User's Manual

Link Test
The Link Test is a test for measuring the throughput and efficiency of the RF link between two
Cyclone modules. To perform a link test enter a number into the field labeled “Duration”. The
duration is the number of seconds the RF link will be tested. Start the link test by clicking the
“Start Test” button. The test will now run for the set duration. If the web page is not set to
automatically refresh, click the “Refresh Display” button to see the results. For a Cyclone System
link to be considered acceptable it is necessary for the efficiencies of the link test to be greater
than 90% in both the uplink and downlink direction. It is recommended that when a new link is
installed that a link test be executed to ensure that the efficiencies are within recommended
guidelines. The key fields are:
• Downlink RATE, bits per second
• Uplink RATE, bits per second
• Downlink Efficiency, percent
• Uplink Efficiency, percent
Alignment
The Alignment web page contains tools to assist in the alignment of a subscriber module to an
access point module. There are two modes that can be utilized when aligning a module: 1) RSSI
only and 2) normal alignment mode. RSSI Only is a mode where the module will report the signal
strength based on the amount of energy present at a selected frequency. The subscriber module
does not have to be registered to an access point module for information on signal strength to be
reported back. This can simplify the aiming process for long links. To utilize RSSI only mode:
• Choose the frequency to monitor from the pick list (this would be the same frequency that
the backhaul timing master module is transmitting on)
• Click the radio button to highlight “Enable” on RSSI Only mode
• Click “Enable Aiming Mode”
The module will now report back the level of RF energy present at that specific frequency. To
refresh the screen, click the Enable Aiming Mode button as appropriate or configure the web
page auto-refresh option. The normal operation of alignment mode will report information as it
relates to the RSSI level and Jitter value. To utilize normal alignment mode, ensure that the
Disabled radio button is checked and then click Enable Aiming Mode button. As with the previous
mode to refresh the mode either continue clicking the Enable Aiming Mode button or configure
the auto-refresh option. Also, during normal alignment mode the LEDs on the outside of the
Cyclone module will report back information on the performance of the link. There are 6 LEDs
and when in alignment mode the LEDs are turned into a 6-position bar graph. The more LEDs
that are lit, the better the RSSI and Jitter values the module is seeing. The colors of the LEDS
have no particular meaning other than to assist is distinguishing one position from the next. The
minimum values that are needed for an acceptable link are RSSI this above 700, Jitter that is
between 5 and 9, and link efficiencies that are greater than 90% in both the up and down link. If
any one of these criteria are not met the link may still be operational but may have issues time to
time.
Note: If a Cyclone module is placed into Alignment Mode it will automatically drop into Operational Mode
after 15 minutes.