Indigo Carlson RuralConnect Gen3 User manual

RuralConnect®Gen3
TV White Space Radio
User Manual
V1.0

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Copyright©2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
RuralConnect®and the RuralConnect®logo are registered trademarks of Carlson Wireless
Technologies, Inc. (“Carlson”). Windows®is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and other countries.
Copyright
Copyright©2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No person may
reproduce this manual without explicit permission from Carlson. The information contained in this
publication is the latest available, as of the date printed on each page. Carlson reserves the right to
make changes without notice. Current revisions are available upon request.
Carlson Headquarters: 3134 Jacobs Ave. Suite C, Eureka, CA 95501 USA
Purchasers of Carlson products are required to make their own evaluations of product suitability for
their specific application(s). Regarding the use and/or application of our products and/or the use of
this manual, Carlson’s obligations are limited to the terms set forth in the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Sale for a delivered product.
Technical Support
Training and support are only available for products purchased directly from Carlson or its direct
distribution channel; the purchaser is responsible for technical assistance for all other system
components. Local product support is provided by Indigo Broadband in South Africa. The first point
of contact should always be via their support facilities which is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
CAT, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Repair and Return
Carlson will replace or repair this product within one year from the date of shipment if it does not
meet published specifications, or if it fails while in service due to a manufacturer’s defect. You must
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) prior to returning equipment to Carlson. To submit
an RMA request, please contact Indigo Broadband Support.
Qualified Personnel
Only professionally trained personnel can perform the testing and/or configuration steps outlined in
this manual. Technicians are responsible for adhering to all applicable safety regulations and
industry-standard best practices. Carlson does not authorize non-certified personnel to work on
equipment without the direct supervision of a certified trained service technician.
Safety Warnings
In order to prevent personal injury, property damage, and/or equipment failure; it is essential
that the installer employ appropriate safety measures when testing, installing, and/or
maintaining RuralConnect®equipment. You are required to review all safety warnings in this
manual prior to testing, installing, and/or maintaining the system.

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Proper Handling and Grounding
The electronic components of the RuralConnect®equipment are sensitive to electrostatic discharge
(ESD). In order to prevent potential warranty voiding damage, you must use an adequately grounded
anti-static wrist strap when handling the equipment. It is also important to avoid the use of
conductive tools. In order to prevent electric shock, always disconnect the remote power source and
all cables from the system prior to disconnecting the grounding connection.
Outdoor Installation
You must never perform any installation work on a tower, mast, or rooftop during lightning storms or
other inclement weather. Dangerous work of this nature could result in serious injury and/or death. It
is important to adhere to all of the applicable local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to safety
equipment and tower climbing practices.
Electrical Installation
The electrical installation must be accomplished in accordance with the National Electrical Code
(NEC) and with any local codes effective at the time of installation.
To eliminate risk of electric shock, DO NOT connect/disconnect cables while units are powered up.
Safety will be compromised if external quality cables are not used for connections that will be
exposed to the weather.
Antenna installation near power lines is dangerous and contacting power lines can be lethal. When
selecting an installation site, keep safety and performance in mind. Make sure there are no power
lines anywhere where possible contact can be made. Carefully check the distance to any power
lines before starting installation. The distance from the mast or antenna to the nearest power line
should be at least twice the total length of the mast/antenna combination.
ETSI Instructions
This equipment design typically applies to commercial or industrial equipment expected to be
installed in locations where only adults are normally present. Instructions to ensure correct and safe
installation and interconnection of the equipment. For equipment intended only for use in a restricted
access area, the instructions shall so state. If the equipment is intended to be fastened in place, the
instructions shall explain how to securely fasten the equipment. Graphical symbols placed on the
equipment and used as an instructional safeguard shall be explained. If a replaceable component or
module provides a safeguard function, identification of a suitable replacement component or module
shall be provided in the ordinary person instructions or instructed person instructions, or skilled
person instructions, as applicable. (Power Supply)
RF Exposure
This equipment complies with radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 40 cm between the radiator
and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
It is advisable to use the device only in the normal operating position as described in this guide.

