SkyPilot SkyGateway/SkyExtender Installation
Contents Contents 3 About This Guide 5 Audience and Purpose 6 How This Guide Is Organized 6 Conventions Used in This Guide 7 Introduction 9 Solution Overview 10 Mesh Network 10 SkyGateway 12 SkyExtender Devices 12 SkyConnector and SkyAccess DualBand 13 Your SkyGateway/SkyExtender Kit 15 Kit Contents 16 What Else You Need 17 Installing and Configuring the SkyGateway/SkyExtender 19 Planning your Installation 20 SkyGateway Installation 21 SkyExtender Installation 21 GPS and the SkyGateway/SkyExtender 21 Mounti
Maximum Permissible Exposure IC RSS-210 statements The SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation and Setup Guide 47 48 4
About This Guide This guide explains how to install and set up a SkyPilot™ SkyGateway™, SkyExtender™, SkyExtender DualBand, or SkyExtender TriBand device to provide wireless network access to users of a SkyPilot wireless mesh network. It assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a familiarity with configuring wireless devices.
Audience and Purpose This guide provides directions for installing and setting up a SkyPilot SkyGateway, SkyExtender, SkyExtender DualBand, or SkyExtender TriBand device that can provide access to users of a SkyPilot wireless mesh network. This guide assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a familiarity with configuring wireless devices.
Conventions Used in This Guide This section describes the text and syntax conventions used throughout this guide. Text Conventions This guide uses the following text conventions: • Italic is used to introduce new terms. • Bold is used to indicate what you click or type in a graphical user interface (for example, commands names or text being entered). In examples showing user interaction with the command-line interface, bold is used to indicate user input as opposed to command output.
1 Introduction This chapter provides an overview of the SkyPilot Networks solution, describes the SkyPilot devices, and then illustrates how they combine to form a mesh network.
Solution Overview SkyPilot Networks delivers a wireless, end-to-end broadband solution that seamlessly supports high-capacity, high-coverage mesh networks. Designed for managed-access networks and service providers, the SkyPilot network takes broadband wireless the “last mile” with a costeffective, robust infrastructure solution.
Figure 1.
SkyGateway The SkyGateway operates as a base station for a wireless mesh network. It provides an interface between wired infrastructure and a wireless network of subscribers who enjoy secure, high-speed access to the Internet or to wide area networks. A SkyPilot wireless network requires at least one SkyGateway for operation. If necessary, you can add additional SkyGateways to increase network capacity or provide redundancy.
antennas have similar coverage patterns, providing a cost-effective solution for municipal networks. For optimal performance, install the SkyExtender in an elevated location such as a roof, tower, or utility pole. SkyConnector and SkyAccess DualBand SkyConnectors link your subscribers to the SkyPilot wireless network. An Ethernet port on the device allows a connection to a subscriber’s computer, or to a local area network (LAN) via a data switch or router.
2 Your SkyGateway/SkyExtender Kit Your SkyPilot SkyGateway/SkyExtender kit provides the basic equipment you need to install the device and configure it for operation on a SkyPilot wireless mesh network. This chapter describes that equipment and lists additional items you should have on hand before starting installation.
Kit Contents Figure 2-1 shows the contents of the SkyGateway/SkyExtender installation kit. Figure 2-1. What the basic kit provides Additionally, DualBand kits contain two 2.4 GHz (white tipped) omnidirectional antennas. And TriBand kits contain the following items in addition to the basic SkyExtender kit: • One 2.4 GHz (white tipped) antenna • One 4.
For more information, visit the SkyPilot website at www.skypilot.com/support/. What Else You Need Before starting installation, you also need the following: • • • For basic mounting: o 7/16" wrench o Phillips screwdriver For pole mounting: o Magnetic level o Steel pole between 1 1/8" (2.87 cm) and 1 3/8" (3.
• o RJ-45 crimping tool o External Surge protection device For configuration: o Computer with a serial port, a terminal emulation program, a network interface card, and a Web browser (laptop recommended for convenience) SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 18
3 Installing and Configuring the SkyGateway/SkyExtender This chapter provides instructions for planning and performing the physical installation of the SkyGateway or SkyExtender and then configuring it.
