EION Wireless

How do I use SNMP with the radio?

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a tool used to remotely manage networks and or EION radios. The following SNMP browsers are compatible with EION's Wireless Ethernet Bridges:

1. MG-Soft (Shareware)
2. HP Openview
3. Castlerock

Because MG-Soft is a shareware, we will refer to it in this example.

To install the SNMP browser:

1. Point your Web browser to http://www.mg-soft.com
2. Download the latest SNMP browser.
3. Once the file is saved locally, unzip the file and launch the executable.
4. Follow the Insta-Shield instructions and install the SNMP browser into the default directories, with default names.
   

Compiling a MIB File

 Compilation of EION-Private MIBs in CastleRock SNMPc

Before you can use the SNMP browser to contact a SNMP agent, you need a MIB file. The MIB is a database of objects that a SNMP system can monitor. You can download the proprietary EION MIB from the EION web site at www.eionwireless.com. Most EION products support an enterprise MIB that contains parameters that are specific to the operation and monitoring of the device. The VIP-110 does not support an enterprise MIB, it interfaces with the core MIB-II defined in rfc1213. Once you download the EION MIB, you must use the SNMP compiler to compile the file.

To compile the MIB

1. Launch the MIB compiler.
   Note: If you followed the default Insta-Shield instructions, you can launch the compiler from the Start menu.
2. From the MIB compiler menu bar, select File, Compile.
3. Browse to the location where you saved the downloaded EION MIB file and double-click the filename. For example, double-click HP-mb031.mib. The file is compiled and the following window displays:
4. In the Modules window, click the EION MIB Module and then click Save. The Save As window appears:
5. In the Save As window, type the filename, and select the file type and location.
   Note: Save the compiled MIB file to the default location, using the default filename and properties.
6. Close the MIB compiler.The EION MIB is compiled and you can now use the SNMP MIB browser.

Launching the MIB Browser for the First Time

1. From the Start menu, select Programs, MG-SOFT browser. Note: If you installed the MIB browser using the default Insta-Shield instructions you can launch the browser from the Start menu.
2. Click the MIB tab.
3. In the bottom window, click the MIB Modules tab.
4. In the bottom window, click EION-HP-MIB (or WILAN-HP-MIB).
5. Click the red up-arrow key to load the MIB.
6. After the MIB file has loaded, click the Query tab.
7. In the Query window, expand the MIB tree to show the EION nodes.

Understanding the SNMP GET and SET Commands
You should understand some of the basic SNMP functionality before proceeding with the upgrade. The query page of the SNMP manager is divided into two major sections-the MIB tree and the query results. The EION folder in the MIB tree contains all of the EION MIB Object Identifier (OID) nodes. You can query these nodes for information which display in the query results section. You can also set some nodes to specific values. All OID nodes in the MIB are numbered 1.3.6.1.4.1.2686.n, where n is the node number that displays in the bottom left corner of the browser window.

To contact the Hopper Plus
Note: Before navigating with the browser, you must first contact the Hopper Plus.

1. Click the Query tab.
2. In the Remote SNMP Agent box, select the Hopper Plus unit's IP address.
3. Click the Contact icon directly beneath the File menu.

The connection results display in the query results window.

Using the Get, Set and Properties Commands
The three most commonly used menu options are the Get, Set, and Properties commands. The easiest way to navigate through the browser is to right-click an OID node to see the available options.

Using the Properties Command
The Properties command allows you to read about the node functionality. When you select Properties, a description window appears showing the node description at the bottom of the window.

Using the Get Command
When you select the Get command from the right-click menu, the SNMP agent is queried and the results display in the right side of the window.

Using the Set Command
When you select the Set command from the right-click menu, a window appears showing the following three fields:

• IP Address of the SNMP agent
• OID node identifier
• The value to write to the node

When settings in the window are correct, click the Set Value in Remote SNMP Agent icon to upload the value. A green light indicates that the Set command was executed successfully.

Antenna Gain

The ability of the antenna to shape the signal and focus it in a particular direction is called "antenna gain" and is expressed in terms of how much stronger the signal in the desired direction is, compared to the worst possible antenna, which distributes the signal evenly in all directions (an "isotropic radiator"). To express the relationship to the isotropic reference, this is abbreviated dBi. The typical omni-directional "stick" antenna is rated at 6-8 dBi, indicating that by redirecting the signal that would have gone straight up or down to the horizontal level, 4 times as much signal is available horizontally. A parabolic reflector design can easily achieve 24 dBi.

The antenna gain factor applies to the received signal as well as to the transmitted signal. By focusing the incoming signal from a particular direction onto the radiating element, the antenna also shields the receiver from interference from noise sources outside of the amplified angle.

