Aruba MSR4000 Wireless Mesh Router Installation Guide The Aruba AirMesh MSR4000 is a resilient, environmentally hardened, outdoor rated, four-radio, dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless mesh router. This outdoor mesh router is part of Aruba’s comprehensive wireless network solution. The MSR4000 delivers high-performance wireless mesh routing to outdoor environments where wired connectivity is impractical or unavailable.
M4 x 16 bolts, flat washers, and spring washers x4 (These bolts are attached to the solar shield) M4 x 16 bolts, flat washers, and spring washers x2 M6 x 30 bolts, flat washers, and spring washers x2 M4 x 12 bolt, external-tooth washer, and OT copper lug x1 M8 x 110 bolt, flat washers, spring washers, and nuts x4 Metal Weatherproof Caps x2 for use on unused antenna interfaces RJ-45 Connector Kit with metal RJ-45 connector USB Console Cable Installation Guide Quick Star
MSR4000 Hardware Overview The following section describes the hardware features of the MSR4000.
Antenna Interface The MSR4000 requires the use of detachable outdoor-rated antennas. Select the correct antenna type to support the required frequency band and the desired coverage pattern. The MSR4000 is equipped with eight female N-type antenna interfaces; four on the top of the AP and four on the bottom. The interfaces are grouped into diversity pairs, marked R0 (Radio 0), R1 (Radio 1), R2 (Radio 2) and R3 (Radio 3).
Figure 3 Power Interface on MSR4KAC Neutral Ground Hot Power Interface MSR4KAC Ethernet Interface The MSR4000 is equipped with a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connectivity. On the MSR4KP, this port also supports IEEE 802.3at Power over Ethernet (PoE), accepting 48 VDC as a standards-defined powered device (PD) from a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device, such as a PoE midspan injector. Inversely, the MSR4KAC can act as a PSE device to provide IEEE802.
Table 2 MSR4KP LED Status Indicators (Continued) LED Function Indicator Status ENT LAN/Network Link Status Off Ethernet link unavailable On (Amber) 10/100 Mbs Ethernet link negotiated On (Green) 1000 Mbs Ethernet link negotiated Blinking Traffic on Ethernet link Off Radio 0 is not providing either access (SSID) or backhaul (mesh) service On (Blue) Radio 0 is providing access (SSID) service or backhaul (mesh) service Off Radio 1 is not providing either access (SSID) or backhaul (mesh) serv
Table 3 lists the meanings of the LEDs on the MSR4KAC outdoor mesh router.
Starting with MeshOS 4.5, you can turn off the LEDs in the MSR4000 devices using the WMI and CLI. The LEDs are enabled by default. This option may be used to disable the LED lights in a MSR4000 device that is mounted in an elevated place on the city streets or residential areas, to avoid unwanted attention or disturbance. This feature turns off only the LED lights that indicate the software status, for example the RF.
RF Scatterers Cement/Concrete Natural Items: Trees/vegetation Brick RF Reflectors Metal Objects: Roof-installed air-conditioning equipment, chain link fences (depending on aperture size), other wire fences, or water pipes RF Interference Sources Other 802.
Check the topology of the land between the antennas using topographical maps, aerial photos, or even satellite image data (software packages are available that may include this information for your area) Avoid a path that may incur temporary blockage due to the movement of cars, trains, or aircraft. Antenna Height A reliable wireless bridge or mesh link is usually best achieved by mounting the antennas at each end high enough for a clear radio line of sight between them.
Figure 7 Antenna Height and Line of Sight Radio Line of Sight Visual Line of Sight 3 miles (4.8 km) 2.4 m A 5.4 m B 1.4 m 9m 20 m 17 m 12 m A wireless bridge or mesh link is deployed to connect building A to building B, which is located three miles (4.8 km) away. Mid-way between the two buildings is a small tree-covered hill. From the above table it can be seen that for a three-mile link, the object clearance required at the mid-point is 5.3 m (17.4 ft).
If radio interference is still a problem with your wireless bridge or mesh link, changing the antenna direction may improve the situation. Weather Conditions When planning wireless bridge or mesh links, you must take into account any extreme weather conditions that are known to affect your location. Consider these factors: ! Temperature: The wireless bridge or mesh link is tested for normal operation in temperatures from -30ºC to 55ºC.
