RLX2-IHx Series ♦ 802.11a, b, g, n
Network Planning
Industrial Hotspots
User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc.
Page 22 of 248
2
Network Planning
It may be helpful to create a network plan before configuring and installing your RLX2-
IHx series radio wireless network. This topic assumes a bridge network of Master and
Repeater radios. Client radios can also be configured to work with devices on existing
wireless LANs. For more information, see
Configuring a Client Radio
(page 48).
The simplest way to design the physical network of radios, antennas, connectors,
cables, amplifiers and other accessories is to use the
ProSoft Wireless Designer
. This is
a free software application that determines the hardware needs based on your answers
to a few questions.
The
ProSoft Wireless Designer
generates a
Bill of Materials
specifying all the
components you need for the installation.
ProSoft Wireless Designer
is included on the
ProSoft Technology media supplied with the RLX2-IHx series radio, and is also available
by downloading it from the ProSoft Technology website. See
Installing the ProSoft
Wireless Designer
(page 22).
1
To begin, identify the potential radio locations. For example, the you may install the
Master radio near a PC in a central plant location. You can then use this PC to locate
and configure the radios through the IH Browser. If the plant is an oil refinery, for
example, you may need to install radios installed near the oil tanks.
2
The next important issue is how to link the radios. Unless the radios are very close
together, make sure that each pair of radio antennas in the network has a clear line
of sight between them. In other words, you must be able to see from one antenna to
another, either with your eyes or with binoculars.
3
If there is no line of sight between antennas, you must locate an additional site for a
Repeater radio. The Repeater radio creates a bridge between the radio antennas.
4
Choose the appropriate antennas for the network. You may need a power amplifier
(available from ProSoft Technology) if an antenna is connected to the radio by a long
cable. Signal loss at the radio is proportional to the distance between an antenna
and its radio (longer cable, more signal loss).
ProSoft Wireless Designer
can suggest suitable antennas for the application based
on frequency band, data rate, distance, power output level, etc.
5
Consider drawing the network plan on paper. Assign a logical name to each radio in
your plan. You can then assign these names to the Radios during configuration.
6
A site survey may be helpful. You can hire ProSoft Technology or a surveyor to
perform a survey, or you can conduct the survey on your own.
7
Plan to protect radios from direct exposure to weather, and provide an adequate,
stable power supply. Make sure the plan complies with the radio’s power
requirements and cable specifications.
Important: Radios and antennas must be located at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from personnel.