User's Manual

Page 3
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON NETWORKING
Computers are assigned IP addresses by network operators, which have two methods available,
static or dynamic IP addressing. The user of this document will need to understand how IP
addressing is done at their particular location.
All Cyclone radio products (Access Point Modules, and Backhaul Modules)
have the default IP address of 169.254.1.1. For a computer to talk to Cyclone, as it comes from
the factory, either of the following conditions must be met:
If the computer is not configured for DHCP, then it has to have a static IP address on the
169.254 network (i.e. 169.254.1.5)
If the computer is configured for DHCP, then it will automatically obtain an IP address on
the 169.254 network after minute or two as long as it is not connected to the network.
SITE SELECTION CRITERIA
There are various issues that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a location for
the network infrastructure. The following is a list of those considerations. There may be others
as each site is unique.
Height is essential when installing a Cyclone backhaul module. The Cyclone backhaul
module must be mounted higher than other objects located immediately around it such as
trees, buildings, tower legs, etc.
There should be no obstructions that will interfere with the unit’s antenna. The area
immediately in front of an access point module must be clear of all obstructions.
Will the installation area change in the future? Will there be structures high enough to
interfere with the signal? Will trees grow into the line-of-sight path?
When possible, avoid high RF energy sites. Do not place Cyclone equipment in the same
plane as other RF equipment.
The means used by the installer to attach the backhaul module to the tower, rooftop, or pole
should be rigid and should not move or flex due to wind or other vibrations.
Tower availability…will a tower have to erected?
There must be grounding systems available for protection of the Cyclone equipment.
Lighting arrestors are required in installation areas to transport lightning strikes away from
equipment.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Fresnel Loss - The Fresnel Zone is a theoretical area around the line of sight of an antenna
transmission that can affect the signal strength. Objects that penetrate the Fresnel Zone can
cause fading of the transmitted signal. This fading is caused by the cancellation of the signal
due to out-of-phase reflections. An unobstructed line of sight is important, but it is not the
only determination of an adequate placement. Even though the path has a clear line of
sight, if obstructions (such as terrain, vegetation, metal roofs, cars, etc.) penetrate the
Fresnel zone, there will be signal loss.
Free Space Path Loss – As an RF signal travels through space, it is attenuated by the
distance from the initial transmission point. The farther away from the transmission point,
the weaker the RF signal.
Foliage Loss – Tree and plant foliage will cause additional signal loss. Seasonal density,
moisture content of the foliage, and other factors such as wind may change the amount of
loss. Caution should be used when a link may transmit though this type of environment.
Carrier to Interference – describes how much signal advantage must be engineered into
the radio link to tolerate an interfering transmission.
How will the access point clusters be deployed relative to planned point-to-point links?