Hardware Installation Guide
14
Linear vs. Mesh Topology
Staging Considerations
If the antenna, access points, Ethernet devices, and HotPort 3203 are staged properly, the
installation should go smoothly. This section describes some staging scenarios that will ease
overall installation of the HotPort 3203. Firetide recommends you perform the following steps to
install your HotPort 3203:
1. Set up your HotPort 3203 in a lab with two other HotPorts (HotPort 3203 or HotPort 3103
nodes) using the two provided dual-spectrum antennas.
2. In the lab, make all the necessary cable connections and power the HotPorts.
3. Install the HotView software on a workstation and connect the workstation to a HotPort
3203 (see the HotView User Guide for information about installing and using HotView).
4. Use HotView to configure the HotPort nodes and create a small mesh network. Configure
and test the network settings you plan to use.
5. Once you’ve decided which RF frequency band to use (2.4 or 5 GHz), order a high-gain
antenna for the desired spectrum from Firetide for the HotPort 3203.
6. Pre-assemble the antenna, HotPort 3203, and other devices to a metal pole and antenna
stand and then relocate and attach the entire stand to a roof top. It is often easier to
install all devices to one object, such as a pole, and then attach the pole to the roof. In
many cases, connecting the devices to a pole already attached to the roof top can be
difficult and dangerous.
7. Install the antenna first and then install the HotPort 3203 enclosure, this will ensure that
the antenna is mounted at an adequate height.
8. Install the antenna and wireless devices higher than the HotPort 3203. Having the
HotPort 3203 at a location lower than the antenna will provide easy access to the HotPort
3203. Take care when locating the HotPort 3203 far away from the antenna; do not
mount the HotPort 3203 further than 60 ft (18.3 m) from the antenna.
9. If connecting to a pole, connect the HotPort 3203 mounting bracket to earth ground.
10. Utilize weatherproofing kits that include non-vulcanized rubber to weatherproof
connectors and antennas.
11. Power over Ethernet consideration: Consider which devices require PoE and what the
required input voltage will be.
12. Connect peripheral devices to the HotPort 3203.