gnarciso
04-04-2002, 11:24 AM
I have a wireless networking puzzle that I need some help with. I am a complete newbie to the wireless networking world, so I know there is a simple solution but I just don't see it.
First some background:
I have 5 data collection devices with the sole purpose of storing lots of data. These devices interface to the external world via an ethernet port and an RS-232 serial port and that is all. The data these devices store is retrieved by a laptop computer over the ethernet connection. During testing, these devices can all be located in close proximity and can all be connected together through an ethernet hub.
Now here's the puzzle:
In reality, non-test mode, these devices are meant to be independent and separated from each other and the laptop by at least a mile. The devices do not need to talk to each other, but they each need to be queried by the laptop independently. They need to be connected wirelessly. Now to further complicate things, the wireless connection needs to be 802.11a or at least use the 5Gb frequency band that 802.11a uses.
So, does anyone know of a wireless solution that will solve this puzzle? Are there products available that will do the job with the given constraints?
First some background:
I have 5 data collection devices with the sole purpose of storing lots of data. These devices interface to the external world via an ethernet port and an RS-232 serial port and that is all. The data these devices store is retrieved by a laptop computer over the ethernet connection. During testing, these devices can all be located in close proximity and can all be connected together through an ethernet hub.
Now here's the puzzle:
In reality, non-test mode, these devices are meant to be independent and separated from each other and the laptop by at least a mile. The devices do not need to talk to each other, but they each need to be queried by the laptop independently. They need to be connected wirelessly. Now to further complicate things, the wireless connection needs to be 802.11a or at least use the 5Gb frequency band that 802.11a uses.
So, does anyone know of a wireless solution that will solve this puzzle? Are there products available that will do the job with the given constraints?