Wireless LAN

Initial Customer Environment:
Asphalt Plant/Paving Contractor with two building campus environment. Buildings are both concrete block construction with 48” of solid concrete from the floor to ceiling. 

Foreseen Problem:
Provide secure and reliable network connectivity between two buildings without physical cabling. Solid concrete, steel doors and high-voltage electrical switch gear present multiple EMI issues. 

Resolution:
Install Cisco 1200 series Wireless Access Point in main LAN closet.  Run antenna extension cable to mast mounted omni-directional antenna outside of building 1 to increase range coverage for building 2. Additionally install omni directional antenna directly to access point to improve coverage within building 1. Install USB wireless NICs on PCs and place them above the solid concrete walls. 

Results:
Reliable network connectivity at speeds above 11 Mbps with 28 bit encryption provides data security in addition to SSID not being broadcast.  Users in campus buildings are now able to access e-mail and share data without leaving work areas which results in improved communication and productivity.