SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation
Contents About This Guide 5 1 Overview Features and benefits 7 About access point configuration 7 SkyPilot network topology8 2 The SkyAccess DualBand Installation Kit What the kit provides What else you need Getting help 3 14 14 16 Installing a SkyAccess DualBand 17 Planning your installation 17 Cabling the SkyAccess DualBand 18 Powering on the SkyAccess DualBand 20 Optimizing location 22 Mounting the SkyAccess DualBand Connecting to the wireless network Configuring the SkyAccess DualBand A 24 27 29
About This Guide This guide explains how to install and set up a SkyPilot™ SkyAccess™ DualBand that provides access to a SkyPilot wireless mesh network and serves as an access point for users of 802.1x wireless (Wi-Fi). This guide assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a familiarity with configuring wireless devices.
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 6
1 Overview SkyAccess DualBand is a dual-radio solution that combines SkyPilot’s long- range, high-capacity 4.9 GHz mesh backhaul with a high-powered 802.11b/g access point that lets service providers and municipalities offer standard Wi-Fi to subscribers. Features and benefits SkyAccess DualBand provides a highly flexible wireless solution that combines scalable Wi-Fi capacity with the seamless coverage of a wireless mesh network.
NOTE A wireless network protected by WPA-PSK is vulnerable. To provide a more secure level of protection, configure the WLAN for WPA authentication in which each user is authenticated separately. SkyPilot network topology SkyPilot Networks™ delivers a wireless, end-to-end broadband solution that seamlessly supports high-capacity, high-coverage mesh networks.
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.
in a location with an optimal sight line to the SkyGateway or a SkyExtender. SkyAccess DualBand offers the same features as a SkyConnector, plus a Wi-Fi access point that allows service providers and municipalities to provide standard 802.11 wireless access across great distances, for targeted hot zones, or for dense coverage patterns.
2 The SkyAccess DualBand Installation Kit The SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand kit provides everything you need to install the device and configure it as both a connector to your wireless mesh network and an 802.11b/g Wi-Fi access point. This chapter reviews that equipment and tells you what else you need to have on hand before starting installation. NOTE Professional Installation is required for ensuring that the proper antenna is employed so that the limits in this part are not exceeded.
What the kit provides Figure 2. Contents of SkyAccess DualBand installation kit 4.9 GHz Antenna SkyPilot also offers accessories, including a tilt mount for optimizing your SkyAccess DualBand installation. For more information, contact a SkyPilot sales representative. NOTE The 4.9 GHz antenna is integrated into the dualband connector housing. The 2.4GHz antenna is the external antenna.
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" (3.48 cm) in diameter For network cabling: A spool of CAT5 network cable (shielded cable is recommended) 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.
Getting help For technical assistance, contact SkyPilot support by logging in to customer support at www.skypilot.com.
3 Installing a SkyAccess DualBand This chapter provides instructions for planning and performing the physical installation of a SkyAccess DualBand. Planning your installation In a typical wide area wireless mesh network, you’ll install a SkyAccess DualBand on a utility pole or the roof of a building. The effective range of the SkyAccess DualBand is usually proportional to the height of the installation.
The site survey process should be ongoing. To verify that a site is relatively free of interference, make site audits every 6 to 12 months, scheduling regular maintenance visits to coincide with the site audits. Cabling the SkyAccess DualBand Ethernet cabling provides both power and data connectivity for the SkyAccess DualBand. The section provides instructions for attaching CAT5 cable to the device.
2 Insert the weather gasket and secure the metal cover. Press the CAT5 cable into the gasket and insert the gasket into the housing, taking care not to twist or place unnecessary force on the RJ-45 connector. Fit the metal cover over the weather gasket and secure it with the four machine screws supplied in the accessory kit. Figure 4. Attaching weather gasket and metal cover 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 4.9 GHz The tie wraps provide relief from cable strain and ensure a fully weatherproof seal. Powering on the SkyAccess DualBand Before mounting the SkyAccess DualBand, first power on the unit so that you can use the onboard LEDs to determine optimal placement. 1 Connect the SkyAccess DualBand to the power supply, as follows: a.
