Tropos Networks 5210 User manual

Part No. 200081-01 Rev C0
April 2006
Tropos Networks MetroMesh Router
Installation Guide
Model 5210
Tropos Networks, Inc.
555 Del Rey Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
USA
www.troposnetworks.com
408-331-6800

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide ii
Copyright Notice
©2006 Tropos Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Tropos Networks is a registered trademark of
Tropos Networks, Inc. in the United States and certain other jurisdictions. Specifications are
subject to change without notice.
Loctite is a registered trademark of Loctite Corporation, USA.
This product includes technology protected by U.S. Patents 6,704,301; 6,965,575; 7,016,328.
FCC Notice to Users and Operators
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 when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to correct the
interference by using one of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
This Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis with other devices operating at
this frequency. Any changes or modification to said product not expressly approved by Tropos
Networks could void the user's authority to operate this device.
Industry Canada
Notice to users and operators:
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing
Equipment Regulations. 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.
Cet appareillage numérique de la classe B répond à toutes les exigences de l’interférence
canadienne causant des réglements d’équipement. L’opération est sujette aux deux conditions
suivantes : (1) cet dispositif peut ne pas causer l'interférence nocive, et (2) ce dispositif doit
accepter n’importe quelle interférence reçue, y compris l'interférence qui peut causer l’opération
peu désirée.

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide iii
VCCI Notice to Users and Operators
Translation: This is a Class B product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council
for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this equipment is used in a
Japanese domestic environment, radio disturbance may arise. When such trouble occurs, the user
may be required to take corrective actions.
Taiwan DGT Telecommunications Act Notice to
Users and Operators
Warning
It is illegal to modify the construction of this product. Modifying the operating frequency or
enhancing the transmit output power through the use of external amplifiers or other
equipment is specifically disallowed by the “Telecommunications Act.”
Warning
This device is for outdoor or indoor use with conditions that no harmful interference to
authorized radio stations results from the operation of this device. This device shall not
influence aircraft security and/or interfere with legal communications as defined in the
“Telecommunications Act.” If this device is found to cause interference, the operator of this
equipment shall cease operating this device immediately until no interference is achieved.
Note
This device must be installed by trained professional, value added reseller or systems
integrator who is familiar with RF planning issues and the regulatory limits defined by the
低功率電波輻性電機管理辦法
第十四條經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使
用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
第十七條低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發
現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信
或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide iv
Taiwan government “Telecommunications Act” for RF exposure, specifically those limits
outlined in Telecom Technical Regulations RTTE01 and LP002.
European Union WEEE Notice
It is important for users of this equipment to participate in reuse, recycling, and other forms of
recovery. The potential effects on the environment and human health as a result of the presence
of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment are a waste of natural resources
and cause pollution.
For EU member countries, this symbol means: Do not dispose of this equipment
as unsorted municipal waste. This equipment must be collected separately.
The return and collection of this product has not been defined at this time, please
contact Tropos Networks for return and/or collection.

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide v
European Community Language Versions of Informal
Statement for Inclusion in User Information
The following statements are in accordance with Article 6.3 of Directive 1999/5/EC.

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide vi
STOP!! STOP!! STOP!! STOP!!
READ THIS FIRST!
Important Safety Instructions
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the product.
The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
Caution
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damage in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled on objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide vii
Warning
Risk of personal injury or death when installing this device!
There is a risk of personal injury or death if the router antennas come near
electric power lines. Carefully read and follow all instructions in this manual. By
nature of the installation, you may be exposed to hazardous environments and
high voltage. Use caution when installing the outdoor system.
This apparatus must be connected to earth ground.
Do not open the unit — risk of electric shock inside.
Risque d'électrocution. Ne pas ouvrir l'unité.
Caution
You are cautioned that any change or modification not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
Les changements et modifications, non expressément approuvés dans le présent
manuel, peuvent entraîner une interdiction d'utiliser cet appareil pour l'utilisateur.
Service
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. All service must be performed by
qualified personnel.
Vous ne devez pas réparer les pièces se trouvant à l'intérieur de l'appareil. Les
réparations doivent être effectuées uniquement par du personnel qualifié.
The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router may contain a lithium-ion battery. To avoid
the possibility of an explosion, the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router should NOT
be exposed to any temperatures higher than 85 degrees C.
The RJ45 connectors of your Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router may source DC
power on pins 4,5 and 7,8. The IEEE 802.3 standards allow for pins 4,5 and 7,8
to be used for Power Over Ethernet. Some products may be incompatible with the
Tropos Power Over Ethernet capability. If such problems occur, make sure that
the unit is configured with the Power Over Ethernet capability set to Off (default
setting). If problems persist, use Ethernet cables that have no connections to the
unused pins 4,5 and 7,8.

