YDI AP-Ant v1.1

Version 1.1 March 2003

AP-Ant User’s Manual

LIMITED WARRANTY Young Design, Inc. (YDI) warrants that your device is free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year after initial purchase. YDI will, in this period of time, repair or replace, any YDI product returned to the factory, freight prepaid. The YDI warranty covers repairs or replacement (at YDI’s option) of the product only. YDI is not responsible for the cost of removal, reinstallation, or shipping to the place of repair. YDI does not extend or modify its warranty period as a result of repair or replacement. YDI reserves the right to void a warranty and/or make reasonable charges for repair of a unit if the warranty seal is broken or the unit displays evidence of misuse, abuse, or tampering. YDI is not responsible for damage to any other equipment or property, or any other consequential or incidental damages of any kind, whether based on contract, negligence, or strict liability. Maximum liability shall not in any case exceed the purchase price of the unit. Warranties give you (the buyer) specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from state to state. This warranty is only extended to purchases made in the United States of America or its possessions.

Special Warranty Notice The antenna warranty is null and void if any of the following occurs:

1. The product enclosure is opened. 2. The antenna connections are not properly waterproofed. 3. The device is installed improperly or with incorrect connectors. 4. The device is operated outside the recommended DC power specifications. 5. The device is damaged by extreme forces of nature, lightning, or ‘Acts of God.’

FCC NOTICE This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment when installed as directed. This equipment should be installed and operated with fix-mounted antennas that are installed such that these antennas will have a minimum of 2 meters of separation distance between the antenna and all persons during normal operation.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

* Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

These products are labeled with one of the following two FCC ID numbers:

FCC ID: NM5-ETH-ANT, NM5-ETH-ANT-LR

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 Overview 1 1.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................1 1.2 AP-Ant Features............................................................................................................................2 1.3 AP-Ant Kit......................................................................................................................................2

Section 2 Installation 4 2.1 Locating the AP-Ant ......................................................................................................................4 2.2 Mounting the AP-Ant .....................................................................................................................4 2.3 DC Power Injector .........................................................................................................................6 2.4 Power Supply ................................................................................................................................6 2.5 Aiming Antenna and Checking Signal Strength............................................................................6 2.6 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................................................6

Section 3 The AP Manager 8 3.1 Installation .....................................................................................................................................8 3.2 Removing the Program .................................................................................................................8

© 2003 Young Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part or parts of this document may be reproduced, translated, stored in any electronic retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Young Design, Inc.

Version 1.1 Page ii March 2003


Section 1 Overview

1.1 Description The AP-Ant™ is an 802.11b WiFi™ Access Point (AP) built into an 18 dBi flat panel antenna. It is ideal for providing maximum coverage over a focused area, such as 802.11b Hot Spots, hotels, airports, office buildings, apartment complexes, etc. It is easy to install and has all the benefits of a high-gain directional antenna without the need for fragile RF adapter cables or bulky coax cables. The only connection to the AP-Ant is a thin, flexible outdoor-rated Ethernet cable! Because the radio is in the antenna, there are no signal losses since there is no coax cable, as you would have using an access point with an external antenna. The antenna housing is waterproof and intended to be a pole or wall-mounted outdoor installation. The AP-Ant features the functionality of the ORiNOCO™ AP-500 Access Point, including 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and the new Agere WEP-Plus. Its Windows-based SNMP compliant AP Manager makes it easy to configure your system as well as to centrally control your network. Two variations of the AP-Ant are available: the standard series AP-Ant with an integral 18 dBi gain flat panel antenna, and the AP-Ant-LR with the addition of an integrated bi-directional fixed amplifier to boost range and improve reception. The AP-Ant kit includes a 50-foot outdoor-rated Ethernet cable with a weatherproof connector (longer cables are available as on option). By using RJ-45 in-line couplers, you can extend the cable up to 300 feet to connect the AP-Ant to your network. The WLAN device located in the antenna gets its power from the DC Power Injector which puts DC power onto the Ethernet cable. Both the AP-Ant and the AP-Ant-LR version operate from a 15 VDC power supply. A 110 VAC adapter is included with the AP-Ant package, and a 110/220 VAC “laptop-type” adapter can be purchased separately as an option. The AP-Ant-LR comes already with the 110/220 VAC “laptop-type” adapter. NOTE: The AP-Ant-LR can operate only with an Ethernet cable up to a maximum length of 100 feet

between the DC Power Injector and the antenna. This is due to the DC resistance of the thin Ethernet cable which drops the DC voltage to the antenna.

