SkyPilot SkyConnector Outdoor and Indoor Installation and Hardware Specification Guide
The SkyPilot Network ii
Contents About This Guide ..........................................................................................................................5 SkyPilot Networks Solution Overview...................................................................................7 SkyGateway....................................................................................................................................................... 8 SkyExtender and SkyExtender DualBand..........................................
About This Guide This guide explains how to install and set up a SkyPilot™ SkyConnector™ to provide wireless network access to users of a SkyPilot wireless mesh network. It assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a familiarity with configuring wireless devices. NOTE Where applicable, all information regarding physical characteristics and FCC Regulatory Information pertain to both the SkyConnector Outdoor and SkyConnector Indoor models.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 6
1 SkyPilot Networks Solution Overview SkyPilot Networks™ delivers a wireless, end-to-end broadband solution that seamlessly supports high-capacity, high-coverage mesh networks. Designed for managed-access networks and service providers, the SkyPilot network takes broadband wireless the “last mile” with a cost-effective, robust infrastructure solution.
Figure 1. SkyPilot wireless mesh network SkyGateway The SkyGateway operates as a base station for a wireless mesh network. It provides an interface between wired infrastructure and a wireless network of subscribers who enjoy secure, high-speed access to the Internet or to wide area networks (WANs). A SkyPilot wireless network requires at least one SkyGateway for normal operation. If necessary, you can add additional SkyGateways to increase network capacity or provide redundancy.
For optimal performance, install the SkyGateway on an elevated site such as a cell tower or the top of a tall building. SkyExtender and SkyExtender DualBand SkyExtenders and SkyExtender DualBands provide a cost-effective way to add capacity and balance network loads, by operating as “repeaters” to extend the wireless range of a SkyGateway (see Figure 1). You can add these devices to your network to expand your coverage footprint and provide redundancy through SkyPilot’s mesh networking features.
2 The SkyConnector Outdoor Installation Kit Your SkyPilot SkyConnector Outdoor installation kit provides the basic equipment you need to install the device and configure it for operations on a SkyPilot wireless mesh network. This chapter reviews that equipment and tells you what else you need to have on hand before starting installation.
What the kit provides Figure 2. Contents of SkyPilot Outdoor installation kit SkyPilot also offers accessories, including a tilt mount for optimizing your SkyConnector Outdoor installation. For more information, contact a SkyPilot sales representative. What else you need Before starting installation, you also need the following: For basic mounting: A Phillips screwdriver For pole mounting: A magnetic level (optional) A secured steel pole between 1.13" (2.87 cm) and 1.37" (3.
NOTE Ethernet cabling must comply with the requirements of NEC/CEC codes for outdoor CAT5 cables. The outer jacket of the cabling must be clearly marked as CAT5e per ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2.
3 Installing a SkyConnector Outdoor This chapter provides instructions for planning and performing the physical installation of a SkyConnector Outdoor. Planning your installation In a typical wide area wireless mesh network, you’ll install a SkyConnector on a utility pole or the roof of a building. The effective range of the SkyConnector is usually proportional to the height of the installation.
Cabling the SkyConnector Ethernet cabling provides both power and data connectivity for the SkyConnector. The section provides instructions for attaching CAT5 cable to the device. 1 Terminate the appropriate grade and length of CAT5 cable with an RJ-45 connector and plug it into the RJ-45 port on the back of the SkyConnector. Figure 3. Connecting CAT5 cable to the SkyConnector Make sure the fit is snug so that the cable does not interfere with the weather gasket.
Figure 4.
4 Attach tie wraps to the neck of the weather gasket and tighten them so that they slightly depress the neck. Figure 5. Attaching tie wraps to the gasket neck The tie wraps provide relief from cable strain and ensure a fully weatherproof seal. Powering on the SkyConnector Before mounting the SkyConnector, first power on the unit so that you can use the onboard LEDs to determine optimal placement. 1 Connect the SkyConnector to the power supply, as follows: a. Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet. b.
