Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge
Mounting Instructions
March 2005
Contents
This document explains how to mount the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge and contains the
following sections:
• Introduction, page 2
• System Requirements, page 3
• Safety Precautions, page 3
• Choosing a Mounting Location, page 4
• Physical Site Inspection, page 5
• Required Tools and Fasteners, page 6
• Initial Lab Bring-Up, page 14
• Mounting the Bridge, page 21
• Routing the Cables, page 27
• Activating the Link, page 31
• Stacking Bridges, page 40
• Related Documentation, page 42
• Obtaining Documentation, page 42
• Documentation Feedback, page 43
• Cisco Product Security Overview, page 44
• Obtaining Technical Assistance, page 44
• Obtaining Additional Publications and Information, page 46
Corporate Headquarters:
Cisco Systems, Inc., 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134-1706 USA
Copyright © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction
Introduction
The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge provides high-speed data links between buildings.
Operating in the unlicensed UNII-3 band (5725 to 5825 MHz), the bridge provides 802.11a standard data
rates of 6 to 54 Mbps. You can stack two bridges in point-to-point configurations to increase data
throughput or to provide cold standby redundancy.
The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge is available with or without an integrated antenna. When
using a bridge with an integrated antenna, you must choose a mounting location with a clear path to the
remote antenna and orient the bridge so that the antenna is positioned for maximum signal strength. The
mounting brackets in the installation kit have adjustment slots that facilitate the positioning process.
When using a bridge without an integrated antenna, mount the bridge in a convenient location near the
external antenna. Each external antenna has its own mounting instructions.
Note To meet regulatory restrictions, the bridge configuration with the antenna connector and the external
antenna must be professionally installed.
Typical Bridge Installation Components

The bridge is designed to be installed in an outdoor environment, typically, on a tower or a tall building.
A typical bridge installation diagram is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Typical Bridge Installation Diagram
Note Ground wires must comply with Sections 810 and 820 of the National Electrical Code and Section 54 of
the Canadian Electrical Code.
Caution To ensure correct installation and grounding, install the bridge in compliance with your local and
national electrical codes: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code
(U.S.); Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, CSA 22.1 (Canada); and if local or national electrical codes are
not available, refer to IEC 364, Part 1 through 7 (other countries).
Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

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System Requirements
Note In lightning environments, you should install lightning arrestors on each coax cable at the building
entrance (see the “Grounding the Cables for Lightning Protection” section on page 28).
System Requirements
The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge system consists of a weather-proof bridge, a Power
Injector LR, a grounding block, and optional external antennas. The bridge and external antennas are
typically mounted outdoors, the grounding block is installed at the building entrance, and the Power
Injector LR and DC power supply are installed indoors. This document describes the bridge mounting
procedures only. For information about other components, see the “Related Documentation” section on
page 42.
Safety Precautions
Warning Do not install the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or
where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care
not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or death. For proper
installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (for example,
U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, Canada:Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54.)
Warning Industry standards relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure limits for this product require that the
antennas should be positioned no less than 6.6 feet (2 meters) from your body or nearby persons.
Each year hundreds of people are killed or injured when attempting to install an antenna. In many of
these cases, the victim is aware of the danger of electrocution, but does not take adequate steps to avoid
the hazard.
For your safety, and to help you properly install hardware, please read and follow these safety
precautions. They may save your life!
1. If you are installing an antenna for the first time, for your own safety as well as others, seek
assistance from a person with skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of
electrical equipment and has received safety training on the hazards involved.
2. Keep safety as well as performance in mind when selecting your installation site Remember: electric
power lines and phone lines look alike. Always assume that overhead lines are very dangerous.
3. Call your electric power company. Tell them your plans, and ask them to look at your proposed
installation. This is a reasonable request considering the danger.
4. Plan your installation carefully and completely before you begin. Successful raising of a mast or
tower is largely a matter of coordination. Assign each person a specific task, and ensure they know
what to do and when to do it. Put one person in charge of the operation to issue instructions and
watch for signs of trouble.
5. When installing your antenna, remember:
a. Do not use a metal ladder.
b. Do not work on a wet or windy day.

