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SecureMesh Connector InstallationCONN-1000

SkyConnector Outdoor Installation | iiiContentsAbout This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vAudience and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viHow This Guide Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viConventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viiChapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Solution Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Mesh Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2SecureMesh Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4SecureMesh Extender Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4SecureMesh Connector and SecureMesh Connector DualBand. . . . 5Chapter 2 Your SecureMesh Connector Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8What Else You Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Chapter 3 Installing a SecureMesh Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Planning Your Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Powering Up the SecureMesh Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Optimizing Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Monitoring SecureMesh Connector Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Configuring the SecureMesh Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Accessing the Command-Line Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Appendix A Grounding Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23General Grounding Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Adding Surge Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Grounding Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Appendix B FCC Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

SkyConnector Outdoor Installation | vAbout This GuideThis guide explains how to install and set up a Trilliant™ SecureMesh Connector™ to provide wireless network access to users of a Trilliant wireless mesh network. It assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a familiarity with configuring wireless devices.Chapter Highlights Audience and purpose How this guide is organized Conventions used in this guide

vi | About This GuideAudience and PurposeThis guide provides directions for installing and setting up a Trilliant SecureMesh Connector device that can provide access to users of a Trilliant wireless mesh network.This guide assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a familiarity with configuring wireless devices.How This Guide Is OrganizedThis guide is organized as follows: Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides an overview of the Trilliant solution, describes the Trilliant devices, and then illustrates how they combine to form a mesh network. Chapter 2, “Your SecureMesh Connector Kit,” provides the information you need before you begin your installation. Chapter 3, “Installing a SecureMesh Connector,” provides instructions for the physical installation of the SecureMesh Connector as well as background information about configuration and references to associated procedures. Appendix A, “Grounding Guidelines,” provides direction on protecting your Trilliant device with proper grounding and surge protection. Appendix B, “FCC Statements,” provides the FCC radio frequency interference statements for the SecureMesh Connector

Conventions Used in This Guide | viiConventions Used in This GuideThis section describes the text and syntax conventions used throughout this guide.Text ConventionsThis guide uses the following text conventions: Italic is used to introduce new terms. Bold is used to indicate what you click or type in a graphical user interface (for example, commands names or text being entered). In examples showing user interaction with the command-line interface, bold is used to indicate user input as opposed to command output. A monospace font is used for code elements (variable names, data values, function names, and so forth), command lines, scripts, and source code listings. Italic-monospace is used for replaceable elements and placeholders within code listings.Syntax ConventionsThis guide uses the following conventions when showing syntax: Angle brackets, “<“and “>”, enclose mandatory elements. You must enter these elements. For example:ping <IP-address> Square brackets, “[“and “]”, enclose optional elements. You can omit these elements. For example:show filter [filter-table-number]Square brackets are also used to show the current value of parameters in the output of some commands. A vertical bar, “|”, separates choices. For example:show bridge [cache | port]

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SkyConnector Outdoor Installation | 1IntroductionThis chapter provides an overview of the Trilliant solution, describes the Trilliant devices, and then illustrates how they combine to form a mesh network.Chapter Highlights Solution overview Mesh network SecureMesh Gateway SecureMesh Extender devices SecureMesh Connector1

2 | Chapter 1 IntroductionSolution OverviewTrilliant 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 Trilliant 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 Trilliant network delivers a dynamic broadband solution with significant advantages for business and home users.Trilliant 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 Trilliant wireless mesh network can greatly reduce deployment and maintenance costs. Multiple topology options and network scalability create intriguing options for rapidly expanding a metro Wi-Fi customer base.Trilliant devices’ multiple antenna configurations work within mixed-use environments of municipal applications and broadband Internet access, supporting public-private partnerships such as public safety services.Mesh NetworkThe typical configuration for a Trilliant network is a mesh topology, which uses SecureMesh Extenders to extend range and add network flexibility. In a mesh configuration, subscribers can either connect directly to the SecureMesh Gateway or connect indirectly via SecureMesh Extenders (see Figure 1-1). In addition to adding range, a mesh network allows connections from locations where obstructions prevent line-of-sight access to a SecureMesh Gateway hub.Mesh networks are ideal for dense subscriber environments, for filling in coverage “holes,” and for reaching subscribers in areas where RF communication is obstructed by hills, trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

