Align Antennas - 3Com 3CRWEASYA73 / WL-575 User Manual

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LIGN NTENNAS
After wireless bridge units have been mounted, connected, and their radios are
operating, bridge link antennas must be accurately aligned to ensure optimum
performance. This alignment process is particularly important for long-range
point-to-point links. In a point-to-multipoint configuration the root bridge uses an
omnidirectional or sector antenna, which does not require alignment, but bridge
nodes still need to be correctly aligned with the root bridge antenna.
The signal strength LEDs indicate the received radio signal strength for a particular
bridge link. The more LEDs that turn on, the stronger the signal. Alternatively, you
can monitor the Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value directly from the
management interface. The higher the RSSI value, the stronger the signal.
Point-to-Point Configurations – In a point-to-point configuration, the
alignment process requires two people, one at each end of the link. The use of
cell phones or two-way radio communication may help with coordination. To
start, you can just point the antennas at each other, using binoculars or a
compass to set the general direction. For accurate alignment, you must
monitor the signal strength LEDs as the antenna moves horizontally and
vertically.
Point-to-Multipoint Configurations – In a point-to-multipoint
configuration all bridge nodes must be aligned with the root bridge antenna.
The alignment process is the same as in point-to-point links, but only the
bridge node end of the link requires the alignment.
LED Color Indicates
11g Amber The 802.11g 2.4 GHz radio is enabled.
and
(Three RSSI Mode:
Flashing
LEDs)
AP Mode:
Off No link is present or the 802.11g radio
is disabled.
3-10
One fully lit LED indicates a low RSSI
output level, two LEDs.a medium
level, and three LEDs the maximum
level.
A flashing LED indicates an
intermediate RSSI output level
One fully lit LED indicates a low
traffic rate, two LEDs.a medium rate,
and three LEDs the maximum rate.
A flashing LED indicates an
intermediate traffic rate level