Cabletron Systems 9033073 - Manuals

Page 3 - Installation Guide

RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide

Notice Cabletron Systems reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document without prior notice. The reader should in all cases consult Cabletron Systems to determine whether any such changes have been made. The hardware, firmware, or software desc...

Page 5 - Regulatory Information

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide iii Regulatory Information Canada The products included with the RoamAbout Outdoor Kit for outdoor antenna installations comply with GL-36 of Industry and Science Canada. USA - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) The devices included with this outdoor kit compl...

Page 6 - Notes, Cautions and Warnings

iv Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Notes, Cautions and Warnings This guide uses the following conventions for notes, cautions and warnings: NOTE The NOTE symbol calls the reader’s attention to important information. CAUTION ! The CAUTION symbol cautions against actions that could result in equipm...

Page 7 - Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide; Getting Help; Your service contract number

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide v Getting Help Before calling your service provider for assistance, have the following information ready: • Your service contract number • A description of the problem • A description of any action(s) already taken to resolve the problem. • The serial and revision ...

Page 9 - Table of Contents

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide vii • Notice ii • Regulatory Information iii • Notes, Cautions and Warnings iv • Getting Help v 1 Introduction 1-1 About This Guide 1-1 • Who Should Use This Guide 1-1 • Organization of this Guide 1-2 The RoamAbout Outdoor Kit 1-4 Finding Additional Information 1-6...

Page 10 - Determining Range & Clearance

Table of Contents viii Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Table of Contents Overview of the Outdoor Installation 2-10 • Antenna Placement 2-11 • Antenna Mast/Wall Bracket 2-13 • Grounding System 2-15 • RoamAbout Antennas 2-15 • Antenna Alignment 2-17 • Antenna Cable Routing 2-18 • Before Climbing th...

Page 11 - The RoamAbout 14-dBi Directional Antenna

Table of Contents Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide ix A The RoamAbout 14-dBi Directional Antenna A-1 General Description A-1 • Contents of the Antenna Box A-1 B The RoamAbout 7-dBi Omni-Directional Antenna B-1 General Description B-1 • Contents of the Antenna Box B-1 C The Antenna Cabling System C...

Page 13 - Introduction; About This Guide; This; RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide; This guide does; not; explain how to erect the antenna mast or how; must; be in place before the antenna is installed.; Who Should Use This Guide

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 1-1 1 Introduction About This Guide 1 This RoamAbout 802.11 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide explains how to install and set up a RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna link. Information is also provided to verify the wireless link quality and correct any problems that may ar...

Page 14 - Organization of this Guide

IntroductionAbout This Guide 1-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Organization of this Guide 1 In this guide you will find information to prepare for and verify the antenna installation. The information is organized as follows: Chapter 1 - Introduction (This Chapter) 1 Introduces the RoamAbout Out...

Page 15 - Appendix C - The Antenna Cabling System

IntroductionAbout This Guide Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 1-3 Appendix C - The Antenna Cabling System 1 Describes the hardware specifications of the certified RoamAbout Cable Assembly, Lightning Protector and Low-loss Antenna Cable, which you will need to connect a RoamAbout Access Point or ot...

Page 16 - The RoamAbout Outdoor Kit; Antenna choices include:

IntroductionThe RoamAbout Outdoor Kit 1-4 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide The RoamAbout Outdoor Kit 1 The RoamAbout Outdoor Kit is a set of antenna products that enable you to connect multiple buildings or LANs via a wireless outdoor point-to-point link. The kit provides a selection of high-gain,...

Page 18 - Finding Additional Information; Installing a RoamAbout Access Point; Configuration and Management; RoamAbout Access Point User’s Guide; Context-Sensitive Help; RoamAbout Access Point User’s Guide

IntroductionFinding Additional Information 1-6 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Finding Additional Information 1 Installing a RoamAbout Access Point 1 The installation of a RoamAbout Access Point is described in the RoamAbout Access Point User’s Guide included with each RoamAbout Access Point. Con...

Page 19 - Additional files on your diskettes; file which contains information about the; Other Sources of Information

IntroductionFinding Additional Information Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 1-7 Additional files on your diskettes 1 All software diskettes that come with your RoamAbout products include a readme.txt file which contains information about the software version and/or drivers on the diskette. You are...

