Specifications

Crestron Best Practices RF Products

Reference Guide – DOC. 6689E Best Practices – RF Products

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Installing RF Devices

When installing RF devices, it is recommended that the following steps be performed

in the order listed below:

1. Create a network list.

2. Conduct a site survey.

3. Build a channel map.

4. Install and configure RF gateways.

5. Verify connectivity.

Creating a Network List

It is important to know which wireless networks are to be installed. To do so,

separate all the wireless devices to be installed into individual networks based on the

following guidelines:

1. Do not install more than 30 infiNET devices on a single MNET gateway

(infiNET network) or more than 100 infiNET EX devices on a single RF

gateway (infiNET EX network).

NOTE: Although 100 infiNET EX devices are allowed on a single

network, Crestron recommends installing a maximum of 50 infiNET EX

devices on a single network to ensure optimal range and operation.

2. To reduce the distances between gateways and devices, group the devices

based on their location rather than on their function. For example, instead of

creating separate lighting and HVAC infiNET or infiNET EX networks,

mix and match devices based on their location.

3. Place 802.11b devices and 802.11g/n devices on different networks.

4. When installing mesh networks such as infiNET and infiNET EX,

remember that battery-operated devices do not act as extenders and

therefore do not extend the network coverage.

5. To account for unexpected interference, do not exceed 75 % of the typical

indoor network range between devices or between a device and a gateway.

One gateway is required for each individual network in the installation. The channel

of each network is dictated by the gateway; therefore, all client devices communicate

on the same channel as the gateway.

Keep in mind that some networks have the option of using either 2.4 or 5.8 GHz

bands (802.11n). Those networks should be treated separately from networks that

must use a 2.4 GHz band (802.11b/g).

Once the list of networks is obtained, a site survey can be conducted.

Conducting a Site Survey

A wireless site survey consists of detecting the level and distribution of outside

interference. A site survey often provides early detection of any issues that might be

encountered in the installation and, to a large extent, dictates which wireless

channels can be used in the installation. The goal of a site survey is to discover the

worst-case interference scenario.