Firetide HotPort Wireless Mesh Nodes
The Firetide™ HotPort™ High-Performance Mesh Network pro-
vides a high-capacity, self-healing wireless mesh backbone for
indoor and outdoor networks. The HotPort system enables mul-
tiple network services and standard Ethernet devices to operate
on the wireless backbone, creating secure and reliable wireless
networks for video surveillance, voice, and data.
All HotPort mesh nodes, indoor or outdoor, connect wirelessly to
other nodes to form a high-performance wireless mesh network.
Ethernet packets are automatically switched across the mesh, in
a manner analogous to an Ethernet switch, using AutoMesh™, a
proprietary protocol developed by Firetide. AutoMesh has been
optimized for efficiency in wireless mesh environments.
Models are available for operation at 2.4 GHz for high capacity
and maximum range or at 5 GHz for high capacity and minimal
interference from 2.4 GHz devices. For use on US Public Safety
bands, a 4.9 GHz unit is available. This frequency may only be
used by FCC-licensed Public Safety agencies.
A Firetide mesh is completely portable, so relocating your entire
network is as easy as taking your HotPort nodes with you to your
new site, leaving no wires behind.
The HotPort Family
HotPort nodes are available in both indoor and outdoor models,
and with a range of single-band and multiple-band radios.
Outdoor Nodes
HotPort 3200 and 3600 series outdoor mesh nodes have weather-
proof enclosures and connect wirelessly to otherHotPort nodes to
form a high-performance wireless mesh network.
3200 series nodes operate at 2.4 GHz or at 5 GHz. Units designed
for use on the 4.9 GHz Public Safety band are available in the US
for use by FCC-licensed Public Safety agencies. 3600 series nodes
are single band, and are available in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz models.
All models feature a built-in, dual-port 10/100 Ethernet switch.
Both Ethernet ports are weatherproof. Port 1 accepts power from
PoE; port 2 can power other PoE equipment. A removable sun-
shield and a mounting bracket are provided with each unit.
Indoor Nodes
HotPort 3100 and 3500 series mesh nodes provide fast and easy
indoor network deployment. They are plenum-rated and feature
a four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch for connecting devices at any
location to a wireless mesh backbone.
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HotPort 3200 Series User Guide
The HotPort high-performance mesh network is the third genera-
tion of mesh networking products from Firetide, a leading devel-
oper of wireless mesh networks. The HotPort system is a multi-
function mesh network that enables standard Ethernet devices,
such as access points, surveillance cameras, IP telephones, net-
work servers, and printers to access networking services on the
wireless mesh backbone.
Mesh networking can be compared to the Internet, where data
can be rerouted onto other paths if one path becomes disabled or
congested. Losing a node or two or a link won’t bring down the
entire mesh network. Unlike other WLAN technologies, a mesh
network’s reliability and scalability can actually be improved by
adding more nodes and enriching the density of the mesh. More
redundant paths mean the network in aggregate can handle far
more data traffic, and is therefore quite scalable. Mesh networks
are ideal whenever the network must be reliable, scalable, and
flexible. They are very portable and can adapt to many different
physical environments.
What is a Firetide Mesh Network?
Model & SKU
Use
Band
RF Output Power
Data Rate
Default Channel
3101
Indoor
2.4, 5 GHz
standard
10 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3103
Indoor
2.4, 5 GHz
standard
25 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3100/PS
Indoor, Public Safety
2.4, 4.9, 5 GHz
standard
25 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3500-2401
Indoor
2.4 GHz
high
10 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3500-5001
Indoor
5 GHz
high
10 Mbps
5 805 GHz OFDM, Ch 161
3500-2403
Indoor
2.4 GHz
high
25 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3500-5003
Indoor
5 GHz
high
25 Mbps
5 805 GHz OFDM, Ch 161
3203
Outdoor
2.4, 5 GHz
standard
25 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3200/PS
Outdoor, Public Safety
2.4, 4.9, 5 GHz
standard
25 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3600-2400
Outdoor
2.4 GHz
high
25 Mbps
2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11
3600-5000
Outdoor
5 GHz
high
25 Mbps
5.805 GHz OFDM, Ch 161
Note: Data Rates are typical for single-hop connections.
Summary of HotPort Models