Weatherproofing your antenna and/or cable connections on your outdoor router is essential to reliability and longevity of your product. This process prevents water from entering the router or antennas through the connectors. A good weatherproofing job consists of three wrappings: 1. electrical tape 2. butyl rubber 3. electrical tape The first wrapping of tape should be at least two layers, followed by a single wrap of butyl rubber, and fourlayer wrap of electrical tape.
Figure 9 Cable Connections Connectors on bottom of antenna N-type connector on an RF cable AP175_16 N-type connector on a pigtail Important Points to Remember 14 Do not cover the weep holes on the antennas. Doing so can restrict the release of condensation from the antennas. Proper weatherproofing is not a fast process. Set aside ample time to complete the steps outlined below. When wrapping, make the each layer of tape as flat as possible.
Weatherproofing Directly Connected Antennas First Wrapping of Tape 1. Before wrapping the antennas, locate the weep holes (Figure 6). Weep holes allow condensation that has built up inside the antenna to escape. 2. Prepare the antenna connector by cleaning and drying it. 3. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. Pre-cutting the tape into strips makes in easier to maneuver the tape around the antennas and other components of the router’s case. 4.
Wrapping of Butyl Rubber 1. Cut a 3/4” (19 mm) strip of butyl rubber. 2. Wrap the strip of rubber around the taped connector (Figure 11) 3. Join the two ends by pushing them together until there is no longer a seam (Figure 12).
Second Wrapping of Tape 1. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. 2. Where you begin wrapping depends on the orientation of the antenna. Water should flow in the opposite direction of the wrapping to prevent water from entering the connector between the layers of tape. Therefore, if the antenna is facing up, you should begin wrapping at the router end of the connector. This will ensure that your fourth and final layer will be layered correctly.
Weatherproofing Cable Connections First Wrapping of Tape 1. Prepare the antenna connector by cleaning and drying it. 2. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. Pre-cutting the tape into strips makes in easier to maneuver the tape around the connectors and other components but is not required. 3. Beginning at the top of the connector, tightly wrap the connection with a layer of the 3/4” (19mm) electrical tape. Overlap the tape to a half-width. 4.
Wrapping of Butyl Rubber 1. Cut a piece of butyl rubber large enough to wrap around the connector and extended past the first layer of tape. 2. Wrap the strip of rubber around the taped connector (Figure 15) 3. Join the two ends by pushing them together until there is no longer a seam (Figure 16).
Second Wrapping of Tape 1. Cut a 4” (100 mm) strip of electrical tape from the roll. 2. Using 3/4” (19mm) electrical tape, begin wrapping at the connector and create four layers. 3. After completing the fourth layer of tape, check your work to ensure there are no places where water can collect. If there are, you must smooth out those areas with additional layers of tape or remove the weatherproofing and begin again.
Figure 18 The Mounting Bracket and Pole Anchors Mounting Bracket Pole Anchors Figure 19 Bolts {M4 x16 bolt, flat washer, spring washer}x4 {M4 x12 bolt, external-tooth washer, OT copper lug}x1 {M4 x16 bolt}x2 {M6 x30 bolt, flat washer, spring washer}x2 {M8 x110 bolt, flat washer, spring washer}x4 You can mount the MSR4000 on a pole with 96mm diameter using M8 x150 long bolts (not provided in the box shipped with MSR4000). Installing the MSR4000 on a Pole 1.
Figure 20 Attaching the Solar Shield to the MSR4000 2. Screw the two M4 x16 bolts into the holes on the back of the MSR4000. Figure 21 Positions of Screw Holes on the Back of the MSR4000 3. Attach the mounting bracket and the pair of pole anchors on the pole using four M8 x110 bolts (with flat washers, spring washers and nuts).
Figure 22 Attaching the Mounting Bracket and the Pole Anchors to the Pole 4. Align the two M4 x16 bolts installed on the back of MSR4000 with the holes on the mounting bracket and hang the MSR4000 on the bracket. Figure 23 Hanging the MSR4000 on the Mounting Bracket 5. Align the two installation holes on the two sides of the MSR4000 with the corresponding holes on the mounting bracket and then use the two M6 x30 bolts (with flat and spring washers) to fix them.
Installing the MSR4000 on a Wall 1. Begin by marking the screw points on the wall in the location you have selected. a. Put the mounting bracket on the installation position against the wall. b. Mark four expansion screw holes on the wall. Figure 25 Position of the Screw Holes on the Mounting Bracket 2. Use a drill to create four holes on the four markings you created in the previous step. 3. Install wall (masonry) anchors. a. Insert a masonry anchor into each drilled hole. b.
