User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
User Guide
MeshAP 3100
Multi-Radio Wireless Mesh Network Access Point
ArrowSpan Inc.
4800 Great America Parkway
Suite 238
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA
V3.9
May. 2008
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 2
Overview 2
Features 2
Reliable, Intelligent, High Performance Mesh Network 2
Fully Compatible with Existing Access Servers, Routers, and Gateways 3
Management and Security 3
Power 4
External Antennas 4
Ethernet Port 4
Metal Enclosure 4
Outdoor Wireless Benefits 4
Outdoor Wireless Challenges 4
Solution Features and Benefits 5
Auto-recovery Auto-configuring mesh 5
Chapter 2 6
Safety Warnings 6
Deployment Guidelines 6
Site Survey 7
Hardware Features 8
Package Contents 9
Optional Equipment 9
Avoiding Damage to Radios in a Testing Environment 9
Hardware Setup 10
Antennas 12
Wind Resistance 13
Deployment Conditions 13
Antenna must be properly Level 13
Using the built-in Level to level the unit and Antenna 13
MeshAP Node Deployment 14
Distance away from the Side Wall 14
Distance away from the floor 14
Avoid place Node on a Metal Pole 15
Placing node (Height) 15
Antenna Pattern Width 16
Tx Power/Range/Link Speed 16
Default Setting 17
Chapter 3 18
Installation Options 18
Installing the MeshAP Access Point on a Pole 18
Installing the MeshAP Access Point on a Wall 20
Chapter 4 21
MeshAP Infrastructure 21
Mesh Manager Mode 21
Station Mode 21
Chapter 5 22
Accessing the MeshAP Access Point (Login) 22
Direct Ethernet Connection 22
Wireless LAN Access 23
Access MeshAP unit via Mesh Manager’s Topology Page 25
Change Login Username/Password 25
Change Username 26
Chapter 6 27
Mesh Manager Configuration 27
Setup Mesh Manager Unit 27
Http Port 29
Https Port 29
Weight 29
Mesh ID 30
Chapter 7 31
Station Configuration 31
Mesh Link Connection Mode 31
Setup Station in Auto Mode 31
Mesh ID 33
Connect a MeshAP Station to other Stations/Mesh Managers under Auto Mode 33
Setup IP Address for Station 34
Using DHCP mode Setting IP address for the Station 34
Using Static mode Setting IP address for the Station 35
Setup Station in Manual Mode 36
Mesh ID 37
Connect a MeshAP station to other Stations/Mesh managers under Manual Mode 39
Chapter 8 42
Managing the Topology of the Mesh Manager unit 42
Accessing the Topology Page 42
Topology Tree Expanded 42
Managing the MeshAP on the Topology Tree 43
Go back to the Mesh Manager unit 44
Chapter 9 45
Setup Mesh Wireless (Backhaul) 45
Backhaul Wireless Channel 46
Backhaul Wireless Security 46
WPA Wireless Security (Default) 46
WPA2 key 46
WPA key 47
Wireless Diagnostic 47
Local Link Quality 47
Mesh Link Quality 48
Topology Change Log 49
Radio Self-Test 50
Chapter 10 51
Setup AP Wireless 51
Wireless Mode 51
802.11b/g Mode 51
Wireless Channel 51
Changing and modifying the SSID 52
Wireless Security 53
Disable Wireless Security (Default) 53
Configure WEP Wireless Security 53
Configure WPA Wireless Security 55
Configure WPA2 Wireless Security 55
Chapter 11 56
Multiple SSID / VLAN Configuration 56
SSID / VLAN Page 56
Understand SSID “span” and “arrow 56
VLAN Tag 57
Access Mode 57
Trunk and Native VLAN Mode 57
Pure Mode 58
Chapter 12 60
Point-To-Point MeshAP Locator 60
Using Point-To-Point Station Locator to adjust directional antenna 60
SNR Color Bar Information 61
Chapter 13 63
Firmware Upgrade 63
Direct Upgrade – Mesh Station 63
Known Issues & Solutions 65
Firmware Batch Update 66
TFTP Update 67
Chapter 14 69
Fail-safe/Local IP Address 69
Retrieve ISP Assigned Mesh Manager IP Address under DHCP Mode 69
Change the Fail-safe/Local IP Address 70
MeshAP Station Fail-safe/Local IP Address List 70
Mesh Manager Fail-Safe/Local IP Address List 70
Clear ARP Table on Laptop or PC 71
Chapter 15 73
SNMP 73
SNMP Configuration 73
Trap/Inform 73
SNMP Community (Work Group) 74
APPENDIX A 75
Specification 75
Wireless 75
Software Feature 76
Hardware Specifications 77
APPENDIX B 78
Power Consumption and PoE Injector Pin Assignments 78
WARRANTY 79
User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz/2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point
IMPORTANT: Information presented are based on information available and they are subject to change without notice.
