™ ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF WIRELESS NETWORKING Outdoor Antenna Site Preparation and Installation Guide ENTERASYS.
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 software described in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Notice 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. Operation of the devices in a RoamAbout Outdoor System is subject to the following conditions: • This device may not cause undesired interference.
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. • The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment is the responsibility of the user. Electrical Hazard Warnings 1.
Contents Preface Associated Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 1 Site Preparation Choosing a Wireless Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents 3 Antenna Installation Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Verify Component Connector Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Grounding System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Lightning Protector Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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, and other wireless products that use an 802.11 Direct Sequence (DS) compliant radio. ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Only qualified personnel should perform installation procedures for outdoor antennas.
Preface 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 RoamAbout Access Point 2000 Hardware Installation Guide RoamAbout Access Point 2000 Hardware Installation Quick Start RoamAbout Access Point Manager RoamAbout 802.11 Wireless Networking Guide RoamAbout 802.
Preface Getting Help For additional support related to this device or document, contact Enterasys Networks using one of the following methods: World Wide Web: http://www.enterasys.com/wireless Phone: North America: (603) 332-9400 Europe: 353 61 701 910 Asia: +800 8827-2878 Internet mail: support@enterasys.com To send comments or suggestions concerning this document, contact the Enterasys Networks Technical Writing Department via the following e-mail address: TechWriting@enterasys.
Preface 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 WARNING: Warns against an action that could result in personal injury or death. CAUTION: Contains information essential to avoid damage to the equipment. NOTE x NOTE: Calls the reader’s attention to any item of information that may be of special importance.
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 information or support prior to ordering product, contact your authorized Enterasys Networks Sales Representative or see the RoamAbout web site: http://www.enterasys.
Determining the Antenna Locations 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 Options” section on page 1-9. • Length of cable from the antenna to the Access Point. • Data rate required. • Obstructions in the signal path. • Type of RoamAbout PC Card.
Determining the Antenna Locations Table 1-1: Distances and Line of Sight Clearance (FCC) Data Rate Mbit/s 14 dBi Yagi to 14 dBi Yagi 14 dBi Yagi to 7 dBi Omni 7 dBi Omni to Vehicle-Mount Distance Line of Sight Clearance Distance Line of Sight Clearance Distance Line of Sight Clearance 11 5.6 km (3.5 mi) 9.8 m (33 ft) 2.5 km (1.5 mi) 6.3 m (21 ft) 0.8 km (0.5 mi) 3.4 m (11.2 ft) 5.5 7.9 km (4.9 mi) 12.1 m (40 ft) 3.5 km (2.1 mi) 7.5 m (25 ft) 1.1 km (0.7 mi) 4.1 m (13.5 ft) 2 11.
Determining the Antenna Locations 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 to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards. All other countries and other configurations use the same standard RoamAbout PC Card.
Determining the Antenna Locations Figure 1-1: Fresnel Zone and Line of Sight Clearance Total Distance Radius 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 choose, in combination with the height of the antenna installation above ground, provide sufficient clearance to allow your antenna installation to cover the distance between the two sites.
Determining the Antenna Locations Figure 1-2: Potential Obstacles to Line of Sight (not to scale) Building blocking line of sight Power lines blocking line of sight 100_02 Trees blocking line of sight 1-6 Site Preparation
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-emissivity (low-e) glass, crowded parking lots, water, moist earth, moist vegetation, and above-ground power or telephone lines.
Determining the Antenna Locations 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 the antenna from direct lightning strikes. • 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.
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 GHz frequency band featuring an omni-directional pattern with a nominal gain of 5 dBi.
Antenna Options 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 numbers in the RoamAbout directional antenna kit. The numbers in the first column correspond to the numbers in Figure 1-5, which shows an example of a cabling configuration.
