MediaCell WirelessTap™
Strand Mount Platform
Quick Start Guide
Version – 1.0
Document Version: 1.00
Date 12/6/05
FCC Notice:
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment is a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not approved by the
Manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note to Installer: This system must be professional installed in a fixed location at least 20
cm from the user. No user serviceable parts in this product.
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Table of Contents
Overview...................................................................................................................................... 4
Housing ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Ports and Connectors.............................................................................................................. 5
Power Supply and Pin Connector Side......................................................................... 5
Media Side............................................................................................................................... 6
Side View................................................................................................................................. 7
Installation Preparations ....................................................................................................... 8
Strand Clamps....................................................................................................................... 8
WirelessTap Placement ...................................................................................................... 9
Installation Process ............................................................................................................... 10
Option A – Directional Coupler or Power Passing Tap: ....................................... 10
Option B – Hard-line Cable Connection: ...................................................................11
Opening the WirelessTap .................................................................................................... 13
Radio Interface........................................................................................................................ 14
Transport Interfaces (“Backhaul”)................................................................................... 14
Ethernet Transport ................................................................................................................ 14
DOCSIS Transport.................................................................................................................. 14
Alternative Transport Technologies ................................................................................ 15
Ethernet Transport as a Local Loop Network Interface .......................................... 15
WirelessTap Powering........................................................................................................... 15
Local Console Interface........................................................................................................ 15
Boot Firmware Source.......................................................................................................... 16
Initial Testing...........................................................................................................................16
Transport Interface Testing................................................................................................ 17
Mounting and Environmental Considerations.............................................................. 17
Condensing Moisture............................................................................................................. 17
Grounding.................................................................................................................................. 17
Antenna Gain ........................................................................................................................... 17
Radio Path Engineering........................................................................................................ 18
Specifications...........................................................................................................................19
Legal Notices............................................................................................................................ 20
Contact Information ..............................................................................................................20
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Overview
MediaCell’s WirelessTap products are Multi-Channel Spatial Division Multiplexed MultipleInput / Multiple-Output Wireless Edge Server and Router systems, or MC-SDM/MIMO for
short. Besides the advanced wireless, server, and router capabilities, each WirelessTap has
three types of Transport Interfaces, sometimes called Backhaul Interfaces.
In typical applications the wireless interfaces are connected to antenna arrays and used for
local loop user connections to data sources such as private computer networks and the
Internet. The Transport, or Backhaul, interfaces are used to connect the WirelessTap to the
core network itself.
Housing
The WirelessTap is furnished in an aluminum housing that protects the internal electronics
and dissipates internally generated heat. The aluminum housing is weathered sealed and
has internal wire mesh rf gasket.
Dimensions are in millimeters.
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Ports and Connectors
Power Supply and Pin Connector Side
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Media Side
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Side View
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Installation Preparations
Strand Clamps
The Stand Mount WirelessTap is easily installed on either 3/8”, 1/4” or 5/16” cable strand of
existing aerial cable plant. The WirelessTap is attached to the strand with to strand clamps
located at the ends of the top of the WirelessTap (see illustration below). Loosen or remove
each strand clamp to position the cable strand within the rounded channel and tighten then
strand clamp over the cable strand.
Install Torque for Strand Clamp
Description Bolt
Strand Clamp 5/16-18 40 - 55 34.65 – 47.64
kg-cm In-lb
Install Torque
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WirelessTap Placement
For the optimal installation point for an aerial WirelessTap, install the WirelessTap according
to your normal amplifier construction practices.
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Installation Process
Cable connections to the WirelessTap are made using
Input Port on the WirelessTap.
To install the WirelessTap:
1. Remove AC power from feed cable before proceeding.
2. Mount the WirelessTap to the strand and torque the strand clamps to the correct
torque.
3. There are two methods to connect to the power passing tap based on if you are
using a 1) directional coupler or power passing tap or 2) using hard-line cable.
Option A – Directional Coupler or Power Passing Tap:
i. When using drop cable from a directional coupler or power passing
tap, prepare standard F-Connector jumper and attach to the
WirelessTap first and attach to the appropriate feed port on the
directional coupler or power passing tap.
standard F-connector to the RF/AC
ii. Weather proof according to your cable system specifications. Insure
that there is a proper drip loop formed on the F-Jumper.
iii. Re-Apply power to the F-Jumper.
