Wireless Bridge – Solving Problems Bridging Two Networks with Ubiquiti Hardware

Please ignore the comment above, it was supposed to be an answer but I can't delete it.

I have this evening spent some time in a remote session with Deliberant support, and between us we managed to nail down the issues so it now works. I'm posting this information in case it is of help to anyone else in the future.

1) The Deliberant APC web interface will not respond to tagged frames. This requires the switch ports connected to the APC units to have at least one untagged VLAN assigned, and this VLAN to be used for management of the units. By setting the ports at each end to tagged in VLAN2, untagged in VLAN1, and a PVID of 1 the APCs can be managed from VLAN1 while still allowing VLAN2 traffic.

2) Always check your physical switch ports! After trying to get VLAN2 to work over the bridge unsuccessfully the company electrician handily pointed out that he'd moved some cables, but didn't tell the IT department that he'd unplugged anything. He thought he'd put the cables back in the same place, but when we checked during the support call found that the cables were put in the wrong ports.

The support call wasn't a complete waste of time in that it identified (1) as an issue, but had the IT documentation been updated to reflect the remote switch cable configuration having been changed the VLANs would have been working prior to the support call. As it is we would still have had the issue of not being able to manage the Deliberant APC units given that they drop tagged frames directed to their management interface.

Dan

Check out Ubiquiti, ubnt.com. A number of choices there that will work.

If you have a window in each building that has line of sight to the other window, you can place the wireless devices inside. I've seen that done with Hawking wireless bridges.

But, an external install would work best. Both Ubiquiti and Hawking's equipment is intended for outdoor install.

In either case you'll have to run cable to the antenna. Just placing it high in the building probably wont result in a decent signal. Those buildings probably have steel trusses and roof decking -- that's a tough environment for low-powered RF.

Are they too cheap to buy/rent ladders? Does no-one have tools?

And you already know the 'best' solution: run fiber between the buildings. (Edit: DO NOT run copper between the buildings -- lots of reasons -- lightning, ground potential, distance are some) I see some poles in the picture (parking lot lights?) -- those might/could be used for aerial cable between the buildings. Corning makes good aerial optical cable.

If you can't figure it out and/or install it, then hire a consultant/specialist. DON'T hire 'an electrician' -- they typically don't understand low-voltage and network requirements.