Summary
H&R Telephones uses wireless technology to bring network and camera connectivity to spots where running a cable just isn’t practical — think light poles, athletic fields, parking lots, or separate buildings. Instead of digging trenches or installing conduit, a wireless link beams the connection from a main building out to the remote location, where cameras, Wi-Fi, or security equipment can then be installed.
The article shares several real examples: linking rooftops for backup network reliability at a Philadelphia music school, connecting three buildings and dozens of cameras at an apartment property, and running power and internet out to light poles for security cameras at a law firm and another housing community. A school project even combines buried cable with a wireless “last stretch” to reach an athletic field.
The takeaway: wireless isn’t always the answer, but when planned carefully, it’s a dependable, cost-effective way to reach hard-to-cable places.
Bringing Network Connectivity to Places Where Running Cable Isn’t Practical
What do you do when you need network connectivity at a location where there is no network cable?
Maybe you need to install an IP security camera on a light pole. Perhaps an athletic field needs Wi-Fi or cameras several hundred feet away from the nearest building. You may need to connect two buildings separated by a parking lot, roadway, or even several city blocks.
Traditionally, these applications might require trenching, conduit, aerial cabling, or fiber optic installation. Depending on the location, that can become expensive, disruptive, or simply impractical.
Wireless point-to-point networking can provide another option.
H&R Telephones has deployed Ubiquiti UniFi wireless point-to-point and airFiber solutions in a variety of environments to extend network connectivity to locations where traditional cabling was not practical or cost-effective.
These wireless links can provide network connectivity for:
- IP video surveillance cameras
- IP access control
- Wireless Internet access
- Remote buildings and outbuildings
- Light poles and power poles
- Athletic fields and sports facilities
- Parking lots and remote areas
- Temporary or difficult-to-cable locations
- Building-to-building network connections
- Network redundancy and alternate paths
The result is a network connection that can reach locations that may otherwise be difficult to connect.
What is a Wireless Point-to-Point Network?
A wireless point-to-point connection uses two wireless devices to create a dedicated network link between two locations.
One device is installed at the primary network location, and the second device is installed at the remote location. The two devices communicate wirelessly, effectively creating a network “bridge” between the locations.
Once the wireless bridge is established, network equipment can be connected at the remote end.
For example: Main Building → Wireless Point-to-Point → Light Pole → PoE Switch → IP Camera, or;
Building A → Wireless Point-to-Point → Building B → Network Switch → Wi-Fi / Cameras / Access Control
This allows the remote location to become an extension of the primary network without requiring a physical network cable between the two locations.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Running Cable
Running network cable to a remote location can sometimes involve considerably more than simply pulling a cable.
Depending on the application, a traditional installation may require:
- Trenching
- Conduit
- Permits
- Road or sidewalk crossings
- Restoration of landscaping
- Aerial cable installation
- Fiber optic cable
- Additional network equipment
- Significant labor
Wireless point-to-point technology can eliminate some of those requirements when the environment is appropriate.
That doesn’t mean wireless is the right answer for every application. Fiber remains an excellent choice for many building-to-building and high-bandwidth applications.
However, when there is a clear line of sight between locations and the application is appropriate, a wireless bridge can provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to installing physical cable.
Real-World H&R Telephones Deployments
H&R Telephones has used wireless point-to-point technology in a variety of applications. Here are several examples.
Curtis Institute of Music — Philadelphia
At the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, H&R Telephones installed a Ubiquiti airFiber wireless solution connecting rooftops on Locust Street.
The wireless connection was deployed as part of a redundant network loop, providing an alternate network path between locations.
This project demonstrates that wireless point-to-point technology isn’t limited to connecting a camera to a remote building.
It can also be used as part of a larger network architecture where an additional network path is desirable.
Mission First Housing — Walnut Hill West
Philadelphia, PA
For Mission First Housing’s Walnut Hill West property in West Philadelphia, H&R Telephones needed to connect three buildings spread across three city blocks.
Instead of installing physical cabling between each building, H&R deployed Ubiquiti UniFi Building-to-Building Bridge (UBB) wireless links.