Page 21 - Installation Guidelines; Site Prerequisites; Pre-Installation Checklist; Install and verify proper operation of the equipment.

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-1 2 Installation Guidelines Site Prerequisites 2 Please review all requirements outlined within the sections listed below before the installation process begins: • Pre-Installation Checklist • Overview of the Indoor Installation • Overview of the Outdoor Installa...

Page 22 - Transmit Rate - same setting for each AP (typically Auto Rate); Refer to the; for details; Overview of the Indoor Installation; Selecting the Right

Installation GuidelinesPre-Installation Checklist 2-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Pre-Installation Checklist 2 Before you install the RoamAbout antenna system, you must configure the communications link as follows: RoamAbout Access Point (AP) Configuration: √ Bridge Mode - LAN-to-LAN (same se...

Page 23 - Figure 2-1 Indoor Installation Overview; Selecting the Right RoamAbout PC Card

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Indoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-3 • A low-loss antenna cable (E) to connect the indoor installation to the outdoor antenna. All of these components are included in the RoamAbout Outdoor Kit. Each component can be purchased separately. F...

Page 24 - select the card-type based upon the; background label; am; am

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Indoor Installation 2-4 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Figure 2-2 RoamAbout PC Card Identification • In countries that adhere to FCC regulations 1 , use the RoamAbout PC Card with the black-background label . • In France, Japan, and countries that adhere to...

Page 25 - The antenna installer is aware of these regulations.

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Indoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-5 When you order a RoamAbout Outdoor Kit, the kit marketed in your country will include the correct card type that complies with the regulations that apply in your country. If you purchase RoamAbout outdo...

Page 26 - Placement of the RoamAbout Access Point; RoamAbout Lightning Protector; and; Grounding System

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Indoor Installation 2-6 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Placement of the RoamAbout Access Point 2 The ideal location to install your RoamAbout Access Point must satisfy the following requirements: • The location must be indoors to protect the unit from extre...

Page 27 - or

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Indoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-7 Prior to mounting the RoamAbout Access Point, you are advised to carefully calculate: • The distance between the intended location of your RoamAbout Access Point and the location of the antenna mast. • ...

Page 28 - Placement of the Lightning Protector; For optimal protection, the location of the; RoamAbout Lightning; Antenna Cable Route; Does the cable route require drilling through a wall or ceiling?

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Indoor Installation 2-8 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Placement of the Lightning Protector 2 Lightning protection is designed to protect people, property and equipment by providing a path to the ground whenever lightning strikes your antenna installation. ...

Page 30 - Overview of the Outdoor Installation; The RoamAbout Systems Antenna.; Antenna Mast/Wall Bracket; An adequate; that meets the requirements

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation 2-10 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Overview of the Outdoor Installation 2 Verify the availability of the following components required for the outdoor installation of the point-to-point link: • The RoamAbout Systems Antenna. • The Roam...

Page 31 - Antenna Placement; No obstacles in the direct path between the two antennas.; Chapter 3 - Determining

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-11 Antenna Placement 2 To achieve maximum performance for your wireless outdoor connection, the RoamAbout Outdoor Antennas must have clear line-of-sight which is defined as: • No obstacles in the direct ...

Page 32 - Figure 2-3 Potential Obstacles for a Directional Antenna; is the actual surface of the earth; ground; is defined as the height of

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation 2-12 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Figure 2-3 Potential Obstacles for a Directional Antenna To minimize the influence of obstacles, signal interference or reflections please note the following guidelines: • Mount the antenna as high as...

Page 33 - Tripod Mount

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-13 Environments with large reflective surfaces include: • Buildings with mirrored-glass or low emissivity (low-e) glass • Crowded parking lots • Water or moist earth and moist vegetation • Above ground p...

Page 34 - Antenna Mast Requirements; Clearance

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation 2-14 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Wall (Side) Mount 2 A wall (side) mount allows for mounting an antenna (mast) on the side of a building or other structure. This provides a convenient mounting location when the roof overhang is not e...