Planning your Installation When choosing a site for the SkyGateway or SkyExtender, consider the radio frequency (RF) environment and the physical layout of the area. Trees, buildings, and hills can attenuate or block a wireless signal. When assessing a site, examine the overall topology of the wireless path for possible obstructions—both existing and planned—as well as seasonal changes of foliage and tree growth.
NOTE Plan to configure the SkyGateway or SkyExtender before mounting it. Some steps, such as those requiring serial console access, are easier if the device is more accessible. For information about configuration, see “Configuring the SkyGateway/SkyExtender” on page 30. SkyGateway Installation In a typical wide area wireless mesh network, you’ll install a SkyGateway on a tower or the roof of a tall building.
Upon startup, a SkyGateway or SkyExtender searches for a GPS signal, and if the device can’t detect a signal, it will be unable to complete startup and won’t establish wireless connections with other devices. You can configure a SkyGateway or SkyExtender even if the device can’t detect a GPS signal. While the device is searching for the GPS signal, press the TILDE key (~) to bypass the search; the device will then proceed through the startup sequence.
2 Use the provided mounting bracket and appropriate length 1/4" Number 28 screws (provided in the accessory kit) to attach the SkyGateway or SkyExtender to the mounting pole (see Figure 3-1). The 1" screws accommodate a pole diameter of 1 1/2", and the 2" screws accommodate a pole diameter of 2 1/8". NOTE If the device is not level, performance may be degraded. Figure 3-1.
connections (recommended), see the procedure on page 16; to cable the device for Ethernet only, see the procedure on page 19. For SkyExtender, DualBand, and TriBand installations, your view will differ slightly, allowing for antenna access through the cable covers. IMPORTANT To install cabling for both Ethernet and serial connections: 1 Connect the Ethernet cable. Run the CAT-5 cable under the gasket and plug it into the Ethernet port in the cavity on the device base (see Figure 3-2). Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-3. Connecting the serial cable b. Press the weather gasket into the recessed area around the serial port. Figure 3-4. Fitting the weather gasket 3 Attach the cover.
a. Slide the port cover over the weather gasket and secure it to the base of the unit with the provided screws, making sure the Ethernet cable passes through the cutout in the cover. Figure 3-5. Attaching the cover to the base b. Use a tie wrap (provided in the accessory kit) to ensure a tight seal for the weather gasket. Cut off any excess tie wrap. Figure 3-6. Sealing the weather gasket 4 Secure the cabling.
Figure 3-7.
To install cabling for both Ethernet and serial connections: 1 Connect the Ethernet cable. Run the CAT-5 cable under the gasket and plug it into the Ethernet port in the cavity on the device base (see Figure 3-2). Figure 3-8. Attaching weather gasket and metal cover 2 Attach the cover. a. Slide the port cover over the weather gasket and secure it to the base of the unit with the provided screws, making sure the Ethernet cable passes through the cutout in the cover.
Figure 3-9. Attaching the cover to the base 3 Secure the cabling. Use sturdy cable ties or Velcro wraps (not included) to secure all the cabling against strain, especially if the installation is subject to high winds. Figure 3-10.
Attaching Antennas Unless you’re installing a DualBand or TriBand, you can skip this section. To attach the DualBand antennas, see the procedure on page 21; to attach the TriBand antennas, see the procedure on page 22. To attach the DualBand antennas: • Connect the 2.4 GHz antennas.
To attach the TriBand antennas: • Connect the 2.4 and 4.9 GHz antennas. Each TriBand access point requires attachment of one of the antennas provided with the device. Screw the 2.4 GHz (white tipped) antenna onto the N-connector marked “ant 1” and the 4.9 GHz (black tipped) antenna onto the N-connector marked “ant 2”. Figure 3-12.
Powering Up To supply power to the SkyGateway or SkyExtender, perform the procedures described in this section. Making Power and Network Connections To supply power to the SkyGateway or SkyExtender, perform the procedures described in this section. To make connections: 1 Attach the power supply for the SkyGateway or SkyExtender. a. Connect the AC power cord to the AC adapter, and plug it into an AC outlet. b. Connect the Ethernet cable to the port labeled “CPE” on the power injector.
