Firetide 3200-2 Installation Manual

HotPortTM

Hardware Installation Guide

HotPort 3203-Public Safety

Outdoor Wireless Mesh Node

Hardware Installation Guide

HotPort 3203 - Public Safety Outdoor Wireless Mesh Node October 2005

Manual Revision 1.3

Trademarks

Firetide, the Firetide logo, Instant Mesh Networks, HotPort are trademarks of Firetide, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Firetide Instant Mesh Networks iii

HotPort Limited End User Product Warranty

Pursuant to all provisions described herein, Firetide products are warranted for one (1) year from the date of purchase against defects in the build materials and workmanship. Firetide also warrants that the Software will materially conform to the documentation supplied by Firetide with the Software. In the event that the Software fails to materially conform to the documentation and an authorized Firetide reseller is notiﬁed in writing of such failure within the warranty period, Firetide or its reseller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly correct the nonconformity. Firetide does not warrant that the use of the Software will be uninterrupted or error free. Firetide does not warrant that the Products will meet any requirements or speciﬁcations of any End User Customer. This warranty applies to the entire Firetide product, including antennas and the AC power adapter.

The above warranties are void if the alleged defect cannot be veriﬁed by Firetide or if, as determined by Firetide, the product failure was due to tampering, abuse, misuse, accident, shipping, handling, or storage; or if the product has been installed, used, or maintained in a manner not described in the product user manual, if the product has been altered In any way, or If product serialization has been altered. Any attempt to disassemble or repair the product by anyone other than Firetide immediately voids this warranty.

This warranty applies only to the original End User purchaser of the product and may not be transferred to any other individual or entity.

THE FOREGOING ARE THE EXCLUSIVE WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO THE PRODUCT INCLUDING THE SOFTWARE, AND THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. FIRETIDE DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOME LAWS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO TO THAT EXTENT THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

In no event will Firetide be liable for any special, inciden-

tal, consequential, punitive or indirect damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of proﬁts, business interruption, loss of information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use or inability to use the product or the performance, interruption or failure of the product, irrespective of the cause of action, even if Firetide has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Firetide’s cumulative liability for all claims arising out of or in connection with this warranty will not exceed the amount paid by the original End User purchaser to purchase the product. The amounts payable for the product are based in part on these limitations and these limitations shall apply not-withstanding the failure of essential purpose of any remedy. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so to that extent the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

By using the product the original End User purchaser agrees to and is bound by these terms and conditions.

In the event that a product fails to meet this warranty and Firetide’s authorized reseller is notiﬁed in writing of such failure within the warranty period, Firetide shall, at its own discretion, either repair the product or replace it with the same or a functionally-equivalent product free of charge. Replacement products may contain refurbished materials in whole or in part. Firetide will honor this warranty provided the product is returned through an authorized Firetide reseller or dealer with shipping charges prepaid, along with a proof of purchase describing the original purchase date and product serial numbers if applicable. The authorized reseller must acquire a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number from Firetide prior to returning any product. Firetide does not accept shipments of defective products without shipping charges prepaid.

iv HotPort 3200 Series Installation Guide

Safety Instructions

The HotPort 3203 outdoor wireless mesh node must be installed by a qualiﬁed professional such as a licensed electrician. Failure to install this equipment properly may result in equipment damage and personal injury or death.

Explanation of Graphic Symbols

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presences of non-insulated dangerous voltage that may be of sufﬁcient magnitude to constitute a risk of lethal electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating, maintaining and servicing instructions in the literature accompany ing the HotPort 3203. Failing to comply with this instruction may result in electrical shock.

Firetide Instant Mesh Networks v

Caution! Risk of electric shock!

POWER LINES CAN BE LETHAL

Do not install the HotPort 3203 outdoor mesh node where possi ble contact with power lines can be made. Antennas, poles, towers, guy wires, or cables may lean or fall and contact these lines. People may be injured or killed if they are touching or holding any part of equipment when it contacts electric lines. Make sure there is NO possibility that equipment or personnel can come in contact directly or indirectly with power lines.

ASSUME ALL OVERHEAD LINES ARE POWER LINES

The horizontal distance from a tower, pole or antenna to the nearest power line should be at least twice the total length of the pole/antenna combination. This will ensure that the pole will not contact power if it falls either during or after installation.

SURVEYING THE SITE

Look over the entire site before beginning any installation and anticipate possible hazards. Never assume anything without checking it out for yourself! Don’t take shortcuts!

TO AVOID FALLING, USE SAFE PROCEDURES WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHTS ABOVE GROUND

• Select equipment locations that will allow safe and simple installation.

• Don’t work alone. A friend or co-worker can save your life if an accident happens.

• Don’t attempt repair work when you are tired. Not only will you be more careless, but your primary diagnostic tool - deductive reasoning - will not be operating at full capacity.