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Choosing a Mounting Location
c. Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or
jacket.
6. If the assembly starts to fall, get away from it and let it fall. Remember, the antenna, mast, cable,
and metal guy wires are excellent conductors of electrical current and may touch power lines.
7. If any part of the antenna system comes in contact with a power line, don’t touch it or try to remove
it yourself. Call your local power company. They can remove it safely.
If an accident occurs with the power lines, call for qualified emergency help immediately.
Choosing a Mounting Location

Choosing a good mounting location for the bridge is important because it affects the reliability of the
wireless link and maximum data rates it can support. The most important considerations are distance
between bridges and clearance from obstacles.
Signal Path Distance

In an environment without obstacles in the signal path, the maximum distance between bridges depends
primarily on the type of antennas and the free space loss between them. Make sure your proposed
mounting site is within range of the remote antenna. The bridge supports 54-Mbps data rates at distances
of up to 7.8 miles and 6 Mbps at distances up to 15.5 miles when using the integrated 22.5-dBi antenna
on both bridges. When using a 9-dBi omni antenna at the hub and an integrated 22.5-dBi antenna
remotely, the bridge supports 54-Mbps at distances up to 2 miles. Cisco.com has a range calculation tool
for outdoor bridges that helps you estimate the range for your specific installation. To access the tool go
this URL: http://www.cisco.com/go/aironet/calculation/.
Antenna Polarization
The integrated antenna radiates and receives polarized radio signals. Polarization helps reduce
interference because the antenna tends to reject cross-polarized signals from other sources. Therefore,
you can solve some interference problems by changing the antenna polarization. For the link to operate
correctly, two antennas at each end of the link must always be set for the same polarization, either
vertical or horizontal.
The bridge mounting hardware accommodates either vertical or horizontal antenna polarization. For
more information, see the “Assembling the Mounting Hardware” section on page 7.
Signal Path Clearance

A radio beam travels from one bridge to another in a straight line. Therefore, the path between the
antennas must be free of major obstacles. The effects of obstacles and terrain, both along and near the
path, have a significant bearing on the propagation of radio signals and can cause both interference and
signal cancellation.
When choosing a site, consider the effects of the following common obstacles:
• Trees and large plants
A tree directly in the path can totally block the signal. With clearance above the trees there are
usually no secondary effects, but you should allow for future tree growth.

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Physical Site Inspection
• Man-made obstacles
A large round container such as a gas storage reservoir or water tower that is partially in the path
causes some blocking. These obstacles may also reflect some energy, which can interfere with other
receivers. Square or rectangular objects in or near the path have rectangular surfaces that can block
and diffract signals over and around them.
• Earth surface
The earth surface also interferes with signals if the antenna is mounted to low. Mount the antenna
just high enough to allow adequate clearance from the ground (see Table 1). Placing the bridge too
high makes it susceptible to interference from other systems.
To determine how much clearance to leave around the signal path, use the following clearances as a
guide:
Table 1 Clearance Guidelines for UNII 5.7-GHz Frequencies
Total Path Length (Miles) Clearance Radius Around Signal Path (feet)
4 30
6 37
8 42
10 47
12 52
15 58
Install the bridge or external antenna where obstacles along the propagation path, including the ground,
are no closer than these values. For tower installations, you may need to climb the tower to the proposed
mounting location to verify a clear path to the other site. If trees are in the line of signal propagation,
leave extra clearance around them for future growth into the signal path and seasonal changes.
Physical Site Inspection

Perform a visual inspection of the site to ascertain and document the physical characteristics of the site
and to ensure that all requirements are met for the proper installation and operation of the system.
Contact Information and Access Permissions

Make sure the following general issues are resolved before beginning the installation:
• Validate customer-provided information, such as site contact names and telephone numbers.
• Examine the building (tenant) lease to verify or establish building roof or tower rights. If available,
use layout drawings to evaluate the feasibility of modifications or special permits that might be
necessary.
• For a tower-mounted installation, determine if the owner, operator, or landlord requires a
professional or certified tower climber to do the work.

