System Manual

EkoTek System Installation and Configuration Manual

9261-8173 issue: 8 Page 17

Network design and survey

1. Overview

The survey is used to assess the number of repeaters required and best locations. It

is suggested that the surveyor reads the ‘System Overview’ section (page 4) to

become familiar with the basic principles of operation.

2. Prerequisites

 Two survey pagers (2WSU)

 Site plan

3. Placement rules

Each repeater connects to the hub, either directly or via another repeater. The

number of repeaters required depends on the size and layout of the building and the

consistency of the radio coverage.

The EkoTek hub and repeaters must not be installed in areas where explosive gas or

dust products may be present. Devices must be protected from liquids, extreme

temperatures and strong magnetic fields. Do not install in places where they will be

exposed to strong sunlight or electromagnetic interference.

Hub

The hub should be placed in an area such as a control room or reception desk

where it is possible to monitor the display when required. Other considerations

are to minimise the number of hops required for any repeater to connect to the

hub; it is better if possible that the hub be located at the centre of the network,

unless using SERs. The hub must be located near an AC mains socket outlet

and an Ethernet connection; it should also be borne in mind that connection via

a modem link to the telephone network may be needed, so access to a

telephone socket would also be necessary. It is important that there are

multiple repeaters around the hub to ensure multiple paths to the rest of the

network and overcome any possible ‘people blocking’ of the hub.

Repeaters

Ideally repeaters should be spaced 10-15 metres apart. They should be no

closer together than 6 metres, except where there is a structural barrier

sufficient to attenuate the radio signal, such as a wall between repeaters. The

maximum range is 20 metres, but placing repeaters at this distance should be

avoided if possible, as any degradation of the radio path may result in the loss

of connection between repeaters.

For the positioning of a solar repeater see ‘Solar repeater positioning’ (page

28).

Multi-storey buildings

EkoTek can be used in multi-storey buildings, where the floors are of concrete

construction. The concrete floor provides sufficient attenuation of the radio

signal to ensure that the pager or call fob’s location is reported on the correct

floor. In wooden floored buildings, the pager may pick up a beacon from the