Page 35 - The grounding system must satisfy the following requirements:; RoamAbout Antennas

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-15 Grounding System 2 The grounding system must satisfy the following requirements: 1. The antenna mast, RoamAbout Access Point, and RoamAbout Lightning Protector must be connected to the same ground, us...

Page 36 - Antenna Polarization; up and down

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation 2-16 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Antenna Polarization 2 Radio waves emitting from a Yagi antenna are linear, leaving the antenna in the same plane as the antenna elements. • When the elements are positioned up and down , the radio wa...

Page 37 - Antenna Alignment

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 2-17 Antenna Alignment 2 For optimal performance, make sure the antennas are properly aligned: 1. Use a pair of binoculars, a compass, and/or a map of the area to point the antennas at each other. 2. Analy...

Page 38 - Antenna Cable Routing; only after; you have

Installation GuidelinesOverview of the Outdoor Installation 2-18 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide You can optimize antenna alignment by making small modifications in the antenna orientation while observing the resultant changes displayed on the AP Manager Point-to-Point Diagnostics screen. Alignin...

Page 41 - The Fresnel Zone; As identified in; Chapter 2 - Installation Guidelines; wireless outdoor antenna connection that lacks sufficient

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 3-1 3 Determining Range & Clearance The Fresnel Zone 3 As identified in Chapter 2 - Installation Guidelines , you need a clear line-of-sight to set up an outdoor antenna installation that meets your requirements in terms of range and throughput performance. In ...

Page 42 - Figure 3-1 Fresnel Zone; kilometers

Determining Range & ClearanceThe Fresnel Zone 3-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide As shown in Figure 3-1, there are two major variables that determine the shape of the Fresnel Zone: • The distance between the antennas (1) • The minimum clearance required for optimal performance (2). Figure 3-...

Page 43 - Other Considerations; output power; of the antenna; Appendix D - Calculating Range & Clearance; for detailed

Determining Range & ClearanceOther Considerations Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 3-3 Other Considerations 3 In most literature concerning wireless outdoor products, two parameters are usually listed to indicate transmitted signal strength: output power of the radio, and gain of the antenna s...

Page 45 - Installing the Antenna; Planning the Antenna Installation; before; the cable from the antenna is connected to the lightning

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 4-1 4 Installing the Antenna Planning the Antenna Installation 4 The grounding system for the antenna mast, RoamAbout Access Point, and RoamAbout Lightning Protector should be installed before the cable from the antenna is connected to the lightning arrestor. This ...

Page 46 - RoamAbout Access; before performing the procedures in this; is shipped; Safety Precautions; ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNINGS

Installing the AntennaPlanning the Antenna Installation 4-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide To verify the equipment prior to installation, you may need to proceed with the guidelines described in the RoamAbout Access Point User’s Guide before performing the procedures in this chapter. The RoamAbo...

Page 47 - The low-loss antenna cable between the antenna and

Installing the AntennaPlanning the Antenna Installation Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 4-3 ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNINGS (Continued) 6. The low-loss antenna cable that connects the antenna to the lightning protector must be at least 1m (3 ft) away from any high voltage or high current cable. 7. Che...

Page 48 - Installation Overview; Installation Checklist

Installing the AntennaPlanning the Antenna Installation 4-4 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Installation Overview 4 The installation process is summarized in the following steps: 1. Make sure the AP’s are configured as specified in the Pre- Installation Checklist on page 2-2. 2. Verify that the a...

Page 49 - Mounting the Antenna; Place the antennas as far apart as possible.; vertical; Mounting the Directional Antenna; Verify that you have all the items listed below:

Installing the AntennaMounting the Antenna Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 4-5 11. After verifying that the communications link is fully operational, secure all cables and use weatherproofing tape to seal all outdoor connectors. Mounting the Antenna 4 The RoamAbout antennas are available as a Roa...

Page 51 - Mounting on a Flat Surface; Connecting the Antenna Cable

Installing the AntennaMounting the Antenna Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 4-7 Mounting on a Flat Surface 4 When mounting the antenna on a flat vertical surface, you must provide a smooth surface for the backing plate. On wall surfaces such as brick, block or stucco, install an intermediate plate...

