6Harmonics GWS 5002E, GWS 5002 Users Manual
GWS5000 Deployment Guide Version 1.0 19 July 2019 Copyright 6Harmonics Inc
GWS5000 SERIES
USER GUIDE
19th July 2019
GWS5000 Deployment Guide Version 1.0 19 July 2019 Copyright 6Harmonics
Contents
Copyright Notice .......................................................................................................................................... 5
FCC Regulatory Notice ................................................................................................................................. 6
Part 15 TV Band Device Notice ................................................................................................................. 6
Safety Notice ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Deployment Guide Summary ...................................................................................................................... 9
GWS5000 Series Product Description....................................................................................................... 10
Applications ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Key Features ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Standards and Regulatory Compliance ................................................................................................. 12
Power Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 12
Mechanical .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Environmental ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Deployment Planning for GWS5000 Radios ............................................................................................. 14
Point-to-Point Links................................................................................................................................. 15
Point-to-Multipoint Links ........................................................................................................................ 15
Coverage ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Coverage and Propagation Estimation ............................................................................................. 16
Outdoor Propagation Considerations............................................................................................... 16
Link Margin and Expected Throughput Performance ...................................................................... 17
GWS5000 Installation ................................................................................................................................ 22
Antenna Installation .............................................................................................................................. 22
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Grounding ............................................................................................... 23
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Lightning Surge Protection ................................................................... 23
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Ethernet Cable Requirements ............................................................... 23
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Ethernet Surge Protection .................................................................... 24
Base Station Installation Schematic ...................................................................................................... 25
Base Station Installation Example..................................................................................................... 26
Client Station Installation Schematic .................................................................................................... 27
GWS5000 Deployment Guide Version 1.0 19 July 2019 Copyright 6Harmonics
Client Station Installation Examples ................................................................................................. 28
Power over Ethernet (POE) Units ......................................................................................................... 29
Network Configuration of GWS5000 Radios ............................................................................................ 30
Preparation ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Hardware ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Software .............................................................................................................................................. 31
Other .................................................................................................................................................... 31
Configuring the GWS Radios .................................................................................................................. 31
GWS Radio GUI Login.......................................................................................................................... 31
Network Configuration Parameters ................................................................................................. 32
Setting Network Configuration Parameters .................................................................................... 33
Using the Djinni Tool to Configure the GWS Radios ........................................................................ 35
Roll-back Feature ............................................................................................................................... 40
Setting up a Radio Link .......................................................................................................................... 42
Establishing a Wireless Link between Two GWS Radios .................................................................. 42
Radio Link Performance Optimization .............................................................................................. 53
Nominet Database Settings: FCC Operation ........................................................................................ 55
Device Characteristics ........................................................................................................................ 55
Location .............................................................................................................................................. 55
Database Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 56
Owner Information ............................................................................................................................ 56
Operator Information ........................................................................................................................ 56
Database Operation: Base Station .................................................................................................... 58
Database Operation: Client Station .................................................................................................. 60
Nominet Database Settings: OFCOM Operation .................................................................................. 61
Understanding MOP, GOP & SOP Values from the Nominet Database .......................................... 63
GPS Operation .................................................................................................................................... 68
Database Tab: Nominet-OFCOM Operation ..................................................................................... 70
Database Operation: Base Station .................................................................................................... 73
Database Operation: Client Station .................................................................................................. 76
GWS5000 Deployment Guide Version 1.0 19 July 2019 Copyright 6Harmonics
GUI Details .................................................................................................................................................. 79
Monitor Tab ............................................................................................................................................ 79
Radio Status ....................................................................................................................................... 79
Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 83
Database Agent Status ...................................................................................................................... 87
Connection Status: Base Station ....................................................................................................... 87
Connection Status: Client Station ..................................................................................................... 88
About Tab ............................................................................................................................................... 89
System Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 90
Network Tab ....................................................................................................................................... 94
Tools Tab ............................................................................................................................................ 96
Features Tab ....................................................................................................................................... 99