Figure 6. Providing power to the SkyConnector 2 Check the LEDs on the SkyConnector. If the connections are correct, the power LED (labeled “PWR”) and the WAN activity LED (labeled “WAN Act”) on the SkyConnector will illuminate. The WAN Act LED should blink and turn off, but the PWR LED should remain lit. Figure 7.
Optimizing location After powering on the SkyConnector, use the device’s LEDs to identify the optimal location for mounting. Confirm signal acquisition Position the SkyConnector near the intended mounting location and watch the WAN Act LED for activity. The LED starts to blink when it has acquired a signal from the network and is attempting to set up a connection.
For more information on LED states, see Table 1. Table 1. SkyConnector LED states LED LED state Device state LAN Link Steady illumination SkyConnector is connected to another device via its Ethernet port. LAN Act Blinking Device is transmitting or receiving data via its Ethernet port. PWR Steady illumination Device is powered on. WAN Link Blinking (fast blink when device is in standby mode) Device is attempting to establish an authorized connection on the wireless network.
Before mounting the device, disconnect the CAT5 cable from the power injector to power down the device. 1 Use the supplied clamps to secure the SkyConnector to the pole; then loop the Ethernet cable around the mounting pole and secure it with tie wraps. Figure 8. Securing the SkyConnector Tighten the bolts securely on the mounting hardware. 2 Reconnect the CAT5 cable to the port to the power injector to restore power to the SkyConnector.
Connect to a computer or LAN After mounting the SkyConnector, you can connect it to a local computer or LAN. Connect the device to a computer or LAN (for a SkyConnector that’s providing Internet/WAN access to the mesh network). Connect a second Ethernet cable from the power injector port labeled “Computer” to a personal computer or router/data switch providing a connection to a LAN.
Figure 9. Connecting a SkyConnector to a computer Configuring the SkyConnector The SkyConnector requires a network configuration to operate on the wireless mesh network. 4 For information about configuring the device, see the document SkyPilot Network Administration, available in electronic format from the SkyPilot website at www.skypilot.com/support/.
A Accessing the Command-Line Interface This appendix describes how to access the command-line interface that SkyPilot devices provide for provisioning and troubleshooting. You can connect to a SkyConnector and access the command-line interface through Telnet over an Ethernet connection. After logging in (by supplying a password), you can enter commands at the command prompt. 1 Mount and cable the SkyConnector according to the instructions in Chapter 3. 2 Prepare a PC or laptop.
Figure 11. Example Telnet login After making an Ethernet connection to the SkyConnector, you can manage and troubleshoot the device using a wide range of commands available through the command-line interface. For detailed descriptions of the commands, as well as sample output for many of them, see SkyPilot Network Administration. For comprehensive guidelines to troubleshooting devices on your SkyPilot wireless mesh network, see Getting Started with the SkyPilot Network.
B FCC Regulatory Information FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
FCC Radiation Exposure Limits To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements in section 1.1307, a minimum separation distance of 40 cm (16 inches) is required between the antenna and all persons.
C Specifications This appendix provides technical specifications for the SkyPilot SkyConnector Wireless Specifications Frequency band 5.725–5.850 GHz EIRP 42.5 dBm/17.
Connectivity SkyConnector connects with SkyGateways, SkyExtenders, and SkyExtender DualBands Authentication MD5-based certificates Encryption 128-bit AES on all wireless links Product Specifications Connectors RJ-45: Ethernet connection (10/100bT) and power (Power-over-Ethernet) Mounting Eave, roof, or chimney; outside pole diameter up to 2.0" Range 7.5 miles (12 km) LEDs Wireless activity, wireless link, LAN activity, LAN link, and power Dimensions 12.6" (32 cm) H x 6.6" (16.8 cm) W x 4.
Security Authentication MD5-based certificates Encryption AES Filtering Based on protocol type, IP port ID, and configurable IP address list VLAN Supports 802.
Quality of Service Prioritization 802.
