GE MDS Mercury 3650, Reference Manual

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14 Mercury Reference Manual 05-4446A01, Rev. E
NOTE:
Several previous GE MDS-brand products had non-standard
signal lines on their interface connectors (for example, to
control sleep functions and alarm lines). These special func-
tions are not provided nor supported by the Mercury trans-
ceiver. Consult equipment manuals for complete pinout
information.
1.4 NETWORK DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
1.4.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters
What is a Repeater System?
A repeater works by re-transmitting data from outlying remote sites to
the Access Point, and vice-versa. It introduces some additional
end-to-end transmission delay but provides longer-range connectivity.
In some geographical areas, obstacles can make communications diffi-
cult. These obstacles are commonly large buildings, hills, or dense
foliage. These obstacles can often be overcome with a repeater station.
Option A—Using two transceivers to form a repeater station
(back-to-back repeater)
Although the range between fixed transceivers can be up to 40 km (25
miles) over favorable terrain, it is possible to extend the range consider-
ably by connecting two units together at one site in a “back-to-back”
fashion, creating repeater as shown in
Figure 1-10 . Use this arrangement
whenever the objective is to utilize the maximum range between sta-
tions. In this case, using high-gain Yagi antennas at each location pro-
vides more reliable communications than their counterparts—
omnidirectional antennas.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-10. Typical LAN with a Repeater Link
Overview
Two transceivers may be connected “back-to-back” through the
LAN
ports to form a repeater station. If the transceivers are connected directly
to each other, you must use an Ethernet cross-over cable. This configu-
Remote
Remote
Remote
Remote
Access
Point
Access
Point
LAN/WAN
REPEATER
Crossover Cable
LAN
LAN
LAN
Ethernet
POINT
-TO-POINT
LINK