Networking Two Buildings 0.5 Miles Apart: Fiber Optic vs. Point-to-Point Wireless

Two 24-port 100Base-T switches, 0.5 mi (800 m) apart. Two practical options:

Option 1: Fiber Optic (Recommended)

• Run outdoor-rated fiber (single-mode preferred for distance) between buildings.
• Terminate with media converters or SFP modules on each switch.
• Immune to EMI, supports >1 Gbps, future-proof.
• Requires trenching/conduit or aerial pole mounting.

Option 2: Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge

• Line-of-sight required (roof/pole mounts).
• Modern 5/60 GHz bridges deliver 100 Mbps–1+ Gbps.
• Lower install cost if no conduit exists; weather-sensitive (rain fade).
• Configure matching SSID, encryption, channel on both ends.

Choose Based On

• Budget, right-of-way, required bandwidth, latency tolerance, IT staff skillset.