Point-to-Point Applications

For point-to-point applications, you generally want to use high-gain directional antennas. The tight beam gives you better signal strength, and it also helps lock out potential sources of noise and interference in the environment.

Remember to adjust your transmit power to comply with FCC regulations in the 2.4GHz band: With a 24 dBi antenna, the maximum transmit power in the USA is 24 dBm. (In the 900 MHz band, the limit is 36 dBm EIRP, so with a 24 dBi antenna, max output power is 12 dBm.) A 24 dBi parabolic grid antenna has a beam width of about 10 degrees both horizontally and vertically. Align the beam carefully, and make sure that the mast does not sway more than 4-5 degrees under maximum wind load.

Multi-Point Applications

Multipoint systems have a hub node, and a number of subscriber nodes. Each of the subscriber nodes communicates directly only with its hub, so select directional antennas as for a point-to-point application (see above). For the hub of a multipoint application, the picture is much more complicated. The hub must have a beam open enough to encompass all the subscriber nodes. In most cases, this means an omnidirectional or a sector antenna, which needs to be mounted at an elevated point. It is tempting to select the highest possible gain antenna you can find, but if you are in hilly terrain, that may not be the best solution.

Omnidirectional antennas achieve a high gain by shaping their beam to a flat disk. The higher the gain, the flatter the disk. A 6 dBi omni antenna may have a vertical beamwidth of 16 degrees, but a 10 dBi omni is typically only about 8 degrees, and a 12 dBi omni is only 4 degrees. If the antenna is mounted on a tower in a valley, subscribers on a hillside looking down on the tower may be outside the beam. (This is exacerbated by the fact that the antenna designer typically expects the antenna to be on a tower above the subscribers and therefore may have tilted the beam down, shaping it like a flat cone.)

In a mountainous area, the best location for the hub is often on a mountaintop to one side of the coverage area, with a low-gain directional antenna such as a 12 dBi Yagi which is likely to have an beamwidth of about 45 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Panel antennas of similar beam shape and gain are also readily available.

Inexperienced system installers often design for the nodes farthest out, and assume that subscriber nodes at shorter distances will work. "They may be outside the core of the beam, but they have less loss due to distance, and that will make up for it." This is not true. Outside the main beam, signal strength does not decrease evenly towards the backside. Rather, the edge of the beam consists of a complex pattern of side lobes with nulls (areas of no signal whatsoever) in between. Usually, the first null is at an angle twice as far from the center of the beam as the 3 dB dropoff point normally counted as the edge of the beam.

How to Read a Specification Sheet

Because there are many tradeoffs between different performance parameters, it is useful to review the manufacturer's specification sheet before committing to an antenna. The following are some of the data you will find:

• Frequency Range - The frequency range that the manufacturer specifies for the antenna is typically larger than the band you intend to operate in. Make sure that the stated specifications are valid for the entire listed range, or at least in the part of it that you will be using. Watch out for a footnote that the stated values are "typical mid band values" unless the stated range is MUCH wider than the band you will be using.
• Beamwidth - Two times the angle of deviation from the center of the beam where the signal strength drops 3 dB below the peak value. The higher the gain the narrower the angle.
• Gain - The signal level measured in the direction at which it is strongest.
• Front/Back ratio - How well does the antenna suppress signal from sidelobes on the back of the antenna. A high front/back ratio is important for sites with multiple antennas.
• Cross polarization discrimination - How well can you separate signals at the same frequency with opposite polarizations?
• Rated wind velocity/Horizontal thrust at rated wind - Make sure your mounting hardware will handle the load!

Do I Need Lightning Protection?

Whenever you are installing equipment on a tower, you always need to give some thought to lightning protection. A lightning strike on your tower can take out not only your radio, but every computer connected to your network! It is not possible to completely eliminate the risk (a direct strike on your antenna will probably kill your radio no matter how good your protection), but with some precautions, you can reduce it significantly.

During a thunderstorm, electrical charge fields of several thousand volts can build up in an area that can be several kilometers wide. The goal of your lightning protection devices is to discharge this field to ground without going through your radio equipment. This is generally done by a spark gap that starts conducting when subjected to to a voltage above about 500 V, at which point it continues to conduct until the voltage goes away. These protection devices are rated according to how much energy they can discharge in a single incident, and whether they are reusable. The best protectors are gas discharge tubes; they are also quite expensive.

Our radios have a basic lightning protection circuit incorporated, but we strongly recommend that you install the additional protection device that we offer for each model.

What is “Line of Sight” (LOS)?

Line of Sight can be broken into 2 categories:

Visual Line of Sight:

Visual line of sight must be achieved. When standing at the antenna position, you must be able to see the remote antenna.