Database Tab .................................................................................................................................... 100
Testing Radio Database Connectivity Using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .................................. 101
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 101
Set up ICS.............................................................................................................................................. 103
Configuring the Base Station .............................................................................................................. 106
Connecting a Client Station to the Base Station ................................................................................ 109
Using a MiFi Hotspot to Configure a Client Radio with a Tablet ............................................................ 112
MiFi Unit ................................................................................................................................................ 112
Configuring the MiFi ............................................................................................................................. 113
Connecting to the GWS Radio via the WiFi Access Point of the MiFi Unit ......................................... 116
Features ..................................................................................................................................................... 120
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) ......................................................................................................... 120
ATF ..................................................................................................................................................... 122
Client RTS........................................................................................................................................... 122
Security (PSK) .................................................................................................................................... 122
TDMA ................................................................................................................................................. 122
SNMP ................................................................................................................................................. 122
Link Watchdog .................................................................................................................................. 123
GWS5000 Deployment Guide Version 1.0 19 July 2019 Copyright 6Harmonics
QOS .................................................................................................................................................... 124
VLAN .................................................................................................................................................. 124
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................ 125
Other .......................................................................................................................................................... 129
Security .................................................................................................................................................. 129
Warranty ................................................................................................................................................ 129
Terms and Conditions of Sale ............................................................................................................... 129
Database Tokens ............................................................................................................................... 129
Service and Support ............................................................................................................................. 130
Training ................................................................................................................................................. 130
Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 131
Regulatory ............................................................................................................................................. 131
Database Parameters ....................................................................................................................... 132
Regulatory Notice USA ......................................................................................................................... 133
Regulatory Notice Canada .................................................................................................................... 134
Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance for Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits ............ 134
Technical Brief RF Exposure Limits .................................................................................................. 135
Regulatory Notice UK .......................................................................................................................... 136
Manufacturers Declaration ............................................................................................................. 136
Product Information and Operational Parameters ............................................................................. 141
Master ................................................................................................................................................ 141
Slave ................................................................................................................................................... 142
Channel Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 143
Channel Plan 0 ................................................................................................................................... 143
Channel Plan 1 ................................................................................................................................... 146
Antennas .............................................................................................................................................. 148
Glossary of Terms................................................................................................................................. 150
GWS5000 Deployment Guide Version 1.0 19 July 2019 Copyright 6Harmonics
Revision History
Revisions
Author
Date
Status
Notes
1.0
Mike Davies
14th January 2019
Draft
Initial release for internal review
1.1
Mike Davies
15th February 2019
Draft
Changes to Nominet Database
Settings: OFCOM Operation
following database testing.
1.2
Mike Davies
7th May 2019
Draft
Changes after RED and EMC
testing to define normal
performance and operating
specifications. P21, 51 & 123.
1.3
Mike Davies
7th June 2019
Draft
Updated FCC AGL limit,
compliance standards, max
antenna gain in manufacturers
declaration for UK.
1.4
Mike Davies
9th July 2019
Draft
Added antenna and power supply
approved components for FCC
1.5
Mike Davies
16th July 2019
Added MPE Technical Brief and RF
Exposure Compliance Declaration
for Canada.
2.0
Mike Davies
First
release
Copyright Notice
This document is protected by US and International copyright laws.
Reproduction, distribution or commercial exploitation of the content without express written
permission of 6Harmonics Inc is prohibited.
© 2019 6Harmonics Inc. Author Michael Davies
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
6
FCC Regulatory Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Part 15 TV Band Device Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the rules for TV bands devices, pursuant
to CFR 47 Part 15 Sub-part H of the FCC rules1. These rules are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the manufacturer, dealer or an experienced technician for help.
Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, for fixed configurations, a separation
distance of at least 75 cm must be maintained between the antenna of this device and all persons.
This device must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
Expert Installer
To comply with FCC interference protection requirements for TV Band Devices this equipment should
only be installed by an expert installer.
1
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-15-99A1.pdf
7
Approved Components:
Only the following components in the table below are approved for use.
2
FCC allows the use of other power supplies to FCC certified radios as a Class 1 Permissive Change (no filing
required) under the permissive change policy ( https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/forms/FTSSearchResultPage.cfm?id=33013&switch=P ) so
long (i) as they are electrically equivalent and (ii) there is no degradation in emissions.
4
FCC 15.204.(c).(4) Any antenna that is of the same type and of equal or less directional gain as an antenna
that is authorized with the intentional radiator may be marketed with, and used with, that intentional radiator.
No retesting of this system configuration is required. The marketing or use of a system configuration that
employs an antenna of a different type, or that operates at a higher gain, than the antenna authorized with the
intentional radiator is not permitted unless the procedures specified in §2.1043 of this chapter are followed.
