Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform
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Aerohive
Attaching Antennas
You can connect the antennas directly to the HiveAP 28 or mount them separately. Although connecting the
antennas directly to the device typically provides better performance, in some cases the location of the HiveAP
might not be a good location for the antennas; for example, if the HiveAP 28 is mounted on a reinforced concrete
wall that interferes with radio coverage. In such cases, mounting the antennas separately in a more open location
can improve coverage; however, bear in mind that cables introduce loss into the overall signal strength and that the
longer the cable connecting the antennas to the HiveAP 28, the greater the loss will be.
Connecting Antennas Directly to the HiveAP 28
The two 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz antennas that ship with the HiveAP 28 have male Type N connectors that you can
connect directly to the female Type N antenna connectors on the HiveAP 28. You can also use self-amalgamating
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape, which is available separately from Aerohive, to create a waterproof seal at the
points of attachment.
To attach the antennas:
1. Remove the antenna connector covers from the HiveAP 28 (you can leave a cover on the connector if you are
not planning to use it), and make sure that the surface of the connectors on the HiveAP 28 and the connectors
on the antennas are clean.
2. If you are using PTFE tape, wrap the tape around the threads on the HiveAP 28 antenna connectors as follows:
2.1. Starting at one end of the threads on one of the connectors, stretch the tape and wrap it in half-lap
layers until you cover the threads completely.
2.2. Wrap the tape in the opposite direction to bring it back onto itself for one full wrap.
2.3. Place one thumb on the tape at the point of termination and stretch the tape until it breaks.
2.4. Repeat the preceding steps to cover all the connectors to which you will attach antennas.
3. Connect the 2.4 GHz antennas to the 2.4 GHz antenna connectors. (To tighten an antenna, turn the antenna
base cap—the textured metal band that encloses the connector—clockwise over the tape-covered threads of the
HiveAP antenna connector.)
Their connections are now sealed and waterproof.
4. Repeat the preceding steps to connect the 5 GHz antennas.
Mounting Antennas Separately
In addition to connecting antennas directly to the HiveAP 28, you can also mount them separately and run a cable
between the antennas and the device. Use either male-to-female cables with Type N connectors or use
male-to-male or female-to-female cables with cable gender changers. (The antennas have male Type N connectors
and the HiveAP 28 has female Type N connectors.)
Note:
Cover any unused antenna connectors with a connector cap to prevent water intrusion and possible safety
hazards.
Note:
Using cables to mount antennas separately causes some signal loss and using a cable gender changer can
cause even more. The amount of loss varies from product to product, so refer to the documentation
accompanying the cables and gender changer you use for information. To minimize loss, Aerohive
recommends using LMR400 cables and using the shortest cables possible.