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Required Tools and Fasteners
Physical Site
Make sure the following physical site issues are resolved before beginning the installation:
• Identify the roof area, wall, or tower for mounting the bridge. You must choose a site with a clear
radio path to the remote bridge.
• Determine the roof access point, such as stairway or ladder.
• Identify existing equipment installations and assess the condition of proposed towers or mounting
structures.
• Assess environmental conditions, such as temperature, ventilation, and humidity.
Cable Routes
Make sure the following cable route issues are resolved before beginning the installation:
• Determine cable routes, building entry points, and any special routing or support requirements
(conduits, bracing, cable trays, safety structures, and so on). Make sure the total cable length
between bridge and the Power Injector LR is no greater than 100 meters.
• Identify necessary floor, roof, or wall penetrations and specify the locations.
• Install a new grounding system or ensure the existing grounding system complies with the National
Electrical Code.
Required Tools and Fasteners

This section describes the required tools, cables, and fasteners.
Tools
Mounting the bridge requires the following tools:
• 13 mm wrench or socket
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• Crimping tool for F-connectors that accommodates RG6/U cable (http://www.tessco.com)
• Crimping tool for ground lug, Panduit CT-1004 or equivalent (http://onlinecatalog.panduit.com)
• Voltmeter and BNC-terminated probe (RSSI voltage alignment only)
You may also require tools for user-supplied hardware or fasteners.
Cables
Cisco recommends using RG6 coaxial cable. Table 2 and Table 3 lists possible coaxial cables for the
bridge to power injector connections:

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Assembling the Mounting Hardware
Cisco Dual-Coax Cables

Table 2 lists the available Cisco RG-6 dual-coax cables.
Table 2 Cisco Dual-Coax Cables
Cable Length Cisco Part Number

20 ft (6.1 m) AIR-CAB020DRG6-F
Non-Cisco Coax Cables

Table 2 lists some available non-Cisco RG-6 coax cables.
Note The part numbers in Table 3 might change without notice. If this occurs, you should search the vendor
website for the cable type.
Table 3 Non-Cisco Coaxial Cables
Cable Type Belden Part Number Times Fiber Part Number Channel Master Part Number
RG6 9077 2360-T660-VB or 2560-T690-VB 9539
Fasteners
Identify requirements for special hardware or fasteners that are not supplied in the installation kit. For
example, it might be necessary to secure the bridge to an unusually large diameter pipe or odd-shaped
structural member that the supplied mounting bracket cannot accommodate. The rooftop support
requires the following user-provided fasteners:
• Wooden structure — Four 1/4 x 2 inch (minimum) lag bolts
• Concrete structure — Four 1/4 x 1 inch (minimum) bolts with concrete anchors
A pole or tower mount requires guillotine-style U bolts that fits the pole or mast in use. One source is:
http://www.mcmaster.com
Document all the necessary tools, parts, brackets, hardware and accessories that are required for the
installation and make sure you have them all before starting.

The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge is shipped with mounting hardware that accommodates
tower, mast, or rooftop installations. The mounting hardware comprises the following key parts:
• Rooftop mount (optional)
• Housing brackets
• Mounting bracket

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Assembling the Rooftop Mount

The optional rooftop or wall mount is used to mount your bridge to a flat horizontal or vertical surface,
such as a building wall or roof. You must assemble the rooftop mount before you can use it. To assemble
the mount, follow the instructions below:
Step 1 Place a washer on the long flanged hex bolt.