GWS
Radio
FCC
Certificate
Number
Also
approved
for:
Approved Components / Supplier
Power Supplies2
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
Microsemi 9501 POE3
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
Ubiquiti POE-54-80W
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
Netonix POE switch configured to 48VH 1.5A
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
Ubiquiti POE-50-60W
Antennas
4
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
9dBi Dual Polarized LPDA KP Antennas PN: KP-TWDPLP9
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
9dBi Dual Polarized LPDA Wireless Instruments PN: WiLPDA M0406-65-9X
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
9dBi Dual Polarized LPDA Wireless Instruments PN: WiLPDA M0608-65-9X
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
8dBi Single Polarized LPDA 6Harmonics PN: GWS-SL14174A
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
12dBi Panel Dual Polarized Wireless Instruments SA MO4706-65-12
(Non-congested areas only)
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
12dBi Panel Dual Polarized KP Antennas PN: KP-TWDP65S-12
(Non-congested areas only)
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
12dBi Panel Single Polarized KP Antennas PN: KP-TWVP65S-12
(Non-congested areas only)
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
12dBi Panel Single Polarized 6Harmonics PN: GWS-SL12948B
(Non-congested areas only)
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
11dBi Panel Dual Polarized MTI PN: MT006D11VH
(Non-congested areas only)
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
8dBi Panel Dual Polarized Wireless Instruments PN: WiBOX PA M0407-8X
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
9dBi Panel Dual Polarized KP Antennas PN: KP-TWDPFP9
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
8dBi Panel Dual Polarized Lanbowan PN: ANT0407D8Z-DP
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
7.5dBi Panel Dual Polarized MTI PN:MT006D07VH
GWS-5002
GWS-5002E
7dBi Panel Single Polarized 6Harmonics PN: GWS-SL12948A
GWS-5002E
NA
6dBi Omni Vertical Polarization 6Harmonics PN: GWS-SL13304A
GWS-5002E
NA
2dBi Omni Vertical Polarization 6Harmonics PN: GWS-SL13319A
8
Safety Notice
In order to avoid RF Exposure risk installers and operators must be aware of the following minimum
distances.
Mode
Max Antenna Gain
Power per RF Port
Minimum distance to avoid
exposure
MIMO
12dBi
29dBm
75cm
SISO
12dBi
29dBm
75cm
9
Deployment Guide Summary
This deployment guide provides an overview of the 6Harmonics GWS5000 product portfolio
and how specific units can be employed to establish a wireless radio network with the
intended performance. The guide is intended to allow installers, applications engineers and
technical sales to understand all aspects of the 6Harmonics TVWS solution. This document
contains information to specify, install and set-up basic operation of a GWS series base
station with a client station for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint networks.
The guide covers:
• A description of the GWS series radio units, associated antennas and mounting hardware
• An overview of deployment considerations when using 6Harmonics products for a TV
Whitespace based wireless network. Understanding Coverage and Capacity are essential
for a successful wireless network deployment
• Installing and initiating the GWS radio units including (i) operating mode, (ii) channel
selection and (iii) establishing a reliable link between a base station and a client station
• Basic trouble shooting and best practices.
Advanced operation, such as mobility or mesh networking mode, is covered in separate
documentation and should only be performed by technicians that are trained and approved
by 6Harmonics. For advanced configuration information for GWS deployments please
contact 6Harmonics.
10
GWS5000 Series Product Description
Best in class TV Whitespace wireless solution with industry leading throughput and range to
meet the most demanding of deployment challenges. The GWS5000 series is the most
advanced TV whitespace solution available and is the 5th generation of TV Whitespace radio
developed by 6Harmonics. Throughput with a 24MHz and a single spatial stream can achieve
72Mbps UDP and 50Mbps TCP/IP. Conducted transmit power up to 39dBm per spatial
stream (8W) is available (regulatory permitting).
Based upon the globally accepted robust WiFi protocol, the GWS5000 series radios are able
to maintain NLOS data links in the most challenging of TVWS deployments when faced with
in-band noise & interference, multipath fade, trees or other obstructions.
With a Mobility software option, the GWS5000 is unique amongst TVWS radios. Mobility
software option allows fast soft hand-over between base stations and enables mobile mesh
operation. The mobility option can be used in UK on an unlicensed basis if the CPE is
restricted to GOP mode. Mobility and MESH operation are covered in a separate document.
The SOP Direct proprietary database query process ensures that CPE can utilize SOP
operation directly without the GOP intermediate step, which enhances spectrum availability
from a TVWS database (UK only).
In the USA & Canada: the base station model number is GWS-5002 and has two transmit /
receive chains; the client station model number is GWS-5002E has a single transmit chain and
receive diversity.
In countries that require CE Mark; the base station model number is GWS-5002 and has
single transmit chain and receive diversity; the client station model number is GWS-5002 has
a single transmit chain and receive diversity.
Applications
• Rural broadband internet for residences and businesses
• NLOS backhaul to community, educational or retail WiFi hotspots
• Maritime networks
• Video surveillance & security
• Public safety communications in remote locations
• Rural IoT & Precision Agriculture
• In-building networks
11
Key Features
• Operates on TV channels from 14 to 51 inclusive (470MHz-698MHz) in Channel Plan 0 (USA, Canada,
etc.)
• Operates on TV channels from 21 to 58 inclusive (470MHz-774MHz) in Channel Plan 1 (UK, EU, Africa,
etc.)
