Before committing to buy anything like that you really need to try it out. The hedge is going to be the real problem and even at 5Ghz could be a major obstacle.

In reply to a post by MHC:

Before committing to buy anything like that you really need to try it out. The hedge is going to be the real problem and even at 5Ghz could be a major obstacle.

I've been back on site today, in the daylight and have a better understanding.

The hedge is a thick conifer of about 8ft to 10ft tall, so going through in not an option. There's also a number of trees in the why of the ideal route, but have found a clear line of sight route

It's not ideal, as it's going to have to run off a homeplug (I always prefer to run from the source if possible), but there's a clear line of sight covering a distance of about 25m.

So should all run without a problem

If you have line of sight the Ubiquiti kit will work well. At such a close distance you may get NLOS even in 5GHz if the signal has some indirect surfaces to bounce off. Here are some tips though:

• 25m separation is almost too close for a bridge link.
• So you'll need the power level on both sides at a minimum (some of this equipment will go down to 0dB or even lower).
• When setting up each side indoors and checking they link, both physically separate the units in the room and face them away from each other. This helps ensure the link does not run too hot.
• Make sure you set the link up as WPA2-AES (and usually PSK) as other encryption modes aren't accelerated by the chipset. You can get some nice long 63-alpha-numeric random keys from here
• Try to avoid using the homeplug unless you absolutely can't run a cable to this network point - if the homeplug network can't sustain 90+Mbit that may limit your LAN speeds
• Download the latest stable firmware from the UBNT website (there can be several updates while items are in the supply chain!)
• The equipment can be installed outdoors, or on the inside of windows or even thin walls (e.g. wood). But if you have energy efficient glass (coated stuff) you may get stronger signals through walls than the glass! (
• Bridge links are established by setting up the side nearest the internet as wireless mode Access Point and other side(s) as wireless mode Station with both sides set as transparent (WDS) and network mode as bridge - this ensures the link is transparent at layer 2 including DHCP and broadcast traffic generally
• All devices come with initially supplied the same default IP but it is ok to have them request IPs from your existing network (usually your router) - you can still set a unique fallback IP (static) on each end
• The link can optionally use a proprietary TDMA protocol (AirMax). But normal client devices (those laptops or tablets with 5GHz) can also connect to the AP if you turn AirMax off

Edited by prlzx (Wed 09-Jan-13 01:00:51)

How about something completely different, use a mobile data connection and if necessary create a VPN to connect back to your local network?

In reply to a post by Herstmonceux:

How about something completely different, use a mobile data connection and if necessary create a VPN to connect back to your local network?

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately, mobile data coverage is even worse. What compounds the issue is that's a micro brewery, so extremely well insulated with foil backed insulation material, out in the middle of nowhere and lucky to even get 4MB broadband

For a lifetime supply of beer I might consider coming down and doing it for you!

Seriously though, if the hedge is only as tall as you say, and will be kept in check then a point to point 5Ghz system should work. Mount them on decent aerial poles with Ethernet feeds - you may need to power limit but once you sort out the set up, it will run itself.

In reply to a post by MHC:

For a lifetime supply of beer I might consider coming down and doing it for you!

Lol, and don't tell me, you're an alcoholic 20 year old who can only drink Dom Perignon

In reply to a post by MHC:

Seriously though, if the hedge is only as tall as you say, and will be kept in check then a point to point 5Ghz system should work. Mount them on decent aerial poles with Ethernet feeds - you may need to power limit but once you sort out the set up, it will run itself.

Hopefully, it once up and running, it should be OK. Just need to inform them of the cost More expensive that a 'home' wireless box, but better than nothing at all.