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Location Guidelines
Tropos routers are radio devices and therefore susceptible to interference that can reduce
throughput and range. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best performance:
Install the unit in an area where trees, buildings, and large steel structures do not obstruct
radio signals to and from the antenna. Direct line-of-sight operation is best.
Install the unit away from possible sources of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz interference, such as
cordless phones, wireless cameras, frequency hopping (FHSS) and DSSS LAN transceivers
(non-802.11), electronic news gathering video links, radars, amateur radios, land mobile
radio services, local government sites (such as law enforcement), fixed microwave services,
local TV transmission, and private fixed point transmitters.
Site Surveys
Due to variations in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, each
installation is unique. Before installing routers, perform a site survey to determine the optimum
placement of units for maximum range, coverage, and network performance. Consider the
following factors when performing a site survey:
Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum
radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver threshold
sensitivity occurs as radio data rate increases.
Antenna orientation—Proper antenna orientation is a critical factor in maximizing radio
range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to gain and antenna height measured
from the ground. The Tropos 6410-XA and 6420-XA routers have removable antennas;
therefore, antenna location and orientation depend on the location of the router when the
antennas are mounted on the router.
Antenna location—The 6410-XA and 6420-XA have removable antennas that can be
mounted on the router or mounted remotely. If the antennas are to be mounted remotely, they
should be mounted away from physical obstructions and dangerous environments such as
high-voltage power lines.
GPS—Routers equipped with GPS must have an unobstructed view of the sky so that the
GPS receiver can receive signals from GPS satellites.
Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled
areas. The less cluttered the operating environment, the greater the range.
Obstructions—A physical obstruction, such as a building or tree, can block or hinder
communication. Avoid locating antennas in a location where there is an obstruction between
sending and receiving devices.
Building materials—Radio penetration is influenced by the building material used in
construction. For example, drywall construction permits greater range than concrete blocks.
Tropos 6410-XA and 6420-XA Installation Guide
Chapter 2
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