The wireless network was used to connect:
- Three IDFs
- More than 30 IP security cameras
- Network infrastructure between the buildings
This provided the customer with network connectivity between buildings while avoiding the extensive construction that would have been required to physically connect the buildings.
It is a good example of how point-to-point wireless can be used to create a network across multiple buildings in an existing property.
Main Line Law Firm — Building to Light Pole
Radnor, PA
For a law firm on Philadelphia’s Main Line, H&R Telephones needed to provide network connectivity to an area outside the main building.
The customer wanted to monitor its backup generators and rear gate with an AI-enabled security camera.
H&R installed a UniFi UBB wireless link from the building to a light pole.
At the light pole, H&R installed:
- An outdoor NEMA-rated enclosure
- A UniFi PoE switch
- A Hanwha Vision dual-sensor AI camera
The wireless bridge provided network connectivity from the building to the light pole, allowing the camera to connect back to the customer’s network without running a physical network cable to the pole.
This is a perfect example of an application where the challenge isn’t getting network connectivity into a building—it’s getting network connectivity outside the building.
Waverly Management — Will-O-Hill Apartments
Reading, PA
At Waverly Management’s Will-O-Hill Apartments near Reading, Pennsylvania, H&R Telephones again used wireless point-to-point technology to extend the customer’s network beyond the main building.
A UniFi UBB wireless link was installed between the main office building and a light pole approximately 500 feet away.
The remote location provided network connectivity for a surveillance camera monitoring:
- The driveway
- The main road
- Well Equipment
H&R installed an outdoor NEMA enclosure containing a UniFi PoE switch, with a Hanwha Vision panoramic camera mounted on the light pole.
The wireless bridge eliminated the need to trench and install physical network cabling to the remote camera location.
Athletic Fields Present a Unique Challenge
Athletic fields are another environment where extending network connectivity can be challenging.
Cameras may need to be positioned around fields, press boxes, scoreboards, concession buildings, or other remote locations. Wi-Fi may also be needed for staff, coaches, event operations, or other applications.
For a local Catholic private school, H&R Telephones is preparing a solution that combines fiber optic cabling and wireless point-to-point technology.
The project includes trenching approximately 500 feet from the main school building to a new athletic-field outbuilding, where H&R will install conduit and new fiber optic cable to create a new IDF.
From that outbuilding, a Ubiquiti airFiber wireless connection will extend network connectivity approximately 300 feet to a light pole between two athletic fields.
The remote network connection will support:
- Athletic field cameras
- IP security cameras
- LAN-connected Wi-Fi
- Other network-connected devices
This project demonstrates an important concept:
Wireless and fiber don’t have to compete with each other. They can work together.
In this application, fiber provides the backbone to the athletic-field outbuilding, while wireless provides the final network connection to the remote light-pole location.
What Can You Put at the Remote Location?
Once network connectivity reaches a remote location, the possibilities are extensive.
A properly designed outdoor installation can provide network connectivity for equipment such as:
IP Security Cameras
Wireless bridges are particularly useful for cameras mounted on:
- Light poles
- Utility poles
- Parking lots
- Gates
- Athletic fields
- Remote buildings
A PoE switch at the remote location can provide both network connectivity and power to the cameras.
Access Control
Remote gates and doors can also benefit from network connectivity for IP-based access control systems.
Wi-Fi
A remote network connection can be used to install wireless access points in areas where Wi-Fi wasn’t previously available.
Network Equipment
Remote buildings and outbuildings can effectively become extensions of the primary network.
Reliability Matters
One of the biggest questions customers have when considering wireless networking is:
“Can I count on it?”
The answer depends on the application and how the system is designed.
A professional point-to-point wireless installation isn’t simply a matter of mounting two devices and hoping they can communicate.
H&R evaluates factors such as:
- Distance
- Line of sight
- Mounting locations
- Obstructions
- Environmental conditions
- Required bandwidth
- Network architecture
- Power availability
- Equipment requirements
- Future expansion
When properly designed and installed, point-to-point wireless can provide a dependable network connection for many business applications.
