Access5830™ User Manual
5
Ethernet and Serial Ports
At the bottom of the Access5830 are two access ports: a twist-on weatherproof cable port for RJ-45
Ethernet (and POE), and an access cover (with two screws) for RJ-11 serial port. Most configuration and
management tasks can be performed through the Ethernet jack. The access cover also contains a small
window which reveals three LEDs. These LEDs provide RF link-status information and will be discussed
later in this text.
Antennas
The Access5830 AP and SU each include dual polarized patch antennas built in behind the plastic radome
cover. These antennas can be electronically switched between horizontal (H) or vertical (V) polarization.
AP/SU Operational Overview
The Access5830 AP is a sophisticated broadband wireless device that provides a host of comprehensive
tools and functions. The AP resides at the center of the point-to-multipoint (PMP) network and performs
all management functions including the allocation of bandwidth allocation for all associated SU’s. As
such, we refer to The Access5830 is an “AP-Centric” system.
One of the major advantages of the Access5830 system is the ability of the AP to handle multiple
SU connections and share the 10 Mbps data throughput very efficiently. Bandwidth allocation is
managed by the AP’s SMARTPolling algorithm according to provisioning rules set up by the
system administrator.
The AP unit acts as a hub in a star configuration wireless multipoint network supporting up to 512
subscriber units. The AP unit, hardwired to a network point of presence, polls each subscriber
unit SU in a round robin format to determine if the SU has data to transfer. The SU only transmits
the data “upstream” to the AP when the AP gives authorization via a “transmit grant”. The SU
parses every “downstream” data packet from the AP and identifies packets intended for it.
In order for an SU to communicate with an AP, the system administrator must first add the MAC
address and ID number of the SU to the user database in the AP.
APs and SUs look identical. The only way to
tell them apart is by the model number printed
on the backside product label. This label also
contains the MAC ID of the radio as well as the
serial #.