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When the system is operational, avoid standing directly in front of the antenna. Strong RF fields are
present when the transmitter is on. The antenna must not be deployed in a location where it is
possible for people to stand or walk inadvertently in front of the antenna.
Regulatory Compliance Information
Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Carlson Wireless
Technologies Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to ETSI EN 301 489-1 regulations. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Spectrum Database Registration Requirements
Per ICASA regulations, your RuralConnect®system must be enrolled with a certified White Space
Database (WSDB) prior to performing any bench tests and/or completing the final installation.
ETSI Regulatory Compliance Information
ETSI Identifiers:
OPA-RC3-BS (Base Station)
OPA-RC3-CPE (Client Station)
ETSI EN 301-598
470-694 MHz (TV channels 21-48) (South Africa)
Emission designators
8 MHz channels 6M00F1D
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 3134 Jacobs Ave, Eureka, CA 95501 USA
Declares that the product:
Product Name: RuralConnect®Gen3
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC: EN 301 489-1 & EN 61000-4 part 2-6 & 8

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Copyright©2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................10
Scope of Manual.........................................................................................................10
Product Overview........................................................................................................10
2. System Planning................................................................................................................12
Proper Handling..........................................................................................................12
Grounding...................................................................................................................12
Lightning Protection....................................................................................................12
Cable Recommendations............................................................................................13
Recommended Tools..................................................................................................13
Computer Required.....................................................................................................14
Spectrum Management...............................................................................................14
2.7.1. Unlicensed Operation using a White Space Database.........................................14
2.7.2. Licensed/Fixed-Channel Operation......................................................................14
Carlson Knowledge Base............................................................................................15
3. Receiving and Testing - Quick Start Guide ........................................................................16
Unpacking...................................................................................................................16
Setting up the Bench...................................................................................................16
3.2.1. RF Connections...................................................................................................16
3.2.2. Power & Network Connections ............................................................................16
Registration Information..............................................................................................16
3.3.1. Base and CPE Registration Details......................................................................16
3.3.2. Owner & Operator Information.............................................................................17
Software Configuration ...............................................................................................17
3.4.1. Finding the Base Station on Your Network...........................................................17
3.4.2. Log into the GUI...................................................................................................19
3.4.3. Home Page..........................................................................................................19
3.4.4. CPE Management ...............................................................................................19
3.4.5. Radio Manager....................................................................................................19
Test Internet Connection.............................................................................................22
4. Base Station Graphical User Interface (GUI)......................................................................23
Connecting to the Base Station...................................................................................26
Home..........................................................................................................................26
4.2.1. User Accounts .....................................................................................................26
4.2.2. Radio Manager....................................................................................................28
4.2.3. Contact Details ....................................................................................................29
4.2.4. GPS Details.........................................................................................................29
CPE Management.......................................................................................................30
4.3.1. Edit CPE Configuration........................................................................................31
Ethernet Port...............................................................................................................32
4.4.1. Bridge Routing Table...........................................................................................33
4.4.2. VLAN Details .......................................................................................................34
4.4.3. Interface status....................................................................................................35
Traffic Shaping............................................................................................................36
SNMP.........................................................................................................................38
Application Software...................................................................................................38
Key Parameters..........................................................................................................39
5. CPE User Management Interface ......................................................................................40