Figure 6. Providing power to the SkyAccess DualBand 4.9 GHz 2 Check the LEDs on the SkyAccess DualBand. If the connections are correct, the power LED (labeled “PWR”) and the WAN activity LED (labeled “WAN Act”) on the SkyAccess DualBand 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 SkyAccess DualBand, use the device’s LEDs to identify the optimal location for mounting—a location where it can easily acquire a signal from the wireless mesh network and quickly create links. Confirm signal acquisition Position the SkyAccess DualBand 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.
NOTE To optimize your SkyAccess DualBand installation, ask your network administrator (at the Network Operations Center) to measure signal strength on the node to which the SkyAccess DualBand has established a link. For more information on LED states, see Table 1.
Table 1. SkyAccess LED states LED LED state Device state LAN Link Steady illumination SkyAccess DualBand 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 Connect the 2.4 GHz antenna. To provide Wi-Fi connectivity, the SkyAccess DualBand requires attachment of the 2.4 GHz antenna included with the device. Screw the antenna onto the standard N connector on the back of the SkyAccess DualBand. Figure 8. Attaching the 2.4 GHz antenna. 4.
Figure 8. Securing the SkyAccess DualBand 4.9 GHz Tighten the bolts securely on the mounting hardware. 3 Reconnect the CAT5 cable to the port on the power injector to restore power to the SkyAccess DualBand.
Connecting to the wireless network After mounting the SkyAccess DualBand, you can set up a connection to the wireless network via a local computer or LAN. Once connected, a subscriber can use the wireless network to gain access to Internet services and applications. You can connect to the SkyAccess DualBand with Ethernet, or use the onboard access point to establish a wireless connection.
Figure 9. Connecting a SkyAccess DualBand to a computer 4.9 GHz Connect to the wireless network via a WiFi connection 1 From a Wi-Fi/WPA-PSK capable computer within operating range of the access point, open the Network control panel and set up a wireless connection with the IP address 192.168.0.10 and Netmask 255.255.255.0. 2 From the Network Connection control panel choose the default SSID provided with the SkyAccess DualBand— SkyAccessDualBand. 3 At the password prompt, enter publicpublic.
Configuring the SkyAccess DualBand A SkyAccess DualBand requires two different configurations: a network configuration that allows it to operate on the wireless mesh network, and an access point configuration that allows the device to support local wireless connections via Wi-Fi. For information about configuring both the device and the access point, see the document SkyPilot Network Administration, available in electronic format from the SkyPilot website at www.skypilot.com/support/.
A Accessing SkyAccess DualBand Command-Line Interfaces This appendix describes how to access the command-line interfaces that SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand provides for provisioning and troubleshooting. You can connect to two different interfaces on the SkyAccess DualBand: an interface with the device that operates as a node on the wireless mesh network, and a separate interface with the access point that extends Wi-Fi connectivity to subscribers.
Telnet to the default IP address of the SkyAccess DualBand (192.168.0.2). 5 Log in by entering the password at the command prompt. (The default is public.) Figure 11. Example Telnet login After making an Ethernet connection to the SkyAccess DualBand, 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.
The access point component of SkyAccess DualBand ships with the default IP address 192.168.0.3. 2 Open the connection to the access point. From your Telnet application, open a connection to the access point. 3 Log in by entering the default user name (admin) and password (public) at the command prompt.
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.
The user of this product is cautioned that changes or modifications made to the equipment without the approval of the manufacturer void the user's authority to operate the equipment. 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 SkyAccess DualBand. Wireless Specifications Frequency bands capable 4.950 - 4.980 GHz. US & Canada Wi-Fi Access: 2.412 - 2.462 GHz For other countries check with sales representative EIRP 29 dBm/0.9 W peak, Wi-Fi Access: 35.0 dBm / 3.
with diversity Channel width 20 MHz Channel resolution 5 MHz frequency control Receive sensitivity -90 dBm at 6 Mbps modulation Connectivity SkyAccess DualBand 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.
Certifications FCC Part 9, FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Class B USA; compliance with UL safety standards, EMI and susceptibility FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109 Warranty One-year limited warranty on hardware and software 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.