Mesh Network | 3Figure 1-1. Trilliant wireless mesh network

4 | Chapter 1 IntroductionSecureMesh GatewayThe SecureMesh Gateway 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.A Trilliant wireless network requires at least one SecureMesh Gateway for operation. If necessary, you can add additional SecureMesh Gateways to increase network capacity or provide redundancy.The SecureMesh Gateway typically resides at a location with easy access to wired infrastructure—usually a POP (point of presence) or data center.For optimal performance, install the SecureMesh Gateway on an elevated site such as a cell tower or the top of a tall building.SecureMesh Extender DevicesSecureMesh Extenders, SecureMesh Extender DualBand provide a cost-effective way to add capacity and balance network loads by operating as “repeaters” to extend the wireless range of a SecureMesh Gateway (see Figure 1-1). You can add any SecureMesh Extender device to your network to expand your coverage footprint and provide redundancy through Trilliant’s mesh networking features. SecureMesh Extender devices (except DualBands) can provide subscribers with a direct connection to the wireless network via the device’s Ethernet port.SecureMesh Extender DualBand is a dual-radio solution that combines Trilliant’s long-range, high-capacity 5 GHz mesh backhaul with a high-powered 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g access point that allows service providers and municipalities to offer standard Wi-Fi services over great distances—for targeted hot zones or dense, ubiquitous coverage patterns.For optimal performance, install the SecureMesh Extender in an elevated location such as a roof, tower, or utility pole.

SecureMesh Connector and SecureMesh Connector DualBand | 5SecureMesh Connector and SecureMesh Connector DualBandSecureMesh Connectors link your subscribers to the Trilliant wireless network. An Ethernet port on the device allows a connection to a subscriber’s computer, or to a local area network (LAN) via a data switch or router. Designed for installation by the service provider, the SecureMesh Connector attaches to an external structure such as an eave, roof, or pole. The SecureMesh Connector DualBand offers the same features as a SecureMesh Connector, plus a Wi-Fi access point that enables service providers and municipalities to provide standard 802.11 wireless access over great distances, for targeted hot zones, or for dense coverage patterns.

SkyConnector Outdoor Installation | 7Your SecureMesh Connector KitYour Trilliant SecureMesh Connector installation kit provides the basic equipment you need to install the device and configure it for operation on a Trilliant wireless mesh network. This chapter describes that equipment and lists additional items you should have on hand before starting installation.Chapter Highlights Kit contents What else you need2

8 | Chapter 2 Your SecureMesh Connector KitKit ContentsFigure 2-1 shows the contents of the SecureMesh Connector installation kit.Figure 2-1. Trilliant installation kitTrilliant separately offers accessories for different types of installation, including a surge suppressor and a tilt mount kit. For more information, visit the Trilliant website at www.Trilliant.com/support/.What Else You NeedBefore starting installation, you also need the following: For basic mounting:Phillips screwdriver For pole mounting:Magnetic levelSteel pole between 1 1/8” (2.87 cm) and 1 3/8” (3.48 cm) in diameter

What Else You Need | 9 For network cabling:Spool of CAT-5 network cable (shielded cable is recommended)IMPORTANTEthernet cabling must comply with NEC/CEC requirements for CAT-5 cables. The cabling’s outer jacket must be clearly marked as CAT-5e per ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2.Crossover cable (for connecting to a an access point, switch, or router)RJ-45 connectors (connectors without a protective “boot” are recommended)RJ-45 crimping tool For configuration:Computer with a serial port, a terminal emulation program, a network interface card, and a Web browser (laptop recommended for convenience)

SkyConnector Outdoor Installation | 11Installing a SecureMesh Connector This chapter provides instructions for planning and performing the physical installation of a SecureMesh Connector.Chapter Highlights Planning your installation Cabling Powering up the SecureMesh Connector Optimizing location Monitoring SecureMesh Connector status Mounting Configuring the SecureMesh Connector Accessing the command-line interface Troubleshooting3

Cabling | 13CablingEthernet cabling provides power and data connectivity for the SecureMesh Connector. This section provides instructions for attaching CAT5 cable to the device.To install CAT-5 cabling:Figure 3-1. Connecting CAT-5 cable to the SecureMesh Connector1Terminate the appropriate grade and length of CAT-5 cable with an RJ-45 connector, and plug it into the RJ-45 port on the back of the SecureMesh Connector.2Make sure the fit is snug

14 | Chapter 3 Installing a SecureMesh ConnectorSecuring cable placementFigure 3-2. Securing the CAT-5 cable to the SecureMesh Connector1Fit the CAT-5 cable in between the guide posts to fit in place2Use a screw to tighten the cable guide to secure the CAT-5 cable in place

Powering Up the SecureMesh Connector | 15Figure 3-3. Attaching weather gasket and metal cover1Tighten the cover with three screwsPowering Up the SecureMesh ConnectorBefore mounting the SecureMesh Connector, first power on the unit so you can use the status LEDs to determine optimal location placement.To power on the SecureMesh Connector:1Attach the power supply.aConnect the AC power cord to the AC adapter, and plug it into an AC outlet.bConnect the Ethernet cable to the port labeled “CPE” on the power injector.