The key is proper planning and installation.
Easy to Manage
Another advantage of modern UniFi wireless solutions is centralized management.
Once deployed as part of a UniFi environment, wireless bridges and connected network equipment can be monitored and managed through the customer’s network management platform.
This gives the customer and H&R visibility into the network and allows potential issues to be identified and addressed more efficiently.
For businesses with multiple buildings or remote network locations, centralized management can be especially valuable.
Wireless Point-to-Point vs. Fiber
There isn’t a single answer for every project.
H&R evaluates the application and determines which technology makes the most sense.
| Application | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Building-to-building | Fiber or wireless point-to-point |
| Remote camera on light pole | Wireless point-to-point |
| Remote athletic field | Fiber + wireless |
| Multiple buildings across a property | Wireless point-to-point |
| Permanent high-bandwidth backbone | Fiber |
| Difficult-to-trench location | Wireless |
| Temporary or changing installation | Wireless |
| Network redundancy | Fiber and/or wireless |
In many cases, the best solution is a combination of technologies.
The H&R Approach
At H&R Telephones, we don’t start with a specific piece of equipment and try to make it fit the application.
We start with the question:
What does the customer need to accomplish?
From there, we evaluate the environment and determine the most appropriate way to deliver network connectivity.
That could mean:
- Copper
- Fiber optic cabling
- Wireless point-to-point
- A combination of fiber and wireless
- Outdoor network enclosures
- PoE switching
- Wireless access points
- IP cameras
- Access control
The goal is to create a solution that is reliable, manageable, scalable, and cost-effective.
Don’t have a Network Cable Where You Need One?
If you need network connectivity at a location where installing traditional cabling isn’t practical, there may be another option.
Whether you’re trying to connect:
- A building to a building
- A building to a light pole
- A building to an athletic field
- A camera to your network
- A remote gate to your access control system
- An outbuilding to your main network
- Multiple buildings across the property
H&R Telephones can evaluate the application and determine whether a wireless point-to-point solution is a good fit.
Sometimes the easiest way to get a network connection somewhere is not to run a cable at all.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Jonathan Godley has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and business technology industry, helping businesses, schools, and organizations throughout the Delaware Valley design, implement, and maintain reliable communications, network, and security infrastructure.
As a technology professional with H&R Telephones, Jonathan specializes in assessing business technology needs and designing, configuring, and implementing integrated low-voltage solutions. His expertise includes UCaaS and business communications, structured cabling, network infrastructure, managed switches and routers, wireless networks, IP video surveillance, and IP access control. He works with organizations to identify technology challenges, develop practical solutions, and implement systems designed to improve connectivity, reliability, security, and overall performance.
Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University in 2004. He holds manufacturer certifications in Hubbell structured cabling, Berk-Tek/Leviton structured cabling, Paxton access control, Brivo access control, and Hanwha Vision video surveillance. His combination of telecommunications experience, low-voltage expertise, and manufacturer-specific training allows him to take a comprehensive approach to business technology infrastructure—from the cabling and network equipment supporting a system to the communications, security, and access-control solutions operating on top of it.
H&R Telephones — More Than Just Phones
For over 30 years, H&R Telephones has helped businesses, schools, property managers, and organizations design and implement technology infrastructure.
While our name may say “Telephones,” our capabilities extend far beyond business communications.
H&R Telephones provides:
UCaaS & Business Communications
Hosted phone systems and unified communications.
Network Infrastructure
Managed switches, routers, network equipment, and wireless networks.
Structured Cabling
Copper and fiber optic infrastructure, MDF/IDF build-outs, and network cabling.
IP Video Surveillance
Commercial security cameras, AI-enabled cameras, recording, and remote monitoring.
IP Access Control
Electronic access control, door controllers, card readers, and security integration.
Wireless Networking
Point-to-point wireless bridges, building-to-building connectivity, and remote network access.
Have a location where you need network connectivity but don’t have a cable?
Let H&R Telephones find a way to connect it.
H&R Telephones — More Than Just Phones.