connecting 2 buildings- fiber optics?

For simply a LAN scenario 1000 ft with Line of Sight (LOS), RF or wireless is an option. If there is a possibility that other services (Such as PBX) will ge added, then go with fiber. You should be OK with 62.5/125 Multimode fiber. Connecting the two LANs can be done with Gig Ether. If you're going to have cable pulled, go ahead an pull 24 strands. New uses will pop up, CCTV, Security camaras, VITS, and voice. If the company has need for these services in the future and you have fiber ready to go, your department will be heroes!!

Bid the job out to a local contractors and expect Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) readings to be delivered after test. This will assure that all 24 fibers are good upon turn-over.

Good Luck!

I would forget about wireless for 1 reason.
SECURITY!
All someone needs is a compatable wireless adapter and they can tap into your network easier than a hot knife through warm butter.

Fiber optic is going to be the most secure and easily expandable option.

Yes, fiber may cost more up front. But if the firm is in an expansion mode, you won't need to do a major upgrade in a few months just to add capacity.

Road-dog has a very valid point. What services do you need to support at the new site? If you need/want more than basic data comm., go with the fiber. It is very versatile, secure, and can handle a lot of traffic. Wireless is a good option and you can get 11 Mbps of bandwidth between sites. However, there are some very public concerns about the security of bridged wireless connections. How many people are moving? If there are a very small number, there are units that will take Ethernet input and convert it to T-1 signalling, allowing you to support a data connection over two pair of copper wires for up to a mile or so. You are restricted to T-1 data rates however, so this is definitely only for small groups. Best advice is to identify the number of people moving and their needs. Then choose the approach that gives you the best return…not only now, but also for the future. Best wishes.
- ck

Go with fiber as the distance between buildings will put you at less than 11Mbps no matter how clear the line of sight is. With that distance you'll probably get closer to 2Mbps.

For the fiber, you can get Media Converters. One of those in each building. Cost about $100 each and are no bigger than a wallet. All they do is change the fiber signal into ethernet and vise versa. We got ours at PCMall.com

Also, management wise, if you ever need to check whether or not the fiber cable is brokenor severed, you can buy one of those cheap laser pens and shine it through the cable and see if you can see it on the other side. Beats paying the Fiber guys hundreds of dollars per visit

Tech kid's idea about the laser pen is a good one. There is a safety issue though, DO NOT LOOK AT IT AT THE OTHER END! You can get retina burns from even a short exposure.

To verify that the fiber is patched correctly through all frames and is not totally broken, use a flash light. The "white light" test is OK for that. A fiber can be cracked or a connector scratched and the laser will still be visible at the other end, BUT the LEDs used in telecomm might not get enough pulse through to sync on.

Many manufacturers are using laser injectors that are at a wavelength that is invisible to the eye, but can still cause optic damage. Be cautious at all times, peeping into the ST or SC connectors in the patch panels.

As other have answered Multimode fiber is a low cost great way to go if you have a channel or pipe.

You will need two fibers for low cost FX to TX converters. If your path channel or pipe between buildings is Dry you could go cheap and just use aduplex patch cord fiber. If aerial or you want to ditch it, you will need a protected waterproof fiber bundle. Will cost $300-$1000. If you were going to put in or have two Layer two switches I would go with a 1000B SX link. The 100BT to FX cost about $200 per converter and work very well. If you would vendors I have used contact off list.
King George

georgek(#6) hit on what could be one of the stumbling blocks to fiber/hardline-the way you physically get from bldg to bldg. If the property is all one private owner-easements/permissions aren't too bad. Renting duct from telco/cable could get pricey.

If you have to cross(not to mention dig up) a city right of way, you may have some real difficulties getting permission, easements, permits, etc.

There's also the cost for that digging and tearing up the streets, both privately owned and city rights of way.

There are other "wireless" solutions than 802.11 and Bluetooth but can get costly also. If the above aren't driving you out of your price range-follow the light and go with fiber. Just pull more than you think you'll ever need now.

I have 4 words for you. Free Space Optical Transmission (Laser).

Fiber is fine when you own the right of way. Wireless is ok, when you're location is remote and not prone to air-sniffing.

You have a situation that seems to call for a different technology. I'd go with a laser -
1. You have line of sight between the two buildings.
2. It's fairly inexpensive
3. Reliable
4. No FCC license necessary
5. You OWN the equipment after installation (don't know when you'll move again).

There are a handful of vendors emerging in this market. Take a look at Fsona (www.fsona.com). They have a solution which will allow for transmission of up to OC3 that would be well suited for your use.

Good Luck

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