SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation
Contents CONTENTS .................................................................................................................................... 3 ABOUT THIS GUIDE ................................................................................................................. 4 OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................ 5 FEATURES AND BENEFITS .................................................................
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.
1 Overview SkyAccess DualBand is a dual-radio solution that combines SkyPilot’s long- range, high-capacity 5 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 must be professionally installed by a trained technician. The kit provides everything needed for the installer to mount and configure the device as both a connector to the wireless mesh network and an 802.11b/g Wi-Fi access point. This chapter reviews the provided equipment to ensure that all parts are present in the kit prior to the technician starting installation.
What the kit provides Figure 2. Contents of SkyAccess DualBand installation kit 5 GHz Antenna SkyPilot also offers accessories, including a tilt mount for optimizing SkyAccess DualBand installation. For more information, contact a SkyPilot sales representative. NOTE The 5 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. NOTE Professional Installation is required to ensure that the proper antenna is employed such that FCC transmit power limits for this equipment are not exceeded. Planning the installation In a typical wide area wireless mesh network, a SkyAccess DualBand would be installed on a utility pole or the roof of a building.
The site survey should include an RF scan to identify available frequencies. Check the preferred frequency at all locations; a frequency that’s clear at one location may be crowded at another. Frequency planning is a critical factor in planning and implementing a wireless mesh network. The site survey process should be ongoing. To verify that a site is relatively free of interference, site audits should occur every 6 to 12 months, scheduling regular maintenance visits to coincide with the site audits.
Figure 3. Connecting CAT5 cable to the SkyAccess DualBand 5 GHz Make sure the fit is snug so that the cable does not interfere with the weather gasket. 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.
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 5 GHz The tie wraps provide relief from cable strain and ensure a fully weatherproof seal. Powering on the SkyAccess DualBand Prior to mounting the SkyAccess DualBand, power on the unit to use the onboard LEDs to facilitate optimal placement. 1 Connect the SkyAccess DualBand to the power supply, as follows: a.
Figure 6. Providing power to the SkyAccess DualBand 5 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.
