User's Manual

HotPort 3100 Series / 3500 Series Indoor Mesh Nodes 1
Introduction
Firetide HotPort Wireless Mesh Nodes
The Firetide™ HotPort™ High-Performance Mesh Network provides a high-
capacity, self-healing wireless mesh backbone for indoor and outdoor net-
works. The HotPort system enables multiple network services and standard
Ethernet devices to operate on the wireless backbone, creating secure and
reliable wireless networks for video surveillance, voice, and data.
HotPort 3100 series mesh nodes provide fast and easy indoor network
deployment. They connect wirelessly to other indoor and outdoor HotPort
nodes to form a high-performance wireless mesh network. Ethernet packets
are automatically switched across the mesh, in a manner analogous to
an Ethernet switch, using AutoMesh™, a proprietary protocol developed
by Firetide. AutoMesh has been optimized for efficiency in wireless mesh
environments.
HotPort nodes are plenum-rated and feature a built-in four-port 10/100
Ethernet switch for connecting networking devices at any indoor location
to a fully wireless mesh backbone. Models are available for operation at
2.4 GHz for high capacity and maximum range or at 5 GHz for high capacity
and minimal interference from 2.4 GHz devices. For use on US Public Safety
bands, a 4.9 GHz unit is available. This frequency may only be used by FCC-
licensed Public Safety agencies.
Nodes can be mounted securely to a wall, ceiling, or countertop using an
optional mounting bracket. Each HotPort indoor node includes antennas.
The high throughput of the HotPort mesh ensures higher link performance
over longer distances and enables networking services to operate on a wire-
less backbone rather than a costly wired network. A Firetide mesh is also
completely portable, so relocating your entire network is as easy as taking
your HotPort nodes with you to your new site, leaving no wires behind.
The HotPort Family
HotPort nodes are available in both indoor and outdoor models, and with a
range of single-band and multiple-band radios.
HotPort 3101 and 3103 Models
The HotPort 3101 indoor mesh node provides 10 Mbps throughput for high
performance, low cost Wi-Fi HotZone applications. The HotPort 3103 pro-
vides 25 Mbps throughput plus traffic prioritization for optimal video, voice,
and data networking. Both are dual-band units.
The HotPort 3100/PS provides similar functionality for Public Safety band
use in the US.
HotPort 3500 Series Models
The HotPort 3500 Series feature band-specific high-power radios, but are
otherwise identical to the 3100 Series Models.
Outdoor Nodes
In addition to the indoor models, Firetide offers a range of HotPorts for out-
door use. These are described in the HotPort 3200/3600 Series User Guide.