Conducting A Site Survey; A Word About Radio Interference - GE MDS iNET 900 Reference Manual

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NOTE: In some countries, the maximum allowable RF output may be
limited to less than the figures referenced here. Be sure to
check for and comply with the requirements for your area.

4.1.7 Conducting a Site Survey

If you are in doubt about the suitability of the radio sites in your system,
it is best to evaluate them before a permanent installation is underway.
This can be done with an on-the-air test (preferred method); or indi-
rectly, using path-study software.
An on-the-air test is preferred because it allows you to see firsthand the
factors involved at an installation site and to directly observe the quality
of system operation. Even if a computer path study was conducted ear-
lier, this test should be done to verify the predicted results.
The test can be performed by first installing a radio and antenna at the
proposed Access Point (AP) station site (one-per-system). Then visit the
Remote site(s) with another transceiver (programmed as a remote) and
a hand-held antenna. (A PC with a network adapter can be connected to
each radio in the network to simulate data during this test using the
PING command.)
With the hand-held antenna positioned near the proposed mounting
spot, a technician can check for synchronization with the Access Point
station (shown by a lit
reported RSSI value. (See "Antenna Aiming" on Page 141 for details.)
If adequate signal strength cannot be obtained, it may be necessary to
mount the station antennas higher, use higher gain antennas, select a dif-
ferent site or consider installing a repeater station. To prepare the equip-
ment for an on-the-air test, follow the general installation procedures
given in this guide and become familiar with the operating instructions
found in the CHAPTER-2 EMBEDDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
section Page 19.

4.1.8 A Word About Radio Interference

The transceiver shares the radio-frequency spectrum with other 900
MHz services and other Part 15 (unlicensed) devices in the USA. As
such, near 100% error-free communications may not be achieved in a
given location, and some level of interference should be expected. How-
ever, the radio's flexible design and hopping techniques should allow
adequate performance as long as care is taken in choosing station loca-
tion, configuration of radio parameters and software/protocol tech-
niques.
In general, keep the following points in mind when setting up your com-
munications network.
• Systems installed in rural areas are least likely to encounter interfer-
iNET Series Reference Manual
LED on the front panel) and measure the
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