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide viii
The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router is installed in wet, outdoor locations. Make
sure closure caps are installed and all cable connections are securely fastened and
waterproofed.
The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router can only be used with approved antennas.
See Appendix C, “Approved Antenna Configurations and Attenuation Settings”
for further information.
Surfaces may become hot. Use caution when accessing the Tropos 5210
MetroMesh router.

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide ix
Contents
1 Installing the Tropos MetroMesh Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Preparing for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Model Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation Hardware and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Site Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Location Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Antenna Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Site Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Mounting Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Proper Use of Hose Clamps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pole, Tower, and Streetlight Mounting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Metal Pole Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wood Pole Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wood Brace Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tower Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Streetlight Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Wire Rope Mounting Instructions for Multiple Service Operators. . . . . . 19
Connecting Cable Attached Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Waterproofing Antenna Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Installing Customer-Provided Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Grounding the Tropos 5210 and 5210 HFC Routers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Grounding the Data Protection Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Categories of Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Connecting to AC Power (Category C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting to Streetlight Power (Category C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connecting to Hybrid Fiber Coax Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Connecting a Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Resetting the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Connecting Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Battery Backup Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Safety Information for the Tropos MetroMesh Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Service Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide x
2 Power Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3 Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4 Approved Antenna Configurations and Attenuation Settings . . . . . . . 57
High Power Product Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Republic of Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Standard Power Product Antenna Configurations, Ordering Information 61
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
People’s Republic of China. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5 Antenna Specifications and Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6 Installation Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
7 AC Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
8 Wind Loading Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
9 Canopy Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
10 Cable Termination Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide xi
List of Figures
Tropos MetroMesh Router Exploded View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Example Mounting Location - Antennas Facing Upward . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Proper Use of Hose Clamps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Metal Pole Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sun Shield Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Wood Pole Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wood Brace Mounting Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tower Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Streetlight Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Tropos 5210 HFC Strand Mount Bracketry (Exploded View). . . . . . . . . 20
Attaching Strand Mount Bracketry to Wire Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting External Antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Waterproofing Antenna Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Ground Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Grounding the Indoor Network Protection Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
IEEE/ANSI C62.41 Power Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Hybrid Fiber Coax Power for Tropos 5210 HFC Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Connecting Category C AC Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting the AC Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connecting Streetlight Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connecting Power to the Tropos 5210 HFC Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Connecting Hybrid Fiber Coax Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Options for Connecting a Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Data Cable Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Data Port Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Circuit Board Connection Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
RJ45 Pin Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Average Battery Backup Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Average Battery Backup Time vs. Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
AC Power Consumption vs. Throughput with PoE Output Disabled . . . 48
AC Power Consumption vs. Throughput (Battery Backup, -40o C) . . . . 49
AC Wiring — Photoelectric Power Tap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
AC Wiring Power Cable 120VAC, 15A Plug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Canopy Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cable Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Cable Gland Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cable Preparation and Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide xii
List of Tables
IEEE/ANSI C62.41 Power Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
PoE Power Sourcing Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
RJ45 Pin Descriptions for Data Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Physical Specifications - Tropos 5210 Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Power Options / Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Standard Power Over Ethernet - Power Sourcing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Enhanced Power Over Ethernet - Power Sourcing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Certifications, Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Physical Specifications - Tropos 5210 HFC Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Power Options / Consumption - Tropos 5210 HFC Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Certifications - Tropos 5210 HFC Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Antenna Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Antenna Ordering Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Gain and Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Antenna Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Antenna Ordering Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Gain and Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Antenna Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Antenna Ordering Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Gain and Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Antenna Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Antenna Ordering Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Antenna Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Gain and Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Antenna Specifications and Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Installation Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Tropos Antennas, Cables, and Related Ordering Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Canopy Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
TIA/EIA 5688 Wiring - RJ-45 Pin Descriptions for Data Connection . . . . . . 85
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 1
1Installing the Tropos MetroMesh Router
This guide explains how to install the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router safely and is intended for
trained technical professionals. This chapter covers the following topics:
“Preparing for Installation” on page 2
“Mounting Strategies” on page 8
“Proper Use of Hose Clamps” on page 9
“Pole, Tower, and Streetlight Mounting Instructions” on page 10
“Wire Rope Mounting Instructions for Multiple Service Operators” on page 19
“Connecting Cable Attached Antennas” on page 22
“Grounding the Tropos 5210 and 5210 HFC Routers” on page 26
“Connecting Power” on page 28
“Connecting a Data Port” on page 36
“Resetting the Router” on page 41
“Connecting Peripherals” on page 42
“Battery Backup Operation” on page 44
“Safety Information for the Tropos MetroMesh Router” on page 45
“Service Instructions” on page 46