• Base stations: single or dual spatial stream in transmit, dual spatial stream in receive
• Client station: single spatial stream in transmit, dual spatial stream in receive
• Dual spatial stream in receive provides MIMO or receive diversity with STBC to enhance link stability
and SNR.
• LDPC forward error correction code ensures link stability even in noisy environments
• Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint or Mesh
• Suitable for both access and backhaul links
• L2 connectivity enables management of residential access points directly from an edge-router behind
the base station.
• Internal GPS geolocation
• Software defined channel width from 1MHz to 32MHz, typically 6-12-18-24MHz or 8-16-24MHz.
• All stations dynamically optimize throughput based upon minimizing packet retries
• Low latentcy, typically <5mS round trip delay
• Client station scan and auto-connect
• Intuitive GUI minimizes user training and simplifies operation
• Client station beacon reading allows quick determination of base station signal strength and SSID
• Link by link throughput status including RSSI, noise, SNR, MCS, station geolocation
• Remote transmit power control of client stations from base station GUI
• Djinni tool ensures rapid login and network configuration, even if IP address lost
• Auto roll-back of IP address if not confirmed after reconfiguration, prevents loss of access
• Remote firmware upgrade via GUI
• Firmware image backup to onboard memory or save to external memory
• Map feature in combination with GPS geolocation simplifies visualization of actual network layout
• Spectrum noise scan enables optimal choice of operating channel
• Nominet database for USA & UK unlicensed operation
• LAN/WAN diagnosis tool to ensure internet access and database access are valid
• Radius client for network access validation
• Powered by readily available low-cost POE switches or single POE midspans, simple to integrate onto
existing hybrid networks using either 5GHz or 3.5GHz radios
• DC powered options available
• IP67 enclosure operates over wide temperature range and withstands moisture and precipitation
• Custom enclosures available
• Depending on the deployment scenario, links in excess of 20km can be established
12
Standards and Regulatory Compliance
Canada
RS-222; RSS-GEN
Europe
EN 301 598 V1.1.1, EN 301 598 V2.1.1(partial);
EN 301.489-1
USA
FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Sub-part H
CE Mark
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
(2014/30/EU)
• Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
• General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC
Power Specifications
Power supply
50-56V Passive POE++ 1/2, 4/5 (+); 3/6, 7/8 (-)
Power consumption
33dBm maximum transmit power: 35W boot, 30W
on transmit, 15W receive.
Average power consumption 25W, traffic pattern
dependent.
Recommended power
supplies
CPE: Ubiquiti POE-50-60W
BTS: Ubiquiti POE-54-80W or Netonix POE switch
configured to 48VH 1.5A
BTS (DC): Ubiquiti EdgePower EP-54V-150W
Surge suppression
Ethernet surge suppression at both client and base
stations is required.
Other custom radio configurations may require DC power. Contact 6Harmonics for details.
13
Mechanical
Dimensions
Base Station
Client Station
Weight
Housing
Mounting
1 Female RJ45 IP67 RJ45 connector. Auto-sensing 10/100-T
Ethernet.
Antenna
2 Female IP67 N-type connector
Other
Pressure equalization vent
Custom enclosures available for 8W, vehicular or maritime applications.
Environmental
Operating
Temperature
-40C to +50C (external); -40C to +85C (internal)
Storage Temperature
-50C to +90C (non-condensing)
Humidity
5%-100%
Electrostatic Discharge
15kV air, 10kV contact (power cycle may be required)
Altitude Temperature
De-rating
Altitude (m)
Temperature (C)
0 0 to +50.0
1500
0 to +47.3
3000
0 to +44.3
4500
0 to +41.1
14
Deployment Planning for GWS5000 Radios
TV Whitespace or Super Wi-Fi are terms often used to describe wireless network solutions
that utilize VHF / UHF spectrum that has become available as TV broadcast signals have
moved from analog to digital. Because a digital TV signal uses less spectrum than an analog
TV channel these “TV Whitespaces” (TVWS) have become available for unlicensed use.
TVWS refers to unused & unlicensed blocks of frequency (channels) across the VHF and UHF
spectrum that fall between TV broadcast signals. The UHF spectrum is relatively ‘clean and
idle’ in many countries and is ideal for mobile & fixed broadband applications. Depending on
geo-location, each channel is 6-8MHz wide. Unlike unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum, TVWS signals
propagate extraordinarily well with low loss. Non-line of sight (NLOS) penetration through
trees and around buildings is readily achievable.
From a technology perspective, key to the deployment of TVWS wireless solutions is that
the TVWS radios must be “cognitive”. This means they must; (a) know where they are
located, (b) they must know what channels are available at their location, and (c) they must
assess the channels available at their location & choose an available channel that maximizes
throughput and minimizes interference.
