Wireless Access

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Access network design for branch, remote, outdoor, and campus locations with HPE Aruba Networking access points and mobility controllers.
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AP175 for point-2-point link.

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  • 1.  AP175 for point-2-point link.

    Posted Oct 07, 2013 10:54 AM

    I need to build a point-2-point link over 9.07 miles to a remote site and considering using two AP175's for this.

    Just wondering if anyone else has used AP175's for point-2-point links and what their experience was.

    Appreciate the input.

     

    Evert.



  • 2.  RE: AP175 for point-2-point link.

    EMPLOYEE
    Posted Oct 07, 2013 11:35 AM

    In principle you are good to do this, but would of course need to play close attention tot he physical attributes of the installation, interference, line-of sight etc...

     

    At 9 miles, you need a total clearance at the midpoint of the link of 37ft.

     

    The AP-175 Installation Guide below has details on this.

     

    http://support.arubanetworks.com/DOCUMENTATION/tabid/77/DMXModule/512/Command/Core_Download/Default.aspx?EntryId=8939

     

    snippet from the guide page 7/36:

     

    A wireless bridge or mesh link requires a “radio line of sight” between the two antennas for optimum
    performance. The concept of radio line of sight involves the area along a link through which the bulk of the
    radio signal power travels. This area is known as the first Fresnel Zone of the radio link. For a radio link, no
    object (including the ground) must intrude within 60% of the first Fresnel Zone.

     

    If there are obstacles in the radio path, there may still be a radio link but the quality and strength of the
    signal will be affected. Calculating the maximum clearance from objects on a path is important as it directly
    affects the decision on antenna placement and height. It is especially critical for long-distance links, where
    the radio signal could easily be lost. When planning the radio path for a wireless bridge or mesh link, consider these factors:

     

    • Avoid any partial line of sight between the antennas
    • Be cautious of trees or other foliage that may be near the path, or may grow and obstruct the path.
    • Be sure there is enough clearance from buildings and that no building construction may eventually block the path.
    • For very long distance links, the curvature of the earth (20 cm per km) may need to be considered in the calculation of relative heights.
    • Check the topology of the land between the antennas using topographical maps, aerial photos, or even satellite image data (software packages are available that may include this information for your area)
    • Avoid a path that may incur temporary blockage due to the movement of cars, trains, or aircraft.


  • 3.  RE: AP175 for point-2-point link.

    Posted Oct 07, 2013 12:04 PM

    Adam,

     

    Thanks for the feedback. 

    I am aware of the requirements for a point-to-point link but just wanted to determine if the AP175's would be up to this.

    It seems they are.

     

    On a differetn note, doesn't Aruba Networks have some sort of online tool for planning links as well as mesh deployments?

     

    Evert.



  • 4.  RE: AP175 for point-2-point link.

    Posted Oct 07, 2013 12:17 PM

    Adam,

     

    Another question, will I require controlers at both end to do this?

     

    Evert.



  • 5.  RE: AP175 for point-2-point link.

    EMPLOYEE
    Posted Oct 07, 2013 02:25 PM

    No, a controller is not needed on both ends, but you can buy another one if you like :)

     

    Here is the link to the outdoor planning validated reference design guide. Lots of good detail in it!

     

    http://www.arubanetworks.com/vrd/OPPDeployAppNote/wwhelp/wwhimpl/js/html/wwhelp.htm#href=Chap1.html

     

    There is a Outdoor Planner tool that you can signup for at the following URL:

    https://outdoorplanner.arubanetworks.com/index.cfm?

     

    HTH, Adam

     



  • 6.  RE: AP175 for point-2-point link.
    Best Answer

    Posted Oct 07, 2013 05:53 PM

    Evert,

     

    Aruba does not recommend using the AP-175 / IAP-175 for links over 5 miles (8km).    In general, most customers are using us in links of 3 miles or less.  

     

    This makes sense if you think about our typical customer use cases (campus extension, video camera backhaul, industrial yard).

     

    There are dedicated long-haul bridging products from companies that just to PtP and PtMP that deliver higher speeds at the range you need.

     

    I have unicast you separately some rate vs. range data.

     

    -cl