Configuring point-to-point connections

LANCOM Access Points can serve not only as central stations in a wireless network, they can also operate in point-to-point mode to bridge longer distances. For  example, they can provide a secure connection between two networks that are several kilometers apart — without direct cabling or expensive leased lines.





When using Access Points and appropriately polarized antennas in accordance with IEEE 802.11n two wireless links can be established simultaneously between the end points of a point-to-point connection. This allows higher data throughput to be achieved or greater distances to be covered than when using other standards.





Depending on the WLAN standard and WLAN antenna being used, the following data-throughput rates can be achieved:

Access Point antenna Data throughput Range
802.11n indoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 10m cable 240Mbps gross 1km
802.11n indoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 10m cable 15Mbps gross 8,9km
802.11n outdoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 2m cable 240Mbps gross 2,1km
802.11n outdoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 2m cable 15Mbps gross 18km
802.11a indoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 10m cable 54Mbps gross 0,4km
802.11a indoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 10m cable 6Mbps gross 6km
802.11a outdoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 2m cable 54Mbps gross 1,3km
802.11a outdoor AP Directional antenna with 9° beam spread, lightning protection, 2m cable 6Mbps gross 13km
802.11g indoor AP Directional antenna with 30° beam spread, lightning protection, 10m cable 54Mbps gross 0,08km
802.11g indoor AP Directional antenna with 30° beam spread, lightning protection, 10m cable 6Mbps gross 1km
802.11g outdoor AP Directional antenna with 30° beam spread, lightning protection, 2m cable 54Mbps gross 0,28km
802.11g outdoor AP Directional antenna with 30° beam spread, lightning protection, 2m cable 6Mbps gross 2,5km

Highly optimized wireless bridges based on IEEE 802.11n are capable of high data transfer rates even over long distances.

This chapter introduces the basic principles involved in designing point-to-point links and provides tips on aligning the antennas.