Firetide HotPort 8020 User manual

Firetide Installation Guide
HotPort 8020Mesh Node
Published Dec 2017
Revised Feb 2018

HotPort 8020 Mesh Node Installation Guide
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© 2017 Firetide, Inc . All rights reserved .
F i ret i de , the F i ret i de l ogo , HotPort are a ll trademarks of Firetide Inc. A ll other trademarks are
the property of the i r respective owners. Informat i on i n th i s document i s subject to
change w i thout not i ce.
F i re tid e , Inc .
2105S. Bascom Avenue , Su i te 220
Campbell, CA 95008
USA
www.firetide.com

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Contents
1 About this document............................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Audience ............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Instructions to purchaser and installer ...................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Conventions ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Document feedback ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Contacting customer support .................................................................................................................. 4
2 HotPort 8020 mesh node ..................................................................................................................... 5
3 Installation ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Preparing what you need to install ........................................................................................................... 5
3.1 HotPort mesh node in an IP67 enclosure .................................................................................................. 6
3.1.1 Package contents of 8020 mesh node ............................................................................................... 6
The following accessories can be purchased separately from Firetide ................................................................. 6
3.2 Interface of an outdoor mesh .................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 Node LEDs .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2.2 Console Port/Reset ........................................................................................................................ 9
3.2.3 Ethernet ports ............................................................................................................................... 9
3.2.4 Antenna Connectors .................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.5 Pressure relief valve ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.6 Ground screw point ..................................................................................................................... 10
4 Test before you install ........................................................................................................................ 10
4.1 Before you install: ............................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Tests to do ......................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Licenses which are not included ............................................................................................................ 10
4.4 Certification requirement ..................................................................................................................... 10
5 Doing the tests ....................................................................................................................................... 10
6 Power Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Power input and Power out .................................................................................................................. 12
6.2 Operating TX Power limit of radio .......................................................................................................... 12
7 Environmental Specifications ............................................................................................................... 12
8 HotPort8020 mesh node installation .................................................................................................... 12

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8.1 Installation Steps: ................................................................................................................................ 12
8.2 Tools required .................................................................................................................................... 12
8.3 Doing the site survey ........................................................................................................................... 13
8.4 Safe installation practices ..................................................................................................................... 13
8.5 Preparing a mesh node for installation ................................................................................................... 14
8.6 Preparing earth ground ........................................................................................................................ 15
8.7 Installing a mesh node and antenna assembly ......................................................................................... 16
8.8 Attaching the mesh node to a wall ......................................................................................................... 17
8.9 Attaching a mesh node to a vertical pole ................................................................................................ 18
8.10 Attaching a mesh node to a horizontal pole ............................................................................................. 19
8.11 Panel antenna Assembly ...................................................................................................................... 21
8.12 Mesh node installation with RF cable assembly on a vertical pole. .............................................................. 22
9 Trouble shooting ................................................................................................................................ 24
Cannot see a mesh node in Web NMS.................................................................................................... 24
After multiple reboots a mesh node is missing ........................................................................................ 24
Performance not as expected ................................................................................................................. 24
Resetting an outdoor mesh node to factory default settings ................................................................. 25
10 Weather proof procedures ............................................................................................................ 26
10.1 Tools and materials ........................................................................................................................ 26
To make a weatherproof connection you need the following tools and materials: .............................. 26
Making weatherproof cable to node connections.................................................................................. 26
Y ou need to make weather proof two connections: .................................................................................... 26
To make a weather proof cable to node connection: ............................................................................ 26
11 Information to User, Purchaser & Installer ................................................................................... 28
11.1 Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement .................................................... 28

