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Chapter 1 Preparing for a WLAN Deployment

22 Aerohive

Designing a channel pattern is easier for the 5 GHz spectrum. Depending on the country and the device being used,

there are between 4 and 14 channels available for Wi-Fi use. However, in most countries there are at least 8 to work

with. To simplify the layout of more than 3 channels most use a 7-to-1 pattern, as is shown on the right in Figure 6

on page 21. This channel layout is much more flexible than the 3-channel system and allows for much better

capacity over all channels.

The last topic to cover is the concept of multipaths. When a client receives a transmission from an access point (or

vice versa), the RF signal reaches the client first through a "direct path," but then shortly thereafter by the "indirect

paths" reflected off other objects. The direct path combined with the indirect paths make up multipaths

(see Figure 7). RF signals can bounce off of almost anything—walls, people, plants, and so on—but they bounce the

greatest off of metal. As the RF signals bounce about while propagating, one or more of the secondary paths can

interfere with the primary path, causing the signal strength of the direct path to diminish. In doing so, multipath

can greatly decrease signal to noise ratio.

Figure 7 Multipath Radio Waves

Note: There are alternative 2.4 GHz channel layouts, such as one for four channels using 1, 4, 8 and 11 and

another using channels 1, 5, 9 to counter interference from microwaves, which tend to cause interference

in the high end of the spectrum. Aerohive recommends alternative channel layouts only for the most

challenging radio environments.

Note: If you would like to learn more about how radio frequency propagation works or the details of 802.11,

Wikipedia provides excellent background information under the entries "IEEE 802.11", "radio propagation",

and "multipath". Additionally, spending a few hours with a site survey tool such as AirMagnet Surveyor and

a few test APs can increase both your familiarity with Wi-Fi propagation and your confidence about how it

behaves.

Primary Path

Secondary Path

Summary of content (23 pages)

PAGE 1
Chapter 1 Preparing for a WLAN Deployment Note: There are alternative 2.4 GHz channel layouts, such as one for four channels using 1, 4, 8 and 11 and another using channels 1, 5, 9 to counter interference from microwaves, which tend to cause interference in the high end of the spectrum. Aerohive recommends alternative channel layouts only for the most challenging radio environments. Designing a channel pattern is easier for the 5 GHz spectrum.
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Chapter 2 The HiveAP 20 ag Platform The Aerohive HiveAP 20 ag is a new generation wireless access point. HiveAPs have the unique ability to self-organize and coordinate with each other, creating a distributed-control WLAN solution that offers greater mobility, security, quality of service, and radio control. This guide combines product information, installation instructions, and configuration examples for both the HiveAP and HiveManager platforms.
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Chapter 2 The HiveAP 20 ag Platform HIVEAP 20 PRODUCT OVERVIEW The HiveAP 20 ag is a multi-channel wireless AP (access point). It is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz) and IEEE 802.11a (5 GHz) standards and supports a variety of Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) security protocols, including WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2. You can see the hardware components on the HiveAP in Figure 1. Each component is described in Table 1.
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HIVEAP 20 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Component Description Power Connector The 48-volt DC power connector (0.38 amps) is one of two methods through which you can power the HiveAP 20. To connect it to a 100 – 240-volt AC power source, use the AC/DC power adaptor that is available as an extra option. Because the HiveAP does not have an on/off switch, connecting it to a power source automatically powers on the device.
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Chapter 2 The HiveAP 20 ag Platform Ethernet and Console Ports There are two ports on the HiveAP 20: a 10/100Base-T/TX Ethernet port and a male DB-9 console port. Both ports use standard pin assignments. The pin assignments in the PoE (Power over Ethernet) Ethernet port follow the TIA/EIA-568-B standard (see Figure 2). The PoE port accepts standard types of Ethernet cable—cat3, cat5, cat5e, or cat6—and can receive power over this cable from power sourcing equipment (PSE) that is 802.3af-compatible.
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HIVEAP 20 PRODUCT OVERVIEW The pin assignments in the male DB-9 console port follow the EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance) RS-232 standard. To make a serial connection between your management system and the console port on the HiveAP, you can use a null modem serial cable, use another serial cable that complies with the RS-232 standard, or refer to the pin-to-signal mapping shown in Figure 3 to make your own serial cable.
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Chapter 2 The HiveAP 20 ag Platform Antennas The HiveAP 20 includes two fixed dual-band antennas with 3-dBi gains. These antennas are omnidirectional, providing fairly equal coverage in all directions in a toroidal (donut-shaped) pattern around each antenna. When the antennas are vertically positioned, coverage expands primarily on the horizontal plane, extending horizontally much more than vertically. See Figure 4, which shows the toroidal pattern emanating from a single vertically positioned antenna.
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MOUNTING THE HIVEAP 20 The wifi0 interface links to radio 1 (frequency range = 2.4 GHz for IEEE 802.11b/g), and the wifi1 interface links to radio 2 (frequency range = 5 GHz for IEEE 802.11a). These interface-to-radio relationships are permanent. However, the interface-to-antenna relationships can be shifted. In other words, you can change which antenna—fixed or external—the wifi0 and wifi1 interfaces use. For example, to link the wifi0 interface to an external antenna connected to the 802.
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Chapter 2 The HiveAP 20 ag Platform Nudge the ceiling tiles slightly away from the track to clear some space. Then attach the track clip to the ceiling track as shown in Figure 7. When done, adjust the ceiling tiles back into their former position. Figure 7 Attaching the HiveAP to a Dropped Ceiling Track 5 6 Press the track clip against the ceiling track so that the the track contacts the two pressure tabs and pushes them flush with the track clip.
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DEVICE, POWER, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS DEVICE, POWER, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS Understanding the range of specifications for the HiveAP 20 is necessary for optimal deployment and device operation. The following specifications describe the physical features and hardware components, the power adapter and PoE (Power over Ethernet) electrical requirements, and the temperature and humidity ranges in which the device can operate.
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Chapter 2 The HiveAP 20 ag Platform 32 Aerohive
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform The Aerohive HiveAP 28 is a new generation wireless access point that is customized for outdoor use. It is mountable in any direction and on any hard surface, post, or wire strand. It can receive power either through an Ethernet cable or power cord. Note: Do not open the HiveAP 28 chassis. There are no serviceable parts inside.
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform HIVEAP 28 PRODUCT OVERVIEW The HiveAP 28 is a multi-channel wireless AP (access point) for outdoor use. It is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz) and IEEE 802.11a (5 GHz) standards and supports a variety of Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) security protocols, including WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2. You can see the hardware components on the HiveAP 28 in Figure 1. Each component is described in Table 1.
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HIVEAP 28 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Component Description 10/100 Mbps PoE Port The 10/100-Mbps Ethernet port supports IEEE 802.3af PoE (Power over Ethernet) and receives RJ-45 connectors. The HiveAP can receive its power through an Ethernet connection to PSE (power sourcing equipment) that is 802.3af-compatible. (If you connect the HiveAP to a power source through the power connector and PoE port simultaneously, the device draws power through the power connector and automatically disables PoE.
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform 4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to PSE (power sourcing equipment), such as a power injector, if the HiveAP 28 receives power through PoE, or directly to a network device, such as a switch, if it receives power through a power cord.
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HIVEAP 28 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Antennas The HiveAP 28 includes two detachable single-band antennas with 8dBi gains (802.11b/g) and two detachable single-band antennas with 10dBi gains (802.11a). These antennas are omnidirectional, providing fairly equal coverage in all directions in a toroidal (donut-shaped) pattern around each antenna. When the antennas are vertically positioned, coverage expands primarily on the horizontal plane, extending horizontally much more than vertically.
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform MOUNTING THE HIVEAP 28 AND ATTACHING ANTENNAS Using the mounting accessories (available separately) you can mount the HiveAP in various locations: • "Pole Mount" on page 39 – Mount the HiveAP 28 on a pole such as a street light. • "Strand Mount" on page 40 – Suspend the HiveAP 28 from a cable or phone line. • "Surface Mount" on page 41 – Mount the HiveAP 28 on a flat surface such as a wall or beam.
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MOUNTING THE HIVEAP 28 AND ATTACHING ANTENNAS Pole Mount To mount the HiveAP 28 to a pole with a 1.5-inch diameter, you need two sets of the L-shaped brackets, two 2" U-bolts, saddle clamps, and the nuts, bolts, and washers shown in Figure 5. You also need a wrench to tighten the nuts and bolts securely.
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform Strand Mount The HiveAP 28 outdoor platform can also be mounted on a cable or strand of wire as shown in Figure 6. When mounted on a wire strand, use 90-degree N type adapters (not included) to orient the antennas vertically. If you do not use the adapters and orient the antennas horizontally, the area covered will be far less.
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MOUNTING THE HIVEAP 28 AND ATTACHING ANTENNAS Surface Mount You can use the mounting plate to attach the HiveAP 28 to any surface that supports its weight (9 lbs., 4.08 kg), and to which you can screw or nail the plate. First, mount the plate to the HiveAP 28, and then attach the plate to the surface, as shown in Figure 7. Note that the screw heads that you attach to the wall or surface must be small enough for the keyholes on the mounting plate to slip over them.
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform Attaching Antennas You can connect the antennas directly to the HiveAP 28 or mount them separately. Although connecting the antennas directly to the device typically provides better performance, in some cases the location of the HiveAP might not be a good location for the antennas; for example, if the HiveAP 28 is mounted on a reinforced concrete wall that interferes with radio coverage.
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MOUNTING THE HIVEAP 28 AND ATTACHING ANTENNAS You can mount antennas at the top of a pole as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, or to a flat surface. If you must mount the antenna lower on a pole, the pole must be nonmetallic—such as one made from a hard plastic like PVC (polyvinyl chloride)—so that it does not distort the signal. Aerohive recommends that antennas be installed away from power lines and obstructions that can interfere with radio coverage.
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Chapter 3 The HiveAP 28 Outdoor Platform Note: Radio coverage might be limited if the surface acts as an obstruction. 5. Make sure that all the antenna and cable connectors are clean. If you are using PTFE tape, wrap the tape around the threads on the HiveAP 28 antenna connectors as explained in "Connecting Antennas Directly to the HiveAP 28" on page 42. 6. Assuming that you are using male-to-female cables, connect the female Type N connector on the cables to the male connectors on the antennas. 7.