In USA, Canada, UK, Colombia & South Africa to ensure that a GWS radio is using a legally
available channel a GWS radio must know its longitude and latitude co-ordinates and present
these co-ordinates to an approved database for the region where the radio is deployed. This
requires that the GWS radios have access to the internet. In some regions the channel may
be set manually without access to a database (see regulatory section in Appendix).
WARNING: Any installer of GWS radios must ensure that regulatory compliance is strictly
adhered to for the region where the GWS radios are operating
15
The basic deployment of a TVWS / Super Wi-Fi network using UHF is shown below:
Point-to-Point Links
In the preceding diagram if the link is between two stations only, it is a point-to-point link.
Point-to-point links are used for bridging / extending networks or as a network backhaul. In
this case we expect both to have the same configuration to ensure the link is reciprocal.
Both stations will likely have directive antennas-as the link is to connect two points only.
Directive antennas help avoid interference and maintain signal to noise ratio.
Point-to-Multipoint Links
In point-to-multipoint links a central base station is used to cover a wide area, typically with a
sectorized antenna. The client stations lying in the coverage zone then have directive
antennas pointing at the base station. Here, the client stations operate with the central base
station in a master-slave arrangement. The client stations do not connect to each other, they
only connect to the central base station.
For any deployment scenario three initial questions must be answered:
• What coverage is required?
• What capacity is required in the coverage area for the user applications at the client
stations?
• What is the RF environment?
Internet
UHF RF
AC power
GWS client
station
GWS base
station
PoE Midspan
Data network
(Router)
PoE Midspan
Router
AC power
Internet
16
Coverage
Identify potential base station tower locations.
• Check the potential height of the antenna on the tower and the GPS co-ordinates.
• Consider the availability of TVWS spectrum from the database
• Consider the risk of noise or interference form TV or other signals.
Coverage and Propagation Estimation
There are numerous propagation models that can be used to estimate coverage5.
For a simple estimation choose:
• Transmit power: 23 dBm (0.2W conducted)
• Transmit line (co-ax) loss: 1 dB for every 5m of coax cable.
• Transmit antenna gain: 10 dBi
• Receive antenna gain: 10 dBi
• Receive line (co-ax) loss: 1dB for every 5m of coax cable.
• Receive line threshold (µV): 3µV (equivalent to noise of -98dBm)
The numbers chosen should consider regulatory restrictions for:
• Maximum antenna height above ground level. The higher the antenna, the more
expensive a tower install.
• Maximum energy in radiated power (EIRP).
Outdoor Propagation Considerations
The combined antenna gain and transmit power cannot exceed regulatory limits for a given
geolocation. Typically, a higher antenna gain has a narrower beam-which will in effect focus
the coverage area. This may, or may not, be desirable.
The model may, or may not, consider vegetation or high building coverage. These can have
significant impact on the received power. Understand what other elements are present in
the coverage area. Check Google Earth.
5
A simple and free online tool can be found at http://radiomobile.pe1mew.nl/ . This downloaded version tool
can use TVWS frequencies but a reasonable first order estimation can be performed by using the online tool
and selecting 902MHz or 450MHz as the operating frequency. Because TVWS has different propagation
characteristics than 902MHz/450MHz, the actual coverage / link budget will be different. 902MHz / 450MHz
can viewed as a min-max performance assessment for point-to point links or wide area coverage from a central
base station.
17
Line of Sight (LOS) propagation from a client station towards a high tower may suggest that
a strong link can be established but if the link lies within the Fresnel zone problems may
occur.
Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) propagation is feasible at these frequencies, the RF can often have
sufficient power to penetrate buildings, woodland and propagate over hills. However, if
several steel and concrete buildings lie within the antenna sector, even high-power signals
will not be sufficient to establish a connection.
Link Margin and Expected Throughput Performance
Once an estimate of the received power coverage from a base station has been completed,
we can now estimate the link performance. In the coverage estimation we assumed an
antenna gain at the receiver.
Depending on the received signal strength at the client radio, the client radio will be able to
decode the data at varying data rates as expressed as a modulation coding scheme (MCS)
level. The higher the MCS the higher the data rate the channel can carry-known as spectrum
efficiency. This assumes a noise floor in the RF environment at the client radio receive
circuitry, typically this is -98dBm for a dual channel radio. If the received power is -88dBm
then the signal to noise ratio is 10dB.
If the receive power falls below -98dBm, received power the link will be lost. It is
unreasonable to assume that the link will be forever static. Trees grow, buildings are built,
road traffic may increase. For this reason, an additional link budget margin must be added
over the minimum target received power. 6Harmonics requires a minimum link budget fade
margin of 6dB. In other words, the design rule for received power at the client station
should be at least -72dBm to maintain MCS7.