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Home Page.................................................................................................................40
LAN Configuration.......................................................................................................40
5.2.1. DHCP Server.......................................................................................................41
Traffic Shaping............................................................................................................42
TVWS Status..............................................................................................................43
6. Field-Testing and Installation.............................................................................................44
Professional Installers.................................................................................................44
Antenna Height and RF Exposure Warnings...............................................................44
Outdoor Unit (ODU)....................................................................................................44
6.3.1. Mounting the ODU...............................................................................................44
RuralConnect®Antennas............................................................................................45
6.4.1. Base Station Sector Antenna...............................................................................45
6.4.2. Client Station Log Periodic Antenna.....................................................................45
Weatherproofing RF Connections...............................................................................47
Antenna Alignment......................................................................................................48
Interference Solutions.................................................................................................49
Surge Protection.........................................................................................................49
6.8.1. RF Lightning Protection .......................................................................................49
6.8.2. Antenna Port Protection.......................................................................................49
6.8.3. Power-Over-Ethernet Surge Protection................................................................51
7. Appendices........................................................................................................................52
Specifications..............................................................................................................52
7.1.1. System.................................................................................................................52
7.1.2. Network ...............................................................................................................52
7.1.3. Regulatory...........................................................................................................52
7.1.4. Environmental......................................................................................................52
7.1.5. Security................................................................................................................52
7.1.6. Antenna...............................................................................................................52
7.1.7. Mechanical ..........................................................................................................53
7.1.8. Power Supply.......................................................................................................53
Warranty.....................................................................................................................53
Acronyms/Abbreviations .............................................................................................54
Glossary .....................................................................................................................55
Useful URLs................................................................................................................56

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Figures
Figure 1: RuralConnect®Outdoor Unit ......................................................................................10
Figure 2: Security warning while attempting to access the GUI.................................................19
Figure 3: GUI Login...................................................................................................................19
Figure 4: System Status............................................................................................................19
Figure 5: Setting up new CPE...................................................................................................19
Figure 6: Manager Screen ........................................................................................................20
Figure 7: Location Screen.........................................................................................................20
Figure 8: Location Override Screen...........................................................................................20
Figure 9: Setting Manual Location Details.................................................................................20
Figure 10: PAWS Screen..........................................................................................................21
Figure 11: Operator Details.......................................................................................................21
Figure 12: Radio Manager Passphrase.....................................................................................21
Figure 13: Base Station User Interface - Home Screen Flowchart.............................................23
Figure 14: Base Station User Interface - Radio Manager Flowchart..........................................24
Figure 15: Base Station User Interface - CPE Management Flowchart.....................................25
Figure 16: Base Station User Interface - Home Screen.............................................................26
Figure 17: Base Station User Interface - User Accounts Screen...............................................27
Figure 18: Base Station User Interface - Radio Manager Screen..............................................28
Figure 19: Base Station User Interface - Setup Contact Details for PAWS White Space
Database (WSDB) ....................................................................................................................29
Figure 20: Base Station User Interface - GPS Screen...............................................................30
Figure 21: Base Station User Interface - CPE Management .....................................................30
Figure 22: Base Station User Interface - Setting up CPE Details ..............................................31
Figure 23: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port Setup Screen.......................................33
Figure 24: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port Bridge Routing.....................................34
Figure 25: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port VLAN Settings......................................35
Figure 26: User Interface Ethernet Interface Status ..................................................................36
Figure 27: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping................................................36
Figure 28: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping Classes..................................36
Figure 29: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping Device List .............................37
Figure 30: Base Station User Interface - CPE Traffic Shaping Screen......................................37
Figure 31: Base Station User Interface - Traffic Shaping Confirmation Screen..........................37
Figure 32: Base Station User Interface - SNMP Setup Screen..................................................38
Figure 33: Application Software ................................................................................................38
Figure 34: Base Station User Interface - Software Selection Screen.........................................38
Figure 35: Base Station User Interface - Key Parameters Logging............................................39
Figure 36: CPE User Interface –Home Screen.........................................................................40
Figure 37: CPE User Interface –LAN Configuration Screen .....................................................41
Figure 38: CPE User Interface - Additional LAN Configuration Options.....................................41
Figure 39: CPE User Interface –DHCP Server Screen.............................................................42
Figure 40: CPE User Interface –UL/DL Traffic Shaping............................................................42
Figure 41: CPE User Interface –Radio Status Screen..............................................................43
Figure 42: Pole-mounted RuralConnect® Gen3 Unit.................................................................44
Figure 43: ODU Mounting Kit....................................................................................................44
Figure 44: Log Periodic Direction Antenna Radiation Pattern and Gain Chart...........................46
Figure 45: Step 1: Securing RF Cable to Radio or Antenna......................................................47
Figure 46:Step 2: Seal the Connector Assembly.......................................................................47

