Ubiquiti Nanostation Setup – Step By Step

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Setting Up NanoStation M2 for Point-to-Point Internet

Introduction:

• Goal: Establish a wireless point-to-point connection between two buildings using NanoStation M2 devices.
• Scenario: Building A has an internet connection, and Building B (about 1 mile away) needs internet access without an additional ISP subscription.

Equipment Needed:

• 2x NanoStation M2 devices
• 2x Power Over Ethernet (PoE) injectors
• Ethernet cables
• A computer for setup

Configuration Steps:

Setting Up Building A (Access Point – AP):

1. Connect NanoStation M2 to PoE Injector:
   • Slide open the bottom of the NanoStation M2.
   • Connect an Ethernet cable to the ‘Main’ port and the other end to the PoE port of the injector.
2. Connect PoE Injector to Computer:
   • Use an Ethernet cable to connect the LAN port of the injector to the computer.
3. Configure Computer’s IP Settings:
   • Go to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Network and Internet’ > ‘Network and Sharing Center’ > ‘Ethernet’ > ‘Properties’.
   • Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ and set the IP address to 192.168.1.2. The subnet mask will auto-fill.
4. Access NanoStation’s Web Interface:
   • Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.20.
   • Accept the security warning and log in (default username and password are both ubnt).
5. Configure NanoStation as Access Point:
   • Go to ‘System’ and rename the device to ‘NanoStation A Building’.
   • Change the password for security.
   • Under ‘Wireless’, set the mode to ‘Access Point’, enable ‘WDS Transparent Bridge Mode’.
   • Set an SSID (e.g., PKK-WiFi), reduce output power to 6dBm (adjust based on distance), and set wireless security (WPA2).
6. Set to DHCP or Static IP:
   • Under ‘Network’, choose ‘Bridge’ mode.
   • Select ‘DHCP’ to automatically get an IP from your router or set a ‘Static IP’ if you’re familiar with network settings.
7. Apply Changes:
   • Click ‘Apply’. The device will reboot.

Setting Up Building B (Station):

1. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 for Building B’s NanoStation M2.
2. Configure NanoStation as Station:
   • Rename the device to ‘NanoStation B Building’.
   • In ‘Wireless’ settings, select ‘Station’.
   • Choose the SSID set up in Building A (e.g., PKK-WiFi).
   • Enter the same WPA2 password and set output power to 6dBm.
3. Network Settings:
   • Set to ‘DHCP’ for automatic IP assignment.
4. Apply Changes:
   • Click ‘Apply’. The device will reboot.

Final Steps:

1. Disconnect Computer from PoE Injector:
   • Once set up, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer.
2. Connect ISP Internet to Building A’s NanoStation:
   • Connect the Ethernet cable from the ISP modem/router to the PoE port of the injector in Building A.
3. Restore Computer’s IP Settings:
   • Change back to ‘Obtain IP address automatically’.
4. Test the Connection:
   • Perform a speed test to ensure Building B has internet access.

Conclusion:

• You’ve successfully set up a point-to-point wireless connection between two buildings using NanoStation M2 devices.
• The NanoStation in Building A acts as an Access Point, and the one in Building B as a Station.
• Adjust the output power based on the actual distance and line of sight between the buildings for optimal performance.