Step 2 Place the end of the mast pipe with the bolt holes into the mounting plate (see Figure 2).
Figure 2 Rooftop Support Bolt Locations
1 Long flanged hex bolt 3 Carriage bolt

2 Carriage bolt
Step 3 Align the holes in the mast pipe with the holes in the mounting plate.
Step 4 Insert the long flanged hex bolt and washer into the upper holes on the mounting plate and through the
mast pipe (see Figure 2).
Step 5 Place a washer and hex nut on the end of the long flanged hex bolt and hand-tighten.
Step 6 Position the mast pipe and mounting plate as shown in Figure 2.
Step 7 Align the lower square hole in the mast pipe with the semi-circular cut-out on the mounting plate.
Step 8 Place the carriage bolt into the square hole on the inside of the mast pipe.
Step 9 Place a washer and hex nut on the end of the carriage bolt and hand-tighten.

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Step 10 Repeat Steps 8 and 9 for the other square hole.

You have completed the assembly of your rooftop or wall mount.
Attaching the Housing Brackets to the Bridge

To attach the housing brackets to the bridge, follow these steps:
Step 1 Find the polarization arrow on the back of the bridge housing. Rotate the bridge until the arrow points
to the top for vertical polarization or to the right for horizontal polarization.
Note External bridge installations should use vertical polarization.
Figure 3 Housing Bracket Attachment
1 Housing bracket 4 Hang pin

2 Lock washer 5 Polarization arrow
3 Hex bolt

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Step 2 Attach the housing brackets to the housing using four hex bolts and lock washers. Torque bolts to 14 to
16 ft. lb.
Note Make sure the hang pin faces outward for each housing bracket.
Attaching the Mounting Bracket

The mounting bracket is suitable for rooftop, mast, or tower supports. How you attach the mounting
bracket to the support depends on the mast diameter (see Table 4).
Table 4 Mounting Bracket Attachment
Mast Type Mast Diameter Mast Attachment

Rooftop support 1.25 to 2.5 in. Attach the mast to the mounting bracket between the
or small mast (30.5 to 63.5 mm) bracket and bridge (see Figure 4)
Large Mast 2.5 to 4.5 in. Attach the mast outside the mounting bracket away from
(63.5 to 115 mm) the bridge (see Figure 5)
Rooftop Support or Small Mast Diameters

Use this procedure to attach the mounting bracket (see Figure 4) to the rooftop support or to a mast with
a diameter between 1.25 and 2.5 inches (30.5 to 63.5 mm). For masts other than the rooftop support, use
U bolts that fit the mast in use.
To attach the mounting bracket to the rooftop support or small mast, follow these steps:
Step 1 Position the mounting bracket next to the mounting pole so that the arrow on the bracket points up.

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Figure 4 Mounting Bracket Assembly for Rooftop Support
1 U bolt 4 Hex nut

2 Mounting bracket 5 Roof mounting mast
3 Flat washer 6 Hang pin slot
Step 2 Attach the mounting bracket to the mast using two U bolts and four nuts and washers.
Note If you are using the integrated antenna, loosely tighten the U bolts so you can adjust the antenna
horizontally for antenna positioning.
Large Mast Diameters

Use this procedure to attach the mounting bracket (see Figure 5) to masts with diameters from 2.5 to 4.5
inches (63.5 to 115 mm). This procedure requires customer-supplied guillotine U bolts that fit the mast
in use.

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To attach the mounting bracket to a large mast, follow these steps:
Step 1 Position the mounting bracket next to the mast such that the arrow on the bracket points up.
Figure 5 Mounting Bracket Assembly for a Large Mast
1 Guillotine-style U bolt (user supplied). 2 Large mast, 2.5 to 4.5 inches

See http://www.mcmaster.com (63.5 to 115 mm) in diameter
Step 2 Attach the mounting bracket to the pole using two guillotine-style U bolts and four hex nuts. Be sure to
use U bolts that fit the mast in use.
Note If you are using the integrated antenna, loosely tighten the U bolts so you can move the antenna
horizontally to position it.
Attaching the Bridge to the Mounting Bracket

To attach the bridge to the mounting bracket, follow these steps:
Step 1 Attach the bridge housing bracket to the mounting bracket by sliding the hang pins on the housing
bracket into the hang pin slots on the mounting bracket. The connectors should face downward for
vertical polarization (See Figure 6).

