Page 3 - Notice
i Notice Notice Enterasys Networks 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 Enterasys Networks to determine whether any such changes have been made. The hardware, firmware, or so...
Page 4 - Regulatory Information; Canada; Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity; User Information
Notice ii 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 comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules. ...
Page 5 - iii; Electrical Hazard Warnings
iii Notice • Enterasys Networks is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized modification of the devices included with the RoamAbout Outdoor Kit, or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than that specified by Enterasys Networks...
Page 7 - Contents; Preface
v Contents Preface Associated Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viiiGetting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ixDocumen...
Page 8 - Antenna Installation
Table of Contents vi 3 Antenna Installation Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2Verify Component Connector Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2...
Page 9 - Intended Audience
vii Preface This guide describes the requirements that are needed for the successful installation of the RoamAbout outdoor antennas used in a RoamAbout wireless network. A RoamAbout wireless network consists of RoamAbout wireless products, such as the RoamAbout PC Card and RoamAbout Access Point, an...
Page 10 - Associated Documents; Component; RoamAbout ISA Adapter Installation
Preface viii Associated Documents The documentation, drivers, and utilities can also be downloaded from the RoamAbout Wireless web site. Check the RoamAbout Wireless web site regularly for product upgrades. http://www.enterasys.com/wireless Component Information Location RoamAbout Access Point RoamA...
Page 11 - Getting Help; Your Enterasys Networks service contract number
ix Preface Getting Help For additional support related to this device or document, contact Enterasys Networks using one of the following methods: Before calling Enterasys Networks, please have the following information ready: • Your Enterasys Networks service contract number • A description of the p...
Page 12 - Document Conventions; The following icons are used in this document:; Icon
Preface x Document Conventions The following icons are used in this document: Icon Meaning ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Warns against an action that could result in personal injury or death. WARNING: Warns against an action that could result in personal injury or death. CAUTION: Contains information essential...
Page 13 - Chapter 1; Choosing a Wireless Network Configuration; Wireless Infrastructure
Site Preparation 1-1 Chapter 1 Site Preparation This chapter describes the site requirements that are needed for the successful installation of the RoamAbout outdoor antennas. It is intended for sales engineers or site evaluators. If after reviewing this document you require additional technical inf...
Page 14 - Determining the Antenna Locations; “Antenna Options”; Maximum Distances Between Antennas; “RoamAbout PC Card
Determining the Antenna Locations 1-2 Site Preparation Determining the Antenna Locations The locations where the antennas can be placed relative to one another and the distance between them are based on the following factors: • Type of antennas. The RoamAbout antennas are described in the “Antenna O...
Page 15 - Table 1-2: Distances and Line of Sight Clearance ETSI; 4 dBi Yagi to 7 dBi Omni
Site Preparation 1-3 Determining the Antenna Locations Table 1-1: Distances and Line of Sight Clearance (FCC) Table 1-2: Distances and Line of Sight Clearance ETSI 1 The Yagi antenna must be connected to an Access Point configured with the Hi-Gain matched RoamAbout PC Card. Data RateMbit/s 14 dBi Ya...
Page 16 - RoamAbout PC Card Variations
Determining the Antenna Locations 1-4 Site Preparation RoamAbout PC Card Variations There are two variations of the RoamAbout PC Card: standard and Hi-Gain matched. The Hi-Gain matched variation of the RoamAbout PC Card is only used when connecting to a directional antenna in countries that adhere t...
Page 17 - Figure 1-1: Fresnel Zone and Line of Sight Clearance
Site Preparation 1-5 Determining the Antenna Locations Figure 1-1: Fresnel Zone and Line of Sight Clearance If a significant part of the Fresnel Zone is obstructed, a portion of radio energy is lost, resulting in reduced performance. For optimal performance, ensure that the antenna products you choo...
Page 19 - Other Factors That Can Reduce Antenna Range
Site Preparation 1-7 Determining the Antenna Locations Other Factors That Can Reduce Antenna Range Large reflecting surfaces that are parallel or partly perpendicular to the radio signal cause reflections of the radio signal (see Figure 1-3 ). Examples of reflecting surfaces are buildings with low-e...