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1 About this document
This section lists the audience, purpose, summary of information, and conventions used in this document.
1.1 Audience
This documents intended for certified professionals who install Firetide wireless solutions.
1.2 Instructions to purchaser and installer
This equipment must be professionally installed. The installer is responsible for adjusting the transmit power output of the
system to assure compliance with FCC Part15 EIRP limits and human radiation safety regulations.
1.3 Purpose
This document has the information and procedures necessary to install and do basic tests with Firetide HotPort 8020 mesh
node.
1.4 Conventions
Certaininformationhasspecialmeaningforthereader.Thisinformationappearswith an icon that indicates a particular condition,
such as a warning or caution, or a label, such as “Note” or “Best Practice”.
 Electrical hazards are those environments where the danger of electrocution is probable. This image appears
before each electrical hazard statement.
 Warnings contain safety information that you must obey. If you do not obey the instruction in warning, the result
might include serious injury or death. This image appears before each warning statement.
 Cautions contain information that you should obey to avoid minor injury, inconvenience, and damage to equipment.
This image appears before each caution statement.
 Notes contain optional advice and information particular to a special case or application.
 Best practices contain specific recommendations based on industry-standard expectations.
1.5 Document feedback
If you find an error or content missing from this document, we want to hear about it. You can send you feedback about any
of our documents to [e-mail].
1.6 Contacting customer support
If you need support, depending on the problem, you might be asked for this information:
 Description of the problem
 FMA and an installed management license
 Channel and frequency plan
 Recent spectrum analysis
 Device topology in Google Earth (KMZ file)
 Network map or topology plan with device information
You must also have administrator access to the mesh to be able to receive technical support.
The next table lists the contact information for customer support.
Worldwide customer support Days/Hours Contact
Americas
Monday to Friday 7:00 am to
5:30 pm PST (Pacific Standard
T ime)
http://www.firetide.com/support
+1 (877) FIRETIDE, extension 2
[phone], extension 2
[phone]

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Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 5:30 pm IST (India
Standard Time)
http://www.firetide.com/support
[phone]
Fax [phone]
2 HotPort 8020 mesh node
Firetide HotPort
TM
mesh node has two radios which operate in 802.11a, n and ac 4x4 MIMO mode.
The default configuration is 2x2 MIMO. With Software license 4x4 MIMO can be enabled.
The following software licenses are available. **
License
Descriptions
Remarks
SW-8020-2x2MIMO 802.11n/ac 2x2MIMO Default
SW-8020-4x4MIMO 802 .11 n / ac 4x4 MIMO Add on license
SW-FMA-Mgmt. Management License Add on license
SW-Mobility Mobility License Add on license
If you plan on using DFS, it is mandatory to take training class from Firetide. On successful completion of the class Firetide
will provide login credentials for DFS configuration using Firetide Management Appliance.
**Subject to software implementation.
3 Installation
Please read before Installation
You must complete the training program and be certified by Firetide to be able to install Firetide
products.
Before you install an outdoor mesh node in a permanent location, you need to make sure you have all of the
correct components and make sure the components are operational.
Preparing what you need to install
To get what you need to set up a mesh node:
 Open the box.
 Remove the contents.
 Check the contents for damage. If a part is missing or damaged, call your Firetide reseller.
 If the contents are good and correct, keep the box for future use.

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3.1 HotPort mesh node in an IP67 enclosure
3.1.1 Package contents of 8020 mesh node
 Eight detachable 5GHz Omni- directional antennas for staging
 Pole and wall mounting kit
 Mounting screws and bolts
 Ground cable
 Cat6 Ethernet cable
The following accessories can be purchased separately from Firetide
 4x4 MIMO 18.5 dBi gain 5G panel outdoor rated antenna
 7 dBi gain 5G dipole antenna
 RF cable assembly with lightning arrester
 802.3 AT+ PoE injector

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3.2 Interface of an outdoor mesh
The following picture of 8020 mesh node shows the front view and the rear view describing
node LEDs, antenna port connectors of the radio, Ethernet ports(PoE input and PSE output port),
debug console/reset and the pressure valve with weatherproof cap protection and node ground
point.
For information about cables and accessories approved for use with Firetide devices,
refer to the Accessories Guide.
 Front View