Chapter 1
Overview
ArrowSpan’s multi-radio mesh access point extends hotspot coverage using dual 802.11a wireless technology as a backhaul connection between mesh access points, and uses one 802.11g as a client connection.
The MeshAP 3100 is designed for maximum performance, scalability, and ease of use. The MeshAP 3100 is ideal for metro Wi-Fi solutions and offers full 802.11b/g client compatibility, along with mesh network protection with user defined Mesh ID. The multiple wireless path design for both backhaul and user traffic eliminates adjacent AP signal interference and provides zero performance degradation.
Features
· Dual Radio Backhaul, Single Radio Client AP access
· Backhaul Encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2
· Client AP Encryption: WEP, WPA2
· Full VPN compatibility
· MAC address access control lists
· Secure local and remote configuration via HTTPS
· Web (HTML) Browser-based management tool supports both http and https
· Network and client monitoring and statistical capture features
· Full 802.11b/g client compatibility
· Layer 2 support
Reliable, Intelligent, High Performance Mesh Network
· Patented Auto-discovery, auto-configure, and auto-healing POP (Predictable Optimum Path) mesh routing algorithm
· Multiple wireless path design for both backhaul and user traffic eliminates adjacent AP signal interference and provides zero performance degradation
· Best network throughput via layer 2 fast switching and bridging from AP to AP to support real time video, voice, and data applications
Fully Compatible with Existing Access Servers, Routers, and Gateways
· Transparent to layer 3 and up protocols, fully compatible with existing network equipment
· Directly connects to existing Routers, Gateways, or APs through 10/100 Ethernet
Management and Security
· GPS Receiver(optional) Antenna provides physical location information of each MeshAP, simplifies maintenance task and adds a new potential of location related services (outdoor version only)
· Web Based HTML browser management interface
· Supports WEP, WPA, MAC filtering, and AES encryption security across wireless mesh network
· Unique mesh network protection with user defined Mesh ID
Figure 1-1
MeshAP 3100 Full-Duplex Wireless Mesh Network Access Point
Power
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP outdoor access point receives power from the power injector. It uses an external 48-VDC power module and injects the DC voltage into the Ethernet cables to power the outdoor access point.
External Antennas
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP access point is designed for use with an external 2.4GHz antenna with an N-type male connector, and two external 5GHz antenna with an N-type male connector.
Ethernet Port
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP access point is able to link to your 100BASE-T Ethernet LAN through the optional power injector. The Ethernet cables are used to supply inline 48-VDC power from the power injector.
Metal Enclosure
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP access point consists of a weatherproof metal enclosure, providing an industrial grade temperature support of -40°F to 131°F (-40°C to 55°C).
Outdoor Wireless Benefits
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP wireless solutions allow users to deploy a scalable, secure and cost-effective outdoor wireless network. The MeshAP solutions deliver a true wireless broadband network over large geographic areas or other locations where wiring is too difficult or expensive to install.
Outdoor Wireless Challenges
Outdoor wireless deployments offer a number of challenges, with the main one being interference. Special equipment may be needed in order to overcome signal interference. Listed below is a list of challenges that may affect an outdoor wireless network, compared to a standard indoor WLAN:
· Coverage
· Environment
· Equipment cost
Solution Features and Benefits
Auto-recovery Auto-configuring mesh
ArrowSpan’s intelligent wireless routing is based on the Predictable Optimum Path (POP). The POP mesh routing algorithm examines the network and makes appropriate connections among MeshAP access points in real time and dynamically optimizes the best route to the connected network within the mesh. This helps ensure high network capacity and provides resiliency to interference. The POP automatically determines the best path back to the Mesh Manager by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal strength and hops. The POP continuously monitors changes in conditions and changes routes to reflect those changes.
Chapter 2
Safety Warnings
Warning: Do not place antennas near power circuits or power lines. Choose your location carefully and keep in mind that power lines look similar to phone lines so always use caution. Make sure not to come into contact with any such circuits while installing the antenna because it may cause serious injury or death.
Warning: Only qualified personnel should be allowed to install and/or replace the equipment.
Warning: Make sure to read the installation instructions thoroughly before you install the unit(s).