6. Align the two installation holes on the two sides of the MSR4000 with the corresponding holes on the mounting bracket and then use the two M6 x30 bolts (with flat and spring washers) to fix them. There is screw thread in the screw hole of the solar shield. Figure 27 Fixing the MSR4000 to the Mounting Bracket Grounding the MSR4000 The grounding must be completed before powering up the MSR4000.
Figure 29 Connecting the RF Cable RF Cable with N Type Connector Lightning Arrester Antenna Interface on MSR4000 1. Screw one end of the lightning arrester onto the antenna interface. 2. Connect the RF cable to the other end of the lightning arrester. 3. Waterproof the antenna connection with PVC insulation tape, adhesive insulation tape, and strap. 4. Place the included metal weatherproof caps over any unused antenna interfaces by turning them clockwise until hand tight.
Connecting the Ethernet Cable To ensure that MSR4000 maintains Ethernet connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE), you must use the included weatherproof connector kit and install it using the steps below. Failure to use the included weatherproof connector kit can lead to connectivity and PoE issues. Figure 31 Weatherproof Ethernet Connector Kit 1 Shielded RJ45 connector 5 Shield rings 2 Weatherproof Connector Socket 6 Sealing Bolt 3 Locknut 7 Sealing Nut 4 Clamp ring 1.
Figure 32 Connecting the Ethernet Cable ! For outdoor use, the RJ45 must be installed with a waterproofing gasket. The Ethernet cable and power cable need proper drip loops. Drip loops prevent water from entering the router through the connectors. It is recommended to fix the Ethernet cable near the MSR4000 side to the wall or the pole. This is to ensure that the weight of the cable does not affect the RJ45 connector.
The INTL part follows the international schema of Brown (Hot), Blue (Neutral) and Yellow/Green (Ground). Best Practices for Outdoor Connection to AC Mains With virtually all infrastructure equipment that is installed outdoors connection to AC mains should be accomplished with an outdoor rated junction box. The connection to the AC mains must be implemented by a qualified resource in a manner that is consistent with the electrical code in force in the jurisdiction of deployment.
Figure 34 Connecting the Power Cable 30 Aruba MSR4000 Wireless Mesh Router | Installation Guide
Product Specifications Mechanical Dimensions (H x W x D) 13 inches x 11.5 inches x 5.0 inches 325mm x 290 mm x 135 mm Weight: MSR4KP: 12.0 lbs/5.5 kg MSR4KAC: 14.3 lbs/6.5 kg Shipping Dimensions (H x W x D) 16.3 inches x 13.9 inches x 16.9 inches 415 mm x 352 mm x 428 mm Shipping Weight: MSR4KP: 25.9lbs/11.75 kg MSR4KAC: 28.1 lbs/12.
Wireless LAN Router type: Outdoor, dual-radio, dual-band plus 4.9GHz public safety band Supported frequency bands (country-specific restrictions apply): 2.400 to 2.483 GHz 4.900 to 5.100 GHz 5.150 to 5.250 GHz 5.250 to 5.350 GHz 5.470 to 5.725 GHz 5.725 to 5.850 GHz Available channels: Dependent upon configured regulatory domain Supported radio technologies: 32 802.11b: Direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) 802.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance Aruba Networks provides a multi-language document that contains country-specific restrictions and additional safety and regulatory information for all Aruba access points. This document can be viewed or downloaded from the following location: www.arubanetworks.com/safety_addendum ! RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 13.
UAE (MSR4KAC) TRA 200202320G REGISTERED No: ER0082361/12 DEALER No: DA0039425/10 Proper Disposal of Aruba Equipment For the most current information about Global Environmental Compliance and Aruba products, see our website at www.arubanetworks.com. Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment Aruba products at end of life are subject to separate collection and treatment in the EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland and therefore are marked with the symbol shown at the left (crossed-out wheelie bin).
For MSR4KAC: Aruba MSR4000 Wireless Mesh Router | Installation Guide 35
Contacting Aruba Networks Web Site Support Main Site http://www.arubanetworks.com Support Site https://support.arubanetworks.com Software Licensing Site https://licensing.arubanetworks.com/login.php Wireless Security Incident Response Team (WSIRT) http://www.arubanetworks.com/support/wsirt.php Support Emails support@arubanetworks.com WSIRT Email Please email details of any security problem found in an Aruba product. wsirt@arubanetworks.