User's Manual

6
Installation Guidelines
Site Surveys
Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, every
network application is a unique installation. Before installing multiple SmartPoint and RoutePoint
wireless routers, you should perform a site survey to determine the optimum utilization of
networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and network performance.Consider the
following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:
•
Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum
radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver threshold
sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.
•
Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing
radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height and gain.
•
Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas.
Also, the less cluttered the operating environment, the greater the range.
•
Obstructions—A physical obstruction, such as a building or tree, can block or hinder
communication between SmartPoint and RoutePoint wireless routers. Avoid locating the
antennas in a location where there is an obstruction between the sending and receiving antennas.
•
Building materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in
construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal
or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.
Wireless Coverage and Range
The wireless network depends on performing multi-hop data transfers across numerous SmartPoints
in order to provide connectivity to a RoutePoint gateway. SmartPoint nodes and RoutePoint
gateways need to be distanced from each other in such a way that one device can communicate with
other SmartPoint and RoutePoint wireless routers over the RF wireless interface.
On the other hand, clustering too many SmartPoint or RoutePoint wireless routers together within a
small geographic area may create a situation where the SmartPoint and RoutePoint wireless routers
generate excessive interference with each other. In this case, throughput performance of the network
may be impaired.
A single SmartPoint or RoutePoint wireless router should have a partial overlapping coverage area
with one or more SmartPoint or RoutePoint wireless routers. As a general rule of thumb, placing a
SmartPoint or RoutePoint wireless router such that it has partial overlapping coverage area with two
other SmartPoint or RoutePoint wireless routers provides adequate network redundancy while
mitigating interference.
SmartPoint and RoutePoint Wireless Router RF Planning Guidelines
Unique FHP wireless routing technology embedded in each SmartPoint and RoutePoint wireless
router allows them to work in almost any environment and wireless network topology. To maximize
coverage range you should locate them in wireless-friendly areas. Try not to place them in areas that
could block or interfere with transmission. 802.11b devices transmit in the 2.4 GHz frequency
spectrum. This spectrum is shared by devices such as microwave ovens, portable phones, intercom
systems and wireless alarm systems. Place each SmartPoint or RoutePoint wireless router in a
location at least 15 to 20 feet from any other transmitter to prevent the possibility of interference.
Locating your SmartPoint and RoutePoint wireless routers high on a wall or hanging from a ceiling
is a good start. This allows transmission over the entire environment or office space with minimal
blocking objects. If you are trying to cover an outdoor area from inside a building, place SmartPoint