• Use approved non-conducting ladders, shoes, and other safety equipment. Make sure all equipment is in good repair.

• If a tower or pole begins falling, don’t attempt to catch it. Stand back and let it fall.

• If anything such as a wire or pole does come in contact with

a power line, DON’T TOUCH IT OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE IT. In stead, save your life by calling the power company.

• Don’t attempt to erect antennas or towers on windy days.

• MAKE SURE ALL TOWERS AND POLES ARE SECURELY GROUNDED, AND ELECTRICAL CABLES CONNECTED TO ANTENNAS HAVE LIGHTNING ARRESTORS. This will help prevent ﬁre damage or human injury in case of lightning, static build-up, or short circuit within equipment connected to the antenna. The HotPort 3203 has built-in lightning protection. Be sure that any other equipment connected to the HotPort 3203 also has the same level of protection.

• The base of the antenna pole or tower must be connected directly to the building protective ground or to one or more approved grounding rods, using 10 AWG ground wire and corrosion-resistant connectors.

• Refer to the National Electrical Code for grounding details.

IF AN ACCIDENT SHOULD OCCUR WITH THE POWER LINES

• DON’T TOUCH THAT PERSON, OR YOU MAY BE ELECTROCUTED.

• Use a non-conductive dry board, stick, or rope to push or drag them so they no longer are in contact with electrical power.

• Once they are no longer contacting electrical power, admin ister CPR if you are certiﬁed.

• Immediately have someone call for medical help.

Do not open the cover

• Dangerous voltages inside.

• No serviceable parts inside.

• Refer to qualiﬁed service personnel.

• Unit must be disconnected from power prior to servicing.

• Unit has tamper-evident labeling that indicates when the cover has been removed.

vi HotPort 3200 Series Installation Guide

Contents

Firetide HotPort 3203 Outdoor Wireless Mesh Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Example Networks/Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Planning Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Power Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Power over Ethernet (PoE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

HotPort 3203 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Mesh Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Antenna Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ethernet Transition Cable/RJ-45 Male Connector Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Compact Disk (CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Required Tools and Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Building a Firetide Mesh Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Planning Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Understanding HotPort Antenna Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Staging Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Preparing the Site for Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Weatherprooﬁng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Preparing Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mounting the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mounting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mounting the Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Mounting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wall Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Pole Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using Mounting Straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installing the Sunshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting Power over Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting an External Battery Backup System or Solar Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Providing Power over Ethernet to Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Starting Up and Connecting to the Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Startup Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connecting to the Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Appendix A Contacting Firetide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Appendix B Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

HotPort 3203 Ethernet Transition Cable Pin Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Circular, Watertight IP66-Rated Connector and Port Pin Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

RJ-45 Connector Pin Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Power Transition Cable Pin Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Appendix C Speciﬁcations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Firetide HotPort 3203 Outdoor Wireless Mesh Node

HotPort™ 3200 series outdoor mesh nodes have weatherproof enclosures and connect wirelessly to indoor and outdoor HotPort nodes to form a high-performance wireless mesh network. Outdoor nodes feature a built-in dual-port 10/100 Ethernet switch and dual-spectrum radios. A choice of antennas is available. The nodes can operate at 2.4 GHz for maximum capacity and range, or at 5 GHz for maximum capacity and minimal interference from

2.4 GHz devices.

Units designed for operation on the 4.9 GHz Public Safety band are also available. HotPort 3203 nodes designed for public safey use are identifed as such on the unit label. These units may only be used by FCC-licensed public safety agencies.

Both Ethernet ports are weatherproof and support 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE). A removable sunshield and a mounting bracket are provided with each unit. Options include an integrated backup battery.

The HotPort 3203 provides Ethernet connectivity for outdoor devices without the need for a wired backhaul. This enables fast deployment of outdoor networking equipment, such as weatherized access points and surveillance cameras, virtually anywhere, without costly cabling.

Firetide™ mesh networks provide a reliable, ﬂexible, and scalable alternative to cabling and leased lines. Because they form automatically without wires and do not require line-of-sight, Firetide mesh networks can be installed without modiﬁcations to

buildings or landscaping. Outdoor network installation costs are dramatically lower because time-consuming trenching and cable pulling between buildings is not required. Provisioning is also easy and fast because no special drivers, setup, and interfaces are required for the equipment you connect to a Firetide instant mesh network.

While operating at 5 GHz, the HotPort 3203’s radio can cover distances up to 2600 ft (800 m). This long reach between HotPort mesh nodes enables you to extend your network to areas that are otherwise too distant, expensive, difﬁcult, or environmentally sensitive to wire with LAN cable.