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Figure 6 Attaching the Bridge to the Mounting Bracket
1 Hex bolt
2 Lock washer
3 Flat washer
Step 2 Secure the housing bracket to the mounting bracket with four hex bolts, split lock washers, and flat
washers.
Note If you are using the integrated antenna, loosely tighten the bolts so you can move the antenna
horizontally to position it.
Step 3 Roughly position the integrated antenna by pointing the flat face of the bridge toward the site of the
remote bridge.

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Initial Lab Bring-Up

The purpose of the lab bring-up process is to familiarize you with the bridge install mode operating
procedures and the bridge configuration screens. After completing the bring-up procedures, you can
optionally preconfigure your bridge settings before installing the bridges in their final locations.
In this procedure, you will temporally mount each bridge on a tripod, power it up, place it in Install
mode, and view the main configuration screens.
Note Antenna alignment is not part of the lab bring-up procedures because of the large separation required
between bridges using high gain antennas. In a lab environment, the close proximity of the two bridges
causes severe receiver overloading, which might damage your bridges.
Before You Begin

You will need the following:
• Bridge units with assembled mounting hardware (housing and mounting brackets). For assembly
information, refer to the “Assembling the Mounting Hardware” section on page 7.
• Power injector, power module, and power cord
• Dual-coax cable for your bridge
• Tripod or other suitable equipment to mount your bridges
• A room sufficient to allow 6 ft (1.8 m) minimum distance to your bridge
• A PC with an Internet browser
• A standard Cat 5 Ethernet cable
Bring-Up Procedures
You will perform the following operations for each of your bridges:
• Mount your bridge on a tripod, position the bridge, and connect cables to the bridge
• Set each bridge to factory defaults
• Initially configure the bridge
• Finalizing the bridge configuration
Initial Mounting and Placement

Follow these steps to mount and position your bridge:
Step 1 Mount the bridge on a tripod or other suitable equipment.

Step 2 If you are using external antenna bridge units, mount the bridge antenna on the tripod.
Step 3 If you are using a directional antenna or an integrated antenna bridge unit, manually position the bridge
antenna so that it points up towards the ceiling.
Step 4 Place the bridge tripod about 6 ft (1.8 m) from your work bench.

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Step 5 Connect the dual-coax cables to the bridge and the power injector.
Step 6 Connect the AC power cord to the power module.
Step 7 Connect the power module’s AC power cord to an AC receptacle. Do not connect power to the power
injector.
Setting Each Bridge to Defaults

To set the bridge to default value, follow these steps for each bridge:
Step 1 Ensure other bridges are not powered up.

Step 2 Press and hold the power injector’s MODE button while you connect the power cable to the power jack.
Step 3 Release the MODE button when the Status LED turns amber (approximately 1 to 3 seconds) and wait
until the bridge boots up and enters Root mode (Install LED blinks green). All bridge settings return to
factory defaults.
Note When the bridge is set to factory defaults, the bridge is placed into Install mode and the SSIDs
is set to autoinstall. This allows your bridges to automatically establish a communication link
between root and non-root bridges.
Step 4 Click Apply.

Step 5 Close your Internet browser and remove the Ethernet cable from the power injector.
Step 6 Remove the power jack from the power injector.
Configuring the Root Bridge

When setting up a bridge system, you should configure the root bridge first. A bridge configured with
factory defaults, on power up, automatically attempts to associate to a root bridge. After 60 seconds if
the bridge is unable to associate to a root bridge, it automatically becomes a root bridge.
To configure the root bridge, follow these steps:
Step 1 Ensure other bridges are not powered up.

