Wireless Networking, Wireless Bridges, Wireless How-Tos and more

The Motorola PMP 430 builds on the success of the original PMP 400 Canopy OFDM platform released last year. The PMP 430 uses the same OFDM radio as the 400 but allows for a total per access point aggregate throughput of 45Mbps instead of 21 Mbps. This jump in throughput is achieved by doubling the channel bandwidth from 10Mhz (PMP 400) to 20 Mhz. However for those who are not keen on using up all that airspace the PMP 430 is rather agile and allows the operator to drop back to a 10MHz channel where needed. Like it’s predecessors, the PMP 430 is deployed in clusters of four access points using 90 degree sector antennas and GPS Synchronization to mitigate self interference, allow for a organic growth of the broadband network and increase cluster capacity to 180 Mbps.

The PMP 430 also comes with a variety of subscriber module choices allowing operators to “pay as they grow”. This allows them to scale the platform to meet the specific needs of their project requirements and budgetary restrictions. The SMs come in the following throughput 10, 20, 40 Mbps. The 10 and 20 Mbps SMs can be upgraded to 40 Mbps in one or two steps by simply purchasing a new license pack (no need to replace hardware!).

The PMP 430 is ideal for high throughput video surveillance applications.

Canopy PMP 430 Access Point:

• 5780APUS: PMP 430 OFDM Access Point, Integrated Antenna
• 5781APUS: PMP 430 OFDM Access Point, Integrated Antenna with AES

PMP 430 Subscriber Modules

• 5790SM10: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber, Integrated Antenna – 10Mbps
• 5790SM20: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber, Integrated Antenna – 20Mbps
• 5790SM40: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber, Integrated Antenna – 40Mbps
• 5791SM10: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber, Integrated Antenna, AES – 10Mbps
• 5791SM20: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber, Integrated Antenna, AES – 20Mbps
• 5791SM40: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber, Integrated Antenna, AES – 40Mbps

Canopy PMP 430 Subscriber Bulk Packs

• HK1867A: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber Module – 10Mbps – 25 Pack
• HK1868A: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber Module – 20Mbps – 25 Pack
• HK1869A: PMP 430 OFDM Subscriber Module – 40Mbps – 25 Pack

Canopy PMP 430 SM Upgrades

• SG00PL3023AA: PMP 430 Subscriber Module Upgrade 10 to 20 Mbps
• SG00PL3024AA: PMP 430 Subscriber Module Upgrade 10 to 40 Mbps
• SG00PL3025AA: PMP 430 Subscriber Module Upgrade 20 to 40 Mbps

PMP 400/430 Accessories

• SGPN4063A: PMP 400/430 56 VDC SM power supply (Req. Line Cord)
• SGKN4427A: US power supply line cord for SGPN4063A
• ACPSSW-13B: Motorola Canopy AP and SM (US)

Note: Keep in mind of course that when using the 10MHz channel the PMP 430 access point has a maximum aggregate throughput of 21 Mbps not 45.

The Engenius EOC-2610 is a great little device combining access point, client bridge, client router and WDS functionality in one low cost package.

Some highlights:

• High 600mW Wireless Power
  • Ensures robust signal to overcome long distances
  • Offers superior WiFi coverage than leading brands
• Signal Strength LED Indicator: Allows network installer for easy deployment
• Dual Antenna Design
  • Embedded 10dBi panel antenna with external connector for optional omni antenna
  • Perfect for both Point-to-Point and Point-to-MultiPoint applications
• Power-over-Ethernet (24V PoE) Capable
  • Less heat dissipation to ensure reliable performance
  • Capable of 300 feet PoE cable length
  • Power Injector Included
• SuperG 108Mbps Support
  • Enables high transfer speed ideal for multimedia applications (with SuperG Client)

The Engenius EOC-2610 is perfect for small outdoor point to multi-point deployments and IP Video surveillance applications.

Features include:

• Full Power Dual Radio 802.11n Access Point
• Radio 1: 2.4 GHz 3×3:2 MIMO
• Radio 2: 5.4-5.8 GHz 2×2:2 MIMO
• 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft 2.0)
• 20 MHz and 40 MHz channels
• 802.11s (WiFi Mesh) ready at launch
• Meets All European DFS Standards
• ADEPT Antenna System
• System capacity of up to 300 Mbps
• WPA-2 Client and Intra-mesh Security
• Robust IP67 with NEMA 4x enclosure
• Powers Local Devices (PoE 802.3af)
• One Point Wireless Manager/Broadband Planner
• Seamless indoor/outdoor networks with AP 7131

To get a sneak peak at the AP-7181 technology click here.