Between -97dBm and -80dBm received power the throughput will vary as per the following
table:
18
The GWS5000 series throughput performance:
6MHz DTT channel & SISO Operation
Connection
MCS level
Received
power (dBm)
Modulation
supported
Spectral
efficiency
(b/s/Hz)
Theoretical
PHY rate
(Mbps)
UDP
rate
(Mbps
est.)
TCP/IP
rate
(Mbps
est.)
MCS 7
>-78dBm
64 QAM 5/6
rate
56
25
16.5
12
MCS 6
-80 to 79dBm
64 QAM ¾ rate
4.5
22.5
14.7
10.9
MCS 5
-82 to -81dBm
64 QAM 2/3
rate
4
20
13.0
9.7
MCS 4
-84 to 83dBm
16 QAM ¾ rate
3
15
9.8
7.3
MCS 3
-89 to 85dBm
16 QAM ½ rate
2
10
6.5
4.8
MCS 2
-90 to 92dBm
QPSK ¾ rate
1.5
7.5
4.9
3.6
MCS 1
-93 to 95dBm
QPSK ½ rate
1 5 3.3
2.4
MCS 0
-96 to -
98dBm
BPSK ½ rate
0.5
2.5
1.6
1.2
No
connection
<-98dBm
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
6
802.11n radios using a short guard interval of 400ns with a 20MHz channel at MCS 7 has a PHY rate of
72.2Mb/s which equates to a spectral efficiency of 3.61 b/s/Hz.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11n-2009 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectral_efficiency
19
24MHz DTT Channel & MIMO7 Operation
MCS
Index
Received Spatial
Streams
Modulation
Type
Coding
Rate
PHY Rate
UDP Rate
0 1 BPSK
1
2
⁄
1 1
QPSK
1
2
⁄
2 1 QPSK
3
4
⁄
3 1 16-QAM
1
2
⁄
4 1
16-QAM
3
4
⁄
5 1 64-QAM
2
3
⁄
6 1
64-QAM
3
4
⁄
7 1 64-QAM
5
6
⁄
8 2 BPSK
1
2
⁄
9 2
QPSK
1
2
⁄
10 2 QPSK
3
4
⁄
11 2 16-QAM
1
2
⁄
12 2 16-QAM
3
4
⁄
13 2 64-QAM
2
3
⁄
14 2 64-QAM
3
4
⁄
15 2 64-QAM
5
6
⁄
7
Even though the transmit may have two spatial streams the link may down grade from true MIMO to SISO
with receive diversity. The above table is a receiver perspective the transmitter could be MIMO or SISO with
transmit diversity.
20
The previous tables are just guidelines. In reality, the “data throughput” depends on several
factors such as the application, the packet length etc etc. When deploying 6Harmonics
products, a wireless network design should include an estimate of the traffic patterns and
traffic type. Customers and installers must be aware of all aspects of their requirements to
ensure a successful deployment.
Based on the above the operator should determine:
• The ease of deployment of the base stations
• The signal levels at the proposed client stations
• The expected throughput at the proposed client stations, is it good enough for service?
MCS Level: Modulation Coding Scheme
The GWS radios use a WiFi protocol which itself uses a dynamic channel state algorithm to
set an MCS level that maximizes packet transport, specifically by minimizing the number of
packet retries needed to transport a packet over the wireless link.
If there is little traffic, the MCS level may drop, the reason is simple, only a low MCS level is
needed for minimal packet transport, so errors are minimized at a low MCS.
The links are constantly and dynamically adjusted in both uplink and downlink for all client
stations. This means a distant client with poorer SNR will receive data at a lower rate than a
client closer to the base station with a high SNR. This also means that any client with noise
or interference will not force the base station transmit to reduce the downlink transmit data
rate to that of the weakest client. All links are independently self-optimized for maximum
packet transport.
Making the Link Reciprocal
The preceding sections are focused with choosing the base station and associated antenna
to deliver sufficient EIRP to get sufficient coverage with an assumed receive sensitivity at
the client station. The link must also be designed to ensure sufficient EIRP at the client
station so that the base station has a similar receive power (RSSI) when in receive mode, as
does the client station. Generally speaking, the base station has a broader beam and higher
transmit power than the client station (more power over more area). The client station has a
lower transmit power but a more directive antenna (less power in a focused beam). In
combination this ensures the link budget between the uplink and the downlink is within 6dB.
