RadioLAN BridgeLINK-Pro User manual

© 2003 RadioLAN Marketing Group –All Rights Reserved
Turn to page 3
for a Quick Start
BridgeLINKBridgeLINK--Pro™ Wireless Ethernet BridgePro™ Wireless Ethernet Bridge
Installation Guide

BridgeLINK-Pro™InstallationGuide Page i© 2003 -RadioLAN Marketing Group, Inc.
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC rules. 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 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.
FCC ID: MCI-397
FCC Rule Part(s): 15
Frequency Range: 5.725-5.875 GHz
Equipment Class: Low Power Communication Device Transmitter
Max. Output Power: 50 mW (+17 dB)
This device has shown compliance with new rules adopted under Docket 87-389 and is not affected by Section 15.37,
transition rule. Each radio is marked with its operating frequency.
All interface cables must be shielded.

BridgeLINK-Pro™InstallationGuide Page ii © 2003 -RadioLAN Marketing Group, Inc.
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
FCC regulations require that a person knowledgeable in electronics and trained in the correct installation
of this device professionally install this device. Antennas used with this product shall be mounted in
such a way so that there is at least 2m separation between all persons and the antenna, and at least 20
cm away from any other transmitting antenna.
Professional installers have a responsibility to comply with FCC part 15 rules on antenna limits and
amplification, and with RF exposure requirements in FCC rule section 1.1307 Unauthorized
modifications to the device could void the End-user’s authority to operate it.
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual to highlight important topics:
Bold Italic Indented Block Text –Highlights an important notice
Bold –a field name
Underline Italic –The name of a referenced document
Blue Underline –A Hyperlink to a URL or E-Mail address
Notice Symbol–Please take special notice

BridgeLINK-Pro™InstallationGuide Page iii © 2003 -RadioLAN Marketing Group, Inc.
Disclaimer
The instructions in this document have been carefully checked for accuracy and are presumed to be reliable. RadioLAN
Marketing Group and its writers assume no responsibility for inaccuracies and reserve the right to modify and revise this
document without notice.
It is RadioLAN Marketing Group’s goal to supply accurate and reliable documentation. If you discover an error in this
document, please e-mail your comments or suggested corrections to[email protected].
No part of this publication may be placed in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including, but not
limited to, photograph, photocopy, computer disk or other record, without prior written agreement from:
RadioLANRadioLAN
185 Lewis Road, Suite 3185 Lewis Road, Suite 300
San Jose, CA 95111San Jose, CA 95111
Manual Revision 5 –P/N 890-029

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Table of ContentsTable of Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................................................................1
THE BRIDGELINK-PRO™ SYSTEM...................................................................................................................................................................1
A TYPICAL BRIDGELINK-PRO™ APPLICATION.............................................................................................................................................2
QUICK SETUP GUIDE.......................................................................................................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION GUIDE....................................................................................................................................................................................5
UNPACKING THE BRIDGELINK-PRO UNITS......................................................................................................................................................5
BridgeLINK-Pro™ Processor Unit (BPU).................................................................................................................................................5
AC Power Adapter..........................................................................................................................................................................................8
PoE Adapter.....................................................................................................................................................................................................8
PLANNING THE INSTALLATION...........................................................................................................................................................................9
Determining the Distance Between Buildings............................................................................................................................................9
Choosing a Location for the BL-Pro............................................................................................................................................................9
Co-Channel issues...........................................................................................................................................................................................9
Locating the PoE Adapter...........................................................................................................................................................................10
SETTING UP THE BL-PRO ...................................................................................................................................................................................10
Initial IP Address Setup...............................................................................................................................................................................10
IPAssign method...........................................................................................................................................................................................10
Using the IPASSIGN Utility to assign the BPU’s IP Address ..............................................................................................................11
INSTALLING THE FIRSTPHYSICAL BL-PRO UNIT............................................................................................................................................12