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1.2 AP-Ant Features Key Features

• 802.11b WiFi™ Compatible • Ideal for use in campus environments and 802.11b Hot Spots • Provides access to any WiFi™ compatible client • Provides extended range coverage by focusing the radio signal • LR models feature a built-in amplifier and provides the maximum range possible • Antenna is lightweight and thin, just one inch thick and 14 inches square • Can be mounted for either vertical or horizontal polarization • Mounts either to a wall or antenna mast of up to 1 3/4 inches in diameter • Flat panel antenna offers 18 dBi gain and 15 beamwidth • Transmit power of 2 Watts EIRP and 16 Watts EIRP on –LR model • Weatherproof: designed and rated for outdoor use • No bulky RF cables from Access Point to antenna • No need for fragile RF adapter cables • System is optimized to provide for the maximum possible range without having to worry about

coax cable loss • Easy-to-run outdoor-rated Ethernet cable provided (50 feet standard, can be optionally extended

up to 300 feet for standard series and up to 100 feet for –LR models) • DC power for electronics in the antenna are carried up the Ethernet cable (Power Over Ethernet,

POE) • Up to 4.5 Mbps actual throughput • Windows-based Configuration Software • Remotely manageable and SNMP compliant via the ORiNOCO AP Manager • Protects against access by unauthorized stations via an Access Control Table or MAC

authentication via a Radius Server • FCC Part 15 certified for license-free operation (11 channels in USA) • Professional installation is not required by FCC Part 15 rules • Operating range: -20 C to +50 C (-4 F to +122 F)

1.3 AP-Ant Kit Each AP-Ant kit includes the following (refer to Figure 1.1)):

• 18 dBi gain flat panel directional antenna with built-in Access Point • Optional integrated bi-directional amplifier for increased transmit power and receive signal

sensitivity for longer range (-LR model) • Sturdy steel wall/mast tilt-bracket mount • Outdoor Ethernet cable with weatherproof antenna connector (50 feet standard) • Cat 5 DC Power Injector • DC Power adapter for 110 VAC (110/220 VAC for the –LR model, which can also be purchased

separately for the standard model as an option) • CD-ROM with configuration software and documentation

The latest software and User’s Manuals can also be found at:

http://www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php, and

http://www.ydi.com/support/documents.php. Figure 1.1 (b) shows a typical application of the AP-Ant.


http://www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php

http://www.ydi.com/support/documents.php


Figure 1.1 (a) – AP-Ant, 50-ft Ethernet cable, DC Power Injector, and 110 VAC Adapter

Figure 1.1 (b) – Typical Application




Section 2 Installation

Safety Warning This antenna/transmitter device must be fixed-mounted on outdoor

permanent structures with a separation distance of at least 2 meters (6.56 feet) from all persons. Users and installers must adhere to the antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions in order to comply with the FCC’s RF exposure requirements.

CAUTION

2.1 Locating the AP-Ant The most important aspect of setting up the AP-Ant is its location and aiming. For maximum range (up to several miles), it must have clear, unobstructed line of site (LOS) between it and the client stations’ antennas. The AP-Ant should be installed outdoors, but can be located in a window if necessary. However, for maximum range and the strongest signal, the AP-Ant must “see” the clients’ antennas in order to be connected. If they do not have this clear line of sight, you will likely not get a reliable, long-range wireless connection. For indoor applications, the range will depend on the walls and other obstacles between the AP-Ant and the clients’ WLAN devices. The only way to accurately determine your coverage area is to put up the AP-Ant in the best locations available and run some tests (see Section 2.5, Aiming Antenna and Checking Signal Strength). NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you configure and test the unit prior to deploying it in the

field. Set up a “mini-network” that resembles your actual configuration as close as possible. By using such a mock-up, troubleshooting potential problems will be much easier than if you already installed the equipment in the field. Read through this entire Section 2 to understand how to install the hardware. To configure the AP-Ant, read Section 3.