Figure 3-13. Providing power to the SkyGateway/SkyExtender 2 If you’re connecting a DualBand, skip this step. Likewise, if you’re connecting a SkyExtender that will operate solely as a repeater on the wireless mesh network, skip this step as a data connection is not required. Otherwise, connect the device to a WAN (for a SkyGateway) or a PC/LAN (for a SkyExtender that’s also providing local access to the wireless network).
Figure 3-14. Connecting a SkyGateway to a router or data switch For a SkyExtender (or TriBand, but not DualBand) that also gives subscribers access to the wireless mesh network, connect a second Ethernet cable from the power injector port labeled “Computer” to a personal computer (see Figure 3-15) or to a router or data switch providing a connection to a LAN (see Figure 3-16).
Figure 3-15.
Figure 3-15. Connecting a SkyExtender/TriBand to a computer Monitoring the Power-On Sequence When power is supplied to the SkyGateway or SkyExtender, it starts a routine power-on sequence which you can monitor by observing the pair of LED lights on the underside of the device. The power-on sequence takes up to 15 minutes, depending on how quickly the device can acquire a GPS signal.
configuration, the device may be unable to connect to the network until the device has been fully configured as described in “Configuring the SkyGateway/SkyExtender” on page 30. Figure 3-17. LED lights on the SkyGateway/SkyExtender base The tables that follow provide detailed descriptions of device states indicated by the LED lights. When both LED lights are lit and steady, the SkyGateway or SkyExtender is successfully connected to the wireless network.
Table 3-1.
Table 3-2.
Configuring the SkyGateway/SkyExtender 4 To operate on the wireless mesh network, the SkyGateway or SkyExtender requires a network configuration. A SkyGateway will not transmit a wireless signal until it is configured, and it will not be able to connect to other network devices without a configuration.
Accessing the Command-Line Interface SkyPilot devices include a command-line interface which you can use for manual provisioning and troubleshooting. You can connect to a device and access its command-line interface through Telnet over an Ethernet connection or via a terminal session from a console connected to the device’s RJ-45 serial port. After logging in (by supplying a password), you can enter commands at the command prompt.
A Grounding Guidelines This appendix provides some guidelines for properly grounding the SkyPilot Connector. Proper grounding protects both your SkyPilot device and equipment connected to it. For the surge protection circuitry built into the SkyPilot equipment to be effective, proper grounding of the unit is necessary. This is especially true if you’re installing devices on tall structures, or in areas subject to lightning.
• The primary grounding point of the AC electrical system of the building. • A 10-foot or longer copper-clad ground rod driven into the earth. For a tower with multiple legs, you need one ground rod per leg and a ground wire loop connecting each of the rods; see Figure 12. Figure A1-1.
Use of an antioxide compound and proper sealing is essential. For protection against corrosion, wrap all connections with Scotch® 130C tape. Checking Cold-Water Pipe Integrity If you’re using a cold-water pipe for grounding, verify the integrity of the ground. In some cases, sections of metal cold-water pipes may have been repaired or extended with PVC material. PVC material or a dielectric union will render a cold-water pipe ground unacceptable for grounding.
Grounding Checklist When grounding a SkyPilot device, use the following checklist to confirm that your installation is adequately protected from power surges and lightning. • Connect a ground wire from the SkyPilot device to a ground system on the building or tower. • Use shielded CAT5 cabling and connect the drain wire of the shield to ground at the SkyPilot device. (Leave the other end of the drain wire unconnected.
B FCC Statements FCC Class A Notice NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-vide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Regulatory Statements for Canada IC RSS-210 statements This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numerique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 duCanada. SkyPilot Networks SkyGateway devices are certified to meet the requirements of RSS-210 for 5 GHz. Use of this device in a system must follow the Canadian regulations. For further information, contact your local Industry Canada office.
I!! Caution !!! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment Table B-1. Antennas approved for use SkyExtender DualBand: Manufacturer Model Comet SF245 Comet SF245+12 Comet SF245+12x A SkyPilot SkyExtender TriBand uses the 4.9 GHz band. Prior to operating these devices, users are legally required to obtain frequency licenses from their local communications governing agency.
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 50
