Basic Outdoor Installation Information; Signal Path Distance; Signal Attenuation And Loss In Outdoor Installations; Antenna Polarization - Nortel 2330 Solution Manual

Basic outdoor installation information

Signal path distance

In an environment without obstacles in the signal path, the maximum communication distance between
antennas depends primarily on the types of antennas, the operating frequency, the data rate and the free space
loss between them. Make sure your proposed mounting site provides adequate clearance around the
transmitting antenna to enable adequate signal propagation. The Nortel WLAN 2300 Series Outdoor Solution
supports data rates up to 54 Mbps.

Signal attenuation and loss in outdoor installations

"Appendix" on page 69

Antenna polarization

"Appendix" on page 69

Signal path clearance

A radio beam is intended to travel from one antenna to another in a direct path. Therefore, the path between the
antennas must be free of major obstacles. The effects of obstacles and terrain, both along and near the path,
have a significant bearing on the propagation of radio signals and can cause both interference and signal
degradation.
When choosing a site, consider the effects of the following common obstacles:
• Trees and large plants
A tree directly in the path can completely block the signal. With sufficient clearance above the trees there are
usually no secondary effects, but you should allow for future tree growth.
• Man-made obstacles
A large round container such as a gas storage reservoir or water tower that is partially in the path causes some
blocking. These obstacles may also reflect some energy, which can interfere with other receivers. Square or
rectangular objects in or near the path have rectangular surfaces that can block and diffract signals over and
around them.
• Earth surface
The earth surface also interferes with signals if the antenna is mounted too low. Mount the antenna just high
enough to allow adequate clearance from the ground. Placing the antenna too high makes it susceptible to
interference from other systems.

Physical site survey

Perform a visual inspection of the site to determine and document the physical characteristics of the site and to
ensure that all requirements are met for the proper installation and operation of the system.
WLAN 2300 Series Outdoor Solution with Indoor Mounted AP 43
Nortel WLAN 2300 Series Outdoor Solution Guide