Firetide HotPort 5020-M Mesh Node User manual

HotPort Firetide Installation Guide
HotPort5020-MMeshNode
Published March 2014
(Revised 2016)

ii HotPort Firetide Installation Guide
©2016 Firetide, Inc. Allrights reserved.
Firetide, the Firetide logo, Reliable connectivity anywhere, HotPort, HotPoint, and
HotClient are all trademarks of Firetide, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Firetide, Inc.
2105 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 220
Campbell, CA 95008
USA
www.firetide.com

iii
About thisdocument
Thissectionliststheaudience,purpose,summaryofinformation,and
conventions used in this document. It also includes how to contact customer
service.
Audience
ThisdocumentisintendedforcertifiedprofessionalswhoinstallFiretidewireless
solutions.
Purpose
Thisdocumenthastheinformationandproceduresnecessarytoinstallanddo
basic configuration and tests with Firetide
®
HotPort
®
5020-M mesh node.
Conventions
Certain information has special meaning for the reader. This information appears
with an icon that indicates a particular condition, such as a warning or caution,
oralabel,suchas“Note”or“BestPractice”.
Electricalhazards arethose environments wherethe danger of
electrocutionis probable.Thisimageappearsbeforeeachelectrical
hazard statement.
Warnings contain safety information that you must obey. If you do
not obey the instruction in a warning, the result mightincludeserious
injury or death. This imageappears beforeeach warning statement.
Cautions contain information that you should obey to avoid minor
injury,inconvenience,anddamagetoequipment.Thisimageappears
beforeeachcautionstatement.
Notes contain optional advice and information particular to a special case or
application.
Best practices contain specific recommendations based on industry-standard
expectations.
Document feedback
If you find an error or content missing from this document, we want to hear
about it. You cansend your feedback about any of our documents to
[e-mail].
!

iv
Contacting customer support
If you need support, depending on the problem, you might be asked for this
information:
• Description of the problem
• ComputerwithHotViewProandaninstalled managementlicense
• Channel and frequency plans
• Recent spectrum analysis
• Device topology in Google Earth (KMZ file)
• Network map ortopologyplan with the names and device information
Youmust also have administrator access to the mesh to be able to receive
technical support.
Thenexttablelists thecontactinformationforcustomersupport.
Worldwide customer support
Days/Hours
Contact
Americas
Monday to Friday
7:00am to 5:30pmPST
(Pacific standard time)
http://www.firetide.com/requestsupport
1 (877) FIRETIDE, extension 2
[phone],extension2
[phone]
Africa
Monday to Friday
http://www.firetide.com/requestsupport
Asia
8:00 am to 5:30 pm IST
[phone]
Australia
(India standard time)
Fax [phone]
Europe

v
Contents
About this document iii
Audience ..................................................................... iii
Purpose ....................................................................... iii
Conventions ................................................................ iii
Document feedback ..................................................... iii
Contacting customer support....................................... iv
..................................................................... iv
HotPort 5020-M node 1
Supported countries ................................................... 2
Before you permanently install 3
Preparing what you need to install ............................. 3
Box contents for a HotPort 5020-M mesh node ........... 4
Parts of a HotPort 5020-M mesh node ........................ 5
Ground screw 6
LEDs 6
Reset button and pressure relief valve 6
Antenna connectors 7
Testbeforeyouinstall ............................................... 7
Required items that are not included 8
Certification requirement 8
Doingthe tests 8
HotPort 5020-M node installation 11
Tools required ............................................................. 11
Doinga site survey ...................................................... 11
Safe installation practices ........................................... 12
Preparing a node for outdoor installation................... 13
Preparing earth ground ............................................... 14
GroundingaHotPortnode........................................... 15

vi
Installing a node and antenna assembly..................... 17
Opening the mount bracket ........................................ 19
Attaching the node to a wall 20
Attaching a node to a vertical pole 21
Attaching a node to a horizontal pole 23
Attaching straps 24
Weatherizing the connectors ...................................... 25
Weatherproof procedures 27
Tools and materials to weatherproof connections....... 28
Makingaweatherproofantennaconnection................ 28
Making a weatherproof cableto node connection ........ 30
Troubleshooting 33
DFS licenses................................................................ 33
Cannot see a node in HotView Pro................................ 33
After multiple reboots a node is missing ...................... 34
Static routes................................................................ 34
Performance not as expected...................................... 34
Resetting an outdoor node to factory default settings 35
Schedulingfirmwareupgradesandactivation ............ 35
Setting the country code on a new edge node............. 38

