I interested in setting a node and am looking for hardware recommendations. I have a 5.8 Ghz. node about 5 mi. from me with clear line of sight. What should I be looking for? What's the best choice vs what can I get by with?
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New User- Best hardware to start with?
Sat, 03/11/2023 - 16:03
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New User- Best hardware to start with?
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"I have a 5.8 Ghz. node about 5 mi. from me with clear line of sight."
Have you sought assistance from the distant node owner?
Is the node SISO or MIMO?
What is the power, in dBm, of the distant node?
What is the antenna gain, in dBi, of the distant node?
How much throughput do you seek?
i.e. Will you be using video which requires high throughput?
Example: Up to about 30 dB SNR; the higher the SNR...the higher the throughput.
73, Chuck
So far I have been unable to find contact info for the owner KK7CMI other than a QRZ lookup. The radios are listed as Ubiquiti Rocket M XW, but no info on antennas, gain, direction etc. I guess I'll have to send him mail to find out more. As far as throughput I'm not really sure yet, video would be nice but I'm not sure if it's a requirement.
I agree with Chuck's comments.
Chuck is very active on this forum and has helped me out on several occasions. In addition to what Chuck asked, keep in mind that, in addition to the quality of the signal (i.e. SNR) from the distant node to you, you also need to make sure that the distant node can hear you as well. As Chuck says, the higher the SNR, the higher the throughput.
I have a hilltop node 4 miles from my location to which I have clear line of sight. Here's my experience.
My first attempt was with a TP Link CPE 510. It provides 13 dBi. The hilltop node heard me with a SNR of 11 dB.
Then I tried a Ubiquiti Powerbeam M5 300. It provides 22 dBi. The hilltop node heard me with a SNR of 16 to 17 dB. Not great. I ran into problems with that node and I have to replace it.
Now I'm waiting to receive a MikroTik LHG XL 5 ac (P/N RBLHGG-5acD-XL). It provides 27 dBi. I hope it will get me up to a point where the hilltop node is hearing me with a SNR of at least 20db which should provide a reasonably solid connection.
Your experience may be different, but I'd suggest starting with the most gain from you to the distant node that you can get.
73, John