Page 20 - Other Requirements; Lightning Protection
Determining the Antenna Locations 1-8 Site Preparation Other Requirements The following describes other requirements to meet before installing the RoamAbout outdoor antennas. • Lightning Protection A lightning rod must be placed close to the antenna mast or wall bracket. This is required to protect ...
Page 21 - Antenna Options; RoamAbout 5 dBi Vehicle-Mount Antenna
Site Preparation 1-9 Antenna Options Antenna Options The following sections describe the RoamAbout outdoor antennas. Appendix A contains the specifications for each antenna. RoamAbout 5 dBi Vehicle-Mount Antenna The RoamAbout vehicle-mount antenna ( Figure 1-4 ) is a broadband antenna for the 2.4 GH...
Page 22 - RoamAbout 14 dBi Directional Antenna; which shows an example of a cabling configuration.
Antenna Options 1-10 Site Preparation RoamAbout 14 dBi Directional Antenna The directional antenna is a totally enclosed 16-element Yagi designed for point-to-point communications. The antenna is normally mounted on a mast and vertically polarized. The following table shows the components and part n...
Page 23 - Figure 1-5: Example Outdoor Yagi Antenna Configuration
Site Preparation 1-11 Antenna Options Figure 1-5: Example Outdoor Yagi Antenna Configuration Low-Loss Cable (2) Lightning Protector (6) Pigtail Connection (3) www .cabletron.com/wireless 1 2 MAC ADD SN TUV S2 S1 To Power Outlet Insert Ethernet Cable from Network Remote Power Adapter PC Card (5) INDO...
Page 24 - RoamAbout 7 dBi Omni-Directional Antenna; , which shows an example of a cabling configuration.
Antenna Options 1-12 Site Preparation RoamAbout 7 dBi Omni-Directional Antenna The RoamAbout omni-directional antenna is a broadband antenna for the 2.4 GHz frequency band featuring an omni-directional pattern with a nominal gain of 7 dBi. This antenna is encapsulated in a weatherproof protective co...
Page 26 - Contacting an Antenna Installation Company; Determine the mounting location for the antenna.
Contacting an Antenna Installation Company 1-14 Site Preparation Contacting an Antenna Installation Company Have an antenna installation professional install the outdoor antennas. The antenna installer provides the expertise to properly install, secure, and ground your antenna. The following describ...
Page 27 - Installation Requirements; Determine the best location for the Access Point.
Site Preparation 1-15 Contacting an Antenna Installation Company Installation Requirements √ Determine the best location for the Access Point. √ Determine the length of cable required from the antenna to the Access Point. √ Ensure the location has an accessible Ethernet connection. √ Determine the d...
Page 29 - Chapter 2; Determining the Location of the Access Point; “Verify Component Connector Polarity”
Access Point Placement and Configuration 2-1 Chapter 2 Access Point Placement and Configuration This chapter is for the antenna installer and network manager to determine where to place the RoamAbout Access Point and Lightning Protector. This chapter also provides an overview of cabling and configur...
Page 30 - Overview of Connecting Cables to the Access Point; provides you with an illustration of the steps; Figure 2-1: Access Point 2000 Installation Overview
Overview of Connecting Cables to the Access Point 2-2 Access Point Placement and Configuration Overview of Connecting Cables to the Access Point Before cabling the Access Point, you should install the Access Point to a wall or ceiling. For detailed hardware installation procedures, see the RoamAbout...
Page 32 - Overview of the Access Point Configuration; Settings from the RoamAbout Access Point Installation Menu.; the PC Card is the Access Point’s wireless MAC address.; Open the Access Point Manager (Start button,; Enter the Access Point’s wired MAC address.; Click the Advanced button.
Overview of the Access Point Configuration 2-4 Access Point Placement and Configuration Overview of the Access Point Configuration The following provides an overview of configuring the Access Point with the Access Point Manager. For detailed procedures, see the RoamAbout 802.11 Wireless Networking G...