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Figure 47: Step 3. Covering Rubber Tape with Electrical Tape.................................................47
Figure 48: Base Station RF Surge Protector Diagrams.............................................................50
Figure 49: CPE RF Surge Suppressor......................................................................................51
Figure 50: POE Surge Protector ...............................................................................................51

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Tables
Table 1: Sector Antenna Specifications.....................................................................................45
Table 2: Log Periodic Directional Antenna Specifications..........................................................46
Table 3: High-Value Base Station RF Surge Protector Specifications.......................................50
Table 4: CPE RF Surge Protector Specifications ......................................................................51
Table 5: 640-6550 POE Surge Protector Specifications............................................................51

1. Introduction
Scope of Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide professional planning and installation personnel with the
appropriate information and procedures required to install and operate the RuralConnect TV White
Space Broadband Radio and accessory equipment. In order to avoid harm to persons or damage to
the product, please ensure that you have read and understand the safety, unpacking, and
installation sections before proceeding.
Product Overview
The RuralConnect®TV White Space Broadband Radio utilizes “white space” spectrum within the
UHF TV band from 470 MHz to 698 MHz (up to 790 MHz in EU/some African regions), for
applications where traditional microwave solutions will not provide adequate RF performance.
The RuralConnect Base Station (BS) is an outdoor unit (ODU) with three radios, each to be
connected to a 120-degree sector antenna.
The BS functions as an Internet gateway router via its 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connection. Using
three radios, the BS distributes up to 72 Mbps (6 MHz) or 96 Mbps (8 MHz) over the air, utilizing
three RF channels with three sector antennas, via 75-Ohm F-connectors. Together, the three radios
may host up to 100 subscribers.
The Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) ODU has a single TVWS radio with 75-Ohm F-connector.
The CPE utilizes a directional log-periodic antenna to receive up to 24 Mbps (6 MHz) or 32 Mbps (8
MHz) over the air.
Both units are powered via an external Power-over-
Ethernet (POE) injector. The Base Station consumes
up to 25 Watts, while the CPE consumes up to 8
Watts.
The RuralConnect®uses the IEEE 802.11af
standard, also called “White-Fi.” As with other 802.11
standards, 802.11af includes the use of Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to provide
protection against signal fading caused by multipath
interference (phase-shifting) while offering a robust
clean transmit spectrum. Reflections from trees,
buildings, and hills are inevitable for long-range
wireless links. These reflections arrive at slightly
different times, causing deep fading across the
channels used by white space systems. OFDM mitigates fading effects to ensure reliable wireless
communications even in mountainous, forested, and/or built-up areas where strong signal reflections
are common, even with non-line-of-sight (NLOS). The robustness and high data rate is obtained with
an adaptive modulation algorithm using BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, and 256QAM modulation
types.
To prevent interference with licensed users, the RuralConnect®combines an integrated GPS
receiver with a secured connection to a White Space Database (WSDB) using the PAWS standard.
Our international models ensure worldwide compatibility, regardless of the TV broadcast technology
in use. International users must ensure compliance with their regulatory authorities. For export only,
international models are available in both 6 MHz and 8 MHz versions.
Figure 1: RuralConnect®Outdoor Unit

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In Africa, the RuralConnect®is only available with an 8 MHz channel bandwidth. The system is fully
compliant with ETSI EN 301-598 regulations.
To prevent exceeding an authorized power limit the radio includes an internal RF sensor that reads
the RF power output. The radio then adjusts the output across its operating band, according to the
power limit set by the ETSI. All power controls are factory set; no user controls are available.