I have been saying this for a little over a year now but someone finally started testing the theory that wireless beamforming (if done correctly) is really cool. Tom’s Hardware has produced a great and seriously in depth article about beamforming and how it effects wireless propagation, speed and connectivity. It features Ruckus Wireless, Cisco and Aruba access points.



Traditionally omni directional onmi antennas were made of a simple material that when radiated at a certain frequency produced “signal amplification” which made your wireless signal travel farther. This worked really well but came with certain downfalls.



Wasted energy: Traditional omni-directional antennas “amplify” the wireless signal in a 360 degree horizontal pattern at all times even though most of the users may be concentrated in a smaller 90 degree quadrant. Wasted energy means less propagation.

Read the rest of the blog at my blog on www.securityinfowatch.com/The+Command+Line/

The Motorola wireless broadband Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) 320 is a low-cost fixed licensed outdoor distribution and access solution that delivers fast, affordable connectivity in a variety of environments and applications.

Around the world, service providers and enterprises that hold licensed spectrum in the 3 GHz band are investigating deploying 802.16e WiMAX to provide reliable, cost-effective data, voice and video connectivity for business and residential customers. There is a significant investment required for equipment and installation of a full mobile WiMAX network, with many providers finding it difficult to build a business case for reaching subscribers in low-density locations at the edge of their networks or for building a new network in a low-density greenfield environment that only requires reliable fixed connectivity. The Motorola PMP 320 changes all that. The PMP 320 offers a fixed, outdoor solution that is easy to deploy and does not require the significant investment in core network equipment associated with mobile connectivity.

This is perfect for WISPs, Local Government entities who want to use a licensed spectrum for surveillance deployments and more.

Licensed Spectrum. The fixed outdoor PMP 320 solution is designed to allow service providers around the globe to combine the reliability of licensed bands and standards based equipment with an overall low total cost of ownership. The PMP 320 delivers low-cost, high-performance solutions for operators holding licenses in three different frequency ranges: 3.3-3.4 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz. The PMP 320 supports standard WiMAX QoS profiles.

Standards Based. The PMP 320 is interoperable with WiMAX 802.16e CPEs, supports all of the WiMAX QoS profiles, and uses standard AAA/RADIUS servers for authentication.

Performance. With 2×2 MIMO, 10 MHz channels, and 802.16e coding/error correction the PMP 320 delivers high throughput with excellent coverage and link budgets.

To learn more about the Motorola PMP320 3.65Ghz fixed Wimax product have a look through these two documents.

• PMP 320 Brochure
• PMP 320 Case Study

The PMP 320 is set to be released Q1 of 2010!

The Metageek Wi-Spy might be one of the most powerful tools in your wireless toolbox.  Imagine going on a site survey and having a clear vision of the RF terrain which surrounds you.  Leave the Wi-Spy on for a bit and have it record the changes in the “air” as the day goes by.  Then play back the recording and find out exactly why you have been having trouble with your wifi network at 4pm on Fridays (just an example)!

The Wi-Spy comes in 3 different flavors 0900×1v, 2400×2v & the 2450×1v.

The 0900×1v is a cost effective yet powerful 900Mhz spectrum analyzer perfect for WISPs deploying 900 Mhz BWA networks and SCADA professionals.

The 2400×2v works in the 2.4 Ghz unlicensed wi-fi space where the rising levels of interference are causing good wireless networks to fail.  The 2400×2v will allow you to pin-point the interfering sources and take action.

Lastly the 2450×1v offers the same power features of the other models but also allows you to monitor the 5Ghz band.  This is an extremely versatile spectrum analyzer that will allow you to accurately measure the noise floor when engineering point to point wireless bridge links (no more guessing), better plan wireless mesh and WISP BWA networks.

Ruckus Wireless has released a full blown mesh technology for their ZoneFlex series of access points and controllers. Ruckus‘ “SMART Mesh” technology is controlled by the Zone director and with this new upgrade you can now manage all ZoneFlex APs whether wired in to the network or connected wireless via mesh. This is a HUGE improvement over the Ruckus Light Mesh Gateway which would simply act as a repeater and not acquire BSSID, security, user information, etc. The new SMART Mesh technology simplifies the installation of the ZoneFlex WLAN even further! Ruckus SMART Mesh is only available for clients with a Premium contract which will give you access to the new 6.0 firmware.