1
HotPort 5020-M node
HotPort 5020-M node is a cost-effective infrastructure mesh node that has two
radios to deliver up to 25 Mbps of UDP data.
HotPort 5020-M supports:
• Point-to-point
• Point-to-multipoint amongHotPort 5020-E and M and HotPort 7010/7020
nodes
• Linearandmeshapplications

HotPort 5020-M node
2
Supportedcountries
HotPort 5020-M nodes can be used in these countries: US, Australia,
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan,
Thailand, and Vietnam.
Note: Ifyoutry tosetthecountrycodetoa countryotherthanasupported
country, the setting is not saved.

3
Before you permanently install
Before you install a HotPort 5020-M mesh node in a permanent location, you
need to make sure that you have the correct and operational components.
Preparing what you need to install
To make sure you have everything you need to set up the mesh node:
1. Open the box.
2. Removethecontents.
3. Checkthecontentsfordamage.
4. Check the contents against the box contents list. See “Box contents for a
HotPort 5020-M mesh node” on page 4.
If a part is missing or damaged, call your Firetide reseller.
5. If the contents are good and correct, keep the box for future use.

Before you permanently install
4
Box contents for a HotPort 5020-M mesh node
TheHotPort5020-Mmeshnodeboxcontainstheseitems:
• One HotPort meshnode with an attached mount plate and bracket
• Two5 dBi omni-directional staging antennas
Caution. Do not use staging antennas outdoors. The staging antennas
are rated for indoor use only and are recommended for pre-
configuration purposes only. If you use the staging antennas
outdoors,theycanbedamaged.Damagefromincorrectdeploymentis
not covered by theproduct warranty.
• TwoRP-SMAto type-N adapters
• Mount kit
- U-bolts,M6x1.0-80mm,withflatwashers, splitwashers,nuts
- Claw-tooth pole grippers
- M6x1.0-40mm hex bolt
- M6x1.0-20mm hex bolt
- Hex-head socket wrench
• OneDCpowerconnectorwithwaterproof backshell(fieldinstallable)
• One 802.3at Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector
• One AC power cable (USA type)
Note. Country-specific power cords are available for purchase.
• OneweatherizedRJ-45connector with waterproof backshell (field
installable)
• One Cat5e cable
• Quick start sheet
• Warranty card
!

Before you permanently install
5
Parts of a HotPort 5020-M mesh node
The next pictureshows the HotPort 5020-M mesh node. The LEDs are visible at
the top of the node when it is oriented correctly for installation on a pole. Radio
1isontheleftsideandRadio2isontherightsideofthemeshnode.
Radio 1 and Radio 2 LED
Radio1
Connector 1
Connector 2
Connector 3
Power LED
Radio2
Connector 1
Connector 2
Connector 3
The next pictureshows the connectors on the bottom panel of a HotPort 5020-M
mesh node.
Rubbercapon
antenna connector
Port
DC power
Reset button
(behind the valve)
Ground screw
Weatherproofcapsprotecttheconnectors onthebottom panel. Rubbercaps
cover the antenna connectors.
Caution! Do not use the rubber caps outdoors. You must use 50 ohm
terminators orweatherproof antenna connections onall antenna
connectors.Damagefromincorrectdeploymentis notcoveredbythe
product warranty.
!