Radio Line of Sight:

Radio line of sight must be achieved. It is defined as a football-shaped pattern known as the Fresnel Zone, which must be kept clear of obstructions. If you are unable to maintain radio line of sight, you must realign or increase mast height of both antennas until you achieve a quality RF Link.

How many systems can one co-locate?

When co-locating any antennas, creating isolation between your antennas is the key.

This isolation can be achieved from physical obstructions, cross-polarization techniques, and high and low channel separation.

The following is one successful example of co-locating 4 antennas on top of a building.

What are some strategies for co-locating radios?

When more than one antenna is located at a service access point, it may require considerable skill to get maximum performance out of the combined system. This article is intended to point to some of the factors involved.

Selecting an Antenna Site

The best way to deal with co-location problems is to avoid them! When reviewing possible locations for a wireless network access point, you may find some sites that appear to be perfect: They have good visibility of the area, they already have antennas on them (so there will not be issues of land use zoning), and the owner is willing - even eager - to lease you space on an existing antenna tower and equipment shelter. Such an "antenna farm" is likely to be a problem site, and if you can find a well situated building with no other antennas on it, it will probably be a better site.

The fundamental problem of co-location is RF interference. While you may be able to get a good, strong signal from the access point to your subscribers, the response from the subscribers to the access point may not be received correctly even if it comes in at a signal level well above the receiver's sensitivity threshold if there is another signal from some other system that reaches your receiver on the same or a nearby frequency channel. When there are competing signals in the same band, your received signal has to be heard above the radio noise.

Resolving Problems

There are several avenues to explore in resolving interference problems.

Analyze the problem

The first step should always be to survey the problem. If your radio is a UC Wireless LongRanger or WinRouter system, you should do a spectrum scan to determine the frequencies and signal levels of existing RF systems. Once you review the spectrum chart, you can hope to find one or more channels that are free of interference. Be sure to run the spectrum scan several times with a dwell time of 500 ms per channel in order to catch brief occupancies by frequency hopping modems.

When you observe a competing signal, try to identify the source of it. Is it on the site where you are located, or is it a signal being sent to the site by a directional antenna at another site?

Calculate your incoming signal strength

The system that you are trying to establish will have one end on the shared site, and one or more peers distant from the site. For each remote peer, compute the expected strength of their signal when it reaches the shared site. Verify that with the antenna you were planning to use, the desired signal is above the other signals that you see at that frequency. If not, change frequency until you find one that has low enough noise that the signal can get in.

If there is no frequency quiet enough, you must look into:

• Can you increase the remote transmit power to get above the noise?
• Can you increase the remote antenna gain?
• Can you increase the local antenna gain? (This is likely if your new system is a point-to-point link, but not if it is an access point for a multipoint service.)
• Can you improve the situation by changing polarization?

Can you find a better spot on the tower?

If the interference is from other antennas on the same tower, you may be able to reduce it or eliminate it by moving to a different spot on the tower. If the interference is coming in through the backside of a directive antenna, this helps two ways:

• Increasing the distance to the other antenna from 3 feet to 20 feet will reduce its signal strength by about 15 dB
• If the interference is coming in through a "sidelobe", the new location may move it outside the sidelobe and into a null zone

Can you find a better antenna pattern?

Where the number of links to be served from a location is limited, it helps to use the most restrictive antenna pattern that will still cover the subscribers. If there are only two links, you may be able to fit your antenna port with a splitter and use two directional antennas, so long as their beams don't overlap. Likewise, changing a multipoint hub from an omni antenna to a sector or panel antenna improves gain and reduces paths for noise ingress. Note in particular, that flat panel antennas often have very good backside rejection.

Make sure YOU don't create interference for someone else.

Once your own system is working, you need to confirm with the owners of other systems at the site that their systems are still working. It is possible that your transmission is on the frequency that they are receiving on.

The first question asked by the novice to microwave networking is always: "How fast does it go?" followed immediately by "What distance does it cover?"

The answers are not always simple, because you can gain extra distance by giving up speed, and vice versa. In addition, the performance of the system depends heavily on the choice of antennas. Finally, the local environment (topography, vegetation, weather) will influence your network performance.

This article is an attempt to explain the relationships between these parameters, in order to enable you to properly compare different equipment.

How Far?

The quality of a radio-frequency communication link is a function of five parameters:

• The receiver sensitivity (what is the minimum amount of signal voltage that must reach the receiver in order to decode the transmission)
• The background noise level in the band (what is the minimum signal-to-noise ratio that will allow the receiver to extract a usable signal amidst the competing signals within the frequency band occupied by the desired signal).
• The transmitted signal power level (how many milliwatts did the transmitter deliver to its antenna)
• How the transmitting and receiving antenna systems shape the signal in 3-dimensional space
• The dissipation of the signal as it travels through the atmosphere (or open space) from the transmitter to the receiver

Traditionally, all of these factors are expressed in decibels, allowing for simple, practical calculations of performance. Decibels (abbreviated dB) are a logarithmic scale, expressing relative signal strengths. 10 dB (or 1 Bel) is a relative factor of 10 and 3 dB is a relative factor of 2.

