Cisco AIR-BR350-E-K9 Hardware Installation Guide - Page 23

Chapter 2 Installation Installation Guidelines Installation Guidelines This section describes things to keep in mind when installing your bridge. Sections include: • Basic Guidelines • Antenna Options • Site Surveys Basic Guidelines Because the bridge is a radio device, it is susceptible to common causes of interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these basic guidelines to ensure the best possible performance: • Install the bridge antenna in an area where trees, buildings, or large steel structures such as shelving units, bookcases, and filing cabinets do not obstruct radio signals to and from the antenna. The antennas must be located for direct line-of-sight operation. • Minimize the distance between the bridge and the antenna to reduce signal loss. • Install the bridge away from microwave ovens or other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Microwave ovens operate on the same frequency as the bridge and can cause signal interference. Antenna Options The bridge supports external gain antennas with omni-directional or directional capabilities. Omni-directional antennas are best for systems requiring a signal distribution in more than one direction. High-gain directional antennas are best suited for covering longer distances in a fixed direction. Site Surveys Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing multiple bridges, you should perform a site survey to determine the optimum utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and network performance. Consider the following operating and environmental conditions 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 the radio data increases. • Antenna type and placement - Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height and gain. • Physical environment - Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range. • Obstructions - A physical obstruction such as a building or a tree can block or hinder communication between bridges. Avoid locating the antennas in a location where there is an obstruction between the sending and receiving antennas. OL-1412-01 Cisco Aironet 350 Series Bridge Hardware Installation Guide 2-3