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 Rear View
3.2.1 Node LEDs
 Hotport8020 mesh node has 5 LEDs as shown in the following picture.
o Power LED
 OFF: Mesh node does not receive power.
 Amber: Device is powering up
 Green: Device is powered up and ready to use
o Ethernet LEDs of LAN1 and LAN2 port
 OFF: No Ethernet link detected
 Amber: Link speed (10/100 Mbps),Blinking - Activity
 Green-Link speed (1000Mbps), Blinking- Activity
o Radio1 and Radio2 LEDs
 OFF: No Radio neighbor detected
 Green: Radio Neighbor connected, Blinking-Activity

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3.2.2 Console Port/Reset
Console port and reset button are co-located as shown in the picture below, which is covered by a weatherproof
cap, held with a cable tie.
Note: Console port is meant to be used only for debugging purpose by Firetide support.
Reset button is above the console port RJ45 connector.
Refer the “procedure for reset” on page 24 to do a factory reset of the mesh node.
3.2.3 Ethernet ports
o Ports 1 & 2 of HotPort 8020 mesh node are Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports.
o LAN1 Port can receive power from an 802.3at+ compliant PoE source.
o LAN2 Port can source power to an 802.3af compliant device.

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3.2.4 Antenna Connectors
o HotPort 8020 mesh node has eight N type female antenna connectors, four connectors per radio .
3.2.5 Pressure relief valve
o
The pressure relief valve shown on the rear cover is protected by a weatherproof cap
.
3.2.6 Ground screw point
o The ground screw is on the lower left side of the bottom cover. Adequate grounding of the mesh
node must be ensured.
4 Test before you install
You should set up and test the mesh nod in door on a table before you install them in permanent locations.
4.1 Before you install:
o Make sure all of the equipment are in working condition
o Configure mesh nodes to reduce configuration effort in the field
o Test the stability and performance of the nodes.
4.2 Tests to do
o Power on each device
o Attach all antennas and make sure you can see all devices in Web NMS
o Perform throughput test
4.3 Licenses which are not included
FMA network management software and appropriate licenses are required. Before you set up the network,
you must purchase all licenses from your Firetide distributor.
For the procedures related to license installation, refer to the FMA Reference Manual.
4.4 Certification requirement
Professionals who install and manage networks that contain Firetide products must comply
with the training and certification requirements of the installation.
5 Doing the tests
For efficiency, you can configure six to eight mesh nodes at one time. To do tests and capture data with
FMA software:
1. Refer to the FMA product guide for the prerequisites of HW requirement.
2. Connect the power cable to the PoE adaptor, connect through CAT5e / CAT6 Ethernet cable
from the PoE output of PoE Adaptor to LAN1 PoE input port of the mesh node.
3. Attach the staging antennas to each mesh node
4. FMA can be accessed through it’s URL using an internet browser. It will launch the login page.

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5. Enter user name and password to login. The default username and password is: admin / admin.
The picture below shows the Login screen.
6. Make sure that all mesh nodes are loaded in FMA. i f you can not see any or all o f the
mesh nodes, see the troubleshooting information in the FMA Product Guide
7. S et the country code on the nodes
.
All nodes intended f or use in the United S tates will
be set to U S Country code. Once the U S Country code is set, changing to a di ff erent
Country code later will not be possible.
Caution: Make sure you configure the device for the correct country. If you do not
configure the country correctly, the device might operate in a manner that is not legal
in that country and/or create problems with other wireless devices
a) Go to Mesh configurations, Select the country of operation from the drop-down list.
b)
Save Mesh configurations. When you set the country code the system refreshes the
mesh configuration and gives all visible nodes in the same country code. For a few
minutes the mesh nodes might disappear from the topology view in WebNMS .
8. To configure mesh-wide settings, go to Mesh > Configure Mesh... Set the radio
operational mode as needed.
Not e : For information about specific features and the configuration process, see the FMA
Reference Manual.
9. Check network throughput on each link between mesh nodes. For procedures,
see the FMA Product Configuration Guide .
Note: If you are not able to send and/or receive data, see “Troubleshooting” on
page 23.
10.
After you finish the tests, remove the staging antennas.

