|
To
speak to a support consultant, click here
University of Reading Students click here:
| |
|
Case Study 1 - WiFi ADSL Distribution
- Algarve, Portugal |
 |
| The Project
HolyBrook were approached by a client with a requirement to install a
wireless based (802.11g) network to a group of two villas and a farmhouse
in the Algarve. The intention was to provide visitors to the villas
with a 'WiFi Hotspot' at each property which could be used for accessing
the web and email via their laptops or any other WiFi enabled
device. The system was required to be as maintenance free as
possible and to provide a reliable wireless internet connection for the
use of guests at the villas.
Technical Overview
The
wireless network consists of an ADSL Modem/Router and Wireless Access
Point connected to the ADSL source within the farmhouse, this is connected
to an external omni-directional antenna which extends the range to a
theoretical maximum of 1.2km (clear air, line-of-sight).
The use of this antenna ensures that both villas are within the
optimum range to allow full 54Mbps connection rates.
The omni-directional antenna is required as the two villas are
offset by approx. 40 degrees and the alternative of using two directional
antenna would have been both costly and more complex to install and
maintain.
Each
villa utilises a pair of 54Mbps Wireless Repeater Bridge/Access Points,
connected ‘back-to-back’ via a wired Ethernet connection. This configuration is required to provide two separate WiFi
networks, one at each villa. The
use of a single repeater would only provide a single network for the
entire site which may have security implications for the residents of each
villa. To further improve
signal strength and therefore optimise data-rates, the repeater bridges
are connected to external, high-gain, directional antenna pointing
directly at the farmhouse omnidirectional antenna.
Once again, these antenna offer signal-gain in excess of what is
theoretically required, ensuring high data-rates throughout the
installation. The use of
lower-gain internal antenna would theoretically have been possible but
would be subject to a number of environmental factors (wall thickness,
trees etc.) and would ultimately lead to lower data-rates than may be
acceptable.
|
|
The first task was to test the incoming ADSL connection at the
farmhouse and to relocate the socket to a position near to the planned
location of the external antenna. Once this was complete the ADSL
Modem/Router and Wireless Network Point were configured and
installed. At this point of the project the wireless connection to
the ADSL was available within the farmhouse.
|
| To
extend the range of the signal to the required distance, an
omnidirectional high-gain antenna was installed to the exterior of the
farmhouse. The site was carefully selected to have unobstructed
line-of-sight to the two villas. Once installed and tested, the
antenna and connections were sealed and weatherproofed. |
 |
 |
 |
The directional,
high-gain antennas were then installed to both villas, using a location
which was both unobtrusive and away from possible damage. The
antenna was connected to a pair of back-to-back WiFi Repeater/Bridges via
low-loss coaxial cable. |
| The
second directional antenna was mounted on the roof of the villa, providing
a clear line-of-sight to the omnidirectional antenna on the farmhouse
which can be seen centre-right in this picture. |
 |
 |
The directional
antenna is finally aligned to the omnidirectional antenna and the
adjustment bolts tightened. |
| Finally,
the second pair of back-to-back WiFi Repeater/Bridges are connected and
the entire system tested for range and bandwidth. |
 |
|
|
| The Hardware
The selected hardware was Buffalo Technology's
Airstation Pro range. This product family combines cost-effective
and secure wireless access points and repeaters with a range of external
high-gain antenna which are well suited to a multi-location installation
such as this. Other suitable applications would include schools and
businesses which have any number of outbuildings which require to share a
common network. Within reasonable limits, this system could be
utilised to bridge between two wired networks where it would be
impractical or impossible to install a wired connection, such as between
two buildings separated by a public road.
For more information on the AirStation Pro range, visit www.buffalo-technology.com
For advice and details of a wireless networking solution for your
business, contact us today.
|
|
To see more details of the villas, or to book your next
holiday in the Algarve, visit:
www.yellowvilla.com |
|
All details and photographs of the installation reproduced by kind
permission of the client |
|