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A Brief Word About Safety..........................................................................................................................................................................12
What you will need.......................................................................................................................................................................................13
Mounting Structures.....................................................................................................................................................................................13
Choosing the Best Mounting Height.........................................................................................................................................................13
Cabling...........................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Grounding Considerations..........................................................................................................................................................................14
Securing the Unit (Wind loading)..............................................................................................................................................................14
INSTALLINGTHE BPU ........................................................................................................................................................................................15
Tools You Will Need.....................................................................................................................................................................................15
Mounting the BPU........................................................................................................................................................................................15
INSTALLINGTHE POEADAPTERS.....................................................................................................................................................................16
BPU Ethernet Port Jack..............................................................................................................................................................................16
Apply Power to the BPU.............................................................................................................................................................................17
10BaseT Ethernet Port Jack.......................................................................................................................................................................17
Attaching to the Network.............................................................................................................................................................................17
INSTALL THE SECOND PHYSICAL BL-PRO UNIT..............................................................................................................................................18
Fine Aiming...................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Selecting the Distant BL-PRO’s Address.................................................................................................................................................18
TEST THE LINK.....................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Starting and Stopping the Test...................................................................................................................................................................19
TESTTHE NETWORK...........................................................................................................................................................................................20
YOU’RE DONE!....................................................................................................................................................................................................20

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BridgeLINK-Pro™ BPU
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to help successfully complete the installation and
setup of a BridgeLINK-Pro Wireless Ethernet Bridge. The BridgeLINK-Pro®
(BL-Pro) is a module which connects or bridges two 10BaseT wired networks
located in different buildings by using a 10BaseRadiowireless link. These
buildings may be located up to 32 miles (50 km) apart. You need only install
the components at each building, aim the antennas toward one another, and
power the system on.
If you decide not to read this Guide completely, at least read the next section
entitled “Quick Setup”. It will help you understand the basic concepts of the
installation and initial setup. Please see the BridgeLINK-Pro Administration
and Management Guide located on the RMG website www.radiolan.com for
information on configuring and managing the Bridge.
The BridgeLINK-Pro™ System
The BridgeLINK-Pro system includes a Bridge Processor Unit (BPU) in a
weatherproof NEMA-4 Enclosure, a power transformer, a Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE) adapter, an Ethernet cable, an antenna, and an RF Cable.
Also included are all the mounting hardware for the BPU and an articulation
assembly for the Antenna. The BPU contains the Radio and all the digital electronics.

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A Typical BridgeLINK-Pro™ Application
The figure to the right shows
a typical BridgeLINK-Pro
application in which two
buildings are connected.
These buildings may be
located up to 32 miles apart
from each other, and may
have either Local Area
Networks (LANs) or simply
have an Ethernet device.
Notice that there are no solid
obstructions between the
two buildings and that each
building’s antenna points
toward the other.
Because the system uses radio frequency to establish the connection between the two buildings, it is
important to avoid blocking the radio link with any objects, such as a trees, buildings, walls, or items
that are attached to the building walls, such as stairwells, fire escapes, or other antenna equipment.

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Quick Setup Guide1
1. For a fast, successful installation, make sure you have:
A non-switched electrical outlet to power.
Access to the Ethernet backbone -devices local to the electrical outlet.
Installation locations that have an unobstructed view of the associated BL-Pro.
Two (2) lengths of Category-5 jumper cables to connect the PoE adapter to your Ethernet.
Proper tools to complete the installation, including a 9/16ths inch wrench, a medium Phillips head
screwdriver, a large flat-head screwdriver, and cable tie-downs.
2. Assign an IP Address using the IPAssign utility. Setup a Subnet ID and Port Name to both BL-Pros using the
HTTP Browser interface.
3. Assemble the Mounting Assembly and attach to the BridgeLINK-Pro
4. Assemble the articulator assembly and attach to the antenna.
5. Mount the Antenna Assembly in the selected location. Make sure the assembly is securely mounted for the
windiest conditions expected.
1FCC regulations require that this device be professionally installed by a person knowledgeable in electronics
and trained in the correct installation of this device.

