Trilliant Networks SC1110 802.11 Based, Fixed Wireless Node User Manual revised
Trilliant Networks, Inc. 802.11 Based, Fixed Wireless Node revised
Users Manual
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........................................................................................ 9
SkyConnector................................................................................................................................................... 9
The SkyConnector Outdoor Installation Kit ..................................................................... 11
What the kit provides................................................................................................................................12
What else you need ...................................................................................................................................12
Installing a SkyConnector Outdoor..................................................................................... 15
Planning your installation.......................................................................................................................15
Cabling the SkyConnector.....................................................................................................................16
Powering on the SkyConnector .........................................................................................................18
Optimizing location...................................................................................................................................20
Mounting the SkyConnector................................................................................................................21
Connect to a computer or LAN ..........................................................................................................23
Configuring the SkyConnector ...........................................................................................................24
Accessing the Command-Line Interface........................................................................... 25
FCC Regulatory Information .................................................................................................. 27
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement..........................................................................27
FCC Radiation Exposure Limits............................................................................................................28
Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 29
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.
Based on a high-performance architecture that deploys intelligent antenna arrays,
the SkyPilot network delivers a dynamic broadband solution with significant
advantages for business and home users.
SkyPilot wireless devices are simple to install and easily fit into any type of
wireless environment—metropolitan, business, or home.
The auto-discovery and rapid provisioning features of a SkyPilot wireless mesh
network greatly reduce deployment and maintenance costs. Support for multiple
topologies and high scalability allow attractive options for rapidly expanding a
metro Wi-Fi customer base.
A SkyPilot network (as illustrated in Figure 1) may include the following physical
components:
SkyGateway™ (required)
SkyExtender™
SkyExtender™ DualBand
SkyConnector™ Indoor
SkyConnector™ Outdoor
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 7
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.
The SkyGateway typically resides at a location with easy access to wired
infrastructure—usually a POP (point of presence) or data center.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 8
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. (A SkyExtender can also provide subscribers
with a direct connection to the wireless network via its Ethernet port.)
In addition, the SkyExtender DualBand serves as a Wi-Fi access point, enabling
service providers and municipalities to provide standard 802.11 wireless access
across great distances, for targeted hot zones, or for dense coverage patterns.
For optimal performance, install the SkyExtender in an elevated location such as a
roof, tower, or utility pole.
SkyConnector
SkyConnectors link your subscribers to the SkyPilot wireless network. An Ethernet
port on the SkyConnector enables a connection to be established to the
subscribers’ computers, or to a local area network (LAN) via a data switch or
router. For flexibility of installation, SkyPilot offers indoor and outdoor versions of
the SkyConnector.
Designed for installation by the service provider, the outdoor version of the
SkyConnector attaches to an external structure such as an eave, roof, or pole.
Because it provides a better line of sight to the SkyGateway or a SkyExtender, the
outdoor SkyConnector generally offers greater range than the indoor unit.
The indoor version of the SkyConnector is a plug-and-play network device that a
subscriber can easily install without technical assistance. Service providers should
advise subscribers to place the SkyConnector in a location with an optimal sight
line to the SkyGateway or a SkyExtender.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 9
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.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 11
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" (3.48 cm)
in diameter
For network cabling:
A spool of CAT5 network cable (shielded cable is recommended)
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 12
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.
Ethernet crossover cable (for connecting to data switch or router)
RJ-45 connectors (connectors without a protective “boot” are
recommended)
RJ-45 crimping tool
For configuration: A laptop with a Telnet client application and a 10/100bT
Ethernet network interface card
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 13
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.
When choosing a site for the SkyConnector, consider the radio frequency (RF)
environment and physical characteristics of the site.
Trees, buildings, and hills can block a wireless signal. Also keep in mind that the
RF environment is dynamic and can deteriorate over time as obstacles appear or
are relocated.
Plan on testing potential sites to determine the suitability of the link topology for
target applications. Once you’ve identified a potential site, use a topographic
map or path profile software to ensure that terrain or obstacles will not interfere
with the links.
Your site survey should include an RF scan to identify available frequencies. You
should also check your 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, make site audits every 6 to 12 months, scheduling regular
maintenance visits to coincide with the site audits.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 15
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.
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.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 16
Figure 4. Attaching weather gasket and metal cover
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 17
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. Connect the Ethernet cable to the port labeled “CPE” on the power
injector.
c. Plug the AC adapter into the power injector.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 18
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. Checking the SkyConnector LEDs
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 19
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.
If the WAN Act LED does not start blinking within 30 seconds, try changing
the orientation of the SkyConnector or walk to a new location; then repeat
the process until the LED begins blinking.
When the LED starts blinking, make minor adjustments to find the location
where the signal is strongest. (The faster the LED blinks, the stronger the
signal.)