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2. System Planning
Proper Handling
You must follow precautionary measures when handling RuralConnect®devices. Improper handling
of your equipment may cause damage and void your warranty. The electronic components of the
RuralConnect®equipment are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Whenever handling the
equipment, always use adequate ESD protection, such as a grounded anti-static wrist strap. It is
also important to avoid the use of conductive tools, metal or otherwise. Where a plug on the power
supply cord is used as the disconnect device, the socket-outlet must be easily accessible.
Grounding
Grounding is the most important aspect of any electrical system.
It is recommended, and often required by law, to hire a certified electrician to install any required
electrical infrastructure.
For dissipation of hazardous energy, a ground is a low impedance electrical connection to the earth.
Grounding the RuralConnect®is very important for safety reasons, as well as protecting the system
from damage due to lightning and/or static charge/build up. Since lightning strikes and surges are
high in frequency, current, and voltage, the installation should use short, straight ground wires (not
coiled or looped). For optimal electrical conductivity, it is best to use the largest diameter ground wire
the ground connectors will accept. We recommend using a solid copper wire no smaller than eight
gauge.
It is required that the connection of the equipment protective earthing conductor to the installation
protective earthing conductor is made.
The impedance of your grounding should never exceed five Ohms. Carlson recommends
maintaining a ground with less than three Ohms.
An earth ground can be achieved, for example, using a utility company ground, grounding rod(s),
well casing, and/or cold-water pipes constructed of continuous metal.
A note of caution: sometimes repaired and/or extended metal cold-water pipes include PVC
sections hidden behind drywall. PVC will disrupt conductivity and render the pipe unacceptable as a
ground.
Conductivity is often poor in desert areas, so multiple ground rods may be required (preferably
bonded together to make a suitable connection). Undesirable grounds include, but are not limited to:
sprinkler pipes, PVC pipes, conduit, and buried wire.
Never use an unverified ground.
Caution must be taken to avoid electric shock. Prior to disconnecting a grounding connection,
always disconnect all power sources and cables from the system.
Lightning Protection
Poorly grounded lightning protection is the same as having no protection at all!
Lightning is one of the most dangerous and most common natural hazards for outdoor wireless
systems such as the RuralConnect®. It is essential to install and maintain adequate lightning

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protection for your equipment. Verified ground connections are imperative for lightning protection to
work correctly.
Primary lightning protection is located outside the enclosure. Install primary lightning protection with
a good ground on all RF and/or data connections that have even a moderate outdoor line build-out.
Best practices dictate all lines entering or exiting a building need protection. You must use protection
on both ends of the cables between buildings! Contact your sales representative for detailed
specifications and usage information for the primary lightning protection solutions available from
Carlson.
In areas with frequent lighting activity, augmenting the Client Station install with a nearby lightning
rod is strongly recommended. Lightning can unpredictably strike and miss the antenna mast
altogether, making contact with the underlying wiring/cabling instead. Lightning discharges into the
lowest impedance path to ground, i.e. earth. In many cases this will be the master ground in the
primary AC panel unless nearby grounding is installed.
Cable Recommendations
Use of factory-approved high-quality cabling is important to ensure the best performance for your
RuralConnect®system. Carlson extensively researched and tested cabling before selecting those
offered for RuralConnect®customers. It is strongly recommended that you use only Carlson-
approved cables. Discuss your cabling options with your Carlson Sales Representative.
Carlson carries professional-grade RF coax cables that provide greater durability and less
attenuation than those readily available. We offer and recommend well-insulated 75-Ohm broadband
coaxial cable with gas-injected foam polyethylene insulation. For short jumper connections, use 18
AWG RG-6/U cables with a solid .040” bare copper conductor. For longer runs, use 14 AWG RG-11
cables with a .064” bare copper conductor.
Only use cable with 100-percent solid copper center conductors. Lower-quality copper-clad
conductors have decreased performance and can lead to failures.
The 75-Ohm cabling used for RuralConnect®installation should not exceed 45 meters. Terminate all
coax cables with weather-sealed 75-Ohm F-type compression connectors with PVC jackets. Do not
use crimp-type connectors.
Avoid cable bends as much as possible; do not put more than a 90-degree bend in any cable run.
Network performance is greatly affected by the quality of data cabling used. Carlson carries and
recommends UV-resistant, shielded and grounded twisted pair cabling (CAT-5 or greater) rated for
outdoor use.
Recommended Tools
These are the tools commonly used to set up and install a RuralConnect®system. To ensure a
seamless installation, make sure you have these tools available.
•ESD protection gear
•Wrench set (metric)
•Socket set (metric)
•Screwdriver set (Phillips and Standard)
•Multimeter/multi-tester
•CAT5/CAT6 cable tester
•CAT5/CAT6 wire cutter/stripper tool(s)
•RG-6/RG-11 RF cable cutter/stripper and compression/termination tool(s)