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6 Power Specifications
6.1 Power input and Power out
 Power input: LAN1 port: IEEE 802.3at+ compliant, PoE-PD
 Power output: LAN2 port: IEEE 802.3af compliant, PoE-PSE
6.2 Operating TX Power limit of radio
Allowed Radio Power limits, supported frequencies and channel bandwidth shall vary based on country/region
of operation and Operating TX Power is compliant to FCC 15.407(a) power limit.
7 Environmental Specifications
 Operating temperature: -30
o
C to + 60
o
C
 Storage temperature: -40
o
C to +70
o
C
 Humidity (non-condensing): 10 % to 90 %

Storage humidity (non-condensing): 5 % to 95 %

Max altitude: 15,000 ft. (4,600 meters)
8 HotPort8020 mesh node installation
The configured mesh nodes are ready for installation in the permanent outdoor location.
8.1 Installation Steps:
1. Do a site survey to make sure that no safety hazards are present.
2. Gather all required tools.
3. Prepare safety equipment and confirm earth ground procedures.
4. Attach the mesh nodes and antennas to poles that are attached to a mast, tower, or roof.
5. Install the mesh node and antennas assembly and other devices, such as cameras.
8.2 Tools required
To install HotPort 8020 mesh nodes, you need to use:
 Screwdriver s et
 Small adjustable wrench
 Wire cutters to cut tie wraps around cables
 Electrical tape and butyl masti c tape to weatherproof the connectors
 Spray to prevent corrosion
Other equipment you might need includes:
 Ladder
 Lift truck
 Safety equipment

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8.3 Doing the site survey
Before you install any equipment outside, check the entire site:
 To identify possible hazards that might be new since the site survey
 To identify the presence of objects that might cause interference for the radios
Warning! Certified professionals must install Firetide products. Failure to install this
equipment correctly can result in equipment damage, personal injury, or death.
Electrical shock hazard warning! Make a plan to keep the installation
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 do not directly or indirectly contact power lines.
Warning! Do not open the cover:
 Dangerous voltages inside.
 No serviceable parts inside.
8.4 Safe installation practices
Best practice: Install HotPort 8020 mesh nodes on poles that are at sufficient d istance
from power lines.
 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.
 Use approved non-conducting ladders, shoes, and other safety equipment.
 Make sure all equipment is in good condition.
 If a tower or pole begins falling, do not catch it.
 If a wire or pole touches a power line, do not touch it.
 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.

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 Use 10AWG 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 approved grounding rods.
 Refer to the National Electrical Code for grounding information.
8.5 Preparing a mesh node for installation
It is easier to install all devices to one object, such as 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.
Warning!
Failure to comply with these installation instructions might result in severe personal injury
including electrical shock or permanent damage to equipment.
Warning!
Make sure that all safety equipment is in good condition. Do not use broken or damaged tools
or equipment. Always use safe work practices and obey all local and national guidance for earth ground
requirements and electricity.
Note: Collect all tools before you install the mesh nodes.
Make sure that you have antennas rated for outdoor use. For information about antennas and how
to select them, see the Firetide Antenna and Accessory Guide.
Warning!
Max Operating TX Power allowed Power limits is as per FCC 15.407(a).
Note: Install the antenna and any other wireless devices higher than the HotPort mesh node.
1. To a pole that you can install at a permanent outdoor site, attach these items:
a) Brackets for the mesh node
b) Antenna bracket
2. Attach the antenna to the antenna bracket. Refer to the antenna installation procedures.

