ArrowSpan MeshAP 3100 User manual

User Guide
MeshAP 3100
Multi-Radio Wireless Mesh Network
Access Point
ArrowSpan Inc.
4800 Great America Parkway
Suite 238
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA
V5.0
May. 2009

User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1.....................................................................................................................................................2
Overview.................................................................................................................................................................2
Features...................................................................................................................................................................2
Reliable, Intelligent, High Performance Mesh Network.....................................................................................2
Fully Compatible with Existing Access Servers, Routers, and Gateways.........................................................3
Management and Security.....................................................................................................................................3
Power.......................................................................................................................................................................4
External Antennas..................................................................................................................................................4
Ethernet Port..........................................................................................................................................................4
Metal Enclosure .....................................................................................................................................................5
Outdoor Wireless Benefits.....................................................................................................................................5
Outdoor Wireless Challenges................................................................................................................................5
Product Category and Function ...........................................................................................................................6
Product Model Number Table...............................................................................................................................6
Solution Features and Benefits .............................................................................................................................6
Auto-recovery Auto-configuring mesh .................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2.....................................................................................................................................................7
Safety Warnings.....................................................................................................................................................7
Deployment Guidelines..........................................................................................................................................7
Site Survey..............................................................................................................................................................8
Hardware Features................................................................................................................................................9
Package Contents.................................................................................................................................................10
Optional Equipment ............................................................................................................................................10
Avoiding Damage to Radios in a Testing Environment....................................................................................10
Hardware Setup...................................................................................................................................................11
Antennas...............................................................................................................................................................13
Wind Resistance..................................................................................................................................................14

User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
Deployment Conditions .......................................................................................................................................14
Antenna must be properly Level.........................................................................................................................14
Using the built-in Level to level the unit and Antenna (only when direct connecting omni-directional antenna to
the unit)...............................................................................................................................................................15
MeshAP Node Deployment ................................................................................................................................15
Distance away from the Side of Wall and the Floor.........................................................................................15
Avoid place Node on a Metal Pole...................................................................................................................16
Placing node (Height).......................................................................................................................................16
Antenna Pattern Width.....................................................................................................................................17
Tx Power/Range/Link Speed ..............................................................................................................................17
Long Distance Fade margin ................................................................................................................................18
Fresnel Zone Calculation ....................................................................................................................................18
Default Parameter Setting...................................................................................................................................19
CHAPTER 3...................................................................................................................................................20
Installation Options..............................................................................................................................................20
Installing the MeshAP Access Point on a Pole...................................................................................................20
Installing the MeshAP Access Point on a Wall..................................................................................................22
CHAPTER 4...................................................................................................................................................23
MeshAP Infrastructure .......................................................................................................................................23
Mesh Manager Mode ..........................................................................................................................................23
Station Mode.......................................................................................................................................................24
CHAPTER 5...................................................................................................................................................24
CHAPTER 5...................................................................................................................................................25
Accessing the MeshAP Access Point (Login).....................................................................................................25
Direct Ethernet Connection ................................................................................................................................25
Wireless LAN Access...........................................................................................................................................26
Access MeshAP unit via Mesh Manager’s Topology Page...............................................................................27
Change Login Username/Password....................................................................................................................28
Change Username ...............................................................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 6...................................................................................................................................................30
Mesh Manager Configuration.............................................................................................................................30
Setup Mesh Manager Unit...................................................................................................................................30
Http Port..............................................................................................................................................................32
Https Port ............................................................................................................................................................32
Weight.................................................................................................................................................................32
Mesh ID...............................................................................................................................................................33

