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Thread: Microwave long distance networking

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    Jay
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    Microwave long distance networking

    Does anyone here use this??

    As Telewest are really dragging their heels with this MPLS setup (as are BT), my MD is kicking up a stink and wants to scrap the MPLS idea all together. One idea he has had is microwave networking, I assume that its point to point and directional so to centralise the network I would need to install 3 antennas at HQ and 1 at each site. The furthest site is about 6 miles away an the others are about 1 mile away, none are in direct line of site. The network we be used for Terminal Services for each of the sites.

    I don't really want to use this as I can see in the future a new site being setup out of its range and the company being back at square one but the MD was told about it by Google, now he thinks its the best thing in the world and that what he wants to use if possible. The more I say "its not a good idea" the more he wants to do it.

    I don't like the thought of our data running over a wireless network and I know that its probably going to be very temperamental (possible problems with wind and other weather conditions). Connecting 2 sites together using point to point is not a bad idea but connecting 4 together is probably a bad choice. MPLS is controlled by telewest and so a lot of responsibility and workload is taken away from myself (me being the only member of IT staff) I would think point to point networking of this nature may need more than just a single member of staff to keep it running 24/7 365.

    If anyone has any practical experience I would love to hear about it.
    Last edited by Jay; 07-07-2008 at 07:04 PM.
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    The late but legendary peterb - Onward and Upward peterb's Avatar
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    You can get long ranges with microwaves - but there has to be line of site between the two antennae. There is a requirement for extensive error correction and of course each link is point to point.

    Googling "Microwave Data links" brought up a number of sites - including this one

    http://www.americanwirelesssystems.c..._bridging.html

    Don't expect it to be a cheap option.
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    it just looks really nasty.... Just image the amount of work involved in this type of setup!
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    weather conditions / random pigeons will also play havoc with it. Avoid like the plague.
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    I agree Moby but the boss has decided its my month to be the one in the fireing line....

    He is 62 and knows nothing bout networking or computers (although he thinks that if he spends 5 minutes on gooogle he is an expert).... I can not understand why I came here from setting up and running networks for a huge hotel chain.

    Why???
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    An interesting read (articles via google)

    I wouldnt go for it though.

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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    Get some quotes - they'll make his eyes water.
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    Well I sat down and gave him an overview of each systems possible problems and possible benefits.

    The big one for me is that MPLS is controlled and maintained my Telewest Business and the microwave is in house. If this was the case I would need another member of staff in my department.

    Another is that we are limited to a maximum of 60 miles (in good conditions) and a third is that each new site needs a new antenna at HQ and one at the site.

    Its benefits are its first year setup costs and the fact that there is no rental but I am sure this will be outweighed when you factor in another member of staff, the amount of time needed just to keep it running and when we get a new site out of the 60 mile radius we will have to go back to looking at leased lines and eventually back to the MPLS setup again.

    His answer?

    I am too narrow minded.

    12 years in IT and networking and I am back to being treated like a rookie, dear oh dear.
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    explain that if he wants to roll the dice, you will do everything possible to support this venture, but.

    Given the high cost of maintance, the fact that microwave as used by 'the telecoms firms' is normally on VERY high towers that have PERFECT line of sight, you think it should be nothing more than an experiment to look at long term cost cutting.

    start with MPLS and see if its a viable alternative, but to ensure uptime you should really have MPLS as a back up, if after a year or two it turns out the microwave is sufficent for the whole of your networking needs, and you don't need a fallover then axe the MPLS.

    If he wants microwave that badly, sell MPLS as the backup!
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    Also the fact of having an external company "run" the MPLS means you can have an SLA in place. With an in house run service , imposing an SLA/OLA is a lot harder.

    you'd almost be better of with decent internet connectivity at each site and a well run VPN.
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    Jay
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    I forgot about the SLA side of things....

    I agree that its better to just have a basic IPSec VPN than this system. This is the problem when people who don't understand try and take over. He does this to every department from time to time, its just so happens that I am in the middle of this MPLS setup and he has decided its my turn.

    Throwing a spanner in the works is all he can really do. I think he just likes to feel like he has got his finger on the pulse but in reality he is just making everything harder. After a few weeks he forgets about you and moves on but behind him is a load of mess that he has left to tidy up... meeting to cancel, explaining to contractors that the product is not going to be used etc etc.

    Normally I can put up with it but this particular junction is important and I really don’t need anyone to mess it up for me. MPLS between 4 sites single-handed is not the easiest job to do when your also 1st, 2nd and 3rd line for 300+ staff.
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    Management interfering with things they do not understand is the bane of anyone technical's life.
    They always act like they are suddenly experts in what something they read about and are excited about currently and know their techs are wrong on resisting it etc.

    Those that can, do. Those that can't, manage.
    Last edited by badass; 08-07-2008 at 04:14 PM. Reason: spelling!
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    Re: Microwave long distance networking

    spot on!
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