Power and Sensitivity

Transmit power and receiver sensitivity are expressed relative to a reference level of 1 milli-Watt (mW) and abbreviated dBm. In the unlicensed ISM bands, the maximum power we are allowed to feed the antenna in the USA is 1 W or 30 dBm. In Europe, it is 250 mW or 24 dBm. The sensitivity of a good ISM band receiver ranges from -75 dBm to -90 dBm. (-90 dBm means the receiver can decode a signal at 1 nanoWatt !)

Transmit power is limited by the regulatory authority.

Receiver sensitivity is generally measured by reducing the input power until the error level exceeds a defined threshold. It is common to indicate the sensitivity as the level when the error rate has increased to 10E-6 (one bit error per 1 million bits of data). With a lower data rate, the connection will be more robust. Typically, the sensitivity decreases by 3dB when the data rate is doubled.

Antenna Systems

The ability of the antenna to shape the signal and focus it in a particular direction is called "antenna gain" and is expressed in terms of how much stronger the signal in the desired direction is, compared to the worst possible antenna, which distributes the signal evenly in all directions (an "isotropic radiator"). To express the relationship to the isotropic reference, this is abbreviated dBi. The typical omni-directional "stick" antenna is rated at 6-8 dBi, indicating that by redirecting the signal that would have gone straight up or down to the horizontal level, 4 times as much signal is available horizontally. A parabolic reflector design can easily achieve 24 dBi.

Under the antenna system, we also need to account for losses in the cables between the radio and the antenna. Count on 1 dB of loss for each connector and the following losses per 100 feet of feed cable (the figure in parenthesis is how many feet of cable it takes to lose 10 dB):

Free-Space Loss

As the radio signal travels through space, it deteriorates for two reasons:
The signal spreads out in space, proportional to the square of the distance.
Some of the signal is absorbed by the atmosphere (especially on a rainy day; the microwaves will heat up the raindrops, and that energy comes right out of your signal!) The higher the frequency, the greater the attenuation.
The free space loss can be calculated according to the formula:

-L = C + 20 * log(D) + 20 * log(F)

where D is the distance, and F is the frequency in MHz. The constant C is 36.6 if D is measured in miles, and 32.5 if D is in kilometers. The following are some examples of free space losses:

These figures do not take into account deterioration due to weather. Typically, we recommend allowing 20 dB of margin to accommodate for weather related losses.

Putting it Together

Assume that you have a 2.4GHz multipoint radio system consisting of:

• a transmitter at 24 dBm (250 mW)
• with a 6 dBi omni antenna,
• 5 dB of cabling loss on the antenna tower (2 connectors and 75 feet of LMR-400
• sending to a receiver with a 24 dBi directional antenna
• 6 dB of cabling loss (1 connector and 25 feet of LMR-195) and
• a receiver sensitivity of -80 dBm.

The maximum allowable loss would be 123 dB. If we want a 15 dB link margin to protect against weather, then we are at 108 dB allowance for distance, which would be 1.6 miles.

If the radio system allows you to improve the sensitivity by dropping the link speed, you can typically gain 3dB of sensitivity by dropping to half speed. This would allow you to increase the distance to 2.3 miles.

If this system is used in point-to-point mode, the 6 dB omni antenna can be replaced with a 24dBi directional antenna, which would allow you to run 12.4 miles at full speed.

If your radio had a sensitivity of -90 dB instead of -80 dB, your multipoint system can serve an area out to 5 miles instead of 1.6 miles at full speed.

Designing for Maximum Range

The WinRouter 2050 is designed for maximum range. Specific design features that extend the range include:

• Split indoor/outdoor design: The radio design is divided into an indoor unit (which mounts in the computer room) and an outdoor unit which mounts next to the antenna. The two are connected with a coaxial cable, and the signal travels on this cable at 325 MHz. The design allows for up to 12 dB of loss on this cable with no loss in radio performance. This eliminates the antenna cable loss shown in the figure above. In addition, very inexpensive cable such as RG-58/U or LMR-195 can be used for this cable due to the lower frequency (see the table above).
• High receiver sensitivity (-90 dBm) allows very long links.
• Programmable transmit power (up to 28 dBm) means that the actual transmit power can always be set to the maximum allowed by the rules of the band.
• Direct sequence modulation with variable code length allows dynamic tradeoffs between speed and distance on a per-node basis.
• The unique repeater capability of the VINE software allows service to individual nodes too far to reach using even the above link-extending features, as well as to nodes in "hidden valleys".