User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
CHAPTER 7...................................................................................................................................................34
Station Configuration..........................................................................................................................................34
Mesh Link Connection Mode..............................................................................................................................34
Setup Station in Auto Mode................................................................................................................................34
Mesh ID...............................................................................................................................................................36
Connect a MeshAP Station to other Stations/Mesh Managers under Auto Mode...............................................36
Setup IP Address for Station...............................................................................................................................37
Using DHCP mode Setting IP address for the Station ........................................................................................37
Using Static mode Setting IP address for the Station..........................................................................................38
Setup Station in Manual Mode ...........................................................................................................................39
Mesh ID...............................................................................................................................................................40
Connect a MeshAP station to other Stations/Mesh managers under Manual Mode............................................42
CHAPTER 8...................................................................................................................................................45
Managing the Topology of the Mesh Manager unit..........................................................................................45
Accessing the Topology Page.............................................................................................................................45
Topology Tree Expanded....................................................................................................................................45
Managing the MeshAP on the Topology Tree....................................................................................................46
Go back to the Mesh Manager unit.....................................................................................................................47
CHAPTER 9...................................................................................................................................................48
Setup Mesh Wireless (Backhaul)........................................................................................................................48
Backhaul Wireless Channel ................................................................................................................................49
Backhaul Wireless Security.................................................................................................................................49
WPA Wireless Security (Default).......................................................................................................................49
WPA2 key...........................................................................................................................................................49
WPA key.............................................................................................................................................................50
Wireless Diagnostic..............................................................................................................................................50
Local Link Quality..............................................................................................................................................50
Mesh Link Quality ..............................................................................................................................................51
Topology Change Log.........................................................................................................................................52
Radio Self-Test....................................................................................................................................................53
CHAPTER 10.................................................................................................................................................54
Setup AP Wireless................................................................................................................................................54
Wireless Mode......................................................................................................................................................54
802.11b/g Mode ..................................................................................................................................................54
Wireless Channel .................................................................................................................................................54
Changing and modifying the SSID.....................................................................................................................55

User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
Wireless Security..................................................................................................................................................56
Disable Wireless Security (Default)....................................................................................................................56
Configure WEP Wireless Security......................................................................................................................56
Configure WPA Wireless Security......................................................................................................................58
Configure WPA2 Wireless Security....................................................................................................................58
CHAPTER 11.................................................................................................................................................59
Multiple SSID / VLAN Configuration................................................................................................................59
SSID / VLAN Page.............................................................................................................................................59
Understand SSID “span” and “arrow..................................................................................................................59
VLAN Tag.............................................................................................................................................................60
Access Mode.......................................................................................................................................................60
Trunk and Native VLAN Mode ..........................................................................................................................60
Pure Mode...........................................................................................................................................................61
CHAPTER 12.................................................................................................................................................63
Point-To-Point MeshAP Locator........................................................................................................................63
Using Point-To-Point Station Locator to adjust directional antenna...................................................................63
SNR Color Bar Information................................................................................................................................63
CHAPTER 13.................................................................................................................................................65
Firmware Upgrade...............................................................................................................................................65
Direct Upgrade – Mesh Station...........................................................................................................................65
Known Issues & Solutions..................................................................................................................................67
Firmware Batch Update......................................................................................................................................68
TFTP Update........................................................................................................................................................69
CHAPTER 14.................................................................................................................................................71
Fail-safe/Local IP Address ..................................................................................................................................71
Retrieve ISP Assigned Mesh Manager IP Address under DHCP Mode.........................................................71
Change the Fail-safe/Local IP Address..............................................................................................................72
MeshAP Station Fail-safe/Local IP Address List................................................................................................72
Mesh Manager Fail-Safe/Local IP Address List.................................................................................................72
Clear ARP Table on Laptop or PC......................................................................................................................73
CHAPTER 15.................................................................................................................................................75
SNMP....................................................................................................................................................................75
SNMP Configuration ..........................................................................................................................................75
Trap/Inform.........................................................................................................................................................75
SNMP Community (Work Group)......................................................................................................................76
APPENDIX A .................................................................................................................................................77

User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz / 2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point Table of Contents
Specification..........................................................................................................................................................77
Wireless...............................................................................................................................................................77
Software Feature .................................................................................................................................................78
Hardware Specifications .....................................................................................................................................79
APPENDIX B .................................................................................................................................................80
Power Consumption and PoE Injector Pin Assignments .................................................................................80
WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................................................81

User Guide - MeshAP 3100 5GHz/2.4GHz Full Duplex Mesh Network Access Point
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IMPORTANT: Information presented are based on information available and they are subject to change without
notice.

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Chapter 1
Overview ArrowSpan’s multi-radio mesh access point extends hotspot coverage using dual 802.11a
wireless technology as a backhaul connection between mesh access points, and uses one
802.11b/g as a client connection.
The MeshAP 3100 is designed for maximum performance, scalability, and ease of use. The
MeshAP 3100 is ideal for long distance point to point and point to multipoint mesh
solutions and offers full 802.11b/g client compatibility and mesh network protection with
user defined Mesh ID. The multiple wireless path design for both backhaul and user traffic
eliminates adjacent AP signal interference and provides zero performance degradation.
Features
•Dual Radio Backhaul, Single Radio Client AP access
•Backhaul Encryption: 128bit AES
•Client AP Encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2
•Full VPN compatibility
•Support 802.1Q VLAN and priority QOS
•MAC address access control lists
•Distance configuration for reliable and high performance wireless mesh link
•Signal locator to support high gain antenna point to point setup
•Secure local and remote configuration via HTTP and HTTPS
•Web (HTML) Browser-based management tool supports both http and https
•Support SNMP for 3rd party management software and own NMS
•Network and client monitoring and statistical capture features
•Full 802.11b/g client compatibility
•Layer 2 fast packet switching support
Reliable, Intelligent, High Performance Mesh Network
•Patented Auto-discovery, auto-configure, and auto-healing POP (Predictable Optimum
Path) mesh routing algorithm