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6. Mount the BL-Pro BPU close to the antenna assembly so that the RF cable can freely attach the two. Fasten
the BPU using the provided mounting hardware.
7. Attach the Antenna Assembly to the BPU using the provided RF Cable. Tie down the slack cable to the
mounting structure.
8. Attach the CAT-5 cables to the BL-Pro BPUs and draw the slack cable to the associated Ethernet Equipment.
9. Install the Power Adapter and connect the PoE adapter to the Ethernet port of a hub, switch, router or PC with
an RJ-45 Jumper cable. Make sure that the total length of Ethernet Cable from the BPU to the Ethernet
Equipment port is less than 295 feet.
10. Configure the other side of the link according to steps 1 –9 above.
11. Test the link by pinging one IP address you previously assigned from a PC on the other side of the link.
FCC regulations require different antenna types to be qualified for this product. The regulations distinguish
between point to point operation and point to multi-point operation. The following antennas are qualified foruse
with this product:
9 dBi Omni Point to multipoint and point to point operation
18 dBi Panel Point to point operation only
23.5 dBi panel Point to point operation only

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Installation Guide
Unpacking the BridgeLINK-Pro units
The BridgeLINK Units come ready to use. To complete the installation,
you will need two CAT-5 jumper cables to connect your network
equipment to the PoE Injectors on the BL-Pro units. The following
components are included in the BL-Pro system:
BridgeLINKBridgeLINK--Pro™ Processor Unit (BPU)Pro™ Processor Unit (BPU)
The BPU is the heart of the BridgeLINK-Pro system. It contains
the digital electronics and the transceiver system, all in one small,
power-efficient unit. The BL-Pro operates in the license-free,
5 GHz U-NII band, specifically at 5.775 GHz. The BPU has a
removable cover that allows the Professional Installer access to
internal connections and indicators.
The BPU features three sets of LED indicators. An external bi-color LED shows activity on the RF port.
Two internal green LEDs indicate activity on the Ethernet port. A third set of three indicators show activity
on the digital electronics
There are three ports. We will look at these ports from left to right. To access these ports, remove the
face cover from the BPU by unscrewing the hex-head screws from each of the four corners.

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Radio PortRadio Port
The Radio Port allows the CPU module to connect to the
transceiver module itself. This connection allows for modularity,
assuring a smooth upgrade path for future radio or processor
enhancements. Normally, you will not have to touch this port,
since the Radio comes connected from the factory.
Console PortConsole Port
The console port is a female DB9 connector and allows for a serial connection between a local
terminal or terminal emulator and the BridgeLINK-Pro, using a standard straight-through, male-to-
female serial cable. A local terminal connection may be used to configure the CPU, although IPAssign
is a more convenient way to connect to the BPU. Although the BridgeLINK-II is browser manageable,
troubleshooting is often most easily done using the Console Port. There is very little clearance to
attach a commercial DB9 connector, so use it only when absolutely necessary.
Ethernet PortEthernet Port
The 10BaseT Ethernet port RJ-45 jack, located inside the BPU unit, accepts a standard shielded
RJ-45 plug from the PoE Adapter module. The 10BaseT interface is set to automatically detect
MDI/MDI-X, and you may hear a clicking sound during this detection process. A crossover cable is
therefore not necessary to connect the PoE Injector to a laptop, simplifying field configurations.

