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Aruba 580EX Series Hazardous Location Outdoor Access Points
| Installation Guide
Outdoor Planning and Deployment Considerations
Prior to deploying an outdoor wireless network, the environment must be evaluated to plan for a successful
WLAN deployment. Successfully evaluating the environment enables the proper selection of access points and
antennas and assists in the determination of their placement for optimal RF coverage. This process is considered
WLAN or RF planning and Aruba’s system engineers can assist in the outdoor planning process.
Identifying Specific Installation Locations
Use the access point placement map generated by the Aruba RF Plan software application to determine the
proper installation location(s). Each location should be as close as possible to the center of the intended
coverage area and should be free from obstructions or obvious sources of interference. These RF absorbers/
reflectors/interference sources will impact RF propagation and should be accounted for during the planning
phase and adjusted for in the RF plan.
Identifying Known RF Absorbers/Reflectors/Interference Sources
Identifying known RF absorbers, reflectors, and interference sources while in the field during the installation
phase is critical. Make sure that these sources are taken into consideration when you attach an access point to its
fixed location.
RF absorbers include:
Cement/concrete—Old concrete has high levels of water dissipation, which dries out the concrete, allowing
for potential RF propagation. New concrete has high levels of water concentration in the concrete, blocking
RF signals.
Natural Items—Fish tanks, water fountains, ponds, and trees
Brick
RF reflectors include:
Metal Objects—Metal pans between floors, rebar, fire doors, air conditioning/heating ducts, mesh windows,
blinds, chain link fences (depending on aperture size), refrigerators, racks, shelves, and filing cabinets.
Do not place an access point between two air conditioning/heating ducts. Make sure that access points are
placed below ducts to avoid RF disturbances.
RF interference sources include:
Other Wi-Fi networks
Microwave ovens
Bluetooth devices
Access Point Installation
The rules for the 5600-5650 MHz band vary by region.
!
Use of this equipment in near proximity, either horizontally or vertically, with other equipment should be
avoided because it could result in improper operation. If such use is necessary, this equipment and the other
equipment should be observed to verify that they are operating normally.
Service to all Aruba products should be performed by trained service personnel only.
Metal cover of enclosure is intended for installation in restricted access location.
