Trees might create significant issues over short distances.
Trees might create significant issues over short distances.
We're aiming for a signal at half a kilometer, but we're facing some challenges. The location has trees blocking the path, which worries us. We've ruled out 5GHz because of that interference. A 900MHz option would cost around $500 and isn't feasible due to line-of-sight issues. 2.4GHz is less ideal for interference but the area is rural. The Ubiquiti NanoStation M2 claims up to 13km range at over 150 Mbps, while TP-Link offers 5km+ at 300 Mbps. Even though we expect no obstructions, given the required reach for the TP link and the Ubiquiti's performance, could it still work?
Expecting 500 meters at 2.4 GHz seems challenging. Most successful setups reach only a few hundred feet, let alone 1.5 km. That 13 km figure is unrealistic.
These directional long-range wireless antennas are designed for specific positioning rather than broad coverage. Operating at 2.4GHz can tolerate some blockage, but stability remains limited. Direct signal transmission through the center of a large tree trunk will likely cause issues. For narrower paths through branches and foliage, performance may be acceptable. Be realistic about your setup since it's already not ideal. Also consider the antenna height and the Fresnel zone effect. Lower antennas near the ground—even with clear line-of-sight—will degrade signal quality. The manufacturer’s datasheet provides these details. To mitigate challenges like trees, installers typically mount antennas on poles above vegetation or structures. Keep in mind you’ll need to plan power delivery and lightning protection carefully.
The result is uncertain due to interference. I was able to achieve 5Ghz through a tree and a thick double wall over 100m, likely because of signal bending rather than direct path. On clear days it reached 100Mbit and performed surprisingly well. Since it's a short link, the Fresnel zone is smaller, but longer distances might still work though they won't be very fast. Obstacles definitely affect MIMO performance, which explains why my connection drops significantly in rain.