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10BaseT LEDs10BaseT LEDs
On the upper left and right corners of the RJ-45 jack, inside the BPU, are green LEDs, which indicate
transmit and receive status from the network.
When the CAR (for Carrier) LED illuminates, this indicates that the Ethernet carrier is active. This LED
should be illuminated when the BridgeLINK-Pro is operating normally.
When the ACT (for Activity) LED illuminates, this indicates Ethernet activity on the network. This LED
flickers when there is communication taking place on the Ethernet network.
Power PortPower Port
The Power port is not used in the BridgeLINK-Pro, and nothing should be connected to this port.
Radio LEDRadio LED
The LED on the bottom of the BPU is a bi-color LED. It will illuminate green when the 10BaseRadio
chip detects packets in the air. If there is no other BPU to talk to, this LED will flash orange about
once a second, as it sends ‘hello’ packets to discover an associated unit.
Since 10BaseRadio sends and receives keep-alive packets about once a second, this LED should
flash green that often on a quiet link, and more often on an active link. It will flash orange when the
BPU is sending traffic to the other BPU. When sending long packets, this LED will appear to be solid
orange, and when idle, will flash a very short orange about once a second.

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AC Power AdapterAC Power Adapter
The supplied power adapter provides an easy connection to standard AC electrical outlets. The adapter
plugs into the PoE Adapter’s power jack. RMG recommends using a non-switched electrical outlet to
power the BPU.
The output from the BridgeLINK-Pro power adapter is 10VAC to 18VAC, depending on the length of the
Ethernet Cable between the PoE Module and the BPU. You may use older AC or DC power transformers
from the original BridgeLINK or BridgeLINK-II to power the BridgeLINK-Pro, as the unit will run on DC
power. However, we recommend that you use only the AC Power transformer supplied with the
BridgeLINK-Pro unit, or contact RMG for a suitable replacement power adapter.
PoE AdapterPoE Adapter
The PoE adapter module has three connectors: one for power, one for a
connection to the BPU, and one for connection to the Ethernet Equipment. It
is very important to properly connect the PoE adapter. The Input ports are
labeled Net and Power, and the output to the BPU is labeled ODU. The PoE
adapter is designed for easy mounting on the wall.
Caution: The BPU port carries AC power and may damage Ethernet equipment
erroneously plugged into it. Make sure that only the BPU is connected to this
port. Failure to do sowill void the warranty. RadioLAN assumes no liability for
damage to any equipment due to failure to follow these instructions.
PoE Injector Module

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Planning the Installation
Proper selection of the installation points is critical for the success of the installation. In this topic we will look
at the factors that go into a proper site selection.
Determining the Distance Between BuildingsDetermining the Distance Between Buildings
It is important to verify that you do not exceed the distance capabilities of the BridgeLINK-Pro. If you are
unsure of the distance between the two points, you can use a measuring device such as range finders.
You can also look at the architect’s site plan or contact a local surveying service for assistance.
Choosing a Location for the BLChoosing a Location for the BL--ProPro
Typically, there are a number of suitable locations on which to mount the BPU, such as a wall, a tower, or
a rooftop. What is essential is a clear line-of-sight to the other BPU with which it will be communicating.
You must locate the BPU at a distance from the PoE adapter that is no farther than the specification will
allow. The maximum cable length for Category 5 Ethernet is 295 feet, and you must consider all bends in
the cable when determining distance. To avoid the risk of vandalism, consider placing the BPU in a
location where it is out of reach of the general public.
CoCo --Channel issuesChannel issues
If you are installing two BL-Pro units at the same location, that is less than 50 feet apart from each other,
be sure to set a unique Subnet ID on each pair of bridges to minimize co-channel interference. Please
read the RadioLAN White Paper on Co-channel Interference.

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Locating the PoE AdapterLocating the PoE Adapter
Choose a location for the PoE adapter where there is access to local network cabling and electricity. The
PoE Adapter may be attached directly to a wall, and connects to an Ethernet hub port, Router port, switch
port, or Ethernet jack of any network-enabled device. It may also be attached to a physical Ethernet jack
somewhere on the Ethernet plant.
Before selecting an electrical outlet for use in powering the PoE Adapter, verify that the electrical outlet is
non-switched (for example, it is not attached to a wall switch).
Setting up the BL-Pro
Initial IP Address SetupInitial IP Address Setup
Before using the TCP/IP management services of a
BridgeLINK-Pro, a valid network IP Address must be assigned.
There are two ways to do this:
1. The IPASSIGN utility provided by RMG
(ftp://ftp.radiolan.com/IPAssignInstaller.zip).
2. A VT-100 terminal connection to the BPU console port.
IPAssign methodIPAssign method
To use the IPASSIGN Utility, connect the BridgeLINK-Pro PoE injector to a PC with a 10BaseT Card,
either directly, or through the local area network (LAN).
IPAssign Utility

