HotPort 3203 Outdoor Wireless Mesh Node
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Example Networks/Applications
Below are some examples of how you can use HotPort wireless mesh networks in your
workplace.
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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:
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To ensure a safe installation of the HotPort 3203, follow the appropriate electrical and
building codes (like the National Electrical Code (NEC)), country codes, or local building
codes.
•
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.
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You can increase the working distance of your wireless mesh by avoiding obstacles
between nodes. For best performance, ensure that there is a clear line of sight between
each HotPort node.
•
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.
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Avoid areas with heavy vehicle and foot traffic. Do not install near rain gutters and
downspouts or areas subject to flooding.
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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 earth ground.
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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).
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If you plan to provide a battery backup or use solar power, make sure you have a reliable
battery to use for power storage. If using solar power, and the solar unit does not include
a battery, obtain the proper battery for power storage.