Technical data

262 Meru System Director Configuration Guide © 2012 Meru Networks, Inc.
Installing and Configuring an Enterprise Mesh System
Installing and Configuring an Enterprise Mesh System
Determine Antenna Placement
An Enterprise Mesh uses APs (as repeaters) to extend the range of wireless coverage.
An AP in a Enterprise Mesh configuration is directed to look for a signal from a Parent
AP. (A Parent-AP ID is the AP ID of the of the intermediate AP providing backhaul
connectivity). As such, antenna placement and reception is important for the
optimum performance of the system.
If there are obstacles in the radio path, the quality and strength of the radio signal
are degraded. Calculating the maximum clearance from objects on a path is impor-
tant and should affect the decision on antenna placement and height. It is especially
critical for long-distance links, where the radio signal could easily be lost.
When planning the radio path for a wireless hop, consider these factors:
 Enterprise Mesh requires line-of-sight antenna placement. If you use a
point-to-point directional antenna, a maximum of 1/2 mile is supported. For our
standard omni-directional antennas, we recommend a maximum of 150 feet per
hop.
 Avoid any partial line-of-sight paths between antennas.
 Be cautious of trees or other foliage that may be near the path, or ones that may
grow to obstruct the path.
 Be sure there is enough clearance from buildings and that no building construction
may eventually block the path.
 Check the topology of the land between the antennas using topographical maps,
aerial photos, or even satellite image data (software packages are available that
may include this information for your area).
 Avoid a path that may incur temporary blockage due to the movement of cars,
trains, or aircraft.
Installing the Meru Networks Enterprise Mesh
Enterprise Mesh APs are configured in three phases. Phase 1 consists of setting up a
wired physical installation with APs connected to the controller through an Ethernet
switch. In Phase 2 the AP are configured with their wireless mesh parameters. In
Phase 3 the APs are disconnected from the Ethernet switch and placed in their final
destination.
 Phase 1: Connect Controller and APs with an Ethernet Switch
 Phase 2: Configure the APs for Enterprise Mesh
Check the Configuration Before Phase 3
 Phase 3: Remove the Cables and Deploy the APs