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Pharos CPE Wireless Bridge: Internet Between Buildings Without Cable
Pharos CPE Wireless Bridge: Internet Between Buildings Without Cable
How to link two buildings without cable: Pharos CPE210, CPE510 and CPE710 wireless bridges — range, line of sight, mounting and model choice.
You need internet in the building across the road, at a warehouse, a workshop or a house on the next plot — and running a cable is either expensive or impossible. A wireless bridge solves it: a pair of outdoor Pharos CPE units “see” each other and carry the network through the air. Here is how it works and what to plan for.
What Pharos CPE is
A CPE is an outdoor unit with a directional antenna. It works in pairs: one on the building that has internet, the other on the remote site, antennas facing each other. The result is a virtual cable between two points.
The key difference from a normal access point is direction. A CPE does not spray Wi-Fi in all directions — it focuses a narrow beam one way, which is exactly why it reaches kilometres.
The one hard requirement: line of sight
There must be no obstacles between the two points — no buildings, hills or dense trees. A branch or canopy in the beam can halve throughput, especially after rain.
Check the path before buying: go up on the roof and confirm you can see the far point with your own eyes. If you can see it, the link will work.
Which model to choose
| Model | Band | Range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPE210 | 2.4 GHz | up to ~5 km | Shorter hops, more tolerant of light obstructions |
| CPE510 | 5 GHz | up to ~15 km | Medium distances, cleaner spectrum |
| CPE710 | 5 GHz | up to ~15 km, 867 Mbps | Long hops and higher throughput |
Rule of thumb: 2.4 GHz when there are light obstructions in the path, 5 GHz when you need speed and have clear line of sight.
What else you will need
- Bracket and mast. Higher means better line of sight — and makes rigid mounting critical, since swaying ruins the alignment.
- Cable and PoE. Power runs over the network cable, so no socket is needed on the roof.
- Surge protection and earthing. Mandatory for any outdoor install.
Typical scenarios
- Warehouse or workshop in the yard — a pair of CPE210, 100–500 m.
- Neighbouring building, 1–3 km — a pair of CPE510.
- Out-of-town site, 5–15 km — a pair of CPE710.
- Cameras on a remote site — a bridge plus IP cameras at the far end.
FAQ
What speed will I actually get?
It depends on distance and how clear the path is. On short hops with clear line of sight, the CPE710 comfortably delivers speeds sufficient for an office and video surveillance.
Do rain and snow affect it?
The housings are built for outdoor use and work in any weather. Heavy rain can reduce throughput slightly on long hops, but the link stays up.
Can I share Wi-Fi at the far end?
Yes. The CPE delivers the network to the site; from there you add a normal router or access point.
Do I need a professional to install it?
Configuration through the web interface is straightforward, but mounting at height and aligning the antennas precisely is a job for an installer.
Summary
Pharos CPE replaces cable where cable cannot go. What matters most is clear line of sight and rigid mounting. Models and prices are in Pharos CPE.