Before you permanently install
6
The rubber caps are not weatherproof, and all unused antenna connectors must
be terminated. Before you install the device, you must remove the rubber caps,
attach a 50 Ohm terminator (not included) to each unused antenna terminator
and correctly weatherizefrom the cable to the device chassis.
Forinformationaboutcablesandaccessoriesapprovedfor usewithFiretide
devices, refer to the Firetide Antenna Guide .
Ground screw
HotPort 5020-M mesh nodes must be connected to earth ground. Braided copper
strap is thepreferred material. The ground screw is on the bottompanel between
the Ethernet port and the DC power connector.
LEDs
The panel that has the Firetide logo has these LEDs:
• Radio 1 and Radio 2, which indicate radio status
LED behavior
Meaning
Off
Radio is not active.
Steadygreencolor
Radioisworkingcorrectly.
• Power,which is a steady greencolor when thedevicereceives power.TheLED
is dark when the node does not receivepower. The HotPort 5020-M device
requires 15V.
Caution! Donotuseport2orport3ofaHotPort7020mesh nodeto
power a HotPort 5020 node. A HotPort 5020 node needs PoE+ or
802.3at, and the ports of a HotPort 7020 mesh node are PoE 802.3af
compliant only.
Caution! You cannot use a HotPort 7020 power source (12V) to power to
aHotPort 5020-M mesh node, whichrequires15V.
Reset button and pressure relief valve
The reset button is on the bottom panel and is covered by a weatherproof plastic
pressurerelief valve.
!
!

Before you permanently install
7
Antenna connectors
The next picture shows the Radio 1 side panel with its three antenna connectors,
which are numbered top to bottom, 1, 2, and 3. The other side has three
connectorsforthesecondradio.
Note. For antenna connectors that you do not intend to use, you need to install
50 Ohmterminators (not included).
Radio1
Antenna connector 1
Antenna connector 2
Antenna connector 3
Test before you install
You should set up and test the mesh nodes indoors on a table before you install
theminpermanentlocations.
The benefits of tests before you install include:
• Make sure all of the equipment works before you install it
• Consistent settings across mesh nodes to reduce software configuration
errors in the field
• Testbandwidthandmakesurethat theradios work
Typesof tests to do:
• Power on each device
• Testtheresetbutton
• Attach all antennas and make sure you can see all devices in HotView Pro
software
• Data and other application throughput tests

Before you permanently install
8
• Learn to position the antennas with the radio alignment tool
• Train installation personnel
Required items that are not included
You must purchase and install a 50 ohm terminator on each unused antenna
connector of active radios. This protects the transmitter. A rubber, metal, or
plastic cap is not a replacement for a terminator.
Youneedanadministratorcomputerthathas HotViewPronetwork management
software and appropriate licenses. Beforeyou setup the network, you must
purchase all necessary licenses from your Firetide distributor.
Certification requirement
People who install and managenetworks that contain Firetide products must
completetheFiretidecertificationprogram.
Doing the tests
For efficiency, you want to configure six to eight mesh nodes at one time.
Todo tests and capture data with HotView Pro software:
1. Put the mesh nodes on a table.
2. Attach the power cable to each mesh node.
Caution! You must use the power supply that comes with the mesh node.
If you use a different power supply, you void the product warranty.
Caution. Donotuseport2orport3ofaHotPort7020meshnodeto
power a HotPort 5020 node. A HotPort 5020 node needs PoE+ or
802.3at, and the ports of a HotPort 7020 mesh node are PoE 802.3af
compliant only.
3. Attach the staging antennas to each mesh node:
- For OFDM mode, attach one staging antenna to one radio.
- Dual radio MIMO mode, attach more than one staging antenna to each
radio.
- Panel antenna, attach the antenna cables in the correct order to keep
thepolarizationcorrect.
- For single radio MIMO, attach multiple antennas to radio 1.
Note: For specific procedures to attach antennas, see the Firetide Best Practices
Guide.
4. Change the IP address of the administrator computer to an IP address on the
same subnet as the default IP address of the meshnode (192.168.224.150).
!
!

