Vecima Networks AP5857 VCom manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE
FOR SYSTEM OPERATORS

Proprietary to VCom Inc.
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may by reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation,

transformation or adaptation) without written permission from VCom Inc.

VCom Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of

VCom Inc. to provide notification of such revision or change.

VCom Inc. provides this guide without warranty of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied

warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. VCom Inc. may make improvements or changes in the product(s)
described in this manual at any time.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005) Approved: R.B.

Specifications subject to change without notice — Printed in Canada

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

Approved: R.B.

2

Thank-you for purchasing this product

and welcome to VCom!

You have chosen an innovative solution from a leading technology
design center in the ongoing TV & data delivery revolution.

No doubt you’ve been thinking that the future of your television delivery system includes new technologies
such as Digital TV, Internet Over Cable, Wireless Cable. By selecting VCom, you are benefiting from the
same design powerhouse that since 1988 has created custom RF and digital products for technology leaders
such as AT&T, Cisco Systems, Cogeco, Comcast, and Cox Communications.

VCom Inc. designs and manufactures:



 Agile CATV Modulators  256 QAM Upconverters  Digital Video Modulators




 Frequency Translators  Spread Spectrum Devices  MMDS Transceivers




 Off Air/CATV Demodulators  Wireless Cable MMDS  Wireless Cable LMDS




 Video On Demand Products



and more! Designs to fill the market needs of the CATV industry – both foreign and domestic.

For additional product or corporate information, contact us:

On the web at: www.vcom.com
By sending email to: [e-mail]
By telephone: [phone]
By fax: [phone]
By snail mail: VCom Inc.

150 Cardinal Place
Saskatoon, SK Canada S7L 6H7

VCom Inc.'s Corporate Mandate

is to be a leading worldwide designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-

art communications equipment and components. Through the

remarkable success of our customers and business partners,

VCom innovations are achieving this goal.

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

Approved: R.B.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Before installing and operating this equipment, read all Safety, Installation and Operating sections. Retain
this manual for future reference.

2. Follow all instructions — Failure to do so may result in damage to the unit or severe personal injury.

3. Servicing should not be attempted by the user. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all
servicing to factory qualified personnel.

4. Shock Hazard — An electrical shock hazard exists when the chassis cover is removed as is required to set
internal controls. Always disconnect power from the unit before removing the cover.

5. Cleaning — Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

LES PRÉCAUTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ

1. Avant d'installer ou d'opérer cet équipement, lisez, toutes les sections de sécurités, d'installations et
d'opérations. Gardez ce manuel comme source de référence.

2. Suivez toutes instructions - si non, vous risquez d'endommager la machine ou de vous blesser
sérieusement.

3. N'essayez, pas de réparer cet équipement vous même. Référez toutes revisions nécessaire au personnel
qualifié de la manufacture.

4. Risque de choc - Il y a un risque de décharge électrique qui existe quand la couverture du châssis est
enlevée, comme est nécessaire pour ajuster les contrôlcs internes. Il faut toujours couper l'électricité avant
d'enlever le couvercle pour faire aucun ajustage.

5. Le nettoyage - n'utilisez pas de nettoyeurs aérosols ou liquides. Utilisez un tissu humide pour nettoyer.

 Important Installation Instructions

 Caution: To comply with FCC RF exposure limits in Section 1.1307, the AP5857

requires a minimum distance of 0.2 meters between it and all persons.

 Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s

authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with FCC Part 15, Subparts B and E.

This device complies with Industry Canada RSS 210, Issue 5 including Amendments 1, 2, 3, and 4.

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

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INDEX

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................7

1.2 Module Features......................................................................................................................................7

1.3 System Features.......................................................................................................................................7

1.4 Specifications...........................................................................................................................................8

1.5 Options.....................................................................................................................................................9

2.0 INSTALLATION

2.1 Unpacking the unit................................................................................................................................10

2.2 Operating Environment........................................................................................................................10

2.3 Power Requirements.............................................................................................................................10

2.4 Radio Mounting.....................................................................................................................................10

.........................................................................10

3.0 CONNECTORS & CONFIGURATION

3.1 AP5857 Connection...............................................................................................................................13

3.2 AP5857 Configuration..........................................................................................................................13

............................................................7

...........................................13

4.0 AP5857 CONTROL

4.1 Description.............................................................................................................................................15

5.0 CONTROL VIA THE LOCAL INTERFACE

5.1 Setting up...............................................................................................................................................15

5.1.0 Direct Connection..........................................................................................................................................15

5.1.1 Telnet .............................................................................................................................................................. 16

5.2 Logging On ............................................................................................................................................16

5.3 Timeout..................................................................................................................................................17

5.4 The Main Menu.....................................................................................................................................17

5.5 Using the Local Interface......................................................................................................................17

5.6 Submenus...............................................................................................................................................18

6.0 REMOTE ACCESS

6.1 Description.............................................................................................................................................30

.....................................................................15

......................................15

.......................................................................30

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6.2 Supported Network Protocols..............................................................................................................30

6.3 Network Hardware Address ................................................................................................................30