Antenna Options Figure 1-5: Example Outdoor Yagi Antenna Configuration Antenna (1) Antenna Cable OUTDOOR Remote Power Adapter INDOOR Low-Loss Cable (2) Lightning Protector (6) To Power Outlet Insert Ethernet Cable from Network Ground Strap PC Card (5) Pigtail Connection (3) Access Point (4) S1 S2 MA AD C D SN ww w.c a ble tro n.
Antenna Options 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 covering. With the hardware provided, this vertically-polarized antenna can be mounted on an antenna mast with an outside diameter of up to 51mm (2 in).
Antenna Options Figure 1-6: Example Omni-Directional Antenna Configuration Antenna (1) Mounting Pole or Mast OUTDOOR Remote Power Adapter INDOOR Low-Loss Cable (2) Lightning Protector (6) To Power Outlet Insert Ethernet Cable from Network Ground Strap PC Card (5) Pigtail Connection (3) Access Point (4) S1 S2 MA AD C D SN ww w.c a ble tro n.
Contacting an Antenna Installation Company 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 describes tasks that the installer may need to perform. NOTE The antenna installation professional should be licensed or certified in accordance with local regulations.
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 distance between buildings.
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 configuring the Access Point. Determining the Location of the Access Point The RoamAbout Access Point connects to a Lightning Protector with a 50 centimeter (19.5 inch) cable.
Overview of Connecting Cables to the Access Point 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 Access Point 2000 Hardware Installation Guide. Figure 2-1 provides you with an illustration of the steps listed in the following procedure. 1. Insert the PC Card into the Access Point. Refer to the RoamAbout 802.
Overview of Connecting Cables to the Access Point 2. Remove the plastic cap from the PC Card and connect the pigtail cable. After the Lightning Protector has been installed and grounded, connect the other end of the pigtail cable to the Lightning Protector. 3. If using the remote power option, connect the Ethernet cable from the Access Point to the Access Point connector on the remote power adapter. NOTE The Access Point’s MAC address on the front label.
Overview of the Access Point 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 Guide or click the Help button in the Access Point Manager. Before you begin, you need the following: • A valid unused IP address for each Access Point from the network administrator. • The wireless MAC address of both Access Points.
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 Multipoint in the Bridge Mode field. NOTE You must purchase a license with a valid activation key to enable Multipoint Bridge Mode. Contact your Enterasys Networks Representative. b) Enter the Multipoint activation key.
Overview of the Access Point Configuration d) Enter the wireless MAC addresses of the other Access Points. Click OK when done. Then click OK in the Wireless Parameters dialog box. 11. For all other Access Points, select LAN-to-LAN Endpoint in the Bridge Mode field. In the Wireless MAC Address field, enter the wireless MAC address of the remote Access Point (Point-to-Point) or central Access Point (Point-to-Multipoint).When done, click OK in the Wireless Parameters dialog box. 12.
Chapter 3 Antenna Installation This chapter provides the information necessary for a professional antenna installer to install the RoamAbout antennas. WARNING WARNING: Antennas should only be installed by a qualified antenna installer. The antenna installation professional should be licensed or certified in accordance with local regulations. Do not install the antenna in wet, windy, icy, or otherwise unsafe weather conditions.
Installation Overview 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 cable connectors to verify that they are the correct polarity for your installation. 3. Plan and implement a grounding system that meets local electrical codes and safety standards. 4. Install the RoamAbout Lightning Protector. 5.
Verify Component Connector Polarity Figure 3-1: Selecting the Correct N-Type Connector 1 Pigtail Connection (A) 2 Lightning Protector (B) ETSI Countries: France, Spain, and Japan. Asia Pacific FCC and ETSI. A Antenna Cable (D) Low-Loss Cable (C) FCC Countries.
Grounding System 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 mast, RoamAbout Access Point, and RoamAbout Lightning Protector must be connected to the same ground. • The antenna and the mounting structure require a separate earth ground connection.
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). 3. Use a ring-terminal to connect ground-wire (C) to bolt (B). The ring-terminal and ground wire are provided by the installer. 4. Secure bolt (B) to the bracket using washers and locknut (D). 5.