Preparing for Installation
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 2
Preparing for Installation
The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router must be installed by a trained professional, value added
reseller, or systems integrator who is familiar with RF planning issues and regulatory limits
defined by the governing body of the country in which the unit will be installed. This section
lists the required equipment and model numbers and explains how to prepare the installation
site.
Model Numbers
An exploded view of the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router assembly is shown in Figure 1.
Note
Antenna(s) must be installed by a trained professional. Operating the unit with non-qualified
antennas is a violation of U.S. FCC Rules Part 15.203(c), Code of Federal Regulations, Title
47. See “Approved Antenna Configurations and Attenuation Settings” on page 57 for a listing
of antenna options.
Warning
It is illegal to modify the construction of this product. Modifying the operating frequency or
enhancing the transmit output power through the use of external amplifiers or other
equipment is specifically disallowed by the Taiwan DGT “Telecommunications Act.”
Warning
This device is for outdoor or indoor use with conditions that no harmful interference to
authorized radio stations results from the operation of this device. This device shall not
influence aircraft security and/or interfere with legal communications as defined in the
Taiwan DGT “Telecommunications Act.” If this device is found to cause interference, the
operator of this equipment shall cease operating this device immediately until no
interference is achieved.

Preparing for Installation
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 3
Figure 1 Tropos MetroMesh Router Exploded View
trp_093
10/100 BaseT
LAN cable
#10-32
hex head 5/16"
machine screws
x5
Pole bracket
10/100 BaseT
Management cable
Shielded outdoor
cat5 cable
Cable gland
Aux
Tx/Rx antenna
Tropos 5210 Wi-Fi Cell
Sun shield
Main
Tx/Rx antenna
Hose
clamps
Ground
bolt
Bottom view of
Tropos 5210 Wi-Fi Cell
Connector
access cover
Connector
access cover
without
cable glands
AC input
power connector
LED
Quick tie
anchors

Preparing for Installation
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 4
Installation Hardware and Tools
Tropos Networks provides the following accessories to install the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh
router:
One pole bracket
One sun shield
Two 4-inch diameter hose clamps
Four 6-inch diameter hose clamps
Five 5/16-inch #10-32 stainless steel hex head machine screws
You must supply the following tools:
5/16-inch nut driver
1/4-inch flat blade screwdriver
Tower mounting only: supply stainless or galvanized steel channel stock and 1/2-inch or
5/8-inch nuts, bolts, and washers to connect to the tower arm.
Wood pole mounting only: two 5/8-inch diameter, 3-inch long lag bolts
Site Planning
To ensure safe and durable wiring, installation of the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router must
follow appropriate electrical and building codes. Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC)
requirements, unless local codes in your area take precedence over the NEC code.
The following distance limits apply to installations that have 10/100 Base-T Category 5 network
cables attached to the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router:
300 feet maximum between devices for 100BaseT operation
600 feet maximum for 10BaseT operation.
The Ethernet duplex and speed setting is configurable.
Note
National Electrical Codes (NEC) Article 800 requires the use of Agency Listed (UL/CSA/TUV)
Building Entrance Protector for all power and data communications cables entering a building.
The NEC intends by Article 800 to protect the building and occupants from fires caused by
transient voltage and current surges.
Note
Ethernet data cable installations having lengths greater than 140 feet in the outdoor
environment must use a UL497 approved (UL/CSA/TUV Listed) primary protection device at
the building entrance. Ethernet data cable installations having lengths less than 140 feet in
the outdoor environment may use a UL497A (UL/CSA/TUV Listed) secondary protection