Page 33 - Figure 2-2: RoamAbout Access Point Manager; designated central Access Point, perform the following:
Access Point Placement and Configuration 2-5 Overview of the Access Point Configuration Figure 2-2: RoamAbout Access Point Manager 10. If this is a Point-to-Multipoint configuration and the selected Access Point is the designated central Access Point, perform the following: a) Select LAN-to-LAN Mult...
Page 35 - Chapter 3; Mast or other antenna support structure
Antenna Installation 3-1 Chapter 3 Antenna Installation This chapter provides the information necessary for a professional antenna installer to install the RoamAbout antennas. The RoamAbout outdoor antenna kits do NOT provide the following items, which may be necessary to install the antenna: • Mast...
Page 36 - Installation Overview; Verify Component Connector Polarity
Installation Overview 3-2 Antenna Installation Installation Overview The installation process is summarized in the following steps. The following sections in this chapter provide additional details. 1. Make sure the Access Points are mounted and configured as specified in Chapter 2 . 2. Check the ca...
Page 37 - Male Female
Antenna Installation 3-3 Verify Component Connector Polarity Figure 3-1: Selecting the Correct N-Type Connector The term Male or Female does not refer to the connector thread, but to its center pin. If you purchase individual components, make sure you specify the correct N-Type connectors to match t...
Page 38 - Grounding System; The grounding system must satisfy the following requirements:; Lightning Protector Installation
Grounding System 3-4 Antenna Installation Grounding System Direct earth grounding of the antenna and the Lightning Protector is necessary to protect the installation from lightning and the build-up of static electricity. The grounding system must satisfy the following requirements: • The antenna mas...
Page 39 - As shown in; Figure 3-2: Lightning Protector Installation
Antenna Installation 3-5 Lightning Protector Installation To install the RoamAbout Lightning Protector, perform the following steps: 1. Determine a suitable location for the Lightning Protector as described in Chapter 2 . 2. As shown in Figure 3-2 , secure bracket (A) to the wall using two screws (F...
Page 40 - Mounting the Antenna; A mast (not provided) must satisfy the following requirements:
Mounting the Antenna 3-6 Antenna Installation Mounting the Antenna This section includes requirements and mounting guidelines for the RoamAbout outdoor antennas. Requirements for the Directional and 7 dBi Omni-Directional Antennas To minimize the influence of obstacles, signal interference or reflec...
Page 41 - Antenna Polarization; Multiple antennas are mounted on the same antenna mast.
Antenna Installation 3-7 Mounting the Antenna Antenna Polarization With RoamAbout outdoor antenna products, it does not matter what type of polarization you choose, as long as the antenna at one end of the communications link is mounted in the same plane as the antenna at the other end. Radio waves ...
Page 42 - Mounting the Directional Antenna; A metal backing plate; “Connecting the
Mounting the Antenna 3-8 Antenna Installation Mounting the Directional Antenna You can mount the RoamAbout 14 dBi directional antenna on a mast or a flat vertical surface such as a wall. In most cases, mounting the antenna on a mast allows more flexibility in adjusting the height and direction of th...
Page 43 - Figure 3-3: Mounting the 14 dBi Antenna to a Mast
Antenna Installation 3-9 Mounting the Antenna Figure 3-3: Mounting the 14 dBi Antenna to a Mast Figure 3-4: Mounting the 14 dBi Antenna to a Wall Side View Top View ClampBacking PlateAntenna Mounting BaseFlatwasherAlways place flatwashers between nuts and the Antenna Mounting Base. Direction of Maxi...
Page 44 - Mounting the Omni-Directional Antenna; and perform the following:; “Connecting the Antenna Cables”
Mounting the Antenna 3-10 Antenna Installation Mounting the Omni-Directional Antenna To avoid signal reflection, you should not install the antenna to the side of a building. The RoamAbout 7 dBi omni-directional antenna kit includes a metal backing plate, two hose clamps, and a nut and lockwasher. R...
