We currently run a small network and we are finding that 2.4ghz is just too crowded for us and looking to move up in freq, we have looked at 5.3ghz as an option but its hard to find data on 5.3ghz vs 2.4ghz. So i’m looking for views on 5.3ghz Vs. 2.4ghz based on the following facts
At 2.4ghz we are allowed 4watts EIRP
At 5.3ghz we are allowed 1watt EIRP
A 12dbi Gain Omni on a CM9 up a 10meter Tower picks up about 30 AP’s, we are yet to pick up 802.11a Signals in the 5ghz range but know that there is some trango gear running.
I don’t have an answer but I can share a simular experiance.
We had a 5.2ghz link that was running at 1/2 mile to our tower. The signal strenth was fair. Using a 22 db antani on one side and a 10 db omni on the other.
I am wanting to run another link across the valley to the omni that is 5 miles and I just can’t pickup the signal.
Was told by somone that at 5.2ghz here in the U.S. the radio cards are pre-programed to operate at a lower power at 5.2ghz and I should move to 5.8ghz.
So we switched out our antani this week using a 22db directional and omni as well. Checking polarity on the directional as well. We get a slightly less signal strenth now.
I mostly use 5.3 with trango ptmp gear and keep it under a mile. I am using a 3 mile 5.3 link with MT, but I have 21dbi antennas at both ends to get an adequate signal. For 5 miles you’ll either need monster 2-3 foot antennas or use 5.8ghz for more power which allows power output more like the 2.4 range.
Trango won’t show up as a 802.11a signal because it’s a proprietary system. It is also sectorized so it may not show up if it’s pointing another direction.