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8.6 Preparing earth ground
Warning. A Hot Port mesh node must be correcty connected to earth ground.
Failure to do so can result in equipment damage, injury, or death.
The product warranty does not include damage from incorrect grounding.
Obey all local building and electrical codes regarding antennas.
If not available, refer to the National Electric Code (NEC).
Earth grounding guidelines include:
 If you attach a mesh node and antenna to a tower or pole, attach the base of the tower
pole to the building’s ground or to one or more approved grounding rods with 10 AWG ground wire and
corrosion-resistant connectors.
 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 5 ohms.
 Some salt compounds are corrosive and can cause copper ground rods to corrode.
 To prepare the soil for ground rods:
1 If the soil contains rocks or sand, insert the ground rods into the ground Pull out
the ground rods.
2 Put in an approved ground enhancement material into the holes where the
g rounding rods go.
 Put in the ground rods.

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8.7 Installing a mesh node and antenna assembly
The process to install antenna to a mesh node for a mast or tower or to a roof installation
are same .
Note: Gather and take all tool s and materials with you to the installation site.
Warning! Do not install this pr o duct on a win dy or rain y d a y.
To install a mesh node and antenna assembly in a permanent outdoor location:
1) Safely lift and carefully put the assembly on the roof.
2) Connecting to a MIMO antenna:
 Terminate the unused port of radio antenna ports and MIMO antenna ports with a
50 ohm terminator.
 If your MIMO antenna has four RF Co nnectors (two 45 degree connectors and two
90 degree vertical connector), then only use the two 45 degree connectors. DO NOT
use the vertical connector, and place a 50 ohm terminator on the vertical connector.
The neighbor antenna should also use two 45 degree connectors.
 If your MIMO antenna has four connectors (two 45 degree connectors and two 90
degree connector), but your neighbor MIMO antennas has only two connectors (two
90 degree connectors), then mount your MIMO antenna with the two 90 degree
connectors in a diamond pattern. The MIMO antenna with the four connectors
should maintain its mount in a square pattern.
3) Attach the pole to which the mesh node and antenna are attached to a mast, tower or
roof.
 Attach the cables that have integrated lightning arrestors, or attach the cables and
install lightning arrestors.
 Make drip loops with cables.
 Connect earth ground. See “Preparing earth ground” on page 15.
4) Make all connectors weatherproof. See “Weather proof procedures” on page 25.
5) Connect the CAT5E/CAT6 Ethernet cable from PoE adaptor power port to LAN1 port of
the Mesh node.
6) Cover all unused connectors, if any.
7) Verify that the mesh node works:
 Ping the IP address
 Use one or more mesh nodes
 Do throughput tests with FMA and record the results as a benchmark test

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8.8 Attaching the mesh node to a wall
The below procedures shows how to install the Mesh node into a wall.
1) Mark the four locations of the mounting holes on the flat mounting surface.
2) Drill 37mm deep 8mm holes on the markings and hammer the bolts into the openings.
3) Place the lock and flat washer on the four hex cap screws and drive the screws to attach
the bracket to the back of the Mesh node.
4) Attach the device on to the wall by tightening the bolt’s flat washer and nuts to secure
the mounting base to the mounting surface.

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Note: The installation is correct if the node does not easily move from side to side.
Best practice: Use a spray to prevent corrosion on the bracket and mount hardware.
8.9 Attaching a mesh node to a vertical pole
The Mesh node comes with two sets of brackets - wall mount bracket and pole mount bracket.
Attaching the mesh node to a pole requires both pole mount as well as wall mount brackets.
The below procedures show how to attach the Mesh node into a vertical pole.
1. Place the lock and flat washer on the four hex cap screws and drive the screws
to attach bracket to the back of the mesh node.
2. Drive the four round head screws to attach the pole mount bracket to the wall
mount bracket.

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3. Thread the open end of the pole strap through the two tabs on the pole mount
brackets.
4. Lock and tighten the pole strap to secure the pole mount b racket to the
pole.
Note: The installation is correct if the node does not easily move from side to side.
Best practice: Use a spray to prevent corrosion on the bracket and mount h ardware.
8.10 Attaching a mesh node to a horizontal pole
To attach the mesh node to a horizontal pole procedures are same as attaching the node to a
vertical pole. Following picture shows the mesh node attached to a horizontal pole.