Here is some nice marketing info for you guys…

Ruckus Wireless SmartMesh is a unique, new approach to building high-performance wireless LANs (WLANs). It reduces cumbersome RF planning and costly cable backhaul by lowering the need to run Ethernet wiring to individual ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi access points.

SmartMesh dramatically simplifies, speeds and reduces the cost of WLAN deployment. With SmartMesh, enterprises now simply plug ZoneFlex access points into any convenient power source, and walk away. No extensive RF site surveys, cable runs, configuration, or optimization adjustments are required.

SmartMesh delivers three key ingredients that have previously hindered the use of indoor meshing:

• high performance by combining 802.11n with Smart Wi-Fi technology
• reliable connectivity between mesh nodes, using best path selection and interference avoidance techniques
• ultra-simple deployment through the automation of AP and mesh provisioning

SmartMesh extends Ruckus-patented Smart Wi- Fi technology to create a new class of reliable and high-performance wireless LANs that are selforganizing, self-optimizing and self-healing. It is the first Wi-Fi meshing approach that combines high-gain smart antenna arrays, sophisticated RF routing and centralized management with a single WLAN system.

Learn more about Ruckus SMART Mesh here.

It has been brought to my attention that I forgot to mention how to fix the problem of weak client side transmission, which I discussed back on August 18th. So I figured I would quickly fill in that void.

There are several ways to increase the range of your wireless client and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Now, while you read this entry please remember that, like a standard wireless access point or bridge, there are always two parts to a wireless client, the “radio” and the “antenna“. The radio is the device creating the RF signal and the antenna amplifies that signal.

So that being said I am sure you can guess that the first way to increase the range of yourwireless client is…Add an antenna!

1) Add an antenna to your client device. In mobile applications you would want anomnidirectional antenna (signal is radiated in a 360 degree pattern) and for fixed environment you would be better served by a directional panel antenna or grid antenna (signal is more focused in a certain direction). Of course you need to have a client device (PC card or laptop card) that has an external antenna connector built in. The major issue is that most (99%) of laptops have integrated wireless cards and antennas that can not be upgraded in which case you might better be served by number 2 below.

2) The next step is to add a wireless card into your laptop or desktop that has the necessary external antenna connector and then add a high gain external antenna to really boost the signal. This is a pretty easy way to increase wireless transmission and is great for laptops however not so great for desktops. If you want to use this method to increase your wireless signal on your desktop you will normally be required to run a good amount of coaxial cable from the PC up and out to the external antenna. This is definitely the method of choice for laptops but I find it a little cumbersome for desktop machines. Below you can find a picture of cards with external antenna connectors.
The one of the left is made by Ubiquiti Networks and goes in the PCMCIA card slot on the side of your laptop. The one on the right is a PCI card for your PC. You can remove the rubber duck antenna that comes with the card and install coax cable that runs to the antenna you installed on your roof.

3) The third option is great for fixed environments like homes, RVs, boats, etc. Purchase anexternal wireless client that sits on the roof of whatever structure you are in. This client can be an all in one device with both the radio and the antenna built in to one unit or you can purchase one with an external connector for higher gain antennas. Here is what they look like…
Here is how you would use them…

Option 1: Install the external wireless client on your roof, point it at your ISP, run an Ethernet cable from the client to the power over Ethernet injector and then plug it in directly to you PC.

Option 2: Install the wireless client just like in option one but instead of plugging directly into your PC plug it into a wireless router! This will allow you to rebroadcast the signal from outside wireless INSIDE your house, giving you the best of both worlds!

Hope this helps!

• BeamFlex High gain (7 dbi) Antenna array
• Dynamic PSK Integrated, easy 802.1X
• Integrated guest access with captive portal

Who should be using Ruckus ZoneFlex??
Anyone who is looking for easy, secure, reliable wi-fi and that doesn’t have big money to spend IT staff and hardware really… but, there are great advantages to those in the following industries:

• Small to Medium Businesses
• Hotels/Motels/Resorts with limited IT Staff
• Restaurants/Coffee Shops
• Hot spot Operators
• Retail stores and distribution facilities