2.2 Mounting the AP-Ant The antenna can be mounted either vertically or horizontally polarized using the hardware included with the unit. The label located on the back of the antenna contains an arrow indicating the antenna’s polarization. Please note that both ends of the link must use the same polarization. It can be mounted to a mast or pipe as shown in Figure 2.1, or to a flat surface such as a wall as shown in Figure 2.2. When covering an area with laptops or PDAs, the AP-Ant should be installed horizontally polarized since this will match the polarization of the internal antennas in the WLAN cards. When installed outdoors, it is very important that the round connector plugged on the antenna be properly waterproofed. Ensure that a high quality all-weather resistant electrical tape and/or other water sealant method, such as Permagum or equivalent, is utilized. Silicon sealants are not recommended since they are hard to work with, do not ensure a 100% waterproofing of the connectors and are difficult to remove, if ever necessary.


Figure 2.1 shows the antenna in a typical horizontally polarized installation. It must be carefully aimed at the client antennas and be mounted with the same polarization. The housing is sealed to prevent water build-up in the antenna. The round connector must also be sealed after it is plugged into the antenna. Be sure to provide strain relief for the Ethernet cable as well.

If this AP-Ant antenna is aimed at vertically polarized station antennas, it must be mounted vertically polarized using the other mounting stud on the back.

Figure 2.1 – Outdoor Pole Mount Installation

Figure 2.2 shows the antenna in a typical

indoors wall mount installation. For indoor applications, the range will depend on the walls and other obstacles between the AP-Ant and the client WLAN device. The only way to accurately determine your coverage area is to put up the AP-Ant in the best locations available and run some tests.

When covering an area with laptops or PDAs, the AP-Ant should be installed horizontally polarized.

Figure 2.2 – Indoor Wall Mount Installation



2.3 DC Power Injector The Cat 5 DC Power Injector is not in a waterproof enclosure and must be protected from the weather. It can be permanently mounted to a surface using the double stick tape found on the back of it.

2.4 Power Supply The AP-Ant antenna kit comes with a 110 VAC to 15 VDC power supply that has a standard barrel plug [center pin positive (+) tip and outer ring negative (-)]. 110/220 VAC “laptop-type” power supplies are available as an option. The AP-Ant-LR version comes standard with the 110/220 VAC “laptop-type” adapter. Although normally provided with a power supply, any power source meeting the following specifications can be used:

AP-Ant 12-24VDC @ 500 mA maximum cable length: 300 feet

AP-Ant-LR 15VDC @ 1300 mA maximum cable length: 100 feet

CAUTION: Operating the AP-Ant-LR version with more than 15 VDC will damage it. Operating it with

less than 15 VDC will cause improper operation.

2.5 Aiming Antenna and Checking Signal Strength The AP-Ant has a built-in signal strength indicator which can be monitored by the Windows-based AP Manager software to help optimize the aiming of the antenna. You can use the Link Test capability of the AP Manager software to monitor the signal strength of the AP-Ant into the client units. Another test that can be performed involves using a laptop computer, a YDI Sapphire or Diamond WLAN card, and the Wireless Client Manager program that comes with it. Insert the WLAN card in the laptop computer, install the program, and run it. The Advanced -> Link Test screen of the Wireless Client Manager program shows signal strength levels. Walk around the desired coverage areas with the laptop computer and record the signal levels. This way you can build a map of the areas that have good coverage. For details about how to set up, configure, and use the Wireless Client Manager program, please refer to the User Manual of the product.