Before you permanently install
9
5. Single-click to start the Quick Launch feature of HotView Pro, which opens
the server and client software at the same time.
6. Login with the correct user nameand password. The default user name is
hv_admin; and the default password is firetide.
The system initializes.
7. Goto Mesh>AddMesh> loginwith thedefaultusername andpassword.
8. Make sure that all of the mesh nodes are visible in HotView Pro.
If you cannot see any or all of the mesh nodes, see the troubleshooting
information in the HotView Pro Product Configuration Guide .
9. Set the country code for each node to change the device from a low-power,
low range setting to a correct full-power operational mode.
Caution: Click Set Later ifyouput the nodesclosetogether forstaging.
Caution: Make sure you configure the device for the correct country. If
youdo not configure the country correctly, the device might operate in a
manner that is not legal or create problems with other wireless devices.
!
!

Before you permanently install
10
a. Select the country of operation from the drop-down list.
b. Click SetCountryCodeNow .
The node reboots. When you set thecountry code the systemrefreshesthe
mesh configuration and gives all visible nodes the same country code. For a
fewminutes themeshnodesmightappearanddisappearfromthegraphic
meshrecordin HotViewPro.
c. Wait for three minutes for the system to finish the refresh.
d. Loginwith the correct user nameand password. The default user
name is hv_admin; and the default password is firetide.
The system initializes.
e. Goto Mesh > Add Mesh > login with the default user name and
password.
10. Toconfigure mesh-wide settings, go to Mesh > Configure Mesh...
- Set the operational mode as needed.
- Set the extended range feature if the distance between the mesh
nodes is more than 0.8 km (0.5 mile). Todetermine the longest link,
you measure the distance between the mesh nodes on a map, such as
Google Earth.
- Set the multi-hop optimization feature if there might be hidden node
interference.
Note: For information about specific features and the configuration process, see
the HotView Pro Product Reference Guide.
11. Right-click a specific meshnode to configure meshnode-specific settings if
needed.
Check network throughput fromend to end and for each link with wired
clients and then with several wireless clients.
Note: Ifyouarenotabletogetthemeshtosendandreceivedata,see
“Troubleshooting”onpage33.
12. If this node will have a long RF path or if you use narrow beamwidth antennas
in the installation, set the mesh RSSI threshold to be -93 dBm.
Note: This RSSI change prevents mesh instability because of flapping links.
13. After you finish the tests, remove the staging antennas.
Caution! The staging antennas are not rated for outdoor use.
Youare now ready to permanently install the mesh nodes.
!

11
HotPort 5020-M node installation
After you do tests and configure the nodes, then you are ready to install the
nodesin a permanent outdoorlocation.
The work process is:
1. Collectallrequiredtools.
2. Do a site survey to make sure that no new safety hazards are present.
3. Preparesafetyequipmentandconfirmearthgroundprocedures.
4. Attach the nodes and antennas to poles that attach to a mast, tower, or roof.
5. Install the node and antennas assembly and other devices, such as cameras
or access points to a permanent location.
Tools required
For HotPort 5020-M mesh node, you need to use:
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• Small adjustable wrench
• Wire cutters to cut tie wraps around cables
• Cable ties
• Electrical tape and butyl mastic or silicone tape to weatherproof the
connectors
Otherequipmentyoumightneedincludes:
• Ladder
• Lifttruck
• Safety equipment
Doing a site survey
Note: Formoredetailed proceduresforaninitialsite survey,seethe FiretideBest
Practices .
Before you install any equipment outside, check the entire site:
• Toidentifypossiblehazardsthatmightbenewsincethecompletesitesurvey
• Toidentify the presence of objectsthat might cause interference for the
radios
Warning! Certified professionals must install Firetide products. If you
do not install this equipment correctly, the equipment can be
damaged, or you can be injured or die.

HotPort5020-Mnode installation
12
Electricalshockhazardwarning! Makeaplantokeeptheinstallation
personnel safe.
Warning! Do not install Firetide products where possible contact with
power lines can be made. Antennas, poles, towers, guy wires, or cables
can touch power lines. People can be injured or killed if they touch or
hold any part of the equipment when it contacts electric lines. Make
sure that equipment and personnel cannot directly or indirectly
contactpowerlines.
Warning! Do not openthe cover:
•Dangerousvoltagesinside.
•No serviceable parts inside.
•Refer to qualified service personnel.
Safe installation practices
Bestpractice: InstallHotPort5020-Mmeshnodeson polesthatarefarenough
awayfrompowerlines.
The horizontal distance from a tower, pole or antenna to the nearest power line
should be at least twice the total length of the pole/antenna combination. This
distance ensures that the pole will not contact a power line if it falls during or
after installation.
• Select equipment locations that allow safe and simple installation.
• Do not work alone.
• Useapprovednon-conductingladders,shoes,andothersafetyequipment.
Make sure all equipment is in good condition.
• If a tower or pole begins falling, do not catch it.
• Ifawireorpoletouchesapowerline,donottouchit.
• Do not install antennas or towers on windy days.
• Make sure all towers and poles are correctly grounded. Make sure all
electrical cables connected to antennas have lightning arrestors.
A connection to earth ground and a lightning arrestor can prevent fire
damage or personal injury in case of lightning, static build-up, or short
circuit within the equipment connected to the antenna.
• Use 10 AWG ground wire and corrosion-resistant connectors to connect the
base of the antenna pole or tower directly to the building protective ground
or to one or more approvedgroundingrods.
• Refer to the National Electrical Code for grounding information.

HotPort5020-Mnodeinstallation
13
Preparing a node for outdoor installation
It is easier to install all devices to one object, such as a pole, and then attach the
pole assembly to the roof. If you attach the devices to a pole attached to the roof
top, factors, such as weather, can make the installation more difficult and
dangerous.
Warning! Only use antennas that are rated for outdoor applications.
W arning! Failure to obey these instructions might result in severe
personal injury includingelectrical shockorpermanentdamageto
equipment.
Warning! Make sure that all safety equipment is in good condition. Do
notusebrokenor damagedtools orequipment. Alwaysuse safe work
practices and obey all local and national guidance for earth ground
requirements and electricity.
Note: Collect all tools before you install nodes.
To prepare a node for outdoor installation:
1. Make sure that you use antennas correct for the application.
Note: Install the antenna and any other wireless devices higher than the HotPort
node.
2. Remove the mount bracket from the node.
a. Use the Phillips screwdriver to loosen the four captive screws (two
on each side).
Captive screws
b. Remove the bracket from the hooks on the node.

HotPort5020-Mnode installation
14
Bracket (outer piece)
Hooks
Node
c. Put the node in a safe place while you attach the bracket to a pole or
wall.
3. To a pole that you can install at a permanent outdoor site, attach these
items:
- Bracket for the node
- Antenna bracket
- (Optional) Other devices
4. Attach the antenna to the antenna bracket.
5. Attach the node to the bracket so that when it is in its permanent location
the RJ-45 and power connectors are down, antenna connectors are on each
side, and you can read the “Firetide” name.
The installation is correct if the device does not move side to side easily, the
“Firetide” mark is oriented correctly, and the connectors are oriented to the
ground.
Preparing earth ground
Warning. A HotPort node must be correctly connected to
earth ground. Failure to do so can result in equipment
damage, injury, or death.
Theproductwarrantydoesnotincludedamagefromincorrectgrounding.Obey
all local building and electrical codes regarding antennas. If not available, refer
to the National Electric Code (NEC).
Earth groundingguidelinesinclude:
• Ifyouattach a node and antennatoatoweror pole, attachthe baseofthe
tower pole to the building’s ground or to one or more approved grounding
rodswith10AWGgroundwireandcorrosion-resistantconnectors.
• Connect the grounding cable to rain gutters only if the rain gutter is
connected to earth ground.
• Ground rods are copper-plated and 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) long.
• Install all ground components in straight lines. If you must make a bend, do
not make a sharp bend.
• Earth-to-ground should be less than or equal to 10 ohms.