Step 2 Connect the power jack to the power injector’s power connector.

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Step 3 Observe the LED status indications (refer to Table 5).
Table 5 Install Mode LED Status Indications
Install LED Ethernet LED Status LED Radio LED Description

– Green Green Green Loading flash memory (part of POST operations)
– Amber Amber Amber Loopback test (part of POST operations)
– – Green – POST operations completed successfully
Blinking – – Blinking Searching for a root bridge. The non-root bridge attempts to
Amber Amber associate with a root bridge for 60 seconds1.
2 2 2
Blinking Receive signal strength indication (RSSI) demonstration pattern
Amber (repeats twice).
Note This only occurs when a bridge is configured with factory
defaults and if a root bridge is not detected.
3 3 3
Amber Non-root mode and associated to a root bridge. For additional
information on RSSI LED values, refer to Table 8.
Blinking – – – Root mode, waiting for a non-root bridge to associate. The bridge
Green waits indefinitely for a non-root bridge to associate.
4 4 4
Green Root mode and non-root bridge associated. For additional
information on RSSI LED values, refer to Table 8.
1. If your bridge is preconfigured as a non-root bridge, it search indefinitely for the root bridge.
2. The Radio, Status, and Ethernet LEDs cycle through a simulated RSSI pattern ranging from off, slow blinking amber, medium blinking amber, fast
blinking amber, and amber colors. The simulated RSSI pattern repeats twice.
3. The Radio, Status, and Ethernet LEDs indicate the RSSI signal level from the root bridge
4. The Radio, Status, and Ethernet LEDs indicate the RSSI signal level from the non-root bridge
When the Install LED begins to blink amber, your bridge is attempting to connect to a remote root bridge.
In this procedure, your bridge will not locate a root bridge and becomes a root bridge (after 60 seconds)
as indicated by the Install LED blinking green. When the Install LED blinks green, your bridge is
sending beacons and waiting for a non-root bridge to associate.
Step 4 Using a Cat 5 Ethernet cable, connect your PC to the power injector’s Ethernet port.
Step 5 Configure your PC to receive an IP address using a DHCP server.
Step 6 Turn your PC off and on. Because your bridge is in Install mode, your PC receives an IP address from
the bridge’s internal DHCP server.
Step 7 Activate your Internet browser and browse to the IP address of your bridge (10.0.0.1 is the default value).
An Enter Network Password window appears.
Step 8 Enter your username in the User Name field. The default username is Cisco.
Step 9 Enter the bridge password in the Password field and press Enter. The default password is Cisco. The
Summary Status page appears.
Step 10 Click Network Interfaces > Radio1-802.11A and the radio setup page displays.
Step 11 Click Settings and the radio settings page appears.
Step 12 Click Root and check Install Mode in the Role in Radio Network field.
When you manually configure the bridge as root and check Install Mode, the bridge provides RSSI LED
indications for antenna alignment but does not search for another root bridge on power up.

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Step 13 For future reference, observe the settings that are available on the radio settings page, such as Data Rates,
Transmitter Power, Default Radio Channel, Distance (Km), and others.
Step 14 Click Apply to set this bridge as a root bridge.
Step 16 Remove the power jack from the power injector.
Configuring the Non-Root Bridges