New Area of Expertise

When an Internet Service Provider (ISP) considers branching into wireless services, they - quite reasonably - worry that they are entering into a new area of technology, with a fresh learning curve that they must go through before they have enough familiarity with the subject to be comfortable making decisions about what to install, who to serve, etc. Becoming a Wireless Internet Service Provider (W-ISP) means entering a new technical area with new terminology, standard installation practices and opportunities to make mistakes. But for those who have already mastered the dial-up telephone network, telecom wiring, IP addressing plans, cross-domain routing, and telco provisioning, wireless installations should be fairly simple.

Standard Practices

Wireless access systems have several components to them. There are hub sites (access points) with omnidirectional (or sectorized) antennas, and there are subscriber sites with directional antennas. The hub sites may be on a tower built for the purpose by the service provider, they may be on the roof of a building where the service provider has leased access rights, or they may be sharing a tower installed by someone else. Similarly, the subscriber sites may be on a dwelling or business building owned by the subscriber, or on a building where the subscriber has rented the premises. These situations all provide different factors that must be accommodated in a solution, but good installation practices have many features in common across all of these situations.

Building a Tower

Wireless Internet access devices operate in microwave frequency bands that require line of sight between transmitter and receiver. This means that the antenna at the access point must be above the "ground clutter" of adjacent buildings and trees. Typically, this means that it must either be on the tallest building in the area, on a hilltop or on a tower. In the USA, a 50 foot tower can be erected for about $3,000, using modular tower sections available from such companies as Rohn Industries. If you are near an airport, you will need FAA approval as well as the usual construction permits.

Mounting an Antenna to a Building

Antennas come with hardware fittings to attach to a 1-1/2" (about 40 mm) diameter pole. The most common type of pole is a 1-1/2" electrical conduit pipe of galvanized steel, available in 10 foot lengths at most building supply stores. The best way to attach the pole to a building is to attach two pieces of steel mounting channel ("Uni-Strut", TechStrut, Kindorf or Allied Tube) to the face of the building using 5/8" lag screws into the 2"x4" studs in the wall, and then attach the pole to the channel using a channel clamp that hooks into the channel. The channel has a continuous open slot on the front, and elongated holes on the back This makes it possible to take the antenna down, move it, or otherwise reconfigure it without touching the lag screws thereby reopening the structure to moisture seeps. The strut is also available in 10 ft lengths at most building supply stores.

RF Cable Connectors

Wireless equipment includes RF cables; typically co-axial cable of various types. For wireless data equipment, 50 ohm cables are always used (Cable TV uses 75 ohm cables). Just as ethernet cabling uses BNC connectors for 10base2 and RJ45 connectors for 10baseT and 100baseT, so does RF have its standard connectors, invented in the 1940s by Messrs Neill and Councelman for the US Navy.

Antennas tend to use the fairly large N series connectors. The UC Wireless Win Router 2050 uses the slightly smaller TNC connectors for the cable between the indoor and outdoor units. Each of these connectors comes in different versions for different cable diameters. If you do any significant amount of radio installations, you will need to be able to put connectors on your coax cables after pulling them. Just like modular telecom connectors, these are crimped on with tools to match the specific connector type, and you MUST do it right, or your equipment will not work reliably.

Designing Your Coverage Area

As you roll out wireless service, you need to define your service area. As indicated above, all subscribers must have line of sight from their antenna to your access point. Since most areas have some amount of trees that are higher than the buildings in the area, there is no access point that can be guaranteed to be seen by all. With a VINE system such as the Win Router 2050, however, any radio can be set up as a repeater, and it is often possible to find an alternate access point.

Antenna Types

For each node in the network, it is important to select the optimal antenna. In general, the preferred antenna for subscriber locations is a high-gain directive antenna such as UC Wireless' DA-2.4-24. Using such an antenna with a tightly focused beam allows maximum link distance with a minimum of RF power emmitted, thereby minimizing interference with other access points. In some installations, however, its appearance may be unacceptable, and for locations near an access point a smaller antenna (with lower gain and less focused beam) may need to be substituted.

Sharing an Antenna Site

In many areas, there are a few obvious sites for locating access points: Towers or hilltops with a commanding view of the area, where other antenna systems such as cellphone base stations, broadcast stations or paging transmitters are already located, and where antenna mounting space and shelter space for equipment can be rented for reasonable fees. Such sites should definitely be considered, but they may not be your best choice. Where many radio systems are located in close proximity, you are likely to encounter interference between services. This can lead to poor signal-to-noise ratios that limit the effective link distance that can be obtained. Before selecting such a site for your access point, you must perform a spectrum scan and test the coverage area.