16 | Chapter 3 Installing a SecureMesh ConnectorIMPORTANTBe careful not to plug the Ethernet cable connected to the SecureMesh Connector into the port labeled “Computer.”cPlug the AC adapter into the power injector.dGround the PoE injector2Check the LEDs on the SecureMesh Connector.If the connections are correct, the SecureMesh Connector’s power LED (labeled “PWR”) should illuminate and the WAN activity LED (labeled “WAN Act”) should blink on and off. (For details about the LED status lights, see Table 3-1 on page 18.)Figure 3-4. Checking the SecureMesh Connector LEDsOptimizing LocationAfter powering up the SecureMesh Connector, use the device’s LEDs to identify the optimal location for mounting. (For details about the LED status lights, see Table 3-1 on page 18.)

Optimizing Location | 17To optimize a SecureMesh Connector’s location:1Confirm signal acquisition.aPosition the SecureMesh Connector near the intended mounting location and watch the “WAN Act” LED for activity. The LED starts blinking when it acquires a signal from the network and is attempting to make a connection.If the LED doesn’t start blinking within 30 seconds, try changing the orientation of the SecureMesh Connector or walk to a new location. Repeat the process until the LED starts blinking.bWhen 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 LED blinks steadily at a high rate, you have an optimal signal.2Verify network connection.Watch the “WLAN Link” LED for activity. Within 90 seconds of locating a signal, the LED should start to blink—first slowly, then more quickly, and finally it should remain steadily lit.When the “WAN Link” LED is steadily lit and the “WAN Act” LED is blinking, SecureMesh Connector has established an authorized connection to the network, indicating that the current location is suitable for mounting.If both the “WAN Link” LED and the “WAN Act” LED continue blinking, a signal is available but isn’t strong enough for reliable service. Keep trying different locations until you can confirm a network connection.NOTE To optimize your SecureMesh Connector installation, ask your network administrator (at the Network Operations Center) to measure signal strength on the node to which SecureMesh Connector has established a link.

18 | Chapter 3 Installing a SecureMesh ConnectorMonitoring SecureMesh Connector StatusTable 3-1 provides detailed descriptions of SecureMesh Connector states indicated by the LED lights. When both LED lights are lit and steady, the SecureMesh Connector is successfully connected to the wireless network.Table 3-1. SecureMesh Connector LED Status Lights LED LED state Device stateLAN LinkSteady illumination SecureMesh Connector is connected to another device via its Ethernet port.LAN Act Blinking SecureMesh Connector is transmitting or receiving data via its Ethernet port.PWR Steady illumination SecureMesh Connector is powered up.WAN LinkBlinking (fast blink when SecureMesh Connector is in standby mode)SecureMesh Connector is attempting to establish an authorized connection on the wireless network.If both WAN Link and WAN Act continue blinking, either the signal isn’t strong enough to support reliable service or there’s a provisioning problem that’s preventing SecureMesh Connector from coming online. Contact your network administrator for assistance.Steady illumination SecureMesh Connector 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/second) = excellent Medium (4x/second) = good Slow (<1x/second) = poor None = no reception

Mounting | 19MountingAfter determining an optimal location for your SecureMesh Connector, you can mount the device and run the appropriate cables.To mount the SecureMesh Connector:1Disconnect the CAT-5 cable from the power injector.2Power down the SecureMesh Connector.3Attach a magnetic level to the 1 1/8" (2.87 cm) and 1 3/8" (3.48 cm) diameter steel mounting pole to verify that the pole is plumb (straight).IMPORTANTIt is the installer’s responsibility to verify that the support pole and its installation method are of sufficient strength to withstand onsite weather conditions. (The supplied mounting bracket and screws are certified to withstand a 125 mph wind force.)4Use the provided clamps and screws (provided in the accessory kit) to attach the SecureMesh Connector to the mounting pole (see Figure 3-5).Before clamping down the bracket, check that the mounting pole is still plumb and that the SecureMesh Connector is level.NOTE If the device is not level, performance may be degraded.

20 | Chapter 3 Installing a SecureMesh ConnectorFigure 3-5. Attaching the SecureMesh Connector5Reconnect the CAT-5 cable to the port labeled “CPE” on the SecureMesh Connector power injector.Configuring the SecureMesh ConnectorTo operate on the wireless mesh network, the SecureMesh Gateway requires a network configuration.A SecureMesh Connector will not transmit a wireless signal until it’s configured, and it will not be able to connect to other network devices without a configuration.Trilliant offers two modes for provisioning devices with a configuration: Automatic—Requires the use of Trilliant EMS software to create configurations that an unattended central server can distribute to devices on the wireless mesh network. Although automatic provisioning requires more setup time than manual provisioning, it greatly simplifies the administration of a growing network. Manual—Usually performed in the field, manual provisioning permits the configuration of a single device at a time, creating the minimum settings required for a wireless link and storing them in the device’s flash (nonvolatile)

Accessing the Command-Line Interface | 21memory. Manual provisioning is a logical choice if you’re installing a test network or rolling out a small-scale installation that isn’t expected to expand.For more information about provisioning modes and procedures, refer to Getting Started with the SecureMesh Network and SecureMesh Network Administration, available from the Trilliant website at www.Trilliant.com/support/.Accessing the Command-Line InterfaceTrilliant devices include a command-line interface which you can use for manual provisioning and troubleshooting.You can connect to a device and access its command-line interface through Telnet over an Ethernet connection or via a terminal session from a console connected to the device’s RJ-45 serial port. After logging in (by supplying a password), you can enter commands at the command prompt.For detailed cabling and access instructions for the command-line interface, refer to the SecureMesh Command-Line Interface Reference.TroubleshootingAfter making an Ethernet or serial connection to the SecureMesh Connector, you can manage and troubleshoot the device using a wide range of commands available through the command-line interface.For detailed troubleshooting procedures, refer to the “Troubleshooting” section in SecureMesh Network Administration. There you’ll find troubleshooting procedures for: Power-on problems Ethernet connectivity problems IP connectivity problems SecureMesh Gateway transmission problems Link failure problems

SkyConnector Outdoor Installation | 23Grounding GuidelinesThis appendix provides some guidelines for properly grounding the Trilliant Connector. Proper grounding protects both your Trilliant device and equipment connected to it. For the surge protection circuitry built into the Trilliant equipment to be effective, proper grounding of the unit is necessary. This is especially true if you’re installing devices on tall structures, or in areas subject to lightning.NOTE The techniques described in this appendix are intended as general guidelines only and do not constitute a comprehensive guide covering all installation scenarios. For maximum protection, contact a qualified installation specialist who is familiar with your operating environments. If lightning is a threat in your area, consider a consultation with a lightning and transient protection specialist.General Grounding StrategyTo ensure optimal reliability, properly ground the metal base of the Trilliant device. The most efficient way to ground the device is to use an 8 GA or larger wire to connect it to a ground point on the structure or tower.The three most common ground points are: A cold-water pipe. Make sure it is well connected to earth. The primary grounding point of the AC electrical system of the building. A 10-foot or longer copper-clad ground rod driven into the earth. For a tower with multiple legs, you need one ground rod per leg and a ground wire loop connecting each of the rods; see Figure 12.A

24 | Appendix A Grounding GuidelinesFigure 12. Ground wire loopMaking Connections “Gas-Tight”Regardless of the grounding point you use, make sure the connections are “gas-tight”—capable of retaining low resistance and integrity over time and with exposure to the elements.Use of an antioxide compound and proper sealing is essential. For protection against corrosion, wrap all connections with Scotch® 130C tape. Checking Cold-Water Pipe IntegrityIf you’re using a cold-water pipe for grounding, verify the integrity of the ground. In some cases, sections of metal cold-water pipes may have been repaired or extended with PVC material. PVC material or a dielectric union will render a cold-water pipe ground unacceptable for grounding. A

Adding Surge Protection | 25Measuring ResistanceVerify that there is no more than 5 ohms of resistance between any two ground points in the entire system. Also make sure that all ground points on a structure are tied together. For example, if you use a ground rod and a cold-water pipe as grounding points at different locations on the same structure, you must tie them together.Adding Surge ProtectionIf you’re installing a Trilliant device in an area that’s subject to lightning storms, Trilliant recommends installing a surge protection device (SPD) at both ends of the Ethernet cable—one at the Trilliant device and one at the point of entry to a building or enclosure. Trilliant offers SPDs with bracket and cabling designed for use with Trilliant equipment. For more information, visit Trilliant customer support at www.Trilliant.com/support/ to view accessory guides for Trilliant-branded surge protection solution. (You may also purchase SPDs from third-party vendors.)Grounding ChecklistWhen grounding a Trilliant device, use the following checklist to confirm that your installation is adequately protected from power surges and lightning. Connect a ground wire from the Trilliant device to a ground system on the building or tower. Use shielded CAT5 cabling and connect the drain wire of the shield to ground at the Trilliant device. (Leave the other end of the drain wire unconnected.) Use the proper size down lead to connect a Trilliant device on a roof or tower to the ground system of indoor equipment. Verify that all points of the ground system are tied together with less than 5 ohms resistance between any two points.A

26 | Appendix A Grounding Guidelines Run the CAT5 cable inside the tower structure, tying the cable to the tower leg at every 4 feet of length. For increased protection, run the CAT5 cable through metallic conduit installed on the tower. Bleed off any static charge by installing a streamer-delaying, static-dissipation array above the Trilliant device. Install all lightning and surge protection devices in accordance with UL 96A installation requirements for lightning protection systems and the NFPA 780 standard for lightning protection.A

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