This document provides a brief overview of the information required to install and configure the XWLAN UAPn range of Long Range Bridges and Access Points. It is important to remember that only installation by a competent Wireless Networking installer, using specific equipment for antenna alignment, over a clear line-of-sight, will realise the full potential of these products. Neither XWLAN or US Robotics can be held responsible for poor performance due to incorrect installation of equipment and antennas, or inadequate clear line of sight.

Planning:
It is very important to plan your WiFi Line of Sight. This (along with accurate antenna alignment) is the most important factor in this type of network connection. When planning short range links (between 1km and 2km), Line of Sight can be established relatively easily visually, by using binoculars or a telescope. Links over this distance require aerial photographs, maps, and GPS measurements to accurately estimate the Line of Sight. After this a survey should be employed to verify the Line of Sight. Be careful of trying to achieve a connection through trees or bushes. You may find your link works fine in the winter, but when the leaves grow in the summer the connection may fail. Additionally we have had temporary hoardings erected directly in the Line of Sight during an outdoor event, severely hampering efforts to create a wireless network at the event.

With a good Line of Sight using the UAP1 and high gain antennas, links over 6km-8km may be achieved. Using the UAP2 links up to 1km should be achieved. Omni directional Access Point installations are very much more affected by local obstructions and materials used in the buildings housing the client PCs. As a rule of thumb, 500m should be relatively easy to achieve, however obstacles such as railway embankments, large buildings, or thick forest will severely restrict any wireless link performance.

Weather does play a part in Microwave transmission, however the effect has been so small we have not been able to measure it accurately. Cabling and alignment have the greatest effect on performance by a factor of 10 or even 100.

Antennas:
Over short-range links of 1km to 2km and using antennas of medium gain (around 8dB), the antennas can basically be pointed at each other. This is because the radiation pattern of such antennas is almost hemispherical. Although alignment is less important with lower gain antennas, the better the alignment, the better the performance.

Over longer-range connections, higher gain antenna radiation patterns become much more focussed – by definition. This requires much higher accuracy of alignment. Basic alignment can be achieved by calculating the bearing between the two ends of the link, and then using a compass to align the antennas. After this, specialised transmitters and receiving equipment are required to accurately align antennas. A certain amount of experience is also useful in this task. With good Line of Sight and antenna alignment we have achieved links of over 9km using 14dB gain antennas. With fixed installations greater distances should be possible.

Omni directional antennas generally should be mounted as high as possible. It is very difficult to estimate the performance of this type of installation as every situation is dictated by the surrounding environment.

General planning rules in the UK state that dish antennas must not be larger than a Sky dish antenna, and must not be mounted over 15m high. Antennas in general must not be higher than the ridge of the roof (which means TV aerials are generally in breach of planning regulations!). Antennas must not overhang public roadways or paths. Specific permission must be sought for antennas on listed buildings. Any questions should be raised directly with the local council planning department responsible for the area concerned. No planning information is available for the rest of Europe at this time. XWLAN takes no responsibility for any planning issues that may arise from the installation of any WiFi equipment.

Installation:
Mounting of UAP1 access points using the supplied mounting bracket can be either directly to a suitable wall or sofitt. Additionally the bracket allows mounting to a pole or mast. Similarly it is recommended that High gain Antennas are mounted to a suitable pole or mast. These extra materials can be purchased separately, or supplied by the installation engineer. Installation of XWLAN UAP1 access points with lightning protection should be as close as possible to the main electrical Earth or star point. This ideally should be within 1m. Connections up to 4m may be used but this reduces the effectiveness of the barrier. The Lightning Barrier is NOT a guarantee against damage from lightning. It is merely protection. Additional lightning protection is available separately. XWLAN WILL NOT accept any responsibility for ANY damage caused by lightning. The UAP1 is supplied with a 3m exterior grade Ethernet ‘feed’ as standard (longer available on request). This should be routed inside the building to a suitable dry, clean area, where the power supply and CAT5 power injector can be situated. A suitable CAT5 feed from the rest of the LAN can be connected to the CAT5 power injector. XWLAN will not accept any responsibility for damage caused due to improper connection of the CAT5 power injector. Longer ‘feed’ lines can be used where necessary, although this may need a higher voltage regulated power supply to maintain the UAP1 operating voltage due to the volt drop over the extended length of copper. XWLAN can make reasonable recommendations regarding these additional voltages, but cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by improper installation of any of the equipment or it’s ancillaries. Configuration can be carried out using the USR AP configuration utility, or via the web browser. Please note original factory set SSIDs, AP names and passwords have been changed to enhance out-of-the-box security of these products. Please refer to your Sales Invoice, Delivery Note or email support@XWALAN.com for the settings, as they were when they left our workshop. Otherwise follow the factory reset procedure detailed in the user documentation supplied, or from the www.xwlan.com web page.

The UAP2 should be mounted close to the window where the antenna is to be installed using the provided fixings. The medium gain antenna bracket can be either mounted directly to the window frame or using the optional ‘L’ bracket assembly using the fixings provided. The ‘L’ bracket may need to be cut down or it’s fixing holes re-drilled to suit the environment it is to be installed. On short links up to 500m, alignment by eye is usually good enough to achieve network connectivity depending on environmental factors. A standard CAT5 Ethernet connection should be connected to the UAP2 to provide connection to the rest of your LAN. Configuration can be carried out using the USR AP configuration utility, or via the web browser. Please note original factory set SSIDs, AP names and passwords have been changed to enhance out-of-the-box security of these products. Please refer to your Sales Invoice, Delivery Note or email support@XWALAN.com for the settings, as they were when they left our workshop. Otherwise follow the factory reset procedure detailed in the user documentation supplied, or from the www.xwlan.com web page.

Other Installation Recommendations:
It is highly recommended that suitable precautions are taken to protect all outdoor mounted equipment against lightning. All UAP1 products are sealed in IP56 weatherproof enclosures. The design of these ensures the integrity of this rating. If the enclosures are mounted differently the waterproof barrier may be breached. XWLAN will not accept any responsibility for damage caused due to this type of improper installation. It is recommended that the total length of CAT5 cable that connects any of the UAPn products to the LAN is no longer than 90m. A stable mains electrical power supply should be provided by using a surge/spike protected mains trailing socket, or better still, a UPS, both available separately.

Important Notices:
Removable high gain antennas MUST NOT be connected or disconnected whilst any Access Point/Bridge is powered up. This WILL result in damage to the output transistor of the transceiver circuit.

High voltage input supplies MUST ONLY be connected when extended CAT5 feed lines and power injectors are used in line with the Access Point/Bridge. Without the extra resistance of the additional feed line, irreparable damage will be caused to the input power feed.

XWLAN will not accept take responsibility for ANY of the above issues due to incorrect installation or procedures. It is highly recommended that an experienced WiFi networking engineer carry out this type of installation.