When the WAN Act LED blinks steadily and at a high rate, you have an
optimal signal. Go to the next section to verify the network connection.
Verify network connection
Watch the WAN Link LED for activity.
Within approximately 90 seconds of locating a signal, the WAN Link LED
should start to blink—first slowly, then more quickly.
When the WAN Link LED is solid and the WAN Act LED is blinking, the
SkyConnector has established an authorized connection to the network,
indicating that the current location is suitable for mounting
If both the WAN Act LED and the WAN Link LED continuing blinking, a signal
is available but is not strong enough for reliable service. Keep trying different
locations until you can confirm a network connection.
NOTE To optimize your SkyConnector installation, ask your network
administrator (at the Network Operations Center) to measure
signal strength on the node to which the SkyConnector has
established a link.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 20
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.
If both WAN Link and WAN Act continue
to blink, the signal is not strong enough to
support reliable service or there is a
provisioning problem that’s preventing
the device from coming online. Contact
your network administrator.
Steady illumination Device is connected to the wireless
network.
WAN Act None Device cannot detect a wireless network.
Blinking Device is within the coverage area of a
wireless network. Blink rate communicates
signal strength:
• Fast (8x per second) = excellent
• Medium (4x per second) = good
• Slow (<1x per second) = poor
• None = no reception
Mounting the SkyConnector
After determining an optimal location for your SkyConnector, you can mount the
device and run the appropriate cables.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 21
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.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 22
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.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 23
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/.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 24
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.
Open the network settings panel and assign the computer the IP address
192.168.0.3 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
3 Connect the computer to the SkyConnector according to the instructions
in Chapter 3 (see “Connect to a computer or LAN” on page 23).
4 Start a Telnet session.
Telnet to the default IP address of the SkyConnector (192.168.0.2).
5 Log in by entering the password at the command prompt. (The default is
public.)
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 25
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.
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 26
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. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with 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:
oReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
oIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
oConnect the equipment into an o
which the receiver is connected.
utlet on a circuit different from that to
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
pproval of the manufacturer void the user's authority to
perate the equipment.
o
The user of this product is cautioned that changes or modifications made to the
equipment without the a
o
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 27
FCC Radiation Exposure Limits
To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements in section 1.1307, a minimum
paration distance of 40 cm (16 inches) is required between the antenna and all
persons.
se
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 28
C
Specifications
This appendix provides technical specifications for the SkyPilot SkyConnector
Wireless Specifications
Frequency band 5.725–5.850
GHz
EIRP 42.5 dBm/17.8 W peak, 36 dBm/4 W average,
33 dBm/2 W average, 30 dBm/1 W average, or
36 dBm /4 W peak (EIRP selected for country-specific
regulations)
Media access Time Division Duplex (TDD)
Modulation technique OFDM with adaptive modulation
Modulation rates 6–54 Mbps
Throughput Up to 20 Mbps UDP, up to 10 Mbps TCP
Latency 8–10 ms roundtrip per hop
Antennas 28° horizontal x 9° vertical panel,
Channel width 20 MHz
Channel resolution 5 MHz frequency control
Receive sensitivity -90 dBm at 6 Mbps modulation
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 29
1
6.5dBi
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 4.2" (10.7 cm) D
Weight 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg)
Operating temperature -40° to 131° F (-40° to 55° C)
Wind loading Up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
Enclosure/humidity NEMA-4X
Power 110–230 VAC, 50–60 Hz input; 8 W
Certifications FCC Part 15, FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Class B USA;
compliance with UL safety standards, CE, C-Tick,
IC RSS210 Issue 5
EMI and susceptibility FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109
Warranty One-year limited warranty on hardware and software
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 30
Security
Authentication MD5-based certificates
Encryption AES
Filtering Based on protocol type, IP port ID, and configurable
IP address list
VLAN Supports 802.1q VLAN tagging; supports a
management VLAN for managing traffic and a data
VLAN for subscriber traffic
Network Management
Command-line interface Console via Telnet
NMS integration SNMP v2c
GUI configuration SkyProvision™ software and Web interface
GUI EMS SkyControl™ software
IP address DHCP or static
Firmware Multiple versions of firmware stored in nonvolatile
memory; updated via FTP
Configuration file XML over HTTP
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 31
Quality of Service
Prioritization 802.1p-based; based on protocol type, IP address,
port ID, and configurable IP address list
Traffic shaping Per-device rate limits upstream and downstream
Monitoring and MIB Support
Supported MIBs MIB-II (RFC 1213); EtherLike (RFC 2665); Bridge
(RFC 1493); SkyPilot private MIB
Local management RS-232 Serial Console Port
Remote management Command-line interface via Telnet, SNMP v2c, Web
interface
Topology
Configurations Mesh, point-to-multipoint, point-to-point
SkyPilot SkyConnector Installation 32