Option A Connection Illustration:
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Option B – Hard-line Cable Connection:
i. This option requires the use of a standard pin-type trunk connector
with a nominal center-conductor diameter of 0.067inches.
ii. Loosen the bolts on the Power Supply side in the correct sequence to
access internal components. (See section Opening the WirelessTap).
iii. Remove the installed center-conductor from WirelessTap by loosing
the seizure screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver and then unscrew
the center-conductor to remove it from the WirelessTap.
iv. Prepare the hard-line cable and pin fitting according to your
construction practices.
v. Terminate in the pin connector in the Input Port and tighten the
seizure screw to the correct torque.
vi. Weatherproof according to your construction practices.
vii. Reapply System Power
See Option B Illustrations on Next Page
Install Torque for Seizure Screw
Description Screw
Input Port Seizure Screw 8-32*12 10 - 15 8.66 - 13
kg-cm In-lb
Install Torque
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Option B: Part 1 - Remove Installed Conductor
Option B: Part 2 - Insert Hard-line Cable Trunk Connector
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Opening the WirelessTap
To open either the Media Side or Power Side of the WirelessTap, loosen the six bolts that
connect each side. This will release the pressure on the gaskets. The proper sequence to
loosen the bolts is illustrated below, starting with #1 and finishing with #6.
To access the internal components on either side, only slightly loosen screws 1 & 5 to act as
a hinge and loosen 2,3,4,6 screws to a point that they can rotate out to release the side.
When closing and resealing each side, tighten the bolts in reverse sequence to the correct
torque.
Install Torque for Hinge Bolts
Description Hinge Bolt
Side Screw 5/16-18 40-55 35 – 47
kg-cm In-lb
Install Torque
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Radio Interface
A radio interface operates on a single channel. Assuming the interface is 802.11g, the
channel is numbered 1 to 14 and is spaced on a 5MHz comb. Channel 1 is centered at
2.412GHz and Channel 14 is centered at 2.477GHz. Each radio channel is approximately
20MHz wide. While it is generally believed that channels cannot operate “overlapped” this is
not strictly true. It may impact maximum throughput per radio on a theoretical basis, in a
practical application with sectorized antenna distribution this is not a material concern. But
it is something to keep in mind when selecting channels and placing antennas. Indeed, not
all channels are allowed in all jurisdictions.
Radios can be placed in “Fixed” mode (single antenna), disabling the Diversity functionality,
or the ports will automatically switch between the two outputs searching for and
communicating with other wireless clients. Factory preset is Diversity (MIMO) mode. Fixed
Mode is usually used for single antenna point-to-point links where dual antennas are
undesirable (but most point-to-point links will do better with diversity using dual antennas).
Transport Interfaces (“Backhaul”)
Each WirelessTap can be configured to use a number of different transport interfaces. The
two most common are HFC DOCSIS (an RF interface usually found in cable
telecommunications networks), or standard 10/100TX Ethernet.
Ethernet Transport
Connecting to Ethernet backhaul transport is as easy as connecting an RJ45 Ethernet CAT5e
type cable to a network (MDI). Both 10Mbps and 100Mbps speeds are fully supported. On
cabinet mount WirelessTaps Ethernet is always available
DOCSIS Transport
If your WirelessTap has a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, there will be a 75Ω F-female port available.
RF input is 0dBmV +/-10dB at the data carrier. The interface will either be US format or EU
format, but not both.
Upstream carrier is capable of:
QPSK +8 ~ +54
S-CDMA +8 ~ +55
8/16QAM +8 ~ +53
32/64QAM +8 ~ +58
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Alternative Transport Technologies
There are a variety of specialty transport options, ranging from fiber interfaces to highspeed non-DOCSIS RF interfaces, DSL interfaces, and even wireless backhaul. With the
exception of wireless, these specialty interfaces are usually accomplished through external
converters attached to the Ethernet interface or they must be factory installed.
Regarding the wireless backhaul operation, this can be configured via software. Any of the
local loop wireless radios can be assigned to be the transport interface. Please see the
Systems Administrator Guide for more detailed configuration information. Regarding the
installation in such an application, any point-to-point/multipoint antenna scheme can be
used, but you will need to carefully record which interface you’ve used (any are suitable)
and whether you are using diversity or single/fixed mode, and the latter case, which port
you have connected to the antenna.
Ethernet Transport as a Local Loop Network Interface
Just as any of the wireless interfaces can be used as a transport backhaul interface, the
Ethernet interface can be used as a local loop wired Ethernet interface. This, as with the
wireless transport configuration, is achieved via software configuration. Please refer to the
Systems Administrator Guide for more detailed configuration information.
WirelessTap Powering
The strand mount WirelessTap has only one option for powering: 40-90VAC Coaxial Cable
powering.
Power consumption is typically 14-18W depending on options and radio duty cycles, but is
25W maximum.
