Alvarion BreezeACCESS Wi2, System Manual

Page: 75 / 252

Align the Antenna
BreezeMAX Wi² and BreezeACCESS Wi² System Manual 53
3.7 Align the Antenna
After the Wi² Extender unit has been mounted, connected, and its radio is operating, the antenna
must be accurately aligned to ensure optimum performance on the wireless link. This alignment
process is particularly important for long-range links.
To start the alignment process, you can just point the antenna in the general direction of the Access
Unit’s antenna using binoculars or a compass. For accurate alignment, you must monitor the signal
strength LEDs as the antenna moves horizontally.
The signal strength LEDs indicate the received radio signal strength for the link. The more LEDs
that turn on, the stronger the signal.
When you move the antenna during alignment, the radio signal from the remote antenna can be seen
to have a strong central main lobe and smaller side lobes. The object of the alignment process is to
set the antenna so that it is receiving the strongest signal from the central main lobe.
To align the antennas in the link, monitor the signal strength LEDs. For details see “LED Indicators”
on page 37 . Perform the following procedure:
1 Pan the Wi² Extender antenna horizontally back and forth while checking the LEDs. Using the
pole-mounting bracket with the unit, you must rotate the mounting bracket around the pole.
2 Find the point where the signal is strongest (refer to “LED Indicators” on page 37 ) and secure
the bracket in that position.
Main Lobe
Maximum
Horizontal Scan
Signal
Strength
Side Lobe
Maximum
Remote
Antenna
Maximum Signal Strength Position
for Horizontal Alignment