Page 52 - Figure 4-2 Mounting the 14-dBi Antenna to a Wall; Mounting the Omni-directional Antenna; Verify that you have the following items:

Installing the AntennaMounting the Antenna 4-8 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Figure 4-2 Mounting the 14-dBi Antenna to a Wall Mounting the Omni-directional Antenna 4 It is recommended that you mount the RoamAbout 7-dBi Omni-Directional antenna to a mast. Proceed as follows: 1. Verify that you h...

Page 53 - Figure 4-3 Mounting the Omni-Directional Antenna to a Mast

Installing the AntennaMounting the Antenna Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide 4-9 Figure 4-3 Mounting the Omni-Directional Antenna to a Mast 2. Referring to Figure 4-3, make sure the gasket (B) is installed on the antenna mounting base (A). 3. Insert the threaded portion of the antenna mounting base...

Page 56 - Sealing the Cable Connectors; You are advised to seal the connectors; after; you have verified

Installing the AntennaConnecting the Antenna Cable 4-12 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Sealing the Cable Connectors 4 Most problems associated with wireless outdoor installations are related to degrading performance due to the effects of corrosion of the antenna cable and cable connectors. To av...

Page 57 - General Description; Contents of the Antenna Box; One antenna; Chapter 4 - Installing the

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide A-1 A The RoamAbout 14-dBi Directional Antenna General Description 1 The RoamAbout 14-dBi Directional Antenna is a high-gain antenna for the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The antenna is a totally enclosed 16-element Yagi designed for point-to-point communications. It has...

Page 58 - Specifications 14-dBi Directional Antenna; Mechanical; Electrical

The RoamAbout 14-dBi Directional AntennaGeneral Description A-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Table A-1 Specifications 14-dBi Directional Antenna Mechanical • Size 45.7 cm (18 in) • Mounting Method • Vertical mast with an outside diameter between 35 mm (1.4 in) and 42 mm (1.6 in) using u-bolts....

Page 60 - Specifications of the 7-dBi Omni-Directional Antenna

The RoamAbout 7-dBi Omni-Directional AntennaGeneral Description B-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Table B-1 Specifications of the 7-dBi Omni-Directional Antenna Mechanical • Size 45,7 cm (18 in.) • Mounting method Clamps to vertical mast with outside diameter up to 51mm (2 in.) Cable • Type RG-...

Page 61 - The Antenna Cabling System; The Outdoor Cabling Components; A. RoamAbout Cable Assembly; Selecting the Correct Connector Type

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide C-1 C The Antenna Cabling System The Outdoor Cabling Components 3 To connect your RoamAbout Access Point to an outdoor antenna installation you will need the following cabling components as pictured on the right side of this page: A. RoamAbout Cable Assembly B. Roa...

Page 62 - Selecting the Correct N-Type Connector; Male connectors have a solid center pin.; FCC Countries; - PC Card connector

The Antenna Cabling SystemThe Outdoor Cabling Components C-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide When ordering separate components, ensure that you order products with the correct N-Type connector to match the other outdoor cabling components that apply to your country Table C-1 Selecting the Correct...

Page 64 - RoamAbout Cable Assembly; Cable Assembly Specifications

The Antenna Cabling SystemRoamAbout Cable Assembly C-4 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide RoamAbout Cable Assembly 3 The RoamAbout Cable Assembly is a proprietary cable used to connect the RoamAbout PC Card to a RoamAbout outdoor antenna system. This cable is included in the RoamAbout Outdoor Kit. O...

Page 65 - Lightning Protector Specifications

The Antenna Cabling SystemRoamAbout Lightning Protector Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide C-5 RoamAbout Lightning Protector 3 The RoamAbout Lightning Protector is a surge arrestor that protects your sensitive RoamAbout equipment from high-voltage currents caused by discharge and transients at the a...

Page 66 - Installation; To install the RoamAbout Lightning Protector:; Figure C-1 Lightning Protector Installation

The Antenna Cabling SystemRoamAbout Lightning Protector C-6 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Installation 3 To install the RoamAbout Lightning Protector: 1. Determine a suitable location for the Lightning Protector as described in Chapter 2 - Installation Guidelines. 2. As shown in Figure C-1, sec...

