User's Manual

User Manual
3000 SERIES 3
rd
GENERATION ACTIVE RFID
7 Deployment
As with every wireless technology, deploying the devices physically in the environment requires
considerations of environmental parameters like thickness and material of walls, metal objects, glass
(coated) windows, people moving around, environmental conditions such as temperature and
humidity, doors; they all influence radio wave propagation. WSNs are not an exception to this rule.
However, with a bit of planning, some background knowledge about multi-hop networks it
shouldn't take long to deploy an Ambient Network.
7.1 Preparations
It is important to deploy the network well prepared; take your time. It is vital that, prior to
deployment, detailed site information is obtained; where possible, obtain maps or blueprints with
detailed information (AC power outlets, supporting versus non-supporting walls, etc.). If no maps
are available, draw one by exploring the site before deploying a single node.
Find available AC power outlets and also mark these down on the map. Make sure that these outlets
are active for 24 hours every day and not included in nightly energy savings schemes. Some outlets
are better suited than others; outlets above ceiling plates (in office environments) are preferable, such
that people won’t use the outlet for other purposes and the MR could be disconnected. Although an
Ambient infrastructure has a rechargeable backup power source, they need to be recharged
periodically. If this situation arises, confirm that the outlet is active long enough to charge the
backup power source.
Identify possible problematic structures, for example walls with a lot of metal, strengthened glass,
elevator shafts and so forth. Also identify any equipment that could potentially generate RF
signals/interference.
The following list summarizes the steps that should ensure you have made the appropriate
preparations;
1. Obtain detailed blueprints / maps of the target site (see example in Illustration 32)
2. Mark down AC outlets
3. Mark down any building materials or objects that could reduce the range of the nodes, such
as thick concrete walls, windows, metal doors, electrical equipment, and so forth
4. Make sure you are aware to the best of your knowledge of other wireless devices in the
target environment that use the 2.4 GHz band, such as cordless phones, WiFi access points,
IEEE 802.15.4 or ZigBee® enabled networks, and so forth. These devices may interfere with
the Ambient Systems 3000 series or the Ambient Systems 3000 series may interference on
these wireless devices in the 2.4 GHz band. If performance loss is noted, please contact
[e-mail].
Always make a Deployment Plan before deployment!
Always obtain Site Information before making a Deployment Plan!
45/73 Ambient Systems B.V.