power over Ethernet feature).

2. In the new building, I will use both traditional wired network and wireless network. I want to use Linksys WAP-54GP or WAP-54GPE access points because Linksys is a low cost solution.

I have Product Guide and Datasheets of these equipments which I downloaded from Linksys website. But I want to know the practical coverage range of these products.

Note: Generally I will use these equipments where there are no many obstacles.

3. If a product says that its coverage area is 40 meters, then it is the circular area of 40 meters (where the radius of the circle will be 20 meters and the AP will be in the centre of the circle) or the 40 meters is the radius itself covering 40 meters in each direction ? Please clear my doubt.

Thanks,

Hemant

Answer : Problem: Connecting two building with traditional UTP 6 and some wireless issues

donjohnston has you on the right track.  I will make one note, that is if you are running cat 6 outside between the two buildings first be sure you have the right kind of cable, they make a special type for direct burial.  Second, be very careful to have lightning/surge protection on both ends of any wire running outside.  Be warned though that there are many reports of these also failing.  They work about similar to the regular powerline surge protectors, you just can't count on them 100% unless you spend $$.  For this reason the one building to building link that I did was optical fiber, although you are talking more $ there.  It seems most of the building-to-building links that we do are wireless for distance or difficulty in running wire across parking lots etc.

As for the POE repeater or switch, i agree with donjohnston, you shouldn't need it if under 100m.  If you do need one, I would suggest to use a regulated tap to draw off the DC voltage you need and run it into a standard switch.  The POE switches are typically pretty spendy.  If you are putting this outside you will need a good enclosure.  I get all my wireless stuff from www.hyperlinktech.com I see they also have lighting/surge protectors and POE equipment, you might check them out.