If the uplink-downlink link budget is greater than 6dB then the link may not be able to
sustain MCS7 in both directions. If the MCS level is different in uplink and downlink then for
21
an equivalent amount of data to be transmitted, the link with the lower MCS will require
more airtime (or access to the radio channel). The uplink and downlink will have asymmetric
throughput. If this happens poorer performing stations can degrade the overall network
throughput. This problem is mitigated by the proprietary 6Harmonics airtime fairness
algorithm, but it is preferable to ensure the link is as symmetrical as possible by considering
RF propagation, transmit power and antenna performance at the design stage.
6Harmonics recommends that before implementing a deployment an experienced wireless
networking professional be engaged by customers to ensure the RF propagation model is
realistic and the required received power and application related throughput for the target
client stations within the coverage area can be met.
22
GWS5000 Installation
The GWS5000 radios are generally mounted on a pole or mast that shares the antenna. It is
recommended that the pole or mast be metal (galvanized steel or aluminum). When the
radio units are attached to the mast using the brackets supplied a good electrical connection
is made to the mast. Therefore, the mast or pole itself should also have a good earth as
ground for the RF. Any other radios at the same location should utilize the same ground.
If the mast/pole/bracket is not directly grounded to earth, say as a side bracket on a wall or a
roof-top tripod, then suitable conducting strapping should be employed. Typically, a ground
strap is always in place as a mitigation against lightning. If different combinations of metals
are used galvanic effects may lead to corrosion.
Plastic masts are not recommended. If plastic masts are used, separate grounds should be
used for both the antenna and the radio unit.
Antenna Installation
The antenna should be securely mounted to a pole / tower, or wall that can withstand the
wind loading associated with the surface area of the antenna at a wind speeds appropriate
to the weather conditions at the deployment location8. Certain locations may experience
high wind gusts. It is unlikely that mechanical brackets will be an issue, but the tower or pole
must be strong enough to sustain the worst expected weather conditions.
The co-axial RF cable that runs from the antenna to the GWS-radio unit should be tied to the
pole with cable ties or other suitable UV weather resistant fixtures. An installation will be
exposed to wide variations in temperature with extended UV exposure. Use good quality
materials at all times. The co-axial cable has a loss of approximately 0.5dB for a 4ft cable
with connectors. If longer cables are used the impact on the uplink-downlink link budgets
should be assessed before installation.
All co-axial connectors must be tightened but not overtightened. Problems will occur if
there are loose fittings in the RF section between the antenna and the radio. Remember
these fittings will reside outdoors for an extended period of time and will be subject to
thermal cycling daily and seasonally as well as rain, snow and ice build-up. The use of
waterproof tape is essential on all exposed connections. For USA, Canada and UK
installations a professional installer must provide the correct antenna gain and antenna
8
http://www.va3cco.com/towersheight.pdf
23
height above ground to the radio to ensure regulatory compliance is met via the database
query.
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Grounding
When a GWS radio is installed outdoors, the enclosure must be properly grounded to allow a
discharge path in the case of a nearby lightning strike. In the event that the radio housing is
not grounded through the mounting bracket, the radio enclosure has a self-tapping screw
hole provided on the bottom of the rear facing side of the module for the attachment of a
separate ground wire. A ground wire with a Lug nut properly sized should be used to ground
to the housing. The ground wire must be at least 14 Gauge and be connected to a good
ground. If the GWS unit is mounted on a metal pole that is properly grounded this ground
wire is not required. For client station installations, it is often difficult to ground the radio
properly. In the event the radio enclosure is allowed to float, then strict attention should be
paid to the installation of ethernet surge protection (see below).
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Lightning Surge Protection
For a base station installation, a lightning suppressor (polyphaser) must installed on the coaxial cable on the GWS radio unit9. Such suppressors are not protection against a direct hit
but provide some mitigation against proximity / indirect lightning strikes. With the mast/pole
grounding approach previously described the suppressor will conduct lightning related
surges directly to ground via the mast/pole. The purpose is to protect the Tx /Rx circuitry of
the radio. A base station is typically mounted much higher AGL (above ground level) than a
client station and as such is much more at risk of lightning. A client station is typically
mounted much lower. For this reason, lightning surge suppressors are mandatory for base
stations but optional for client stations.
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Ethernet Cable Requirements
The ethernet cable running from the POE switch / POE injector should be good quality
outdoor Cat5e cable. The cable must have ground shield and be 24AWG. The outer sleeve
should be UV resistant. Good quality grounded (metal shield) RJ45 connectors should be
used. The GWS radio comes with an IP67 waterproof RJ45 connector. The waterproof gland
(5 pieces) is provided separately within the kit. The waterproof gland is designed to provide
a water tight interface for cables with an outer diameter between 5mm and 7mm. For
connections to the radio and outdoor ethernet surge suppressors the waterproof gland
9
For example: http://www.polyphaser.com/SiteMedia/SiteResources/EngineeringSpecDocuments/TUSX-
NFM.pdf
24
must be tight and fitted properly. The connectors must be taped with good quality
waterproof tape. Care must be exercised to ensure none of the threads are crossed so the
waterproof seal is tight.