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•Butyl tape (Vapor Wrap®)
•Vinyl/electrical tape
Computer Required
You will need acomputer with the following:
▪Web browser (Internet Explorer 9 +, Firefox, Chrome, etc.).
▪At least one gigabyte (GB) of RAM.
▪Keyboard and mouse (or other compatible pointing device).
▪Display adapter and monitor (1024x768 or higher resolution).
▪100/1000 Mbps Ethernet network adapter.
Spectrum Management
2.7.1. Unlicensed Operation using a White Space Database
Described in ETSI EN 301 598“Fixed devices must access a TV bands database over the Internet to
determine the TV channels that are available at their geographic coordinates…”
In accordance with this requirement, the RuralConnect®currently supports the FCC-approved White
Space Databases (WSDB) operated by Spectrum Bridge, iConnectiv and Google as well as the
ICASA approved CSIR S-GLSD (Secondary Geo Location Spectrum Database)
For European operation, Carlson has chosen WSDB partner Nominet. Other WSDB providers may
be available in your area.
To allow unlicensed operation, RuralConnect®radios must be enrolled and registered with a WSDB.
In most cases, enrollment is a one-time process performed by the factory prior to shipment. After a
radio has been enrolled and connected to the Internet, it will attempt to register with the WSDB and
request channel allocations. Via software, unit registration requires both the owner and operator’s
contact information and geo-location information. After configuration of your system, if you see any
error messages or cannot obtain channel allocations, contact Indigo Technical Support.
2.7.2. Licensed/Fixed-Channel Operation
ETSI Region 1 Domestic Operators (Africa)
Unless the system has been registered with a White Space Database (WSDB), it is necessary for
the equipment operator to hold an ICASA (South Africa) special issue license to operate in the UHF
band. Without a spectrum database, you will manually select the operating channel of the system.
Prior to powering your radios and conducting tests, you must have a list/map of allowable channels
specific to the Base Station and Client Station locations. To obtain a list of channels available in the
you need to connect to the relative Regulatory Authority to use one of the approved databases
hosted by Local Regulator -approved White Space Database providers:
South Africa - CSIR : https://whitespaces.csir.co.za
International Operators
If you will not be using a WSDB, refer to your spectrum regulatory authority to determine the TV
channels you can use. Without a spectrum database, you will manually select the operating channel
of the system.

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Carlson Knowledge Base
Prior to unpacking your RuralConnect®equipment, we recommend reviewing the latest
documentation available on our Knowledge Base.
The online Carlson Knowledge Base contains a variety of useful articles that will help you get started
with your new RuralConnect®system. To access the Knowledge Base, open your web browser and
navigate to www.carlsonwireless.com. Hover your cursor over “Support” and click the “Knowledge
Base” link.
To access the Knowledge Base directly, follow the link below:
http://hosted.comm100.com/helpdesk/main/main.aspx?siteid=129483
If you are new to the Knowledge Base, click the “New to Register?” link. You will receive a
confirmation email with an activation link. Follow the link to finalize your registration and select an
initial password.
If you forgot your password, click the “Forgot Password?” link.