Performing Site Surveys

Due to the unpredicatbility of "ground clutter" obstructions, it is advisable to perform a site survey before commiting to serve a customer. Generally, this involves the following steps:

• Identify the address to be served.
• Look it up on a street map and a topographical map.
• Identify any topographical obstructions on the path between the customer location. This is easy with an interactive topographical map such as Topo!
• This will show you whether any hills prevent line-of-sight, but it will not show buildings or trees.
• Visit the site, identify possible antenna mounting locations.
• If possible, put your head where the antenna will be and visually verify a clear line of sight.
• If possible, bring a radio with a small low-gain directional antenna and verify that it will attach to the network.

Background

Recent developments in the electronics industry have led to the widespread use of radio frequency (RF) devices in various areas, including telecommunication, radio and television broadcasting, radar, industrial processing, medical applications and consumer products.

Electromagnetic fields extend over large areas when generated for communication, broadcasting and radar devices, but generally spread only over small areas when used in industrial, medical and consumer devices.

Reflection and scattering of electromagnetic waves and simultaneous RF emissions by more than one source frequently results in a complex condition known as “multi-path” propagation and spatially non-uniform fields.

Although there are very powerful RF sources in use for broadcasting, Radar and other industrial uses, most telecommunications applications involve very low power in comparison. Most fixed place wireless systems are not adjacent to a user and thus very low fields intensity results.

Guidelines

Several documents can be found that discuss guidelines for limiting RF and microwave exposure.

Generally, each government has its own recommendations (FCC, Industry and Health Canada, ETSI etc.). A major independent source of guidelines is the IEEE which works with governments.

In a field where technology is advancing rapidly and where unexpected and unique problems may occur, these regulations and guidelines cannot cover all possible situations and blind adherence to rules cannot substitute for the exercise of sound judgement.

Over the years tests have been performed on biological organisms, including humans, animals and cell systems. In most cases, the recommendations made by governments are several magnitudes lower than the threshold for damage.

Considerations

To determine whether the maximum exposure levels and durations are exceeded, full consideration shall be given to such factors as:

1. Occupancy of areas;
2. Actual duration of exposure and time averaging (including ON/OFF times of the RF generators, direction of the beam, duty factors, sweep times, etc.);
3. Spatial characteristics of exposure, i.e., whole body or parts thereof;
4. Uniformity of the exposure field, i.e., spatial averaging.
5. Power levels and distance from the radiator In certain instances and over a specific frequency range, higher exposure levels are permitted for short durations.

Exposure to the public is potentially 24 hours a day for 7 days a week, compared with 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for RF and microwave exposed workers.

Definitions

Maximum Permissible Exposure limits are defined in terms of power density (units of milliwatts per centimeter squared: mW/cm2), electric field strength (units of volts per meter: V/m) and magnetic field strength (units of amperes per meter: A/m).

Antenna Surface: The maximum power density directly in front of an antenna (e.g., at the antenna surface) can be approximated by the following equation:

S=4P/A

Where:
P = power input to the antenna (in appropriate units, e.g., mW)
A= physical area of the aperture antenna

Far-Field Region: The power density in the far-field or Fraunhofer region of the antenna pattern decreases inversely as the square of the distance. The power density in the far-field region of the radiation pattern can be estimated by the general equation:

S = PG/π4R2

Where:
S = power density (in appropriate units, e.g. mW/cm2)
P = power input to the antenna (in appropriate units, e.g., mW)
G = power gain of the antenna in the direction of interest relative to an isotropic radiator
R = distance to the center of radiation of the antenna (appropriate units, e.g., cm)

Health Canada

Exposure Limits for Persons Not Classed As RF and Microwave Exposed Workers (Including the General Public) (Health Canada – Safety Code 6)

A power density of 10 W/m2 is equivalent to 1 mW/cm2

FCC

Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields (OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01)

A power density of 10 W/m2 is equivalent to 1 mW/cm2

ETSI

Evaluating Compliance with ETSI Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields (Official Journal of the European Communities, EN REC519)

A power density of 10 W/m2 is equivalent to 1 mW/cm2

EION Calculations

Calculations are made with a 1.85 Meter parabolic dish, all other antennas are calculated to have less exposure

Sample Calculation is made for the Libra Plus Product Line (5.725-5.850 GHz)@ 126 mW (21 dBm) output power.

Transmitter Type Classification is Mobile as opposed to Portable. This means the transmitter is at least 20 cm away from Human body.