Mounting the Antenna 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 reflections, install the antenna at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from all other antennas.
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 emitting from a Yagi directional antenna are linear, leaving the antenna in the same plane as the antenna elements. • When the elements are positioned up and down, the radio waves are vertically polarized.
Mounting the Antenna 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 the antenna in order to better aim it at the opposite end of the wireless link.
Mounting the Antenna Figure 3-3: Mounting the 14 dBi Antenna to a Mast Side View Direction of Maximum Signal Clamp Backing Plate Antenna Mounting Base Flatwasher Always place flatwashers between nuts and the Antenna Mounting Base. Top View Figure 3-4: Mounting the 14 dBi Antenna to a Wall Direction of Maximum Signal Backing Plate Antenna Mounting Base Flatwasher Always place Flatwashers between nuts or bolts and Antenna Mounting Base! Intermediate Plate (not included).
Mounting the Antenna 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. Refer to Figure 3-5 and perform the following: 1. Insert the threaded portion of the antenna mounting base (A) through the top of the mounting bracket (B). 2.
Mounting the Antenna Figure 3-5: Mounting the Omni-Directional Antenna to a Mast A B F I H C E G D H J Antenna Installation 3-11
Mounting the Antenna 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 antenna connector (at the bottom of the antenna as shown in Figure 3-6) but not the base fits through the hole. You can also provide and use a bracket to install the antenna to the side of the vehicle. 2.
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: D A = RoamAbout Pigtail Connection (50 cm) B = RoamAbout Lightning Protector C = Low-Loss Antenna Cable C D = Outdoor Antenna Cable The Pigtail Connection (A) connects the PC Card to the Lightning Protector (B).
Connecting the Antenna Cables 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. 2. Secure the low-loss cable to the mast such that the cable connectors do not support the full weight of the cable. 3. Provide a drip-loop at the bottom of the low-loss cable just before it enters the building. 4.
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 the signal level or prevent communications. Aligning an omni-directional antenna is less critical due to its wide radiation pattern.
Routine Maintenance 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 activity in your area. NOTE Contact a local antenna installation company to determine the maintenance schedule for each RoamAbout Lightning Protector in your outdoor antenna installation.
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 normally mounted on a mast and vertically polarized. Table A-1: 14 dBi Directional Antenna Specifications Mechanical • • Size Mounting Method 45.7 cm (18 in) • Vertical mast with an outside diameter between 35 mm (1.
RoamAbout 14 dBi Directional Antenna Electrical Continued • • • Vertical (E-plane °) Horizontal (H-plane °) Polarization 30.8 Degrees 31.4 Degrees Linear, Vertical or Horizontal Antenna Environment • • • 1 Operating Temperature Wind/survival (mph) Wind Surface Area +60°C (140°F) - 40°C (-40°F) At least 128 km/h (80 mph)1 7.56 square cm (0.248 square feet) At least 104 km/h (65 mph) with 1.25 cm (0.5 in) ice.
RoamAbout 7 dBi Omni-Directional Antenna 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 covering. With the hardware provided, this vertically-polarized antenna can be mounted on an antenna mast with an outside diameter of up to 51 mm (2 in). The table below provides the antenna specifications.
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 vehicle-mount antenna. Table A-3: Vehicle-Mount Antenna Specifications Mechanical Cable Size Insertion Loss @ 2.4 GHz 250 cm (8 feet) Pigtail 3.
RoamAbout Pigtail Connection 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 Card.
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, carefully determine the distance between the locations where you intend to mount the RoamAbout Access Point and outdoor antenna.
Low-Loss Antenna Cable Table A-6: Cable Specifications for the 15 Meter (50 Foot) Antenna Mechanical Specifications Length 15 meter (50 ft) Diameter 10 mm (0.4 in) Weight 101.2 gram/meter (0.
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 the RoamAbout Lightning Protector.