6.4 Network Interface Configuration........................................................................................................30

6.5 Telnet......................................................................................................................................................31

6.6 SNMP .....................................................................................................................................................32

6.7 Firmware Upgrades..............................................................................................................................33

7.0 IP ADDRESSES, NETMASK, ETC

7.1 IP Addressing ........................................................................................................................................34

7.2 Network Address...................................................................................................................................35

7.3 Broadcast Address ................................................................................................................................35

7.4 IP Netmask.............................................................................................................................................35

7.5 Private IP networks and the Internet..................................................................................................35

7.6 Network RFC’s......................................................................................................................................35

8.0 WARRANTY AND SERVICE POLICY

8.1 Warranty Statement.............................................................................................................................36

8.2 Service Policies: How to Return an Item for Service:........................................................................36

8.3 Repair Charges and Warranty Exemptions.......................................................................................37

.................................................34

...........................................36

VCom Inc.

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1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Overview

The AP5857 Strand Radio is a wireless access solution to extend DOCSIS service via strand and pole mount
access points. The radio system consists of an Access Point (AP) and a Subscriber Unit (SU). The AP
mounts to the strand (CATV cable) and provides a point-to-multipoint radio link in the 5.8 GHz unlicensed
UNII band to several subscriber units (SU) located up to 2 miles away. The AP functionality includes
powering from the strand, remote control and monitoring via SNMP, and transmission and reception of
standard DOCSIS signals at the levels found at a regular cable tap point. The SU consists of a wireless
transceiver with functionality similar to the TRI5758. The SU will interface with a standard DOCSIS cable
modem.

The AP5857 Strand Radio provides a wireless entry point to the HFC (hybrid fiber/coax) network, extending
access to locations that may otherwise be unable to connect to the system.

The AP5857 includes a DOCSIS cable modem for communications and control. Note that the data passing
over the wireless network does not pass through the cable modem, so the cable modem does not limit data
rate or features available over the wireless link. In the downstream direction, the AP5857 includes a repeater
that demodulates the downstream data, removes noise and errors, and remodulates. This ensures a top
quality signal on the wireless link, independent of the quality of the CATV signal.

1.2 Module Features

• Up to a 2 Mile range

• Wide upstream gain range

• Excellent upstream noise figure performance

• Automatically configures downstream CATV frequency

• Internal modulator/demodulator regenerates signal for optimum downstream SNR

• Reports power level of bursty upstream signal

• Upstream can be set to auto mode, which minimizes noise put onto the cable system by keeping the

upstream output muted until there is a signal to transmit

• High reliability, state of the art design using microstrip MMIC and surface mount technology

• Conservative component derating and 100% burn in help ensure reliable operation

1.3 System Features

•

Local control via RS232 command line local interface
Remote control via SNMP v1.1

•

Flash memory for easy firmware upgrades

•

Firmware upgradeable via SNMP remote access

•

Internal power supply requires only 35 to 90 VAC power supplied on strand for operation

•

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1.4 Specifications

DOWNSTREAM

Transmit RF frequency band 5799 to 5823 MHz
Transmit EIRP +15 to +28 dBm
IF input frequency range 91 to 857 MHz (channel center frequencies)
IF input level range 0 to +20 dBmV per channel
Downstream modulation 64QAM, 5.06 Msym/sec or 256QAM, 5.36 Msym/sec
Downstream flatness 1 dB over 5 MHz, typical
Transmit mute Muted on failure. Unmuted with a valid DOCSIS downstream

signal present to which internal cable modem can register.

UPSTREAM

Receive RF frequency band 5727 to 5751 MHz
Noise figure (at RF connector) 6 dB max at max gain
Image rejection 90 dB minimum
IF output frequency band 18 to 42 MHz
Gain range 36
IF level 17 to 50 dBmV
Gain flatness (frequency response)
Spectral inversion No spectral inversion
Return loss (IF) 13dB min.: 5 to 42 MHz and 88 to 857 MHz

± 2 dB to 76 ± 2 dB at mid band

±0.5 dB over 3.2 MHz, 2.5 dB p-p full band

GENERAL

Upstream ingress mitigation Automatic upstream IF mute
Upstream gain control
Upstream mute control via remote access
Upstream power detector
IF connector F female, 75 ohms
Power requirements 35 to 90 VAC, 60 Hz
Power consumption 27 W maximum
Management Remote and local status monitoring and control
SNMPv1.1 remote access
RS232 command line local interface
Operating temperature range -40 to +60 °C
Antenna Integrated, 60
Downstream link margin (line of sight) 16.5 dB (64 QAM, 1 mile)

3.8 dB (256 QAM, 2 miles)
EMC compliance FCC CFR 47, Part 15, Subpart B
FCC Part 15 subpart E, Section 15.401
Industry Canada RSS-210, Issue 5, 6.2.2 (q1) LELAN Devices
Configurations Strand mount, utility pole mount, pipe mount
(options STRAND, POLE, PIPE)
Size 60.2 x 22.3 x 12.4 cm (23.7” x 8.8” x 4.9”)
Weight 7.1 kg (15.6 lbs )

Specifications subject to change without notice.

