SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand User manual

SkyPilot
SkyAccess DualBand
Installation

Contents
CONTENTS.................................................................................................................................... 3
ABOUT THIS GUIDE ................................................................................................................. 4
OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................ 5
FEATURES AND BENEFITS ............................................................................................................. 5
ABOUT ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION........................................................................................ 5
SKYPILOT NETWORK TOPOLOGY .................................................................................................. 6
SKYGATEWAY ............................................................................................................................. 7
SKYEXTENDER AND SKYEXTENDER DUALBAND......................................................................... 8
SKYCONNECTOR AND SKYACCESS DUALBAND........................................................................... 8
THE SKYACCESS DUALBAND INSTALLATION KIT .............................................................. 11
WHAT THE KIT PROVIDES ........................................................................................................... 12
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED ............................................................................................................... 12
GETTING HELP ............................................................................................................................ 14
INSTALLING A SKYACCESS DUALBAND .............................................................................. 15
PLANNING THE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................... 15
CABLING THE SKYACCESS DUALBAND ..................................................................................... 16
POWERING ON THE SKYACCESS DUALBAND.............................................................................. 19
OPTIMIZING LOCATION............................................................................................................... 21
Confirm signal acquisition.................................................................................................... 21
Verify network connection .................................................................................................... 21
MOUNTING THE SKYACCESS DUALBAND .................................................................................. 24
CONNECTING TO THE WIRELESS NETWORK................................................................................. 26
Connect to the wireless network with Ethernet..................................................................... 26
Connect to the wireless network via a Wi-Fi connection...................................................... 27
CONFIGURING THE SKYACCESS DUALBAND.............................................................................. 28
ACCESSING SKYACCESS DUALBAND COMMAND-LINE INTERFACES.............................. 29
CONNECT TO THE SKYACCESS INTERFACE ................................................................................. 29
CONNECT TO THE ACCESS POINT INTERFACE .............................................................................. 30
FCC REGULATORY INFORMATION....................................................................................... 32
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT ............................................................... 32
FCC RADIATION EXPOSURE LIMITS ........................................................................................... 33
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................... 35

About This Guide
This guide explains how to install and set up a SkyPilot™ SkyAccess™
DualBand that provides access to a SkyPilot wireless mesh network and serves
as an access point for users of 802.1x wireless (Wi-Fi).
This guide assumes administrator-level knowledge of IP networks and a
familiarity with configuring wireless devices.

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Overview
SkyAccess DualBand is a dual-radio solution that combines SkyPilot’s
long- range, high-capacity 5 GHz mesh backhaul with a high-powered
802.11b/g access point that lets service providers and municipalities offer
standard Wi-Fi to subscribers.
Features and benefits
SkyAccess DualBand provides a highly flexible wireless solution that
combines scalable Wi-Fi capacity with the seamless coverage of a
wireless mesh network.
Each SkyAccess DualBand can support multiple WLANs (wireless local
area networks), each with its own VLAN and security policy. One
SkyAccess DualBand can support several business models with a single
service installation.
About access point configuration
The SkyAccess DualBand access point is set up to provide Wi-Fi access
right out of the box. The access point includes a preconfigured WLAN
with the SSID (service set identifier) SkyAccessDualBand, providing
WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi protected access – pre-shared key) protection. Users
attempting to connect to the SkyAccessDualBand WLAN must provide
a password (publicpublic by default). The default configuration is
provided for initial management and configuration of the SkyAccess
DualBand access point via a wireless connection. You should always
create a unique access point configuration before testing the device or
making it available to customers.
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NOTE A wireless network protected by WPA-PSK is vulnerable. To
provide a more secure level of protection, configure the WLAN
for WPA authentication in which each user is authenticated
separately.
SkyPilot network topology
SkyPilot Networks™ delivers a wireless, end-to-end broadband solution
that seamlessly supports high-capacity, high-coverage mesh networks.
Designed for managed-access networks and service providers, the
SkyPilot network takes broadband wireless the “last mile” with a cost-
effective, robust infrastructure solution.
Based on a high-performance architecture that deploys intelligent
antenna arrays, the SkyPilot network delivers a dynamic broadband
solution with significant advantages for business and home users.
SkyPilot wireless devices are simple to install and easily fit into any type
of wireless environment—metropolitan, business, or home.
The auto-discovery and rapid provisioning features of a SkyPilot wireless
mesh network greatly reduce deployment and maintenance costs.
Support for multiple topologies and high scalability allow attractive
options for rapidly expanding a metro Wi-Fi customer base.
A SkyPilot network (as illustrated in Figure 1) may include the following
physical components:
SkyGateway™ (required)
SkyExtender™
SkyExtender™ DualBand
SkyConnector™ Indoor
SkyConnector™ Outdoor
SkyAccess™ DualBand

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Figure 1. SkyPilot wireless mesh network
SkyGateway
The SkyGateway operates as a base station for a wireless mesh
network. It provides an interface between wired infrastructure and a
wireless network of subscribers who enjoy secure, high-speed access to
the Internet or to wide area networks (WANs).
A SkyPilot wireless network requires at least one SkyGateway for normal
operation. If necessary, you can add additional SkyGateways to increase
network capacity or provide redundancy.
The SkyGateway typically resides at a location with easy access to wired
infrastructure—usually a POP (point of presence) or data center.

