AP-Ext-N User Manual
Section 2
Installation
Safety Warning
This antenna/transmitter device must be fixed-mounted on outdoor
permanent structures with a separation distance of at least 2 meters
(6.56 feet) from all persons. Users and installers must adhere to the
antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions in
order to comply with the FCC’s RF exposure requirements.
CAUTION!
2.1 Locating the AP-Ext-N
The most important aspect of setting up the AP-Ext-N is the location and aiming of both the unit and its
external antenna. For maximum range (up to several miles), the antenna must have clear, unobstructed
line of site (LOS) and Fresnel Zone between it and the client stations’ antennas. The AP-Ext-N should be
installed outdoors as close as possible to its antenna so that the coax cable between the antenna and the
unit is kept as short as possible. For maximum range and the strongest signal, the antenna must “see”
the clients’ antennas in order to be connected. If they do not have this clear line of sight, you will likely
not get a reliable, long-range wireless connection. The only way to accurately determine your coverage
area is to put up the AP-Ext-N and its antenna in the best locations available and run some tests.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you configure and test the unit prior to deploying it in the
field. Set up a “mini-network” that resembles your actual configuration as close as possible.
By using such a mock-up, troubleshooting potential problems will be much easier than if you
already installed the equipment in the field. Read through this entire Section 2 to understand
how to install the hardware.
2.2 Mounting the AP-Ext-N
A 2.4 GHz antenna must be used with the AP-Ext-N unit. If you are not using an omnidirectional, the
antenna may be mounted either vertically or horizontally polarized using its own hardware. Please note
that both ends of the link must use the same polarization. The antenna can be mounted to a mast or pipe
as shown in Figure 2.1. When covering an area with laptops or PDAs, a sector antenna should be
installed horizontally polarized since this will match the polarization of the internal antennas in the WLAN
cards.
When installed outdoors, it is very important that the round connector on the back of the unit be properly
waterproofed. Ensure that a high quality all-weather resistant electrical tape and/or other water sealant
method, such as Permagum or equivalent, is utilized. Silicon sealants are not recommended since
they are hard to work with, do not ensure a 100% waterproofing of the connectors and are difficult to
remove, if ever necessary.
The antenna and the AP-Ext-N or the mast where they are bolted to should be connected to an Earth
ground. Fig. 2.1 shows the possible grounding points that you can use. Table 2.1 gives a list of
Terabeam recommended antennas that you can use with the AP-Ext-N.
Ver 1.0 Page 4 Jun 2005
