[BAWUG] WAP11 Bridge too slow

[Brian Taylor]

Hello, I tried to search through the old topics, but could find none quite the same.  If this topic has been covered before, please forgive me.   I have set up a point-to-point wireless bridge system for my school district here in rural Kansas.  It is approximately a 10 mile link comprised of (2) Linksys WAP11 v2.2's, (2) 20ft. LMR-400 cables with n-male and RP-TNC connectors on them, and (2) 24dBi grid parabolic antenna's.   As it is approximately 10 miles, you can't actually "see" the other side, but we were able to test line of sight be putting a road flare at the top of one antenna mast at dusk.  After initial setup with the Linksys 1.01 firmware, I was able to get no connection at all.  After much web surfing, I read in many places that people were replacing the Linksys firmware with the firmware from a D-Link WAP that was based on the same hardware.   After the firmware change we have a link, but it is slow.  Using a couple methods to test the connection, I have determined a max of about 110kbps (11KB in Internet Explorer).  This is below the speed I was hoping to get, but overall its not bad considering the distances covered and an overall cost of about $550.   We now need it to go faster, and I am unsure of the best way to get better speed.  I'm guessing that the low speed is due to inadequate signal strenght, so I think we have options:   A.  Add amplifiers - the more expensive option, but 200mW bidirectional amps would increase our signal strength a bit. B.  New bridge units - http://www.ecommwireless.com/smartbridges.html#Anchor-OutDoor-49575  These have a full 100mW of power, a better reciever section, and would allow me to eliminate the 20 ft. antenna cables.  These would also be cheaper than adding amps.   A bit of a note, we have tried adjusting antenna aim and have moved both antenna's up 5 feet with no effect on speed, so I think we are ok as far as our antenna's go.   If anyone can comment on which they think would be a better solution, or perhaps offer another solution, I would appreciate it greatly.   Thanks, Brian Taylor Technology Coordinator Waconda USD #272 - Cawker City, KS