Far Field (Large Antenna):
S = PG/4pR2
= (126 mW)(5623)/4p (39.7m)2
=0 .036 W/m2 @ 39.7 Meters

Here P = Output power G = Gain Antenna S = Power density

Antenna Surface (Large Antenna):
S = 4P/A
= 4 (126 mW)/1.85 m2
= 0.188 W/ m2

Recall: FCC and ETSI Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields (OET Bulletin 65) Limit is 10W/m2 or 1 mW/cm2

Is Wireless Safe?

The FCC, ETSI and Health Canada RF standards have been developed by experts in science, medicine, engineering, public health and other fields The standards establish levels for safe human exposure to RF energy. These safety levels have substantial built-in margins of protection against any known harmful effects. EION Wireless products are designed, manufactured and tested such that they operate within regional and internationally recognized safety standards. Wireless technology has been around for the past sixty years and during this time studies have been performed to assure the public of the safety of this technology. The established judgment of expert panels, government agencies, standards bodies and public health authorities around the world is that radio signals from wireless devices are safe.

VIP 110-24 Release 2.1.0 & v2.60.02 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between v2.60.02 and VIP Release 2.1.0?
A: One is a firmware release and the other is a feature key upgrade. The firmware release, v2.60.02 is a regular upgrade for the VIP 110-24 that includes many bug-fixes as well as some minor functionality enhancements and new features. VIP Release 2.1.0 is an upgraded feature key for the VIP 110-24 Radio that includes major new features.

Q: Is the new v2.60.02 firmware backwards compatible with previous software versions?
A: Yes, this firmware is fully backwards compatible. However, EION Wireless recommends that you install the updated firmware on all radios in your network.

Q: Is the VIP Release 2.1.0 Feature Key backwards compatible with previous software versions?
A: Yes, the features available in the feature key are fully backwards compatible with previous releases. However, EION Wireless recommends that you install the updated firmware on all radios in your network.

Q: Do I need to purchase a license in order to install v2.60.02?
A: No, this is a regular upgrade and you do not need to purchase a license to take advantage of the bug fixes in v2.60.00. This firmware upgrade will be freely available for download on the website. However, in order to gain access to some of the new features in Release 2.1.0, you will be required to purchase a feature key.

Q: How can I obtain the firmware upgrade v2.60.02?
A: When available, v2.60.02 can be downloaded from the EION Wireless website at http://www.eionwireless.com/support/upgrades.html

Q: How do I install the v2.60.02 firmware upgrade?
A: Please refer to the VIP 110-24 User Manual, Rev J, Section 6.4 – Upgrading the Firmware. Also, be sure to fully read the SFCO and pay attention to any special instructions contained therein.

Q: What bugs-fixes are included in the firmware upgrade?
A: Please see the SFCO Release Notes for details of all bug fixes in v 2.60.02.

Q: What new features are included in the firmware upgrade v2.60.02?
A: The following features are included in the v2.60.02 firmware:

• Two Tier Password
• Challenge Password
• License Keys

Q: Is the Graphical Web Interface part of the firmware upgrade?
A: No, the Web Interface is only available as part of the VIP Release 2.1.0 Feature Key.

Q: How can I obtain a VIP Release 2.1.0 Feature Key?
A: Contact your EION Wireless Sales Representative or authorized Gold Channel Partner with the serial number(s) of the radio(s) to be upgraded. You will be required to supply the serial number of each radio being upgraded.

Q: Why do I need to provide EION with the serial number in order to upgrade?
A: Each Feature Key is uniquely linked to a specific radio serial number. We can also use this information to contact you in case of product recalls or to notify you of future software upgrades and firmware releases.

Q: Do I need to install v2.60.00 in order to use the VIP Release 2.1.0 feature key?
A: Yes. The Feature Key will not work without v2.60.02 firmware.

Q: What new features are included in VIP Release 2.1.0?
A: A list of features is presented here; for full details and description, please see the document VIP 110-24 Release 2.1.0: New Features.

• VLAN Support
• Priority Queue Enhancement
• DHCP Support
• Network Time Protocol Request (RF)
• Web Downloads
• RF Plug and Play
• Auto-Acquire
• Graphical Web Interface
• Dynamic Power Control
• Email Alarms
• Monitor Auto-Acquire
• Monitor Cycle

Q: What is the cost of the VIP Release 2.1.0 Feature Key?
A: Please Contact your EION Wireless Sales Representative or Authorized Gold Channel Partner for pricing details. Volume discounts begin on orders of 11 or more feature keys.

Q: I own multiple VIP 110-24 radios, do I need to purchase a license for each radio?
A: Yes, each license key is specifically coded to work with a specific radio serial number. Volume pricing is available on feature key purchases of ten or more. Please contact your EION Wireless Sales Representative for details.

