User's Manual

Chapter 7. Troubleshooting
7.1. Troublshooting the LibraPlus
7.1.1. Preventative maintenance
Administering and maintaining your system properly can prevent many problems and alert you to
minor problems before they become serious. Some recommendations follow.
• Measure and document system performance at the time of the original installation.
• Change menu passwords so that only authorized people can reconfigure the system.
• Maintain the integrity of the system design when adding to or changing a system. The introduction
of new elements to a system can cause problems unless you revise the network plan to take into
account the changes. For example, improper installation of a colocated antenna can add unwanted
system interference.
• Keep records of all changes. Especially document the addition of units, hardware and software
changes, and changes to configuration settings. Configuration errors often cause other problems.
Current records can be compared with original installation records and function as benchmarks to
help in troubleshooting.
• Keep a log of past and present problems and solutions. Store the log on-site for easy reference, if
possible. The log identifies common failure points and fixes.
• Before contacting EION’s Technical Assistance Center, document the symptoms of the fault and
the steps taken to diagnose and fix the problem. Record the current configuration of the system.
• Perform preventive maintenance at a regular interval, for example every six months.
• Perform link monitor tests to verify the system after periods of extreme weather, and inspect towers,
antennas, ODUs, cables, and connectors for damage.
• Monitor system performance regularly. Environmental change as well as normal wear and tear on
components can affect system performance.
• In some cases a bench test is a useful tool in diagnosing problems.
7.1.2. Troubleshooting Areas
There are five areas to keep in mind when troubleshooting:
1. Network integrity: The continued performance and reliability of a network depend upon maintaining
the integrity of the network. If you change a network’s design, you will affect its operation. Be
aware of recent changes to your network.
2. Quality of RF links: Data communication depends first on good RF links. If you establish and
maintain high-quality RF links, then you can be sure the links will carry high-speed data. If the
quality of the RF links degrades for some reason, the quality of the data and the associated perform-
ance will also degrade.
3. Radio Hardware: This consists of three parts: Main unit, antenna, and mounting hardware.. (To
verify the radio performance, you can run diagnostic tests, such as RSSI and link monitor test.)
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