Preparing for Installation
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 5
device at the building entrance. Tropos Data Protection Device and Network Protection Units
are UL497A secondary protection devices.
Location Guidelines
The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router is a radio device and therefore susceptible to interference
that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best performance:
Install the unit in an area where trees, buildings, and large steel structures do not obstruct
radio signals to and from the antenna. Direct line-of-sight operation is best.
Install the unit away from microwave ovens or other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz
frequency range.
Install the unit away from other possible sources of 2.4 GHz WLAN interference, such as
cordless phones, home spy cameras, frequency hopping (FHSS) and DSSS LAN
transceivers (non-802.11b), electronic news gathering video links, radars, amateur radios,
land mobile radio services, local government sites (such as law enforcement), fixed
microwave services, local TV transmission and private fixed point transmitters.
Antenna Options
You can purchase the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router with an integrated omni-directional
antenna, or use an approved external antenna. Omni-directional antennas are best for systems
requiring a signal distribution in more than one direction. To comply with regulatory RF
exposure limits, locate antennas a minimum distance of 7.9 inches (20cm) from people. For
antenna model numbers, refer to “Approved Antenna Configurations and Attenuation Settings”
on page 57.
Note
Antenna(s) must be installed by a trained professional. Operating the unit with non-qualified
antennas is a violation of U.S. FCC Rules Part 15.203(c), Code of Federal Regulations, Title
47. See “Approved Antenna Configurations and Attenuation Settings” on page 57 for a listing
of antenna options.

Preparing for Installation
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 6
Warning
It is illegal to modify the construction of this product. Modifying the operating frequency or
enhancing the transmit output power through the use of external amplifiers or other
equipment is specifically disallowed by the Taiwan DGT “Telecommunications Act.”
Warning
This device is for outdoor or indoor use with conditions that no harmful interference to
authorized radio stations results from the operation of this device. This device shall not
influence aircraft security and/or interfere with legal communications as defined in the
Taiwan DGT “Telecommunications Act.” If this device is found to cause interference, the
operator of this equipment shall cease operating this device immediately until no
interference is achieved.
Site Surveys
Due to variations in component configuration, placement, and physical environment, each
installation is unique. Before installing the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router, perform a site
survey to determine the optimum placement of units for maximum range, coverage, and network
performance. Consider the following factors when performing a site survey:
Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum
radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver threshold
sensitivity occurs as radio data rate increases.
Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in
maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to gain and antenna
height measured from the ground.
Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled
areas. The less cluttered the operating environment, the greater the range.
Obstructions—A physical obstruction, such as a building or tree, can block or hinder
communication. Avoid locating antennas in a location where there is an obstruction between
sending and receiving devices.
Building materials—Radio penetration is influenced by the building material used in
construction. For example, drywall construction permits greater range than concrete blocks.
Diversity—The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router supports transmit and receive diversity,
which requires two antennas.

Preparing for Installation
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 7
Power Source
The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router supports the following options for connecting to a power
source:
AC power source (3-wire service) — 3W(P+N+PE) or 3W(2P+PE); 100-480 VAC, 50/60
Hz
NEMA plug, for streetlight photoelectric control power tap (2-wire service) —2W(2P) or
2W(P+N); 100-480 VAC 50/60 Hz
In Europe, a suitably rated plug provided by the installer
For Tropos 5210 HFC products, 40-90 V~, 50/60 Hz. 2.2A
Warning
Connect the AC powered outdoor system only to a rated power source. Do not connect to a
power source of other voltage.
Caution
You must install an external grounding wire if the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router is installed
on a non-metal pole or if the metal installation structure is not properly grounded. You must
also ground the outdoor data protection device to a bonded pipe or ground rod. Make sure
that grounding is complete before you connect power to the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router.
Caution
For Tropos HFC products: You must install an external grounding wire to the chassis
grounding screw (Figure 21 on page 35). You must also ground the outdoor data protection
device to a bonded pipe or ground rod. Make sure that grounding is complete before you
connect power to the Tropos 5210 HFC router. The unit must be properly grounded to the
protective earth screw.
Safety
Installing the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router can pose a serious hazard. Be sure to take
precautions to avoid the following:
Exposure to high voltage lines during installation
Falls when working at heights or with ladders
Injuries from dropping tools and equipment
Contact with AC wiring

Mounting Strategies
Tropos 5210 MetroMesh Router Installation Guide 8
Mounting Strategies
When choosing mounting locations, consider the available mounting structures and antenna
clearance. The Tropos 5210 MetroMesh router should always be mounted with the top of the
unit horizontal and level and with the antennas facing upward.
It is usually best to attach ground and data cables to the router prior to mounting. Before
mounting the router, review the wiring instructions in “Grounding the Tropos 5210 and 5210
HFC Routers” on page 26 and “Connecting a Data Port” on page 36 to determine the best
strategy for the selected location.
Note
To eliminate potential interference from the mounting structure, the router should be mounted
with at least 4 feet of clearance around the antennas.
Acceptable options for mounting on a streetlight are shown in Figure 2. In each case the router is
mounted to assure clearance for the antennas above the height of the streetlight.
Figure 2 Example Mounting Location - Antennas Facing Upward
trp_094
Antennas clear of obstruction
Antennas clear
of obstruction