3. Receiving and Testing - Quick Start Guide
This section outlines the needed steps to set up the software and conduct an initial bench test before
entering the field. Prior to starting these steps, you will need the following:
•A RuralConnect®Bench Test Kit
•Two (2) compatible computers
•Four (4) standard CAT5 Ethernet cables
•An Internet connection
Unpacking
Always inspect a package before opening. Report any damage to the shipping carrier. Unpack and
compare the contents against the packing slip and inspect everything for damage. Report any
missing or damaged components to your Carlson Customer Service Representative.
Setting up the Bench
Warning: do not power up a unit without proper cabling and attenuation. Failure to do so could result
in system damage that may void the warranty. You must have at least 60 dB of attenuation between
a RuralConnect®Base Station and each CPE.
3.2.1. RF Connections
Attach three (3) of the included attenuators to a Base Station and one (1) to the CPE. Cable the
units together with one (1) RG6 coax jumper. If you are testing two CPEs at a time, attach an RG6
jumper to each unit and then to the splitter. Note the splitter adds additional cable/connector loss.
3.2.2. Power & Network Connections
From the “OUT” jack of each POE injector, run a CAT5 Ethernet cable (not supplied) to each
unit to. From the “IN” port of the Base Station POE injector, connect your LAN/Internet
connection. Connect your first computer to Local Area Network (LAN) to which the Base Station
is connected. From the “IN” port of the CPE POE injector, connect your other computer.
Connect each POE injector to a power source.
Wait two to three minutes for the system to initialize.
Registration Information
NOTE: The following registration details are required to configure the system. Incomplete or
invalid information may prevent the system from operating correctly. In countries that require
use of a spectrum database, inaccurate information could be a violation of the law.
3.3.1. Base and CPE Registration Details
MAC Addresses
Each radio has a unique MAC address, which is used to register with a White Space Database
(WSDB) and for client access controls. Each unit housing includes a sticker with the MAC address.
Though Base Stations have multiples radios within, WSDB registration is done using Radio/Sector 1.
This is the MAC address referenced next to “RAD” on the sticker (RAD: 70:B3:D5:xx:xx:xx). The
Base Station has a separate MAC address for the Ethernet interface, labeled “ETH” on the sticker.
The CPE has one MAC address, labeled “MAC” on the sticker.
Please note: If you are operating your RuralConnect®system with a spectrum database, you should
only register CPEs with a single Base Station. This is to prevent conflicting registrations, which will
nullify and cause the radio(s) to cease operation.

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Geolocation Details (Latitude/Longitude)
You must have each unit’s geolocation in decimal degrees. For radios not deployed, enter the
coordinates for their storage location.
NOTE: ETSI regulations mandate these values be accurate within 30 meters. International
regulations may vary.
Antenna Height
WSDB registrations for each site include the antenna height above ground level (HAGL) in meters.
GPS-enabled units determine HAGL, with reference to the location of the GPS antenna. GPS values
are accurate within eight (8) meters. If using GPS, you must include the difference in height between
the GPS antenna and the TVWS antenna.
NOTE: ETSI regulations mandate the antenna height cannot exceed 30 meters AGL, nor 250
meters Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT). International regulations may vary.
3.3.2. Owner & Operator Information
Where use of a spectrum database is required, contact information is required for both the owner
and operator of the equipment. This information is used to register each radio with a White Space
Database (WSDB).
NOTE: Registration details imply explicit responsibilities and are public record.
If you own and operate the equipment, you can enter the same information for both the owner and
operator details. You may want to specify a different “operator” contact, a lead technician that will be
responsible for the system hereon.
If your networks are operated by an organization that does not own the equipment, be sure the
owner and operator fields accurately detail the appropriate contacts.
Software Configuration
The following section is a brief overview of the steps required to configure your RuralConnect®
system.
Most management of a RuralConnect®system is done via the web-based Graphical User Interface
(GUI) that runs on the Base Station. Once the equipment has been set up on your bench, you will
access the GUI via your web browser.
3.4.1. Finding the Base Station on Your Network
You may access the unit from your local network via an IP address or hostname.
IP Address
The local IP address of a Base Station can be static or assigned dynamically by your DHCP server.
If your unit came with a default IP address, it would include a paper and/or sticker with the address.
Otherwise, the unit is likely DHCP-enabled and you will need to determine its address.
Using the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), you can find the local IP address of a Base Station.
From a Windows PC open a command prompt and run the command “arp -a”. You will see a list of
IP and MAC addresses. Look for a MAC address starting with “70-b3-d5-17”. You can use the
corresponding IP address to connect to the Base Station.
This ARP method only works if your computer is on the same subnet as the Base Station and both
have shared information on that network. You can download and use a “ping scanner” utility to

