ACE over 802.11a

[millst]

Can anyone advise what the chances of running ACE over a Layer 2 802.11a bridge would be.

I’m not at all worried about latency, it is absolutely fine if there is some delay as its non time critical audio. I just need to get some audio and control data across a 100 meter strip of water and CAT5 is just not an option.

I’m thinking of something like an Ubiquiti M5 which will layer 2 bridge 100Mbps over quite a long distance using 802.11a.

So long as the link is stable, does the ACE protocol care about any latency in the link?

Regards
Toby
http://www.np.co.nz

[millst]

sorry, will be 802.11n it looks like a doesn’t have the bandwidth.

[ahjeff]

Hi Toby

I don’t think any consumer-level wireless products would work, but I had not seen these Ubiquiti products before. They claim to have a consistent 150Mbps over large distances, which is obviously enough bandwidth. The ACE link does not care about latency, but what does matter is the regularity of the packets – in order to keep latency down, there is only a very small buffer for incoming packets, so if the wireless link goes for say 20 microseconds without getting any through, then delivers 4 in quick succession, the audio will likely be interrupted. It might be interesting to see how well or if it works at all, but I suspect you will have no way to test it out without buying the equipment.

The more robust solution in my opinion would be to use a pair of media converters and run optical. I’m not sure what it would cost, but I know you can get fibre that you could be run under the water.

Cheers

– Jeff, A&H

[millst]

Thanks, that is exactly the answer I was after.

Given the cost of the Ubiquiti stuff compared to fiber, its worth having a go to see how stable it is. I already have some 30db aerials so will conduct some experiments and report back here on the results. I have 10 months to solve the problem so plenty of time.

Many thanks
Toby
http://www.np.co.nz

[Anonymous]

I have used the Ubiquiti products quite extensively, Unfortunately not in audio related applications, But I can testify to the quality of these products.
I generally get these from:https://www.gowifi.co.nz/

I have a few permanent wireless links in using a mixture of Ubiquiti and Mikrotik products, And I recommend them both.
I have posted elsewhere regarding a setup using mikrotik hardware, which has the advantages of band-diversity/redundancy and is infinitely more configurable than the UBNT hardware, But its at a higher price, and takes a bit of time to configure the hardware initially.

Callum Brieske
ML Consultants
New Zealand

[Mr-B]

I am with Jeff go for Optical I did the whole shooting match for less than £1,000 including 150m of Neutrik tactical fibre all the rackmount kits even a wireless interface for the FOH rack so I can wander round with my laptop playing with the EQ. So far only run to 350m but without a hitch. Bite the bullet you won’t regret it.

[Anonymous]

Ill be getting some of the Ubnt M5 units in soon for another project, Youre welcome to try them with your desk before you buy if you like.

Callum Brieske
ML Consultants
New Zealand

[RG1]

quote:

---

Originally posted by ahjeff

Hi Toby

I don’t think any consumer-level wireless products would work, but I had not seen these Ubiquiti products before. They claim to have a consistent 150Mbps over large distances, which is obviously enough bandwidth. The ACE link does not care about latency, but what does matter is the regularity of the packets – in order to keep latency down, there is only a very small buffer for incoming packets, so if the wireless link goes for say 20 microseconds without getting any through, then delivers 4 in quick succession, the audio will likely be interrupted. It might be interesting to see how well or if it works at all, but I suspect you will have no way to test it out without buying the equipment.

The more robust solution in my opinion would be to use a pair of media converters and run optical. I’m not sure what it would cost, but I know you can get fibre that you could be run under the water.

Cheers

– Jeff, A&H

---

Jeff, Could you be more specific regarding the media converters required to run optical. What make/models will work?
rg

Russel Goodwin

[ahjeff]

Hi Russel

The only requirement for a media converter to be used with ACE is that it supports 100baseTX connections. Many media converters only support Gigabit (1000baseT), which will not work, as the ACE port must link at 100baseTX. You may also use an Ethernet switch as a media converter, if it has optical ports. In order for this to work, you must be able to turn off broadcast storm protection and spanning tree protocol in the switch.

Cheers

– Jeff

[Mr-B]

Hi Russel a couple of us use Level One GSW0841 Web Smart Switches with a G-Bic SFP module fitted, this takes a standard LC duplex fibre link which you can then attach to your choice of deployable tactical fibre.
Personally I use the Nuetrik Opticalcon system, but another company I know use Firbre Co. system as used by Diggico and Optocore.

The level one gear seems very reliable though make sure it has good ventilation it can get a little warm.
You should be able to purchase both ends for around the £350 mark the fibre in between you would need to get a quote depending on length required and the type of connector on each end. I had some custom panel work done with Neutrik panel mount Optical connectors and Ethercon links, 150m of fibre on a drum and the total bill was around £1k
Hope this is of interest.

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