User's Manual

MeshNetworks

for transmitting and receiving vertically polarized radiation. Hence, care must be taken to insure

close-to-vertical orientation of these antennas to avoid substantial signal loss due to polarization

mismatch. Additionally, attenuation sustained by use of these antennas inside vehicles can be

as high as 10 dB. Typically, losses are in the 4 to 7 dB range if the antenna is above the “metal

can” of the vehicle so that radiation and reception occur at window level.

Lab Checkout

Prior to deploying any equipment in the field, it is recommended to test the equipment in a lab

environment to ensure the equipment is functioning.

Step 1 - Verify MiSC

Set up the MiSC as discussed in the MiSC Assembly section. Attach a Windows computer to

the SMC switch. Verify that the following can be pinged: edge router, core router,

MeshManager. Refer to the Default Addresses and Logins section for the addresses.

Step 2 – Verify IAPs.

Using an Ethernet cable, attach the IAPs, one at a time, to the SMC switch. Using either the

MAC or ETH address on the IAP box for reference, use MeshManager to verify that the IAP

can be reached, and that it is obtaining an address from the DHCP server. Next, start an SD in

infrastructure mode, and ensure that it also receives an IP address from the DHCP server.

This verifies that both the SBC and the transceiver in the IAP are functioning.

Step 3 – Verify WRs

Connect an IAP as described in Step 2. Power up the WRs one at a time. Using the MAC

address on the WR box for reference, verify that the MeshManager console can reach each

WR, and that an appropriate IP address is displayed.

Step 4 – Verify PCMCIA cards

Connect an IAP as described in Step 2, Load a host computer with the WMC6300 drivers as

described in section ??. Insert a WMC6300 card into the host device. Start MeshTray. Verify

that the status tab displays a valid IP address. Eject the WMC6300 card utilizing the “Unplug

or Eject Hardware” icon. Insert another WMC6300 card and repeat the MeshTray test.

General Deployment Guidelines

It is recommended that field deployment follow the same steps as

described in General Site Selection Guidelines

The IAP location(s) should be selected first since they have the additional requirement of routing

information back to the MiSC. This may be done via an Ethernet cable if the IAP and MiSC are

located within 100 meters (the max length permitted for standard Ethernet) of each other. If the

distance is greater than 100 meters, a mechanism for extending the Ethernet connection will be

required, e.g., using fiber or T1. (MeshNetworks recommends T1 backhaul equipment from

Net-to-Net Technologies.)

Once the IAPs have been placed, then the location of the WRs can be determined. Optimally,

the devices should be distributed such that a SD has no more than 3 hops to an IAP.

AC power must be available for both IAPs and WRs.

Lastly, any local building/structure codes must be adhered to, as well as proper permits for

placing devices on structures that are not owned by the Network Operator (e.g., light poles).