p2p bridge

[jrink]

I am looking at doing a point to point bridge using (2) EnGenius 802.11a EOC-8610 EXT access points at a distance of about 1.5 miles.

I want to use 802.11a because the sites (schools) are in a residential area and I won't want any interference from 2.4.Ghz spectrum likely used by home owners in the area.

I'm looking at using a directional antenna with a gain of 18dBi or more (likely more) so my fade margin is at least 10+. For example, a 25dBi parabolic grid antenna can be purchased at Pasadena Networks for only $55 (or so). Based on the output power of the EnGenius EOC-8610EXT at 54Mbps at 15mw (according to the spec sheet), and receive sensitivity of 54Mbps@-70dBm, I should be able to get a fade margin of around 20dB.

Another reason I like this model is because it does support WPA/WPA2 in bridging mode.

Any thoughts?
Thanks
J

[M/Q]

It is personal preference, but I would rather see you use the Cisco 1400. Cisco has better support and better equipment IMO. You do pay for that though, but I have never had a negative RoI with a Cisco device.

I also would make sure to stay legal with 802.11a P2P EIRP, if you use the 25-28dBi antenna you can only use approximately 22dBm of output power.