Page 67 - Routine Maintenance

The Antenna Cabling SystemRoamAbout Lightning Protector Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide C-7 6. Insert the Lightning Protector into the opening in bracket (A). 7. Tighten hexnut (G) to secure the RoamAbout Lightning Protector in its position, and ensure that the Protector is properly connected to ...

Page 68 - Low-Loss Antenna Cable; Cable Specifications for the 6m (20 ft) Antenna; Mechanical Specifications; Electrical Specifications

The Antenna Cabling SystemLow-Loss Antenna Cable C-8 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Low-Loss Antenna Cable 3 A 15m (50 ft) Low-loss antenna cable is included in the RoamAbout Outdoor Kit (seeTable C-5). Cable is also available in two other standard lengths: • 6m (20 ft) - see Table C-4 • 22m (75...

Page 69 - Cable Specifications for the 15m (50 ft) Antenna

The Antenna Cabling SystemLow-Loss Antenna Cable Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide C-9 Table C-5 Cable Specifications for the 15m (50 ft) Antenna Table C-6 Cable Specifications for the 22m (75 ft) Antenna Mechanical Specifications Length 15 meter (50 ft) Diameter 10 mm (0.4 in) Weight 101.2 gram/me...

Page 71 - This appendix presents reference information to help you:; Dynamic Range; for your specific installation.

Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide D-1 D Calculating Range & Clearance Introduction 4 This appendix presents reference information to help you: • Calculate the typical and/or maximum communications range you can achieve using components available in the RoamAbout Outdoor Kit. • Select optimal an...

Page 72 - The Dynamic Range Budget; black-background label; The choice of this card is subject to local radio regulations (see

Calculating Range & ClearanceThe Dynamic Range Budget D-2 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide The Dynamic Range Budget 4 The Dynamic Range Budget is the sum of the following factors as determined at both ends of the wireless outdoor link: • Type of RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna: — RoamAbout 7-dBi Omn...

Page 73 - Link Speed Antenna Type

Calc ulating Range & Clea ra nce The D y n ami c Rang e B udg et O u tdoo r Antenna Ins tal la tion Gu id e D -3 Table D-1 Dynamic Range (FCC) The diameter of the 15m (50 ft) and 22m (75 ft) cables is larger than the diameter of the 6m (20 ft) cable. Therefore the cable loss of 50 ft cables is t...

Page 75 - Link speed versus Range

Calculating Range & ClearanceThe Dynamic Range Budget Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide D-5 Link speed versus Range 4 Communications at lower data speeds may travel longer distances. In situations where range is more critical to your network than data speed, you may wish to limit the data speed...

Page 76 - — Values in Bold apply only to FCC regulated countries.; meters

Calculating Range & ClearanceThe Dynamic Range Budget D-6 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide To read Table D-3 correctly: • Use the Dynamic Range Budget value that you read from either Table D-1 or Table D-2. • Locate this value in Table D-3: — Values marked with an asterisk (*) in Table D-3 cor...

Page 78 - Determine Typical Range; — All other values correspond to Dynamic Range Budgets for

Calculating Range & ClearanceThe Dynamic Range Budget D-8 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Determine Typical Range 4 After looking at the minimum clearance requirements in Table D-3 on page D-6, you may realize that local regulations, local building codes, or other restrictions could prohibit ...

Page 79 - Optimal

Calc ulating Range & Clea ra nce The D y n ami c Rang e B udg et O u tdoo r Antenna Ins tal la tion Gu id e D -9 Table D-4 Actual Clearance and Typical Range Dynamic Range Optimal Clearance Line-of-Sight Clearance that is Actually Available 5 m (16.5 ft) 10 m (33 ft) 15 m (50 ft) 20 m (66 ft) me...

Page 80 - Which Antenna do You Need; reverse order; minimum

Calculating Range & ClearanceWhich Antenna do You Need D-10 Outdoor Antenna Installation Guide Which Antenna do You Need 4 If you have not yet purchased a RoamAbout Outdoor Kit, you can read the tables in this appendix in reverse order to determine the type of antenna you will need. 1. Determine...