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For optimal performance, install the SkyGateway on an elevated site
such as a cell tower or the top of a tall building.
SkyExtender and SkyExtender DualBand
SkyExtenders and SkyExtender DualBands provide a cost-effective way
to add capacity and balance network loads, by operating as “repeaters”
to extend the wireless range of a SkyGateway (see Figure 1). You can
add these devices to your network to expand your coverage footprint and
provide redundancy through SkyPilot’s mesh networking features. (A
SkyExtender can also provide subscribers with a direct connection to the
wireless network via its Ethernet port.)
In addition, the SkyExtender DualBand serves as a Wi-Fi access point,
enabling service providers and municipalities to provide standard 802.11
wireless access across great distances, for targeted hot zones, or for
dense coverage patterns.
For optimal performance, install the SkyExtender in an elevated location
such as a roof, tower, or utility pole.
SkyConnector and SkyAccess DualBand
SkyConnectors link your subscribers to the SkyPilot wireless network. An
Ethernet port on the SkyConnector enables a connection to be
established to the subscribers’ computers, or to a local area network
(LAN) via a data switch or router. For flexibility of installation, SkyPilot
offers indoor and outdoor versions of the SkyConnector.
Designed for installation by the service provider, the outdoor version of
the SkyConnector attaches to an external structure such as an eave,
roof, or pole. Because it provides a better line of sight to the SkyGateway
or a SkyExtender, the outdoor SkyConnector generally offers greater
range than the indoor unit.
The indoor version of the SkyConnector is a plug-and-play network
device that a subscriber can easily install without technical assistance.
Service providers should advise subscribers to place the SkyConnector

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in a location with an optimal sight line to the SkyGateway or a
SkyExtender.
SkyAccess DualBand offers the same features as a SkyConnector, plus
a Wi-Fi access point that allows service providers and municipalities to
provide standard 802.11 wireless access across great distances, for
targeted hot zones, or for dense coverage patterns.

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The SkyAccess DualBand
Installation Kit
The SkyPilot SkyAccess DualBand must be professionally installed by a
trained technician. The kit provides everything needed for the installer to
mount and configure the device as both a connector to the wireless mesh
network and an 802.11b/g Wi-Fi access point.
This chapter reviews the provided equipment to ensure that all parts are
present in the kit prior to the technician starting installation.
NOTE Professional Installation is required to ensure that the
proper antenna is employed such that FCC transmit
power limits for this equipment are not exceeded.
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What the kit provides
Figure 2. Contents of SkyAccess DualBand installation kit
SkyPilot also offers accessories, including a tilt mount for optimizing
SkyAccess DualBand installation. For more information, contact a
SkyPilot sales representative.
NOTE The 5 GHz antenna is integrated into the Dualband connector
housing. The 2.4GHz antenna is the external antenna.
What else you need
Before starting installation, the following are needed:
5 GHz
Antenna

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For basic mounting: A Phillips screwdriver
For pole mounting:
A magnetic level (optional)
A secured steel pole between 1.13" (2.87 cm) and 1.37"
(3.48 cm) in diameter
For network cabling:
A spool of CAT5 network cable (shielded cable is
recommended)
NOTE Ethernet cabling must comply with the requirements
of NEC/CEC codes for outdoor CAT5 cables. The
outer jacket of the cabling must be clearly marked
as CAT5e per ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2.
Ethernet crossover cable (for connecting to data switch or
router)
RJ-45 connectors (connectors without a protective “boot”
are recommended)
RJ-45 crimping tool
For wireless mesh network configuration: A laptop with a Telnet client
application and a 10/100bT Ethernet network interface card
Setup information for the access point:
A (case-sensitive) wireless SSID for each virtual WLAN
Wi-Fi network
A unique IP address for the management of the access
point if it’s not connected to a DHCP server
A default gateway and subnet mask for the management
network if the access point is not on the same subnet as
your PC
NOTE Plan on configuring the SkyAccess DualBand before mounting it.
Some steps are easier if the access point is more accessible.

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Getting help
For technical assistance, contact SkyPilot support by logging in to
customer support at www.skypilot.com.

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Installing a SkyAccess DualBand
This chapter provides instructions for planning and performing the
physical installation of a SkyAccess DualBand.
NOTE Professional Installation is required to ensure that the
proper antenna is employed such that FCC transmit
power limits for this equipment are not exceeded.
Planning the installation
In a typical wide area wireless mesh network, a SkyAccess DualBand
would be installed on a utility pole or the roof of a building. The effective
range of the SkyAccess DualBand is usually proportional to the height of
the installation.
When choosing a site for the device, consider the radio frequency (RF)
environment and physical characteristics of the site.
Trees, buildings, and hills can block a wireless signal. Also keep in mind
that the RF environment is dynamic and can deteriorate over time as
obstacles appear or are relocated.
Testing potential sites to determine the suitability of the link topology for
target applications is recommended. Once a potential site has been
identified, use a topographic map or path profile software to ensure that
terrain or obstacles will not interfere with the links.
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