Question on connecting 2 buildings

[SPI]

Hello,
We currently have a wired network in our main office. Our employee break room is located in the building next door (about 30-40 yards away). We are looking to get a new timeclock and I would like to get one with an ethernet connection (as opposed to the standard serial connection) so that the data could be stored on the server. Instead of running cat 5 between the buildings I'd like to connect wirelessly. From the research I've done, it looks like 2 WET11 Bridges (one connected to the ethernet port on the timeclock and one connected to the switch in the main office) should get the job done. Any other suggestions?

Now, to provide added flexibility down the road, should I use a WAP11 Access Point connected to the main office switch instead of the WET11? We are a plant nursery and the office is located just about in the middle of our 20 acre property. Nearest house that isn't on the property is about 150 yards or so. Would I need a router as well? (Right now we are still on dial-up with a Webramp - too far from CO for DSL and Cable company wants $6000 to lay the line to our facility!!!) Would there be much added benefit to going with an outdoor access point vs. indoor?

Thanks in advance!

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

For the range, I'd go with an outdoor directional antenna to insure reliable connections.

 

[JackMDS]

WAP11 is a real Access Point (I am not sure that WET11 can be configure has a Bridge it is actually a Driverless Client Card).

If it is not a penny pinching situation you should consider an 802.11g Access Point (Linksys has a decent one WAP54G ), you would need the extra bandwidth.

The key terms for the installation are External Directional Antenna with a clear line of sight.

Reasonable prices here, you can call these guys and talk to a real tech. person.

Link to: A selection of aux. Antennae, Cables, and Hardware.

 

[SPI]

If I put the devices (bridges or access points) at the very end of each building, I can probably cut the distance down to about 10 yards. Will that still require an external directional antenna? Or is the antenna recommendation just for allowing users mobile access in the future?

Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

Quote: "bridges or access points".

Be careful at the Entry Level Hardware some devices are called Bridge (like the WET11), and they are NOT.

Q: 10 Yards in the open?

A: The default Antennae will do.

Q: Behind Walls or Windows?

A: You will have to try.

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Mobile Clients (i.e. people with Laptops) can not connect to Bridges.

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Link to: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

If this part of your official Job I would suggest that you should do some reading.