See section 1.5 Options for list of available options.

rated maximum, strand mount configuration

° horizontal and 30° vertical beamwidth

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

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1.5 Options

The AP5857 Strand Radio is available with the following options:

Mounting:

For the normal configuration of the radio, it must be mounted in the orientation indicated (horizontally for
STRAND mount and vertically for POLE or PIPE mount). This ensures the antenna pattern is correctly
oriented. The main label on the unit indicates the appropriate orientation

Strand
This includes brackets and clamps to mount the radio in a horizontal orientation to the cable strand. The
antenna is mounted internally to produce a horizontal polarization.

Pole
This option includes a mounting bracket and cable-based clamp to secure the radio to a wooden or metal
utility pole from 10 cm to 36.8 cm (4" to 14.5") diameter, in a vertical orientation. The antenna is mounted
internally to produce a horizontal polarization.

Pipe
This option is the same as the pole mount, except a shorter cable is provided.

Configuration:

Normal
The normal configuration of the AP5857 includes an internal antenna and is used for point-to-multipoint
operation. The antenna is oriented based on the type of mounting selected. The antenna provides for
horizontal polarization, 60° horizontal beamwidth and 30° vertical beamwidth. The antenna has a 14 dBi
nominal gain, but with cable and radome loss, the effective gain is 12.0 dBi.

Note: See important installation note in Section 2.0.

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

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2.0 INSTALLATION

 The installer of this radio equipment must ensure that the antenna is located or pointed such

that it does not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population; consult
Safety Code 6, obtainable from Health Canada’s website www.hc-sc.gc.ca/rpb.

2.1 Unpacking the unit

Carefully remove the equipment from its packing material and set it on a solid surface, such as a table or
desk. If it appears damaged in any way, notify the carrier, and keep all packing materials for inspection by
the carrier’s agent.

2.2 Operating Environment

The AP5857 is designed to operate in an outdoor environment at temperatures ranging from –40 to +60°C
(-40 to +140°F). As with all electrical equipment operation outside specified temperature ranges will
accelerate the deterioration of components.

2.3 Power Requirements

The equipment has an auto-ranging internal power supply, which allows it to be powered from the 35-90VAC
60Hz power tap on the strand. This power tap must capable of delivering a minimum of 27 watts per AP5857.

Note: Most power taps are current limited and will shut off when the current gets above a certain level. Care
must be taken to ensure that under the worst case conditions of elevated temperature and long lines between
power supply and AP5857, that the AP5857 can receive enough current without tripping the overcurrent
switch and shutting off the power.

2.4 Radio Mounting

Pipe/Pole Mounting

With the pipe or pole mount option, the Strand Radio may be mounted vertically on a wooden or metal utility
pole up to 36.8 cm (14.5") diameter or a pipe with diameter greater than 10 cm (4"). If the pole or pipe mount
option is selected with the NORMAL configuration (which includes an internal antenna), the radio must be
oriented vertically. Ensure the unit is oriented so that the text on the label is upright. This puts the internal
antenna in the correct orientation which is horizontal polarization, 60 Deg horizontal beamwidth and 30 Deg
vertical beamwidth. Mounting the radio with a non-vertical orientation will prevent proper operation of the
system.

Step 1. An adapter bracket is used to attach the Strand Radio to the pole clamp. Use a ½” wrench and the
four hex-head bolts with lockwashers to attach the adapter bracket to the pole clamp. The bolts go through
the pole clamp holes, through the outside of the adapter bracket, and are secured on the inside of the bracket
with the lockwashers and nuts. This assembly can then be attached to the Strand Radio baseplate using the
two sets of four screws and lockwashers. Confirm that the radio is oriented with the labels reading
right-side-up.

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Step 2. A cable is used to strap the radio mount to the pole or pipe. First loosen the two 4-bolt clamps near
the loop end of the cable so the cable can slide free through them. Wrap the two ends of the cable around
the pole or pipe and place the ends in the two notched sections of the mount. Then pull the loop end of the
cable to take up any slack and tighten the two 4-bolt clamps with a ½” wrench to secure the cable. The nuts
at the ends of the cable can then be tightened using a 5/8” wrench to cinch the cable around the pole or pipe
to the desired tension. If necessary, adjust the bracket rotation using the 5/8” wrench on the two bolt heads.

Ensure all bolts are tight and the cable loop will not rattle against the unit in windy conditions. If the latter is a
problem, secure the loop of the cable to one of the ends of the cable with a cable-tie.

Figure 2.1 shows the AP5857 with cables attached.

Figure 2.1 AP5857 Pipe or Pole Mounting

Strand Mounting

There are two mounting brackets supplied. These are to be installed on the back of the AP5857 using the
supplied screws and lockwashers. With the brackets installed to the AP5857, secure the AP5857 to the
strand using the two clamps provided. See figure 2.2 for details.

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

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Figure 2.2 AP5857 Strand Mounting

Note that if the strand mount option is selected for the radio along with internal antenna, the radio must be
mounted horizontally on the strand as shown.

VCom Inc.

AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)

Approved: R.B.

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