3Com Megahertz
Site Survey Administrator Guide
Antenna Placement Considerations 

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Antenna Placement Considerations

Radio coverage requirements relate directly to installation site constraints. With an omnidirectional antenna, the radio range of the AP (transmitting at 1Mbps) could have a radius up to 1000 feet (303 meters) in open areas. However, in office or retail environments, obstructions can reduce the coverage to a radius of 180 to 250 feet (54 to 76 meters). The coverage area is also referred to as a cell.

The final location of AP antennas is critical to the successful operation of the system. When conducting the survey, consider the exact conditions in the installation area. These conditions include all losses due to cabling and connectors.

Site Electrical Considerations

AirConnect APs draw power from wall outlets or over CAT 5 cabling using the AirConnect PowerBASE-T adapter. AP performance is subject to degradation due to inherent or random electrical problems or site-specific disturbances.

The following AirConnect AP electrical installation alternatives are listed from optimal to preferred for a particular installation area:

  1. Isolated ground circuit with online, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) that also acts as filter and surge suppressor
  2. Isolated ground circuit with surge suppressor
  3. Dedicated circuit with UPS
  4. Dedicated circuit with surge suppressor

3Com recommends using one of the preceding installation alternatives when using a Network Controller Unit. Deviation from theses options can cause data loss and serious transmissions problems.

 

 

NOTE: The AP must be provided with power 24 hours a day. 3Com recommends that AP power never be provided from an Energy Management System.

If a nondedicated circuit is necessary, 3Com recommends that the circuit does not support the following: