User's Manual

RLX2 Series ♦ 802.11a, b, g, n Planning the Network
Industrial Hotspots User Manual
3 Planning the Network
Before configuring and installing the wireless network, it may help to create a
plan. The following points assume a bridge network of masters and repeaters.
Clients can also be configured to work with devices on existing wireless LANs.
For information, see Setup Client Radio (page 28).
The simplest way to design the physical network of radios, antennas, connectors,
cables, amplifiers and other accessories, is to use ProSoft Wireless Designer
(page 32). This is a freely-available software application that determines the
hardware needs based on the user’s answers to a few questions.
The software will generate a Bill of Materials specifying all the components
needed for the installation. ProSoft Wireless Design is included on the optical
media supplied with the RLX2 radio, and is also available for downloading from
the ProSoft website.
 To begin, identify the potential radio locations. For example, the master radio
may be installed near a PC in a central plant location (This PC can configure
the radios through the Radio Configuration / Diagnostic Utility). If the plant is
an oil refinery, for example, radios may need to be installed near the oil tanks.
 The next important issue is how to link the radios. Unless the radios are very
close together, make sure that each pair of radio antennas in the network has
a line of sight between them. In other words, visibility is needed from one
antenna to another, either with the naked eye or with binoculars.
 If a line of sight does not exist between antennas, an additional site is needed
for installing a repeater radio. This site will create a bridge between the radio
antennas.
 Choose the appropriate antennas for the network. If an antenna will be
connected to the radio by a long cable, a power amplifier (available from
ProSoft Technology) may be needed. The more distance between an
antenna and its radio, the more signal loss the radio will have.
ProSoft Wireless Designer can suggest suitable antennas for the application
based on frequency band, data rate, distance, power output level, and other
factors.
 Consider drawing up the network plans on paper. As part of the drawing,
assign a logical name to each radio. These names can be assigned in the
Radio Configuration / Diagnostic Utility.
 As part of the planning, a site survey may be helpful. ProSoft Technology can
perform this survey, or hire a surveyor, or survey it on your own.
 Protect radios from direct exposure to weather, and provide an adequate,
stable power source. Make sure the plan complies with the radio’s power
requirements and cable specifications.
Important: Radios and antennas must be located at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from personnel.
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 31 of 161
November 29, 2012