User Manual

1-5
maintenance you require. Table 1.2 describes some of the locations you might want
to consider.
Note: Regardless of the location you choose, plan to provide a weatherproof
housing unit for the network switch, the power supply, and the TVS
equipment.
Table 1.2 Advantages/disadvantages of location choices
Location Advantages Disadvantages
On tower, at
antennas
Installing at the antennas offers
cost savings, due to the fact that
you can use a shorter coaxial
cable to connect the base stations
to your cells. This also offers the
ability to transmit at higher
power levels, since there is lower
signal loss in shorter cables.
When you install base stations
near the top of the tower,
installation and maintenance are
more difficult.
At base of tower Placing the base stations at the
base of a tower offers simpler
installation and maintenance
than a base station installed on
the tower, at the antennas.
Base station installation and
maintenance are simpler than
other options;
If you install at the base of the
tower, you need to run a coaxial
cable from the base stations to
the cells. This cable must be of
sufficient size to reduce signal loss,
which may increase costs.
Installation still requires you to
install the antennas and coaxial
cable.
On rooftop You can use a shorter coaxial
cable to connect base stations to
cells. As such, you can probably
operate at higher power levels,
and still stay within signal loss
criteria.
Rooftop access is usually
available, making installation and
maintenance easier. Also, a
housing unit for the backbone
network switch, power supplies,
and other equipment is typically
available.
You need to obtain permission
to use a rooftop, and comply
with building codes.