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•Multiple wireless path design for both backhaul and user traffic eliminates adjacent AP
signal interference and provides zero performance degradation
•Best network throughput via layer 2 fast switching and bridging from AP to AP to
support real time video, voice, and data applications
Fully Compatible with Existing Access Servers, Routers, and
Gateways
•Transparent to layer 3 and up protocols, fully compatible with existing network
equipment
•Directly connects to existing Routers, Gateways, or APs through 10/100 Ethernet
•Fully compatible with commercial available VLAN Ethernet switch
Management and Security
•GPS Receiver (optional) provides physical location information of each MeshAP,
simplifies maintenance task and adds a new potential of location related services
(outdoor version only)
•Web Based HTML browser management interface
•Supports WEP, WPA, MAC filtering, and dynamic-key 128-bit AES encryption security
across wireless mesh network
•Unique mesh network protection with user defined Mesh ID

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Figure 1-1
MeshAP 3100 Full-Duplex Wireless Mesh Network Access Point
Power ArrowSpan’s MeshAP outdoor access point receives power from the POE (Power over
Ethernet) power injector. It uses an external 48-VDC power module and injects the DC
voltage into the Ethernet cables to power the outdoor access point. Pin 4, 5, 7, and 8 are
power pins.
External Antennas
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP access point is designed for use with an external 2.4GHz antenna
with an N-type male connector, and two external 5GHz antenna with an N-type male
connector.
Ethernet Port
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP access point is able to link to your 100BASE-T Ethernet LAN
through the optional power injector. The Ethernet cables are used to supply inline 48-VDC
5GHz
Uplink
Antenna
5GHz
Downlink
Antenna
2.4GHz
AP (to Client)
Antenna

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power from the power injector. Pin number for Ethernet interface is 1,2,3, and 6 as the
same with industrial standard.
Basically, MeshAP network function behaves as a bridge with multiple interfaces of
wireless and Ethernet. This Ethernet port operates exactly like an Ethernet port in a
switching HUB. It's plug-n-play auto-sensing 10/100Mbps Ethernet interface.
For VLAN related setup on this Ethernet port, please refer to Chapter 11.
Metal Enclosure
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP access point consists of a weatherproof metal enclosure, providing
an industrial grade temperature support of -40°F to 131°F (-40°C to 55°C) and IP66
waterproof certification.
Outdoor Wireless Benefits
ArrowSpan’s MeshAP wireless solutions allow users to deploy a scalable, secure and cost-
effective outdoor wireless network. The MeshAP solutions deliver a true wireless
broadband network over large geographic areas or other locations where wiring is too
difficult or expensive to install.
Outdoor Wireless Challenges
Outdoor wireless deployments offer a number of challenges, with the main one being
interference. Special equipment may be needed in order to overcome signal interference.
However ArrowApan's MeshAP access point has a sophisticated diagnostic tool to support
user to identify interference if presents. With various user-friendly remote network
management tool, user can easily identify, bypass, and avoid interference in the field to
maximize wireless network performance. Listed below is a list of challenges that may
affect an outdoor wireless network, compared to a standard indoor WLAN. ArrowSpan's
MeshAP is designed to help user to overcome those challenges with many built-in features.
•Coverage of various distance cases
•Environment of NLOS and hard to reach
•Equipment cost

