Rajant Corporation
BreadCrumb
®
ME3 User Guide
03-100116-001
Version: 1.02
distance, connectivity and tactical placement is achieved.
3.3.3 Weather
Precipitation and fog also act as obstructions blocking the propagation of the wireless network’s
radio waves.
Light fog or precipitation may result in noticeable degradation of wireless network performance.
Heavy precipitation or fog may result in severe performance degradation and possible loss of
network connectivity.
If the performance of a well functioning network is degraded by worsening weather conditions, it
may be advisable to add BreadCrumb devices into the network to act as short haul repeaters to
counteract the effects of the weather. An alternative is to move the devices closer together.
3.3.4 Interference
RF interference can degrade network performance and can come from many different sources,
including:
•
Other BreadCrumb devices that are placed too closely together.
•
Other RF devices such as microwave devices, cordless phone base stations, radio
transmitters, other wireless networks, jamming devices, etc...
•
Metal surfaces such as fences and buildings can cause radio waves to be reflected, causing
multipath interference.
Caution
Plan the BreadCrumb Wireless Network to minimize the effects of RF interference.
3.3.5 Placement of BCWN Components
The placement of BreadCrumb devices has a major impact on maximum effective range, and
therefore network performance. The components must be elevated above the surrounding terrain to
allow for adequate wave propagation. A device placed directly on the ground has a significantly
reduced effective range. Elevating a device above the ground dramatically increased the maximum
effective range. Rajant recommends elevating the components a minimum of 6 ft. above the
surrounding surface.
3.4 Deployment Guidelines and Methodology
This section addresses the actual on-site deployment of the BCWN. While by no means an
exhaustive treatise, it is intended as a good source of guidelines and methodology for the successful
deployment of the BCWN in the field.
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