Warning: To avoid the risk of being electrocuted, do not work on the unit(s) during a lightning storm.
Warning: Disposal of any unit(s) should be handled according to national laws and regulations.
Deployment Guidelines
Follow the guidelines below to ensure the best possible performance:
1. Before you install your outdoor unit(s), choose a location where buildings and trees will not block the signal.
2. Make sure to install your outdoor unit at a moderate height (approximately 40 feet), so it can provide a clear signal to neighboring nodes.
3. Before you install your outdoor unit(s), choose a location where power circuits or power lines are not near. Failing to do so could cause serious injury or death.
4. Plan your complete installation before you begin. It is best to have one person chaperone the installation team to be able to spot any signs of trouble.
5. When installing the antenna, make sure to do the following:
· Wear shoes with rubber soles, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or jacket.
· Do not use a metal ladder
· Do not work on a wet or windy day
6. If the assembly starts to drop, let if fall. All the attachments are excellent conductors of electrical current, so even the slightest touch of any of the parts could electrocute you.
7. If any part of the unit comes in contact with a power line, do not touch it or remove it yourself. Call your local power company and they will safely remove it.
8. Mounting units on a “vertical” mount metal objects may interfere the signal pattern of the antenna. (Note: A horizontal mount metal object will not have this effect.)
9. Provide a clear signal to neighboring nodes.
10. When installing the unit(s), allow at least 20 feet of separation between each unit.
11. All the antennas need to be properly connected. The unit may experience permanent hardware failure if the antennas are not properly connected and the unit is powered on.
12. MeshAP unit MUST be properly grounded, surge protected, and lighting protected to avoid unit being damage with electrical stresses.
IMPORTANT: Any damages due to improper installation voids warranty.
Site Survey
Before any Wi-Fi mesh network is installed, a site survey is needed to determine how to maximize the coverage and network performance.
Data rates – Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases
Antenna type and placement – Do not place the antenna higher than necessary. The extra height could cause possible interference.
Physical environment – Open areas provide a better signal than closed areas.
Obstructions – Avoid placing the access points in a location where there are obstructions between the sending and receiving antennas such as trees, buildings or hills.
Hardware Features
Some of the access point hardware features are listed below:
· Multi Radio (2.4- and 5-GHz)
· External antennas
· IP 67 Ethernet Port & Power Source Connector
· Waterproof Membrane Vent Cap emit the residual moisture of the enclosure
· IP 66 Metal enclosure supports outdoor installations
Package Contents
Each MeshAP 3100 contains the following items:
· Outdoor Wireless Mesh Access Point
· Quick Installation Guide
· CD (User Guide, Quick Installation Guide)
Optional Equipment
· Pole mounting kit
· Street light adapter
· PoE Injector
· 8dbi 4.9-5GHz Antennas
· 8dbi 2.4GHz Antenna
Avoiding Damage to Radios in a Testing Environment
The radios on outdoor units (bridges) have higher transmit power levels than radios on indoor units (access points). When you test high power radios in a link, you must avoid exceeding the receiver’s maximum receive input level. At levels above normal the operating range, packet error rate (PER) performance is degraded. At even higher levels, the receiver can be permanently damaged. To avoid receiver damage and PER degradation, you can use one of the following techniques:
· Must Install Antennas to all MeshAP Antenna Connectors BEFORE power on the unit.
· Use 20dB Attenuators with all Antennas with a least 6.5ft (2 m) distance between the MeshAP nodes.
Hardware Setup
IMPORTANT: Must Install All Antennas to MeshAP Antenna Connectors BEFORE power on the unit.
Step 1: Assemble all Antennas to the N-type connectors. Make sure Antennas are installed to the correct RF spectrum connector. Please refer to the below diagram for the connectors associated with each spectrum.
Step 2: Assemble the IP67 rated RJ-45 connector for the RJ-45 cable.
Step 3: Plug-in the Cat-5 cable with IP67 rated RJ-45 connector to the IP67 rated PoE (RJ-45) jack and tightened the connector to the RJ-45 connector located at the bottom of the MeshAP.
Step 4: Plug-in the other end of the Cat-5 cable to the PoE (RJ-45) jack (Power & Data Out) and Plug-in the power adapter cable to the Electrical Outlet.
Step 5: Weatherproofing the antenna connectors. Using the enclosed Coax-Seal to Wrap and mold the connector and antenna to further weatherproofing the connectors.
Instruction: To apply - diagonally wrap a strip of Coax-Seal over a clean, dry connection making sure to overlap as you apply. Mold to form a smooth surface and to force out the air.