3. Receiving and Testing - Quick Start Guide
This section outlines the needed steps to set up the software and conduct an initial bench test before
entering the field. Prior to starting these steps, you will need the following:
•
A RuralConnect
®
Bench Test Kit
•
Two (2) compatible computers
•
Four (4) standard CAT5 Ethernet cables
•
An Internet connection
Unpacking
Always inspect a package before opening. Report any damage to the shipping carrier. Unpack and
compare the contents against the packing slip and inspect everything for damage. Report any
missing or damaged components to your Carlson Customer Service Representative.
Setting up the Bench
Warning: do not power up a unit without proper cabling and attenuation. Failure to do so could result
in system damage that may void the warranty. You must have at least 60 dB of attenuation between
a RuralConnect
®
Base Station and each CPE.
3.2.1. RF Connections
Attach three (3) of the included attenuators to a Base Station and one (1) to the CPE. Cable the
units together with one (1) RG6 coax jumper. If you are testing two CPEs at a time, attach an RG6
jumper to each unit and then to the splitter. Note the splitter adds additional cable/connector loss.
3.2.2. Power & Network Connections
From the “OUT” jack of each POE injector, run a CAT5 Ethernet cable (not supplied) to each
unit to. From the
“IN” port of the Base Station POE injector, connect your LAN/Internet
connection. Connect your first computer to Local Area Network (LAN) to which the Base Station
is connected. From the
“IN” port of the CPE POE injector, connect your other computer.
Connect each POE injector to a power source.
Wait two to three minutes for the system to initialize.
Registration Information
NOTE: The following registration details are required to configure the system. Incomplete or
invalid information may prevent the system from operating correctly. In countries that require
use of a spectrum database, inaccurate information could be a violation of the law.
3.3.1. Base and CPE Registration Details
MAC Addresses
Each radio has a unique MAC address, which is used to register with a White Space Database
(WSDB) and for client access controls. Each unit housing includes a sticker with the MAC address.
Though Base Stations have multiples radios within, WSDB registration is done using Radio/Sector 1.
This is the MAC address referenced next to “RAD” on the sticker (RAD: 70:B3:D5:xx:xx:xx). The
Base Station has a separate MAC address for the Ethernet interface, labeled “ETH” on the sticker.
The CPE has one MAC address
, labeled “MAC” on the sticker.
Please note
: If you are operating your RuralConnect
®
system with a spectrum database, you should
only register CPEs with a single Base Station. This is to prevent conflicting registrations, which will
nullify and cause the radio(s) to cease operation.