Meru Networks AP300 Installation Manual page 104

Installing the Access Points
Weather Conditions
Take into account any extreme weather conditions that are known to affect your
location. Consider these factors:
Temperature — The OAP180 is tested for normal operation in temperatures from

- 40°F to 140°F. Operating in temperatures outside of this range may cause the
unit to fail.
Wind Velocity — The OAP180 can operate in winds up to 44 m/s and survive higher

wind speeds up to 66 m/s. You must consider the known maximum wind velocity
and direction at the site and be sure that any supporting structure, such as a pole,
mast, or tower, is built to withstand this force.
Lightning — The OAP180 includes its own built-in lightning surge protection.

However, you should make sure that the unit, any supporting structure, and cables
are all properly grounded. Additional protection using lightning rods, lightning
arrestors, or surge suppressors may also be employed. Antenna sockets should
point upwards in a vertical manner
Rain — The OA P180 is weatherproofed against rain. Also, prolonged heavy rain has

no significant effect on the radio signal. However, it is recommended to apply
weatherproof sealing tape around the Ethernet port and antenna connectors for
extra protection. If moisture enters a connector, it may cause a degradation in
performance or even a complete failure of the link.
Snow and Ice — Falling snow, like rain, has no significant effect on the radio

signal. However, a build up of snow or ice on antennas may cause the link to fail.
In this case, the snow or ice has to be cleared from the antennas to restore
operation of the link.
Ethernet Cabling
When a suitable antenna location has been determined, plan a cable route from the
OAP180
The Ethernet cable length should never be longer than 100 ft.

Determine a building entry point for the cable.

Determine if conduits, bracing, or other structures are required for safety or

protection of the cable.
For lightning protection at the power injector end of the cable, consider using a

lightning arrestor immediately before the cable enters the building.
The shield of the ethernet cable needs to be grounded at the lightning arrestor.

If, by design, the lightning arrestor cannot provide this ground, the shield of the
ethernet cable will need to be grounded by the installer.
Grounding
It is important that the OAP180, cables, and any supporting structures are properly
grounded. The OAP180 unit includes a grounding screw to attach a ground wire. Be
sure that grounding is available and that it meets local and national electrical codes.
90 Meru Access Point Installation Guide
outdoors to the power injector module indoors. Consider these points:
© 2010 Meru Networks, Inc.