The two weatherproof 10/100 Ethernet connectors provide for connecting Ethernet devices, such as access points, surveillance cameras, and sensors. The package includes an indoor-rated power supply, with a country- or region-speciﬁc power cord and a 10 m (33 ft) power transition cable, which can supply power from an indoor or fully enclosed AC power source. The HotPort 3203 mesh node can supply Power over Ethernet to auxiliary Ethernet devices up to a maximum of 48 VDC. Two omni-directional antennas attach to the bottom of the HotPort 3203 enclosure via a connector and cable.

Because all mesh nodes are interconnected, a single gateway can provide Internet access to the entire mesh network. HotPort 3203 outdoor mesh nodes are fully compatible with HotPort 3100 series nodes, enabling the mesh to extend to indoor applications.

2 HotPort 3200 Series Installation Guide

Example Networks/Applications

Here are some examples of how you can use HotPort wireless mesh networks in your workplace:

• Provide Ethernet service over a wireless backhaul to buildings where wired solutions via Category 5 cabling or ﬁber is impractical or too expensive.

• Connect access points to networks from locations where it is impractical to run cable to the access points.

• Connect security cameras to monitor remote locations.

Planning Your Network

Before implementing a wireless mesh network, perform the following preliminary steps:

• To ensure a safe installation of the HotPort 3203, follow the appropriate electrical and building codes (such the National Electrical Code (NEC)), country codes, or local building codes.

• Don’t install near overhead power lines! It’s dangerous, and nearby wires will reduce overall coverage and performance.

• When identifying a location for mounting the antenna, keep in mind that you should not mount the antenna within 3 ft (0.9 m) of another antenna. If you do, interference may occur.

• HotPort nodes do not require line-of-sight between them, but you can increase the working distance of your wireless mesh by avoiding obstacles between nodes. For best performance, ensure that each HotPort node has a clear line of sight to at least two other HotPort nodes.

• Look for physical obstructions, such as building or trees, and avoid installing the antenna where there is obstruction between antennas. Installations in winter months around trees may not pose a problem, but once the leaves appear they may pose an obstruction.

• Keep in mind that buildings may cause radio signal obstruction, depending on the material used in construction.

• Consider ways to protect your HotPort node from theft and vandalism. Try to place HotPort nodes in areas where access by unauthorized individuals is restricted (such as on a rooftop, a tall pole, and so on). After you mount the HotPort, you can secure it by placing a lock on the mounting bracket.

• Survey the site for grounding options. It is crucial to have a good earth ground for the HotPort 3203 and the antenna.

• Make sure that the horizontal distance from a tower, pole, or antenna to the nearest power line is at least twice the total length of the pole/antenna combination. This will prevent the tower, pole, or antenna from contacting power if it falls either during or after installation.

• Make sure that you can install the HotPort node close enough to an AC power outlet so you can connect the HotPort node’s AC power supply to the outlet. If you plan to power a HotPort node via an Ethernet connection (using the Power over Ethernet option), make sure you have an Ethernet cable long enough to connect the HotPort node to the Power Sourcing Equipment (see the “Connecting the Power” section for information).

• Make sure the location where you install the HotPort node is accessible to the devices you intend to connect to the HotPort node (access points, cameras, and so on).

• Avoid areas where the RF lines of sight are blocked by heavy vehicle and foot trafﬁc. Do not install near rain gutters and downspouts or areas subject to ﬂooding.

Firetide Instant Mesh Networks 3

Power Options

There are various options for supplying power to the HotPort 3203.

Power Supply

The power supply can provide power to the HotPort 3203 enclosure from an AC outlet. The power supply is rated for 90-240 VAC. Optionally, when the HotPort 3203 receives power from the power supply, you can provide power to two peripheral devices connected to the HotPort 3203’s Ethernet ports.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

The HotPort 3203 outdoor mesh node has two weatherproof Ethernet ports to provide Ethernet connectivity to outdoor peripheral Ethernet devices, such as access points or surveillance cameras. Use of these ports is optional.

Both ports 1 and 2 on a HotPort 3203 can provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality to Powered Devices (PD) connected to these ports. A Powered Device can receive data and the power to process the data from the HotPort 3203, which functions as Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) in this conﬁguration. To receive power from a HotPort 3203, the device must support the IEEE 802.3af standard, which deﬁnes PoE functionality, and the HotPort 3203 must be powered directly via its DC power port.

Alternatively, you can power the HotPort 3203 by connecting Power Sourcing Equipment to either Ethernet port 1 or 2 on a HotPort 3203. This allows the HotPort to receive power from a PSE device. However, The HotPort 3203 cannot pass-through its PoE feed to a downstream device.

The HotPort 3203 will use up to 14W if operating standalone. The HotPort 3203 will draw as much as 35W when operating as a PSE and powering two other devices (PDs).

4 HotPort 3200 Series Installation Guide

+ 22 hidden pages

Firetide 3200-2 Installation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual