Appendix B: Radio Considerations - Avocent Emerge MPX Installer/User Manual

66 MPX Extender Installer/User Guide

Appendix B: Radio Considerations

The number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings and other objects that signals pass through
affect the range of MPX extenders. A typical wall has metal or wood studs covered on each side by
a single layer of gypsum or plaster board. Useful transmission range will vary depending on the
types of materials, obstructions and background radio frequency noise at your place of installation.
To maximize your wireless range:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the transmitter and receiver to a minimum;
each wall or ceiling can reduce your wireless product's range.
2. Position a direct line between your transmitter and receiver so that the signal will travel
straight through a wall or ceiling. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters) at a 45°angle appears
to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick; at a 2°angle, it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick!
3. If possible, position your devices and extenders so that the signal passes through drywall or
open doorways and not other materials. Building materials such as a solid metal door or
aluminum studs can impede the wireless signal and will have a negative effect on the
wireless range.
4. Keep your MPX transmitter and receivers away (at least 3 to 6 feet or 1 to 2 meters) from
electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
5. Antenna extension cables result in signal loss. When possible, move the transmitter or receiver
into the desired position in lieu of using an extension cable. When cables are necessary, use the
shortest Avocent-certified cable that allows you to properly position your antenna. Daisy-
chaining of antenna extension cables is not supported. Carefully follow installation
instructions provided with your cable kit and properly configure the extender when using
extension cables as described in "Antenna Options" on page 67.
NOTE: Signals will not pass through concrete walls or titanium coated glass.
The MPX extender provides wireless transmission over the Unlicensed National Information
Infrastructure (UNII) and on the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio bands.
The product is able to operate over following bands:
• UNII 1: (4 channels) 5.15-5.25 GHz
• UNII 3: (4 channels) 5.725 to 5.825 GHz
• ISM: (11 channels) 2.412 to 2.462 GHz
Firmware upgrades, including Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), will be provided, allowing the
product to transmit in the following frequencies:
• UNII 2: (4 channels) 5.25-5.35 GHz
• ETSI: (11 channels) 5.470-5.725 GHz
(Available for use within the United States)