2.6 Hardware Installation Perform the following procedures once you have determined the optimal location for the antenna:

1. If you are going to install the antenna on a mast or pipe, use the brackets and screws to mount the flat panel antenna to a pole with a maximum diameter of up to 1 3/4 inches.

2. Ensuring that there is no DC power applied to the DC Power Injector, plug the 6-pin N-male round

connector of the outdoor Ethernet cable provided into the rear jack of the flat panel antenna, aligning the notch on the connector with the tab on the jack as shown on Figure 2.3. Then turn the round locking nut clockwise as you push in until it securely fastens onto the jack. Please verify that the round connector is properly plugged into the rear jack of the antenna prior to connecting DC power because it is possible to push it in the wrong way if enough force is used. If DC power is applied and the connector is not properly plugged, damage to the electronics of the unit or the connector itself may occur which will not be covered by the factory warranty.



WARNING

If DC Power is applied while you are attempting to insert the round connector into the jack, it is possible that, as you rotate the plug in an effort to find the key, DC power pins will momentarily touch the Ethernet pins. If this happens the Ethernet circuitry on the board will blow. Any damage caused by this action will not be covered by the factory warranty and will be a billable repair.

3. Attach the other end of the outdoor Ethernet cable provided to the Cat 5 DC Power Injector at port RJ-45 labeled “To ANT.”

4. Connect the Ethernet cable labeled “To PC or ROUTER” from the Cat 5 DC Power Injector to

your router, switch or hub. If you connect to a computer or PC, a cross-over cable or adapter will be needed.

5. Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet and connect it to the “DC Power” jack on the Cat 5 DC

Power Injector. 6. Check that the Power and Ethernet LEDs are lit. 7. Configure the AP-Ant using the AP Manager software. (See Section 3 for detailed information.)

Figure 2.3 – Plugging the Outdoor Ethernet Cable

Figure 2.4 shows the AP-Ant label located on the back of the flat panel. LEDs appear to the right that indicate the status of the Ethernet Link, Wireless Link, and Power.

The arrow to the left indicates the polarization of the antenna. Based upon the direction of tharrow, the antenna in this example is vertically polarized.

e

Figure 2.4 – AP-Ant Label and LEDs



Section 3 The AP Manager

3.1 Installation The Windows-based AP Manager software can be installed on a PC or workstation running Windows 98/ME, 2000, NT, or XP. This software has a GUI (Graphical User Interface), which makes it easy to use. The program allows you to locally or remotely perform the following procedures:

• Display a list of AP-Ant units running on the local network • Display and edit the current configuration of the AP-Ant • Save and load configurations • Update the AP-Ant firmware

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Please note that the computer or workstation where the AP Manager will be installed must be on the same subnet as your AP-Ant units in order to properly configure and monitor them.

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Prior to installing a newer version of the AP Manager program, you will need to remove any older versions. (See Section 3.2, Removing the Program).

ws Installation – To install the AP Manager in Windows, perform the following steps:

Insert the YDI CD-ROM included in the AP-Ant kit into the appropriate drive of your computer. Using your Windows Explorer open the contents of the CD-ROM drive and select the following directory: \Management\AP Manager\AP_mgr.

Run the Set Up program. Simply follow the instructions in the center of the screen, and they will guide you through the entire process.

All detailed documentation about how to set up, configure, and use the AP Manager is in the Manager Suite User’s Guide (UG_MGR) which can be found on the CD-ROM in the directory \Manuals\ORINOCO.

est software and User’s Manuals can also be found at:

http://www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php, and

http://www.ydi.com/support/documents.php.

Removing the Program installing a newer version of the AP Manager program, you will need to remove any older s. Follow these steps:

Under the Start button on your desktop, go to Settings.

Click on Control Panel. Choose Add/Remove Programs.

Select the AP Manager program.

The software will uninstall itself.

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http://www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php

http://www.ydi.com/support/documents.php

Documents

YDI AP-Ant v1.1