Coaxial Cable powering is generally used in conjunction with a DOCSIS modem interface,
but it can be used in any configuration, including wireless and Ethernet backhaul
deployments. Coaxial powering requires a 40-90VAC 47-63Hz quasi-squarewave power
source.
Local Console Interface
There is a standard 9pin D-type connector provided for local console access using a terminal
or computer running a terminal emulation application. To connect, you will need a “Null
Modem” cable. The interface settings are 115.2Kbaud, No Parity, 8 Bit, 1 Stop Bit.
(“115.2K N81”).
Depending on when you connect in the runtime cycle you may see the full boot messages (if
you connect during boot time), or you may see a login prompt. You will not be able to
change any settings without a username and password and properly log in. Please contact
your Network Administrator for access credentials.
As a special note, only BIOS settings are persistent. Any changes made to running
configurations can be reset to default simply executing the reboot command from a logged-
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in session prompt (with proper permissions) or simply power-cycling the WirelessTap. In
the latter case, it is best to wait three seconds or so before re-applying power to make sure
that the power supply sufficiently discharges and will fully accomplish a hardware power-on
reset.
Boot Firmware Source
WirelessTaps may come with a local firmware option installed. In this case, runtime
firmware is stored in non-volatile memory, and the WirelessTap can function without a
backhaul interface. This generally not useful, and is seen mostly in demonstration and
evaluation systems. There are some applications that do use this feature but they are
relatively rare.
In any case, if you do have a WirelessTap so equipped, you may desire to monitor the boot
sequence via the console port and terminal. There are boot options that you may want to
select. The most common are to use the Ethernet interface as the backhaul, use the
DOCSIS interface as backhaul, or use “No Network” backhaul. The first two must have
DHCP available, whereas the “No Network” option does not. Please see the Systems
Administrator Guide for more details.
Please Note: Even with the local firmware option installed, the WirelessTap is almost
certainly configured to search for boot firmware via the DOCSIS Interface first, then the
Ethernet Interface. If both these fail to supply a boot image, only then will local firmware
will be loaded and run. Please see the Systems Administrator Guide for more detailed start-
up information.
Initial Testing
The console port can be used to quickly check the platform’s operational status. Simply
connect a terminal set to 115.2K N81 using a null modem cable. If the server is running
and stable you will see only a login prompt. If the unit cannot find a boot file to execute it
will continually try by restarting itself every few minutes. You will be able to witness this via
the console. The WirelessTap unit also beeps though it may be difficult to hear in noisy
environments.
Radio testing can be accomplished in a number of ways. One is to use a specialty tester
such as the YellowJacket handheld tester (for 802.11 systems
test setup such as a laptop running NetStumber, Kismet or other such software application
(using an appropriate wireless adapter). You should be able to see the radios in the display
window. Please consult the appropriate guide. Beware using Windows based laptops and
standard WLAN configuration utilities especially the built-in Windows subsystem, called WZC
or Windows Zero Config. These, especially the WZC application, can be very misleading.
Please consult the appropriate guides, but we suggest using test gear for testing purposes.
Other test rigs can be used, such as vector signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers and RF
power meters, but these require exceptional skill given the complex modulation and time
division duplex nature of the various digital radio protocol installed in WirelessTaps.
1
See www.brsystems.com
1
). Another is a home-brew
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Transport Interface Testing
The DOCSIS interface is rather simple to test. The easiest way is to use the command line
from the console port and request the PHY parameters directly, provided you are logged in
with the appropriate credentials. Alternatively, this information is likely available via your
CMTS and/or your provisioning system.
For Wireless backhaul, a similar method can be used to determine the connection status via
the command line, again, provided you are logged in with the appropriate credentials.
In any case, if the WirelessTap is properly configured and communicating via the transport
interface, all WirelessTap functionality can be managed and verified remotely either using a
Secure Shell session (“SSH”) or Simple Network Management Protocol commands and
requests (“SNMP”). Please see the System Administrator’s Guide for details.
Mounting and Environmental Considerations
Strand mount WirelessTaps are suitable for free air operation from –40°C to +60°C. If
ambient temperature is expected to be +40°C or higher, it is best to make sure that air can
flow around the WirelessTap.
Condensing Moisture
Strand mount WirelessTaps are designed to withstand direct expose to rain and snow.
However, strand mount WirelessTaps are not designed for submersed operation.
Grounding
It is imperatives that proper grounding techniques be used that fully comply with local law.
This is also true of the antennas themselves. The entire die-cast chassis is aluminum and
should be earthed according to local regulations and common potential safety codes.
