Indigo Carlson RuralConnect Gen3 User manual

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

RuralConnect® Gen3 User Manual V1.0 Page | 2 of 57
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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Copyright©2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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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Copyright©2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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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Copyright©2020 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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