User's Manual

28 Link CX User Manual, Version A
3-2 Site Planning
Each proposed Link CX terminal site requires a site survey and plan for the following:
• Power: The Link CX radio requires a +/-21 to +/-60 VDC power source. Make sure
required power supply is available before installing the Link CX.
• Mounting Point: The Link CX is usually mounted on a vertical mast or pole mounted on a
building or a tower. The Link CX mounting bracket can accommodate a 4.5- to 11.5-cm
(1.75- to 4.5-in.) diameter mast or pole.
When the Link CX is equipped with an external antenna, the antenna and the Link CX radio
should be mounted so the factory-supplied 2 m (79 in.) can be used to connect the antenna
to the Link CX.
• Grounding and Lightning Protection: The Link CX radio requires adequate grounding
and lightning protection. If the mounting point described above provides adequate lightning
protection, the Link CX radio will still need a good earth ground to a bare-metal earth
ground. Refer to Appendix 4 for detailed grounding and lightning protection
recommendations.
• Cable Routing: The Link CX DS-3 and/or Ethernet data cables connect associated external
equipment to the Link CX radio. Before installation, procure cable ties and/or standoffs to
route and to create service loops for these cables.
• Physical Security: The Link CX radio is typically mounted high enough to prevent casual
tampering. The Link CX radio is further protected by anti-tampering chassis screws that
prevent most casual attempts to open the chassis.
3-3 Planning Element and Network Management Ethernet Links
The Link CX communicates with SNMP-based Element Management Systems and Network
Management Systems over Ethernet communication links. Because the Link CX contains two
independent switched Ethernet ports, each Link CX can be connected directly to an Ethernet switch or
router, and colocated Link CXs can be cascaded. Figure 3-3 shows some common arrangements for the
EMS and/or NMS Ethernet links.
The cable run from the Ethernet switch or router to the Link CX must be 100 m (328 ft.) or less, and can
be straight-through or crossover, because the Link CX Ethernet ports automatically detect the transmit
and receive pairs and switch them if necessary. interWAVE sells 25 m (82 ft.), 50 m (14 ft.), and 100 m
(328 ft.) Ethernet cables with the correct connectors for these links, as described in Section 1-4.6.
Alternatively, when Link CXs are to be cascaded as shown in Figure 3-3 (B), interWAVE sells a 6 m
(20 ft.) Ethernet cable with the correct connectors for the Link CX-to-Link CX links, as described in
Section 1-4.6.
Note that the EMS or NMS must be within eight or fewer Ethernet hops of the Link CX for proper
communications.