Antenna Gain
Strand Mount WirelessTaps have 4 integrated 8.5dB linear patch antennas using alternating
45 degree slant polarization.
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Radio Path Engineering
It is generally acceptable to use the Free Space Path Loss Model (Friis Model) for most
WirelessTap applications. Local building and construction techniques, vegetation density,
population density, terrain, and WirelessTap antenna height will all matter and need to be
considered on a case-by-case basis. For links in excess of 1km (1/2 mile) it may be better
to use the Egli path loss model. For paths exceeding a few miles, Fresnel zone size should
also be taken into consideration.
A Special Note Regarding 802.11 Achievable Ranges and Distances
Please note that as of this writing, the distance record for fully operating non-amplified
802.11 point-to-point link is 125 miles (200km). This was a specialty link, but not difficult
to replicate.
MediaCell’s WirelessTap technology routinely provides reliable indoor and outdoor coverage
with modest antenna systems reaching 500ft (150m). Please contact our Applications
Engineering department for planning assistance. Please have available details such as
typical antenna height above ground, antenna specifications and cable lengths, types and
density of vegetation, typical building construction, and building and site plans, especially
for campus and indoor applications.
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Specifications
Radio Module Format MiniPCI Type III A
Transport Network Interface 10/100 Ethernet auto-sensing, plus one
(Uplink) MiniPCI (32-bit) format WAN interface = xDSL, DOCSIS,
Extended Ethernet (others available)
Wireless Network Protocols IEEE 802.11a/b/g
Custom/Proprietary Modes available
Data Rates Supported All native IEEE 802.11 a/b/g modes
Radio Band Unlicensed/License-free ISM/UNII/Hiperlan (IEEE
802.11a/b/g)
Licensed Band options available
Wireless Network Architecture WAN Infrastructure
Mode LAN Infrastructure
Wireless Media Access Method TDD CSMA-CA
Carrier Format OFDM or DSSS (per radio)
(IEEE 802.11a/b/g)
Modulation Format (Data Rate) DSSS-DBPSK (1Mbps) -104dBm / +20dBm
Receive Sensitivity / Transmit DSSS-DQPSK (2Mbps) -103dBm / +20dBm
Power DSSS-CCK (5.5Mbps) -101dBm / +20dBm
Jurisdictional limits apply DSSS-CCK (11Mbps) -99dBm / +20dBm
Figures cited for IEEE
802.11a/b/g OFDM-BPSK (6 Mbps) -87dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-BPSK (9 Mbps) -86dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-QPSK (12 Mbps) -84dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-QPSK (18 Mbps) -82dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-16QAM (24 Mbps) -79dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-16QAM (36 Mbps) -75dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-64QAM (48 Mbps) -71dBm / +20dBm
OFDM-64QAM (54 Mbps) -70dBm / +20dBm
Transmit Power Adjustment Automatically or Manually settable
802.11b 0dBm to +20dBm, adjustable in ±2dB increments
802.11a 0dBm to +20dBm, adjustable in ±2dB increments
802.11g 0dBm to +20dBm, adjustable in ±2dB increments
Antennas
360° x 60° coverage
Optional external connectors (N, TNC, SMA)
Other options available
Up to 4 integrated planar, 60°H x 60°V 8.5dBi gain, up to
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Security 802.1x (EAP exchanges encrypted to 3DES, AES, etc.,
mutually authenticated via RADIUS or LDAP) Optional GPS
location-authenticated and other extensions
Local Consol Port
Remote Configuration Access SNMP, SSH (via Transport Network Interface only)
Core Processing Transmeta Crusoe TM5900 (1GHz) 128/256MB RAM
Environmental Strand Mount Enclosure:
-40° to +60°C
Weather sealed – resistant to direct exposure to rain and
Physical Weather resistant Enclosure 15 x 10.6 x 10.9in (380 x 270
Internal 10/100 Ethernet auto-sensing RJ45
RS232 Serial (115.2K N81 Default)
64/128/256/512/1024MB Flash
snow
x 277mm) 18.4 lbs (8.33kgs)
Legal Notices
All specifications are for reference purposes only. Please contact MediaCell, Inc. directly for
current specifications and clarifications. All Specifications subject to change without notice.
MediaCell, WirelessDrop, and WirelessTap are trademarked in various international
jurisdictions by MediaCell Licensing Corporation.
Various US and International patents and Patents Pending apply. Please contact your local
Patent Office or MediaCell Licensing Corporation for details.
All Rights Reserved.
Contact Information
MediaCell, Inc.
6950 S. Tucson Way,
Suite H
Centennial, CO 80112
Tel: +1-720-221-7692
Fax: +1-720-221-7692
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