User's Manual

SR1430 Installation and User Guide Page 8
SR1430 Installation and User Guide Ver. 0.01
1.1.1 Data rates
Under ideal deployment conditions (low line of sight, low interference, and low moisture
content), the SR1430 router can operate over a range of up to 1 km or provide a high-speed
connection of 100 Mbps The range also depends on the type of antenna used. The maximum
data rate for a link decreases as the operating range increases.
When planning a wireless router link, take into account the maximum distance and data rates
for the various antenna options.
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1.1.2 Radio Path Planning
The wireless router link requires a “radio line of sight” between the two antennas for optimum
performance.
The concept of radio line of sight involves the area along a link through which the bulk of the
radio signal power travels. This area is known as the first Fresnel Zone of the radio link. For a
radio link, no object (including the ground) must intrude within 60% of the first Fresnel Zone.
The following figure illustrates the concept of a good radio line of sight.
If there are obstacles in the radio path, there may still be a radio link but the quality and
strength of the signal would be affected. Calculating the maximum clearance from objects on a
path is important as it directly affects the decision on antenna placement and height. It is
especially critical for long-distance links, where the radio signal could easily be lost.
N
OTE: For wireless links less than 500 m, the IEEE 802.11a radio signal will tolerate some
obstacles in the path and may not even require a visual line of sight between the antennas.
When planning the radio path for a wireless router link, consider these factors: