Wireless Mesh Node User Guide HotPort 3100 Series & 3500 Series Indoor Mesh Nodes HotPort 3101 HotPort 3103 HotPort 3100/PS HotPort 3500-2401 HotPort 3500-5001 HotPort 3500-2403 HotPort 3500-5003 (shown)
ii Wireless Mesh Node User Guide
Wireless Mesh Node User Guide HotPort 3100 Series & 3500 Series Indoor Mesh Nodes January 2006 © 2005, 2006 Firetide, Inc. All rights reserved. 011006a Firetide, the Firetide logo, Instant Mesh Networks, HotPort, and HotView are trademarks of Firetide, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Caution Do not open the HotPort mesh node enclosure. This may damage the components inside and affect proper operation. Opening your HotPort mesh node or peeling the tamper evident labeling will invalidate your warranty. • • • • iv No serviceable parts inside. Refer to qualified service personnel. Unit must be disconnected from power prior to servicing. Unit has tamper-evident labeling that indicates when cover has been removed.
Indoor Manual Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 1 Firetide HotPort Wireless Mesh Nodes.............................................................................................................. 1 The Firetide HotPort Mesh Network..................................................................................................................
vi Wireless Mesh Node User Guide
Introduction The high throughput of the HotPort mesh ensures higher link performance over longer distances and enables networking services to operate on a wireless backbone rather than a costly wired network. A Firetide mesh is also completely portable, so relocating your entire network is as easy as taking your HotPort nodes with you to your new site, leaving no wires behind.
The full model range is shown in this table: Model & SKU Use Band RF Output Power Data Rate Default Channel 3101 Indoor 2.4, 5 GHz standard 10 Mbps 2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11 3103 Indoor 2.4, 5 GHz standard 25 Mbps 2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11 3100/PS Indoor, Public Safety 2.4, 4.9, 5 GHz standard 25 Mbps 4.962 GHz DSSS, Ch 5 3500-2401 Indoor 2.4 GHz high 10 Mbps 2.462 GHz DSSS, Ch 11 3500-5001 Indoor 5 GHz high 10 Mbps 5.805 GHz OFDM, Ch 161 3500-2403 Indoor 2.
The Firetide HotPort Mesh Network The HotPort™ High Performance Mesh Network is the third generation of mesh networking products from Firetide, a leading developer of wireless mesh networks. The HotPort system is a multi-function mesh network that enables standard Ethernet devices such as access points, surveillance cameras, IP telephones, network servers, and printers to deliver networking services over the wireless mesh backbone.
High Capacity and Scalability The HotPort mesh network provides exceptional performance and scalability and is designed especially for high-bandwidth/low-latency applications, such as real-time video, voice, and large Wi-Fi HotZones. A highly scalable architecture allows expansion of the network from just a few nodes to many. To add more nodes, you can simply copy the configuration from an existing node to the new nodes and then power up the new nodes.
mance by directing traffic onto specific VLAN routes. The HotPort mesh supports 802.1q VLAN tagging of packets entering and exiting the mesh. You can assign mesh node Ethernet ports to different VLANs. Only ports belonging to the same VLAN can switch traffic among themselves. You can define up to 4096 VLAN IDs and create up to 16 multiple, logically separated VLAN networks within a single mesh. The HotPort mesh also supports VLAN trunks.
HotPort Mesh Network Applications Wi-Fi Networks Providing a wireless backbone for Wi-Fi networks and HotSpots is one the most prominent applications of a wireless mesh network. Because it supports access points of any brand, price, size, and features, the Firetide mesh provides more flexibility for Wi-Fi deployment than other mesh solutions.
HotPort Product Description Front Panel LED Indicators Indoor HotPort nodes have eight indicator LEDs on the front panel. Upon power up, all eight LEDs will illuminate continuously for several seconds until the startup sequence is complete. The post startup functions of the LEDs are described below. Power LED This indicator remains continuously on to indicate that HotPort node is receiving power. Fault LED After start up, this indicator color will change from YELLOW to OFF to indicate normal conditions.
Rear Panel Connectors 10/100 Ethernet Connectors You can use the HotPort node’s Ethernet ports to connect up to four Ethernet-capable client devices to the mesh. The HotPort wireless mesh network acts as a single virtual switch allowing traffic to be switched between any client devices connected to any HotPort nodes on the mesh. You can configure each Ethernet port for 10 or 100 Mbps speed or for automatic speed negotiation.
Transmit Power Control You can display and modify the radio Tx power level on a per node basis utilizing the HotView™ management software. The maximum power (i.e., 100%) is a factory-configured value that is unique to each country of operation, each channel of operation, and each antenna configuration and has been determined to be within an authorized limit. This value cannot be changed.
Understanding HotPort Antenna Patterns Creating a Firetide Mesh Network Installing, expanding, or even relocating a Firetide mesh network is easy and fast. Simply place a HotPort node wherever you need Ethernet ports and connect it to an AC power source. You then use HotView to configure the new node to match existing nodes, or to re-configure a complete network.
Line-of-Sight Improves Operating Distance Creating a Mesh Topology for Maximum Performance and Reliability Linear or Point-to-Point Topology (incorrect) Although HotPort wireless mesh nodes can communicate between walls and buildings, you can increase the working distance of your indoor mesh node by avoiding obstacles made of dense materials, such as concrete, metal, or wood.
Easy Installation Connections Unpacking Attach antennas Select the proper pair of antennas for the spectrum to be used by your mesh (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and attach them to the threaded connectors on the rear of the HotPort enclosure. Tighten firmly by hand to ensure a good connection and to prevent the antennas from coming loose. Use only antennas provided by Firetide. Do not use one 2.4 GHz and one 5 GHz antenna. Use of other antennas not endorsed by Firetide for use with your unit is prohibited.
Using the Optional Mounting Hardware You can use the optional mounting hardware to attach a HotPort node to a wall or hang it from a stable support, such as a office cubicle wall, for example. A security slot is provided for locking the HotPort node to the bracket. Contact your Firetide dealer to order mounting hardware. Note: The mounting hardware consists of a main mounting bracket and auxiliary bracket. The brackets are attached together for shipment.
Cubicle Mounting 1. Attach the auxiliary bracket to the rear of the main mounting bracket as shown using the four screws provided. 2. If you intend to run the power cord and any Ethernet cables below the bracket, connect them to the rear panel of the mesh node before attaching it to the bracket. 3. Insert the the HotPort node into the main mounting bracket and secure it with the four screws provided. The bracket provides a .
Getting Started Connecting the HotView Workstation to the Mesh Network To configure a new mesh network, it is recommended to first install all of the nodes with the factory default configuration and then change them to the desired settings, using the included HotView software. You may wish to do the initial setup in a staging area, where you can easily see all of the nodes at the same time.
Getting Started with HotView Mesh Management Software You are now ready to check your mesh configuration using the HotView mesh management software. For complete information on HotView mesh management features and more detailed instructions on its operation, install the software from the CD provided in the HotPort package. The latest HotView software and user documentation is also available for registered users at www.firetide.com. The steps below describe how to launch the HotView software under Windows.
Restoring Default Settings You can reset your HotPort node back to the factory default settings listed here. To do this, carefully insert a narrow tool, such as the end of a bent paper clip, into the Reset hole on the rear panel of the HotPort node and depress the switch located behind the hole. HotPort Factory Default Settings • • • • • • • • • AES encryption: Disabled WEP encryption: Disabled Mesh IP address: 192.168.224.
Appendix A—Contacting Firetide As a Firetide customer, you are entitled to receive free support services on our web site and from your authorized Firetide dealer. Register Now to Access our Support Web Site Registering as a customer on our web site entitles you to free information and materials to help you get the most from your Firetide mesh network. Visit http://www.firetide.com/support for information on becoming a registered customer and for access to our support materials.
Appendix B—Specifications This table describes the technical limits of the nodes. Various country restriction may limit available choices. Model 3101 3103 3100/PS 3500-2401 3500-5001 3500-2403 3500-5003 Use Indoor Indoor Indoor, Public Safety Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Bands 2.4, 5 GHz 2.4, 5 GHz 2.4, 4.9, 5 GHz 2.4 GHz 5 GHz 2.4 GHz 5 GHz Data Rate 10 Mbps 25 Mbps 25 Mbps 10 Mbps 10 Mbps 25 Mbps 25 Mbps Model 3101 3103 Bands (GHz) 2.400-2.497 DSSS 2.400-2.497 OFDM 4.900-5.000 (J) 5.150-5.250 5.250-5.
Power • Input power: 5 VDC, 2 A • External transformer: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (transformer voltages may vary depending on country of operation) • Power consumption: 8 – 10 W 5 GHz Antennas • Two detachable 5 GHz omnidirectional antennas • Spectrum: For 4.9 and 5 GHz operation only • Connectors: SMA reverse polarity • Length: 6.25 in. (15.
Appendix C—Countries of Operation USA - All models • Approved for operation in the 2.400-2.484 GHz band in DSSS and OFDM modes. • Approved for operation in the 4.9 GHz band by licensed Public Safety agencies, per FCC regulations. • Approved for operation on the 5.150-5.250 GHz, 5.250-5.350 GHz, and 5.7255.825 GHz bands in OFDM mode. Canada - 3101 and 3103 only • Approved for operation in the 2.400-2.484 GHz band in DSSS and OFDM modes. • Approved for operation on the 5.150-5.250 GHz, 5.250-5.350 GHz, and 5.
Appendix D—Regulatory Notices the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Canadian Compliance Statement This Class B Digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada. This device complies with Class B Limits of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.
European Community Declaration of Conformity for 3100 series only, with regard to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC English: This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Deutsch: Dieses Gerät entspricht den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den weiteren entsprecheneden Vorgaben der Richtlinie 1999/5/EU. Dansk: Dette udstyr er i overensstemmelse med de væsentlige krav og andre relevante bestemmelser i Directiv 1999/5/EF.
HotPort 3100 Series / 3500 Series Indoor Mesh Nodes 25
Hotport 3100 Series & 3500 Series Indoor Mesh Nodes www.firetide.com © 2005, 2006 Firetide, Inc.