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Product Category and Function
Product Model Number Table
Below is the product model number table of various product functions vs. product model
number. Mesh routing is based on the Predictable Optimum Path (POP) algorithm
developed by ArrowSpan. The POP mesh routing algorithm examines the network and
makes appropriate connections among MeshAPs in real time and dynamically optimizes the
best route to the connected network within the mesh. This helps ensure high network
capacity and provides resiliency to interference. The POP automatically determines the
best path back to the Mesh Manager by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal
strength, hop counts, and available bandwidth assignment of Mesh Manager. The POP
continuously monitors changes in conditions and changes routes to reflect those changes.
Solution Features and Benefits
Auto-recovery Auto-configuring mesh
ArrowSpan’s intelligent wireless routing is based on the Predictable Optimum Path (POP).
The POP mesh routing algorithm examines the network and makes appropriate connections
among MeshAP access points in real time and dynamically optimizes the best route to the
connected network within the mesh. This helps ensure high network capacity and provides
resiliency to interference. The POP automatically determines the best path back to the
Mesh Manager by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal strength and hops.
The POP continuously monitors changes in conditions and changes routes to reflect those
changes.
Product Model
Number Mesh Radios (5GHz) Client AP
POP Mesh
Routing TxPower (dBm) Distance Country
MA3100-X 2 1 x 2.4GHz Connection
time 27 up to 50km,
Point to Point US, Taiwan, China
MA3100-TP 2 n/a Connection
time 27 up to 4km
Point to Point US, Taiwan, China
MA3800-AB 3 1 x 2.4GHz Constantly 27 300m
Omni antenna US, Taiwan
MA3100-CF 3 1 x 2.4GHz Constantly 19 150m
Omni antenna China
MA3100-CE 3 1 x 2.4GHz Constantly 27 300m
Omni antenna Australia

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Chapter 2
Safety Warnings
Warning: Do not place antennas near power circuits or power lines to avoid installation
risk of being electric shot. Choose your location carefully and keep in mind that power lines
look similar to phone lines so always use caution. Make sure not to come into contact with
any such circuits while installing the antenna because it may cause serious injury or death.
Warning: Only qualified personnel should be allowed to install and/or replace the
equipment.
Warning: Make sure to read the installation instructions thoroughly before you install the
unit(s).
Warning: To avoid the risk of being electrocuted, do not work on the unit(s) during a
lightning storm.
Warning: Disposal of any unit(s) should be handled according to national laws and
regulations.
Deployment Guidelines
Follow the guidelines below to ensure the best possible performance:
1. Before you install your outdoor unit(s), choose a location where buildings and trees
will not block the signal of your intended transmission directions.
2. Make sure to install your outdoor unit at a height of at least 10 feet for short distance
and , so it can provide enough Fresnel zone clearance for 5GHz wireless signals to
neighboring nodes.
3. Make sure the power switch is the last step to be turned on before all related cables are
installed and deployed. Failing to do so may cause connector contact damage and
shorten its life.

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4. Plan your complete installation before you begin. It is best to have one person
chaperone the installation team to be able to spot any signs of trouble.
5. When installing the antenna, make sure to do the following:
•If the antenna is at a visible height of higher than surroundings, lightening
protector of surge arrestor of 0-6GHz one should be installed
•Do not work on a wet or windy day
6. If the assembly starts to drop, let if fall. All the attachments are excellent conductors
of electrical current, so even the slightest touch of any of the parts could electrocute
you.
7. If any part of the unit comes in contact with a power line, do not touch it or remove it
yourself. Call your local power company and they will safely remove it.
8. Mounting antenna near a big metal object may interfere the signal pattern of the
antenna. Always has qualified antenna engineering to plan the installation location.
9. Provide a clear signal to neighboring nodes.
10. When testing the unit(s), allow at least 20 feet of separation between each unit. Short
distance of high wireless signal strength of over -25dBm can blind antenna receiving
ckt and fail to work properly. However, it'll not damage the equipment.
11. All the antennas need to be properly connected. The unit may experience permanent
hardware failure if the antennas are not properly connected and the unit is powered on.
12. MeshAP unit MUST be properly grounded, surge protected, and lighting protected to
avoid unit being damage with electrical stresses.
IMPORTANT: Any damages due to improper installation voids warranty.
Site Survey
Before any Wi-Fi mesh network is installed, a site survey is needed to determine how to
maximize the coverage and network performance.

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Data rates – Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The
maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. Higher receiver
sensitivity can increase the data bit rates.
Physical environment – Open areas provide a better signal than closed areas.
Obstructions – Avoid placing the access points in a location where there are obstructions
between the sending and receiving antennas such as trees, buildings or hills.
Professional Planning – Always have professional wireless engineers to do the site survey
and planning network topology.
Hardware Features
Some of the access point hardware features are listed below:
•Multi Radio (2.4- and 5-GHz)
•External antennas
•IP67 Ethernet Port & Power Source Connector
•Waterproof Membrane Vent Cap emit the residual moisture of the enclosure
•IP66 Metal enclosure supports outdoor installations
IP67
RJ-45
Connecto N-type
Connector
(5GHz)
Downlink
Membrane
Vent Cap
N-type
Connector
(2.4GHz)
AP
N-type
Connector
(5GHz)
Uplink
IP66
Metal
Enclosure

