User Manual
VCom Inc.
AP5857 Manual; ml_ap5857_08 (Oct 2005)
Approved: R.B.
7
1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Overview
The AP5857 Strand Radio is a wireless access solution to extend DOCSIS service via strand and pole mount
access points. The radio system consists of an Access Point (AP) and a Subscriber Unit (SU). The AP
mounts to the strand (CATV cable) and provides a point-to-multipoint radio link in the 5.8 GHz unlicensed
UNII band to several subscriber units (SU) located up to 2 miles away. The AP functionality includes
powering from the strand, remote control and monitoring via SNMP, and transmission and reception of
standard DOCSIS signals at the levels found at a regular cable tap point. The SU consists of a wireless
transceiver with functionality similar to the TRI5758. The SU will interface with a standard DOCSIS cable
modem.
The AP5857 Strand Radio provides a wireless entry point to the HFC (hybrid fiber/coax) network, extending
access to locations that may otherwise be unable to connect to the system.
The AP5857 includes a DOCSIS cable modem for communications and control. Note that the data passing
over the wireless network does not pass through the cable modem, so the cable modem does not limit data
rate or features available over the wireless link. In the downstream direction, the AP5857 includes a repeater
that demodulates the downstream data, removes noise and errors, and remodulates. This ensures a top
quality signal on the wireless link, independent of the quality of the CATV signal.
1.2 Module Features
• Up to a 2 Mile range
• Wide upstream gain range
• Excellent upstream noise figure performance
• Automatically configures downstream CATV frequency
• Internal modulator/demodulator regenerates signal for optimum downstream SNR
• Reports power level of bursty upstream signal
• Upstream can be set to auto mode, which minimizes noise put onto the cable system by keeping the
upstream output muted until there is a signal to transmit
• High reliability, state of the art design using microstrip MMIC and surface mount technology
• Conservative component derating and 100% burn in help ensure reliable operation
1.3 System Features
•
Local control via RS232 command line local interface
•
Remote control via SNMP v1.1
•
Flash memory for easy firmware upgrades
•
Firmware upgradeable via SNMP remote access
•
Internal power supply requires only 35 to 90 VAC power supplied on strand for operation