[X]My Assistant

[eacollie]

I understand Access does not function with a WiFi connection. I have attached a picture of what is being used to transfer network from one building to another, at which point it is carried to individual computers using cable. Will this set up work to run Access on the individual computers? The database is split with data files on server inside network.
I hope this makes sense.

Attached File(s)

 20191002_135657.jpg ( 843.54K )Number of downloads: 7

 

[GroverParkGeorge]

Access CAN work across Wifi, but it is not reliable. I think that's a subtle, but important distinction. The problem is that the possibility of a minor, fleeting network outage on Wifi can mean data corruption if that interruption happens while data is being written back to the Back End over the Wifi.

I can't really offer any comment about your environment, based on that image. Maybe someone will recognize it and know what it is and how it works.

[GroverParkGeorge]

One thing you might look into would be putting your back end into a SQL Server Express database. SQL Server is more resilient and the chance of corruption would be less, for that reason.

[DanielPineault]

Try it, that the only way to know for sure. That said, backup, backup, backup. I'd setup a regular hourly backup.

I also think George's suggestion of using SQL Server (Express) as a Back-end to be a wise approach that would make it more robust especially considering you are using a wifi network.

[arnelgp]

make sure the cable is less than 100 meters, otherwise expect some drop of connections.

[GroverParkGeorge]

That's a handy thing to know. Can you reference the documentation on cable lengths? I'd like to learn more about that.

[DanielPineault]

The maximum length depends on a couple of things such as the transmission speed and the Category of twisted-pair LAN cable being used.

Typically, for 10/100/1000 mbps links, 100 meters (approx. 300 ft.) is the maximum length for cables with Cat5e or better. A 10 gbps link requires Cat6 cabling for up to 55 meters or Cat6a for up to 100 meters.

To extend copper ethernet connections farther than 100 meters, an intermediary network switch can be added or cascaded in between spans, which will effectively extend the connection another 100 meters.

For cascading ethernet in general, it is recommended to follow the “5–4–3 Rule”. There should only be a maximum of FIVE segments connected to FOUR repeaters/switches, and only THREE of the segments can have users on them.

Alternatively, for longer single-segment spans above 100 meters up to well into the hundreds or thousands of kilometers, fiber optics are used.

[GroverParkGeorge]

Thanks, Daniel. Where did that come from?

[arnelgp]

Daniel has given the technical.
I've read it some years back.
and it's true in all cases, when you are near
the source, the more resources you get.
be it data, electricity, water, food, etc..

[GroverParkGeorge]

Yes, I saw that. In general, of course, there is a relationship between proximity and strength. I was more interested in where you found the reference to exactly 100 meters. Why it's not 78 meters, or 110 meters. It's handy to be able to advise clients on things like that, but at the same time, unqualified recommendations tend to be less convincing.

[DanielPineault]

This has to do with physics/math -> noise... dropped packets..., but you can find it stated all over the net and in books. For instance:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_ca...#Maximum_length

[eacollie]

Thank you to all -- so does anyone know what this equipment is?

[DanielPineault]

Looks like a Ubiquiti Point to Point Bridge. It's a wifi network, regardless of the computer being connected by a wire, the actual network itself is wifi.