Building a Wireless Bridge for Enhanced Connectivity

Introduction

As a managed service provider, we had a client that was having application issues in a remote office. The application had become more sensitive to latency and the existing site to site VPN had too much latency. They also wanted to be able to send files back and forth faster.

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Project Overview

Our solution was to build a wireless bridge between the two buildings. This approach leveraged the line of sight to create a direct and efficient connection, taking the latency from 33ms to 2ms and the bandwidth from 30Mbps to 450Mbps. It also eliminated the need for an internet connection in the second building and eliminated the need for a second firewall.

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Challenges

Our first idea was to run fiber between the buildings. Verizon had a build out cost of over $20,000 and would have had monthly pole rental fees. We then considered setting up a wireless bridge. The primary challenge was to ensure that the wireless signal could traverse the highway and other obstacles without degradation. We conducted a thorough site survey to identify the optimal placement for the wireless bridge equipment, ensuring minimal interference and maximum signal strength.

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Implementation

We installed high-performance wireless bridge equipment high up on the side of each building. The equipment was configured to operate on a frequency that minimized interference from other wireless networks and devices. The alignment of the antennas was critical to ensure a stable and high-speed connection.

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Results

The project was a resounding success. The new wireless bridge provided a much faster connection with significantly more bandwidth than the previous VPN. The improved connectivity enhanced the client's operations, allowing for seamless data transfer and communication between the two buildings.

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ROI

One of the most impressive aspects of this project was its return on investment. The cost of implementing the wireless bridge was recouped within just two months, thanks to the increased efficiency and productivity it enabled.

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Conclusion

This project demonstrates the potential of wireless bridge technology to overcome physical barriers and provide high-speed connectivity in challenging environments. Our expertise in designing and implementing such solutions ensures that our clients can achieve their connectivity goals efficiently and cost-effectively.