Features and benefits About access point configuration 7 SkyPilot network topology8 7
" What the kit provides What else you need Getting help 14 16 15
" # $ Planning your installation 17 18 Cabling the SkyAccess DualBand Powering on the SkyAccess DualBand 20 Optimizing location 22 Mounting the SkyAccess DualBand Connecting to the wireless network Configuring the SkyAccess DualBand 24 27 29
" Connect to the SkyAccess interface Connect to the access point interface 31 32
"$ A b o u t T h i s G u i d e 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 O v e r v i e w SkyAccess DualBand is a dual-radio solution that combines SkyPilots long- range, high-capacity 5.8 GHz mesh backhaul with a high-powered 802.11b/g access point that lets service providers and municipalities offer standard Wi-Fi to subscribers.
*( SkyAccess DualBand provides a highly flexible wireless solution that combines scalable Wi-Fi capacity with the seamless coverage of a wireless mesh network. Each SkyAccess DualBand can support multiple WLANs (wireless local area networks), each with its own VLAN and security policy. One SkyAccess DualBand can support several business models with a single service installation.
<<Illustration?>>
)(# The SkyAccess DualBand access point is set up to provide Wi-Fi access right out of the box. The access point includes a preconfigured WLAN with the SSID (service set identifier) SkyAccessDualBand, providing WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi protected access pre-shared key) protection. Users attempting to connect to the SkyAccessDualBand WLAN must provide a password (publicpublic by default). The default configuration is provided for initial management and configuration of the SkyAccess DualBand access point via a wireless connection. You should always SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 7 create a unique access point configuration before testing the device or making it available to customers. NOTE )+ &!,
)# 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 environmentmetropolitan, 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
SkyAccess DualBand SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 8
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 9
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 infrastructureusually a POP (point of presence) or data center. For optimal performance, install the SkyGateway on an elevated site such as a cell tower or the top of a tall building.
/0/0 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 SkyPilots 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. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 10
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. 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. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 11 2 T h e S k y A c c e s s D u a l B a n d I n s t a l l a t i o n K i t 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(1(#
)0, SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 13
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 14 SkyPilot also offers accessories, including a tilt mount for optimizing your SkyAccess DualBand installation. For more information, contact a SkyPilot sales representative. NOTE The 5.8 GHz antenna in integrated into the dualband connector housing. The 2.4GHz antenna is the external antenna.
+ 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) NOTE/#% % ) 1%
(. / 2 / ( ,
3(#% %
). 22/&45&, , 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 wireless mesh network configuration: A laptop with a Telnet client application and a 10/100bT Ethernet network interface card
Setup information for the access point:
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 15 A (case-sensitive) wireless SSID for each virtual WLAN Wi-Fi network A unique IP address for the management of the access point if its not connected to a DHCP server A default gateway and subnet mask for the management network if the access point is not on the same subnet as your PC NOTE(## (% #,
#) For technical assistance, contact SkyPilot support by logging in to customer support at www.skypilot.com.
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 16 3 I n s t a l l i n g a S k y A c c e s s D u a l B a n d This chapter provides instructions for planning and performing the physical installation of a SkyAccess DualBand.
# In a typical wide area wireless mesh network, youll 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. When choosing a site for the device, 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 youve 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 thats clear at one location may be crowded at another. Frequency planning is a critical factor in planning and implementing a wireless mesh network. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 17 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.
# Ethernet cabling provides both power and data connectivity for the SkyAccess DualBand. The section provides instructions for attaching CAT5 cable to the device. 1 % )))##( 67&8)#67&8)(
*#", # 5.8GHz
Make sure the fit is snug so that the cable does not interfere with the weather gasket. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 18 2 #% , 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.
*#8,# #% 5.8GHz
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 19 4 )( ##%
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The tie wraps provide relief from cable strain and ensure a fully weatherproof seal.
# Before mounting the SkyAccess DualBand, first power on the unit so that you can use the onboard LEDs to determine optimal placement. 1 ) ))-( 9
) 3,
, # )) 3, SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 20
*#4,#) 5.8GHz
2 / , 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.
SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 21
)% <# After powering on the SkyAccess DualBand, use the devices LEDs to identify the optimal location for mountinga location where it can easily acquire a signal from the wireless mesh network and quickly create links. Confirm signal acquisition
+ . / (, 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 SkyAccess DualBand 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
+ + . / (, Within approximately 90 seconds of locating a signal, the WAN Link LED should start to blinkfirst slowly, then more quickly. When the WAN Link LED is solid and the WAN Act LED is blinking, the SkyAccess DualBand 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. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 22 NOTE)% < -
, For more information on LED states, see Table 1. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 23
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. 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 thats 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
? # After determining an optimal location for your SkyAccess DualBand, you can mount the device and run the appropriate cables. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 24 Before mounting the device, disconnect the CAT5 cable from the power injector to power down the device. 1 ,8 @ <, 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.
*#5,# ,8 @ <, 5.8GHz
2 A ))% )
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), SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 25
*#5,# 5.8GHz
Tighten the bolts securely on the mounting hardware. 3 6 )) 3
) , SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 26
# 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. Connect to the wireless network with Ethernet
C)#2+ . % >, 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 SkyAccess DualBand Installation 27
*#D, # % ) 5.8GHz
Connect to the wireless network via a Wi-
Fi connection
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" ) )% )-publicpublic, SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 28
(## 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. 4 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/. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 29 A A c c e s s i n g S k y A c c e s s D u a l B a n d C o m m a n d - L i n e I n t e r f a c e s 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.
( You can connect to a SkyAccess DualBand 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 ? #
)", 2 ) )), 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 % ) #
>, 4 , SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 31 Telnet to the default IP address of the SkyAccess DualBand
(192.168.0.2). 5 ##) % % )% ),=
(public,>
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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. For comprehensive guidelines to troubleshooting devices on your SkyPilot wireless mesh network, see Getting Started with the SkyPilot Network.
)( You can connect to the access point command-line interface via Telnet over a wireless network connection. (Typically, you will use this technique to confirm the IP address of the access point component of the SkyPilot DualBand.)
) )), You will need a Wi-Fi/WPA-PSK capable computer thats within operating range of the access point and a Telnet application you can use to open a connection between the devices. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 32 The access point component of SkyAccess DualBand ships with the default IP address 192.168.0.3.
)), From your Telnet application, open a connection to the access point.
=)>% % )% ), Once youre logged in, you can use the command-line interface to set configuration parameters or retrieve the IP address of the access point SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 33 B F C C R e g u l a t o r y I n f o r m a t i o n
* 6*1(% 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:
6#,
) 1)% ,
1)% (((%
0)2G(), 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. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 34
* 6/0)% 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. SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 35 C S p e c i f i c a t i o n s This appendix provides technical specifications for the SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand.
Frequency bands capable 5.7255.850 GHz. US & Canada Wi-Fi Access: 2.400-2.483.5 GHz For other countries check with sales representative 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) Wi-Fi Access: 35.0 dBm / 3.2 W Media access Time Division Duplex (TDD) Modulation technique OFDM with adaptive modulation Wi-Fi Access: DSSS and OFDM Modulation rates 654 Mbps Throughput Latency Up to 20 Mbps UDP, up to 10 Mbps TCP 810 ms roundtrip per hop SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 37 Antennas 28 horizontal x 9 vertical panel, 16.5 dBi Wi-Fi Access: omnidirectional 7.4 dBi antenna 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
)( Connectors Mounting Range LEDs Dimensions RJ-45: Ethernet connection (10/100bT) and power (Power-over-Ethernet) Eave, roof, or chimney; outside pole diameter up to 2.0"
7.5 miles (12 km) Wi-Fi Access: Up to 1,200 feet Wireless activity, wireless link, LAN activity, LAN link, and power 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) SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 38 Enclosure/humidity NEMA-4X Power Certifications 110230 VAC, 5060 Hz input; 8 W 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
Authentication Encryption Filtering VLAN One-year limited warranty on hardware and software MD5-based certificates AES Based on protocol type, IP port ID, and configurable IP address list Supports 802.1q VLAN tagging; supports a management VLAN for managing traffic and a data VLAN for subscriber traffic
. ? #% Command-line interface Console via Telnet NMS integration SNMP v2c GUI configuration SkyProvision software and Web interface GUI EMS IP address Firmware SkyControl software DHCP or static Multiple versions of firmware stored in nonvolatile memory; updated via FTP SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 39 Configuration file XML over HTTP SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 40 H (
Prioritization Traffic shaping 802.1p-based; based on protocol type, IP address, port ID, and configurable IP address list Per-device rate limits upstream and downstream
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
)# Configurations
Mesh, point-to-multipoint, point-to-point SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand Installation 41