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search for the Base Station. For example, “Angry IP Scanner” is a free and open-source program
that will ping any range of IP addresses to determine which, if any, are active. Visit http://angryip.org
to learn more.
The Client Station, or “CPE”, has a DHCP server running by default. If the attached computer is
configured to obtain an IP address via DHCP, it will automatically obtain an IP address from the
CPE. The default IP address of the CPE is 192.168.2.1, accessible via URL: https://192.168.2.1.
Hostname
The hostname of a RuralConnect®Base Station is configured at the factory and can be changed.
The default Base Station hostname is “tvws_bs”. If your computer and Base Station are hosted on a
network with a local DNS server, you should be able to access the unit via its hostname, using URL:
https://tvws_bs.

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3.4.2. Log into the GUI
Open a web browser and type the URL, starting with “https://”
followed by the IP address or hostname.
You may be prompted with a security warning.
Depending on your browser, you may need to choose an option
to continue or ignore the error. Some browsers allow or require
you to add an exception for this particular address/machine. For
example, in Google Chrome you may get a warning that states,
“Your connection is not private.” Toward the bottom of the
message, click “Advanced” and then click “Proceed to {ip
address of your Base Station}.” In Firefox, you may be directed
to click “Add Exception”. Once you click the link, the details of
the Base Station security certificate will be displayed. Click “Add
Exception” to continue.
Enter the default username (“Admin”) and password (“Admin”)
and click the “Log in”button.
3.4.3. Home Page
This page includes an overview of your TV White Space
network, including some configuration and status details.
System Status
Note the up time. This time should be similar to the amount of
time the Base Station has been powered.
Sector Status
The BSID is the MAC address of each radio. Each radio can
operate on a different channel. A new system should not
show a valid channel until it has been configured.
CPE Status
Registered CPEs will be listed here. New systems should not
have any CPEs listed.
3.4.4. CPE Management
From the navigation bar at the top of the GUI, click
“CPE Management”.
Click the “New” button.
To the right of the “Hardware Address”, click the
address field, enter the MAC address of your CPE
and then press “Enter” or click the green checkmark
to save the value.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Close” button.
3.4.5. Radio Manager
From the navigation bar at the top of the GUI, click “Radio Manager”.
Figure 2: Security warning while
attempting to access the GUI
Figure 3: GUI Login
Figure 4: System Status
Figure 5: Setting up new CPE

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Manager
Figure 6: Manager Screen
You should see a check in the “Enabled” box. The status must show “Channels allocated” to allow
the radio(s) to transmit.
Location
GPS-enabled units should show the number of GPS satellites visible from the Base Station.
Figure 7: Location Screen
Location & Antenna Height Manual Override
If the unit is not GPS-enabled or no satellites are within range, click the “GPS Details” button at the
bottom of the Radio Manager Screen. Under “Location Manual Override”, check the box next to
“Use” and then click the green checkmark.
Figure 8: Location Override Screen
For both the latitude and the longitude click on the appropriate field, enter the value, and then click
on the green checkmark.
Do not use the manual override function if GPS communication is available.
Once done, click the “Close” button.
Figure 9: Setting Manual Location Details