Q: How do I install the key once received?
A: Please refer to the VIP 110-24 User Manual, Rev J, Section 6.4.6 – Feature Upgrades for Feature Key installation instructions.

Q: Will the release be available on new VIP 110-24 Radios purchased from EION Wireless?
A: Yes, all radios purchased from EION Wireless after the release date of the new software will be pre-loaded with the v2.60.02 firmware and the Release 2.1.0 Feature Key with all new features enabled.

Q: In the past I purchased the VIP from Wi-LAN, what has changed?
A: In 2006, when Wi-LAN made the decision to exit the wireless broadband product business, EION Wireless acquired several product lines from Wi-LAN, including the VIP 110-24. EION Wireless and its worldwide channel network of resellers are now responsible for selling and supporting the VIP product line. This includes any VIP radio previously sold by Wi-LAN.

Q: How do I contact EION Technical Support?
A: To contact EION Technical Support, go to the EION Wireless website at http://www.eionwireless.com/support/tech_support.php

Q: How do I contact an EION Wireless Sales Representative or locate an EION Certified Channel Partner?
A: Please e-mail us at info@eionwireless..com, or call +1 (403) 273-5100. Alternatively you can visit our website at http://www.eionwireless.com/feature_pages/contactform.html

Q: Is Auto-Acquire Included in the Release 2.1.0 Feature Key?
A: No, Auto-Acquire is not included but it is still available in a separate feature key.

Q: When will these products be released?
A: The v2.60.02 firmware upgrade and the VIP Release 2.1.0 Feature Key will be made available on March 1, 2007.

Top Ten Reasons to Upgrade to VIP Release 2.1.0.

1. Improved Fault Management with Email Alarm. The new e-mail alarm feature notifies you via e-mail when an error in the network has occurred. Notifications can be sent for a variety of alarms including when a radio is rebooted, an RF link is dropped, or when the received signal strength drops below the fade margin set for the link. You can have these notifications sent via e-mail directly to your cell phone so that you are kept up to date on the status of your network. You can even choose to have the e-mail filtered to different members of your technical support team—integrating into your technical support escalation model.

2. Graphical Web Interface. An attractive new feature included in Release 2.1.0 is the built-in Graphical Web Interface. The Web Interface mirrors all the options and functionality for configuring and monitoring radios in your VIP network as the CLI interface, but in a familiar point-and click environment. The only requirement to use the web interface is a modern java-capable web-browser. The Graphical Web Interface reduces the learning curve on the VIP since you are not required to memorize the CLI commands. The complete functionality is provided in an intuitive point and click environment.

5. Beef-up Security with User Permission Roles. The new VIP firmware supports the ability to create two different types of users; a read-only User account and a Supervisor account. The Supervisor Account has the ability to change configuration parameters and execute commands. These granular user roles add to your overall network security strategy by allowing you to tightly control access to the VIP network.

6. Priority Transmission Queuing. Roles. Release 2.1.0 improves on the priority queuing available in previous software releases. Packets are placed in priority queues based on their Type of Service or VLAN tags. This queuing determines what order traffic is placed in the RF queue. Priority Queuing allows network operators to provide differentiated services to their customers. For example, set different priorities for a VoIP line, a high-speed business VLAN and low priority internet browsing.

9. Add Services using VLAN Support. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN) allow the network administrator to plan and segment a network into multiple Local Area Networks at the Leaf, Repeater or Root Level. Groups of users using a common VLAN can communicate securely over a LAN without being seen by any other group or individual using the network. The new integrated VLAN feature in VIP Release 2.1.0 increases network security with out the use of any additional hardware.

10. Faster Installations with Plug-and-Play. RF Plug-and-Play enables you to install and configure Leaf nodes in your VINE network, without having to connect to a computer to the VIP’s serial port. On power-up a new Leaf Node immediately searches for and connects to the strongest parent signal. Through a series of audible pings, an installer can quickly align the VIP antenna. The leaf is automatically configured to work on the parent it attaches to.

WiMAX can be dynamically optimized for the mix of traffic that is being carried. Four types of service are supported

01Unsolicited Grant Service (UGS) UGS is designed to support real-time data streams consisting of fixed-size data packets issued at periodic intervals, such as T1/E1 and Voice over IP.

02Real-Time Polling Service (rtPS) rtPS is designed to support real-time data streams consisting of variable-sized data packets that are issued at periodic intervals, such as MPEG video.

03Non-Real-Time Polling Service (nrtPS) nrtPS is designed to support delay-tolerant data streams consisting of variable-sized data packets for which a minimum data rate is required, such as FTP.

04Best Effort (BE) BE service is designed to support data streams for which no minimum service level is required and which can be handled on a space-available basis.