Outdoor WiFi at Your Library
These questions are for those libraries using their CARES Act grant money (or other funding if the project was recent) to provide wifi coverage to outdoor portions of library property, like a parking lot. What equipment are you using in your project? Is the outdoor installation work being hired out, or being done in-house? Any other pitfalls or tips you would like to share? We have a temporary solution in place with additional access points placed in windows, but I'm looking for a much more robust solution, such as this Cisco model <https://www.provantage.com/cisco-systems-air-ap1562i-b-k9~7CSC8CWC.htm>. Thank you, Bruce MacDonald Peter White Public Library Marquette, MI
Sharing back. Three unanimous responses thus far, Cisco Meraki MR86 access points, with an add-on antenna package. From what several people have told me, there are a number of antenna options. Which antenna / access point model / and how many access points you need for your application can be determined by coordinating with the Meraki account manager. His name is Greg Manter: gmanter@cisco.com, 925-783-6474. He may be able to send a test device prior to purchase. TLN offers a discount purchase program through vendor CDWG. There is an ongoing license fee to manage Meraki devices, but we can at least pay for the first year with CARES money. If I go with these, I'll probably get outside help with installation, because in our case I may need to penetrate the envelope of the building. Hat tip to Angie Michelini (The Library Network), Garrett Schmidt (Public Libraries of Saginaw), and Rebecca Higgerson (Brandon Twp. Public Library). Bruce MacDonald Peter White Public Library Marquette, MI
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Bruce MacDonald