Page 46 - Mounting the Vehicle-Mount Antenna; ) but not the base fits through the hole. You can also
Mounting the Antenna 3-12 Antenna Installation Mounting the Vehicle-Mount Antenna The vehicle-mount antenna is typically connected to a client in a wireless infrastructure network. The antenna is mounted to a moving vehicle, such as a fork-lift. 1. Drill a hole in the top of the vehicle so that the ...
Page 47 - Connecting the Antenna Cables; B = RoamAbout Lightning Protector; Antenna Cable Route
Antenna Installation 3-13 Connecting the Antenna Cables Connecting the Antenna Cables To connect your RoamAbout Access Point to an outdoor antenna installation, you need the following components pictured on the right side of this page: A = RoamAbout Pigtail Connection (50 cm) B = RoamAbout Lightning...
Page 48 - Connecting the Cables; “Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna; Use waterproof stretch tape to seal all outdoor connectors.
Connecting the Antenna Cables 3-14 Antenna Installation Connecting the Cables Once the antenna is properly installed, you can connect the antenna to the RoamAbout Access Point via the RoamAbout Lightning Protector. 1. Verify that the low-loss antenna cable is properly connected to the antenna cable....
Page 49 - Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement; Use a pair of binoculars to point the antennas at each other.; Click on the Start Sampling button to start the Link Test.
Antenna Installation 3-15 Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement If an Access Point is connected to an outdoor directional antenna, the antenna must be pointed directly at the antenna for the other Access Point. A misaligned antenna can decrease...
Page 50 - Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance 3-16 Antenna Installation Routine Maintenance Routine maintenance is required for each RoamAbout Lightning Protector in your outdoor antenna installation. Maintenance involves replacing the Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) at some interval depending on the lightning/transient discharge a...
Page 51 - Table A-1: 14 dBi Directional Antenna Specifications; Mechanical; Cable; Connector
Specifications A-1 Appendix A Specifications This appendix lists the specifications of the various RoamAbout outdoor antenna products. RoamAbout 14 dBi Directional Antenna The directional antenna is a totally enclosed 16-element Yagi designed for point-to-point communications. The antenna is normall...
Page 52 - Antenna Environment
Specifications A-2 RoamAbout 14 dBi Directional Antenna Electrical Continued • Vertical (E-plane °) 30.8 Degrees • Horizontal (H-plane °) 31.4 Degrees • Polarization Linear, Vertical or Horizontal Antenna Environment • Operating Temperature +60°C (140°F) - 40°C (-40°F) • Wind/survival (mph) At least...
Page 54 - Vehicle-Mount Antenna
Specifications A-4 Vehicle-Mount Antenna Vehicle-Mount Antenna The RoamAbout vehicle-mount antenna can be mounted on vehicles, such as fork-lift trucks, that need continuous access to networked data whether inside or outside of the building. The following table provides the specifications for the ve...
Page 55 - RoamAbout Pigtail Connection; Table A-4: Pigtail Connection Specifications
RoamAbout Pigtail Connection A-5 Specifications RoamAbout Pigtail Connection The RoamAbout Pigtail Connection is a proprietary cable used to connect the RoamAbout PC Card to a RoamAbout outdoor antenna system. One end of the cable has a proprietary connector which is connected to the RoamAbout PC Ca...
Page 56 - Low-Loss Antenna Cable; Mechanical Specifications
Specifications A-6 Low-Loss Antenna Cable Low-Loss Antenna Cable The RoamAbout low-loss cable is available in the following standard lengths: • 6 meters (20 feet) - see Table A-5 • 15 meters (50 feet) - see Table A-6 • 22 meters (75 feet) - see Table A-7 To ensure you order the right cable length, c...
Page 58 - RoamAbout Lightning Protector; Table A-8: Lightning Protector Specifications
Specifications A-8 RoamAbout Lightning Protector RoamAbout Lightning Protector 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 antennas. Table A-8 lists the specifications for ...