GWS Radio Unit Installation: Ethernet Surge Protection
Ethernet surge suppressors are essential to ensure protection of the data port on both the
radio and the data port of the POE unit.
For a base station a high quality outdoor ethernet surge suppressor should be mounted
within 2m of the radio and must be properly grounded. The purpose of this surge suppressor
is to prevent spurious signals picked by the ethernet cable getting into the radio. This cable
can easily be 75m in length, and in effect can act as antenna to any RF. In addition, the POE
at the base of the tower should also have surge protection to ensure spurious signals do not
go into the switch or edge router that provides the data connection to the internet. Both
ends need protection on a base station.
For a client station, an outdoor ethernet surge suppressor is required. This surge suppressor
maybe mounted indoors or outdoors. It must be grounded properly. Outdoors is preferred
as this allows access to the radio by a service technician without going inside the residence.
In this case the surge protector provides surge protection to the radio from the POE, and
equally provides protection to the residential router behind the client station radio POE. The
distance between the radio and the residential router is much less than in the case of the
base station, so only one surge suppressor is needed.
WARNING: In many rural locations power can be of poor quality and significant power
surges can occur when the power comes back on after a power cut. For this reason alone,
the client station installation should have a surge suppressor as described above. Installers
should also check, using a suitable GFCI tester, that the power outlet in the residence that
drives the GWS radio POE is grounded properly. Typically, in the event of a power surge a
client station will re-boot and automatically re-connect to the base station. In the event
that the radio (base station or client station) does not automatically reboot after a power
surge, remove the power cord from the POE unit, wait 1 minute. Re-insert the power cord
to the POE, and the radio should reboot within 1 minute and reconnect within 5 minutes.
This is the hard re-set procedure.
25
Base Station Installation Schematic
26
Base Station Installation Example
GWS radio
RF connector to antenna
Drip loops
Ethernet surge suppressor
(NB should be horizontal, and
connector taped).
RF surge suppressors
Grounded mounting pole
27
Client Station Installation Schematic
28
Client Station Installation Examples
29
Power over Ethernet (POE) Units
6Harmonics has qualified the following Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) midspan units to power
the GWS radio units.
GWS Radio
POE Unit
Output
Max
Data rate
(Mbps)
Power
Notes
GWS5000 BTS
Ubiquiti POE-54-80W
54V,
1.5A
10/100/1000
80W
Use with cable
runs >30m
GWS5000 CPE
Ubiquiti POE-54-80W
54V,
1.5A
10/100/1000
80W
Use with cable
runs >30m
GWS5000 CPE
Ubiquiti POE-50-60W
50V,
1.2A
10/100/1000
60W
Use with cable runs
<30m
GWS5000 BTS
Netonix POE switch
configured to 48VH 1.5A
48V,
1.5A
10/100/1000
72W
Can be used to
power non-GWS
radios
GWS5000 BTS
Ubiquiti EdgePoint
EP-R8 / EP-S16
54V,
1.4A
10/100/1000
75W
Can be used to
power non-GWS
radios
The PoE midspans are typically located indoors to remotely power GWS radios that are
located outdoors. The GWS radios require 48-56V Passive POE++ 1/2, 4/5 (+); 3/6, 7/8 (-).
WARNING: Power is supplied over 4 pairs and as such it is critical to test any cables for
continuity before testing. A data connectivity test is insufficient. A continuity tester that
tests all pairs and the ground shield must be used.
In a base station install the length of Cat5e cable is typically much longer than in a CPE
install. In this case the POE midspan must account for the additional power losses in the
cable run. If other PoE midspan units than those listed above are used 6Harmonics reserves
the right to refuse warranty support the GWS radio units. Please contact 6Harmonics before
using any other POE midspan10.
Warning: Follow the connection procedure in the Network Configuration of GWS5000
Radios when connecting the GWS-radio unit, the PoE midspan and AC power. Do not hot
swap the RJ45 connectors on the POE midspan. To power down the radio remove the
power cord to the midspan. To power-up the radio check the midspan is not powered i.e.
power cord removed, connect the midspan to the radio and then power-up the midspan.
10
FCC allows the use of other power supplies to FCC certified radios as a Class 1 Permissive Change (no filing
required) under the permissive change policy ( https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/forms/FTSSearchResultPage.cfm?id=33013&switch=P ) so
long (i) as they are electrically equivalent and (ii) there is no degradation in emissions.
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