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Package Contents
Each MeshAP 3800 contains the following items:
•Outdoor Wireless Mesh Access Point
•Quick Installation Guide
•Vertical mounting kit
•Indoor POE power supply
Optional Equipment
•Horizontal pole mounting kit
•Vertical pole mounting extension kit
•Street light power adapter
•Outdoor 48V POE Injector
•8dNi 5.4-5.8GHz Antennas Omni antenna
•18dBi 5.4-5.8GHz Directional Panel Antenna
•29dBi 5.4-5.8GHz Directional Dish Antenna
•8dBi 2.4GHz Omni Antenna
Avoiding Damage to Radios in a Testing Environment
The radios on outdoor units have much higher Tx power levels than radios on commercial
available indoor AP units. When you test high power radios in a link, you must follow certain
criteria as shown below to protect radio PA (Power Amplifier) and avoid test failure due to
exceeding maximum input signal level. At levels shorter than minimum operating range of 20
feet, packet error rate (PER) performance is degraded.
•Must Install Antennas to all MeshAP Antenna Connectors BEFORE power on the unit.
This is to protect radio's PA (Power Amplifier.
•Use 20dB Attenuators with all Antennas when doing the test indoor at short distance.
Usually, in this test arrangement of 20dB attenuators for all antennas, 2m distance
effectively represents 200m distance.

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Hardware Setup
IMPORTANT: Must Install All Antennas to MeshAP Antenna Connectors BEFORE power on
the unit.
Step 1: Assemble all Antennas to the N-type connectors. Make sure Antennas are installed to
the correct RF spectrum connector. Please refer to the below diagram for the connectors
associated with each spectrum.
Step 2: Assemble the IP67 rated RJ-45 connector for the RJ-45 cable.
5GHz
Uplink
Antenna
5GHz
Downlink
Antenna
2.4GHz
AP (to Client)
Antenna

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Step 3: Plug-in the Cat-5 cable with IP67 rated RJ-45 connector to the IP67 rated PoE (RJ-45)
jack and tightened the connector to the RJ-45 connector located at the bottom of the MeshAP.
Step 4: Plug-in the other end of the Cat-5 cable to the PoE (RJ-45) jack (Power & Data Out)
and Plug-in the power adapter cable to the Electrical Outlet.

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Step 5: Weatherproofing the antenna connectors. Using the enclosed Coax-Seal to Wrap and
mold the connector and antenna to further weatherproofing the connectors.
Instruction: To apply - diagonally wrap a strip of Coax-Seal over a clean, dry connection
making sure to overlap as you apply. Mold to form a smooth surface and to force out the air.
Antennas
The MeshAP is equipped with N-type radio frequency (RF) connectors for 2.4GHz and
5GHz Antenna.
5GHz 8db Omni-directional Antenna
Frequency 5400 - 5800 MHz
Gain 8 dBi
VSWR < 1.5
Polarization Vertical
Vertical Beam Width 15°
Horizontal Beam Width 360°
Impedance 50Ω
Max. Input Power 100 watts
Weight .39 lbs (178g)
Length 14.76 inches (37.5cm)
Connector N - Male
Material White Fiberglass
Mounting Direct Attachment
Wind Survival 100 mph (160.9 km/h)
Temperature -40° F to 176° F (-40° to 80° C)

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2.4GHz 8db Omni-directional Antenna
Frequency 2400 - 2485 MHz
Gain 8 dBi
VSWR < 1.5
Polarization Vertical
Vertical Beam Width 15°
Horizontal Beam Width 360°
Impedance 50Ω
Max. Input Power 100 watts
Weight .39 lbs (178g)
Length 18.50 inches (47cm)
Connector N - Male
Material White Fiberglass
Mounting Direct Attachment
Wind Survival 100 mph (160.9 km/h)
Temperature -40° F to 176° F (-40° to 80° C)
The access point can also be equipped with specific third-party external antenna, subject to
local regulatory requirements. When you are installing third-party antennas, they must be
installed with all waterproofing steps recommended by the third-party manufacturer.
Wind Resistance
The wind survival of 2.4GHz antenna is 150MPH.
The wind survival of 5GHz antenna is 150MPH.
Deployment Conditions
An antenna’s radiation pattern and gain are perhaps the two antenna characteristics that
most affect system coverage and performance. Therefore, properly setting up Antenna is
important process for good mesh network.
Antenna must be properly Level
The Antenna must be properly level to 90ºif Omni-antenna is used.