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To run the IPASSIGN Utility on a PC with a 10BaseT Network Interface Card, connect a 10BaseT cable
between the BPU and the PC’s Network Interface Card. Connect the power adapter to the power jack on
the PoE Adapter, and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet. Make sure the green external LED
illuminates.
Using the IPASSIGN Utility to assign the BPU’s IP AddressUsing the IPASSIGN Utility to assign the BPU’s IP Address
RMG’s IPASSIGN utility allows you to assign an IP Address to the BPU quickly. The PC’s Network
Interface Card must have an IP Address on the same IP Subnet.
From either the supplied floppy disk or RadioLAN’s FTP Site, ftp://ftp.radiolan.com, download the
IPASSIGN utility. This utility automatically connects to the BPU, discovers its internal MAC address, and
allows you to enter an IP address for use on the TCP/IP network.
1. Download the IPASSIGN.EXE program, and install and run it. Once the utility starts, it
automatically searches the network for any new BPUs. It finds the BPU that is connected, then
lists the BPU’s MAC Address in the New BLINK unit field.
2. Type in the appropriate IP address and Subnet Mask address into the fields on the screen, and
then click the Assign button.
3. The utility assigns a temporary IP address, and displays a message asking if you want to further
configure the BPU. Note the temporary IP address and make the following choices:

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Yes This launches your web browser and connects you to the BL Home Page, allowing you to
assign a permanent IP address and to further configure the BPU. You must also disable
DHCP to set a permanent IP address and save the settings.
No This quits the utility. You will need to assign a permanent IP address, disable DHCP and save
the settings from a PC running a web browser before powering off the BPU.
For information on how to use the console port to configure the BridgeLINK-Pro, see Managing the
BridgeLINK Locallyin the BridgeLINK-Pro Administration and Management Guide on the RadioLAN
website for more information.
Installing the first physical BL-Pro unit
To maintain a very high quality link, it is important to have a line-of-sight between the BLs, and make sure they
are within the specified range. Check to make sure that there will not be any objects such as buildings or trees
blocking the line-of-sight between the two BLs.
A Brief Word About SafetyA Brief Word About Safety
If you chose to mount the antenna high up on a wall, make sure to use the appropriate
type of ladder. Follow ladder safety tips provided by the manufacturer. RMG
recommends that you have a partner available to secure the ladder and to offer
assistance. RMG recommends that you not mount the unit during stormy weather, on
windy days, or anywhere near electrical cables.

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Wall Mount Arm
What you will needWhat you will need
(2) RJ-45 Ethernet Jumper Cables
A mounting structure for each side.
Mounting StructuresMounting Structures
The BridgeLINK-Pro’s BPU and its associated antenna may be mounted on the
antenna mast just below the antenna, or on a standard 2”-3” water pipe found on
the sides of buildings. Visually inspect the building on which you are installing
the BridgeLINK-Pro to see if a water pipe is available. If not, we recommend
using the Wall Mount Arm pictured here. The Wall Mount arm is easily attached
to the outer structure with lag bolts and provides a great degree of flexibility in
installing the BPU.
Often, it is best to mount on a tower to maximize range and overcome obstructions. Whether you choose
a simple pole-stand held by cinderblocks to the roof or a hundred-foot tall radio tower, you will require a
pole or bar that is 2”-4” in diameter.
Choosing the Best Mounting HeightChoosing the Best Mounting Height
The appropriate mounting height for the BPU will depend on A) the cable distance needed between the
PoE injector and the BPU, B) the level of accessibility for routing cable and mounting the BPU, and C), the
existence of a line-of-sight to the other side.