When setting up an actual bridge system, you should always configure the non-root bridge after
configuring the root-bridge. To configure the non-root bridge, follow these steps:
Step 1 Connect the power jack to the power injector’s power connector for your non-root bridge.
Step 2 Observe the LED status indications (refer to Table 5).
In this procedure, your bridge will not locate a root bridge and becomes a root bridge (after 60 seconds)
as indicated by the Install LED blinking green. You need to change the radio role for your bridge.
Step 3 When the Install LED blinks green, connect your PC to the power injector’s Ethernet port using a Cat 5
Ethernet cable.
Step 4 Configure your PC to receive an IP address using a DHCP server.
Step 5 Turn your PC off and on. Because your bridge is in Install mode, your PC receives an IP address from
the bridge’s internal DHCP server.
Note In actual installations, a non-root bridge typically receives an IP address from the root bridge
using DHCP.
Step 11 Click Non-Root and check Install Mode in the Role in Radio Network field.
When you manually configure the bridge as non-root and check Install Mode, the bridge provides RSSI
LED indications for antenna alignment but can not become a root bridge on power up.
Step 12 Click Apply to set this bridge as a non-root bridge.

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Finalizing Bridge Configurations

After completing the lab setup procedures, you can optionally completely configure your bridges before
placing them at their final destinations. You should also ensure the bridges are set to Install mode to
allow antenna alignment when they are installed.
Note After your bridges are installed in their final destinations and their antennas are aligned, you must exit
Install mode by clicking Root or Non-Root (as appropriate) and unchecking Install Mode in all bridges
(root and non-root). Exiting Install mode is required because a bridge left in Install mode can interfere
with other bridge installations and prevents the transfer of data traffic through your bridge.
In Install mode, the SSID is set to autoinstall. When you exit Install mode, the SSID is automatically set
to tsunami.
Note In actual installations, you should change the SSID from the default value and also configure appropriate
security settings. You should also record the actual IP addresses for your root and non-root bridges.
Finding Non-Root Bridge IP Addresses
To obtain the IP addresses for the non-root bridges, follow these steps from your root bridge:
Step 1 Using a Cat 5 Ethernet cable, connect your PC to the root bridge power injector’s Ethernet port.
Step 2 Activate your Internet browser and browse to the IP address (default of 10.0.0.1) of your root bridge. An
Enter Network Password window appears.
Step 5 Click Association and the Association page appears.
Step 6 Record the names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses for each associated non-root bridge.
Note In actual installations, you should assign a descriptive host name (or system name) for each
bridge to allow quick identification.
Exiting Install Mode and Changing the SSID
When exiting Install mode or changing the SSID, you should reconfigure the remote non-root bridges
before you change the root bridge.
Note When you exit Install mode or change the SSID on a bridge, the bridge will loose association with the
remote bridge or bridges.

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The exit Install mode and change the SSID using your Internet browser, follow these steps:
Step 2 Activate your Internet browser and browse to the IP address of the non-root bridge. An Enter Network
Password window appears.
Step 5 Click Express Set-Up and the Express Set-Up page appears.
Note In actual installations, you can configure a descriptive host name (or system name) for the bridge
on the Express Set-Up page.
Step 6 Enter the new SSID in the SSID field.

Step 7 Click Root or Non-Root as appropriate for the specific bridge being configured.
Step 8 Click Apply and then click Yes on the pop-up confirmation window.
Note The remote non-root bridge will loose association with the root bridge until the root bridge
configuration is correspondingly changed.
Step 9 Go to the bridge and observe the Install mode LED. The Install mode LED should be off.
Note When the bridge is not in Install mode, the Radio, Status, and Ethernet LEDs operate normally
and do not provide RSSI readings.
Step 10 Repeat Steps 1 to 8 for each non-root bridge and then the root bridge.
After you have changed the configurations on all your root and non-root bridges, the non-root bridges
can again reassociate with the root bridge.
Configuring the Radio Distance Parameter
In Install mode, the bridge default distance setting is 99 km. In other modes, the default distance setting
is 0 km. When you change the role from Install Mode to Root or Non-Root, the distance setting changes
automatically from 99 km to 0 km, and you need to adjust the distance setting for your specific system.
Note If your bridge is running Cisco IOS Release 12.3(2)JA or earlier, the bridge distance setting can only be
changed on the root bridge using Cisco IOS CLI commands.
The distance setting is used to specify the distance from a root bridge to the non-root bridges with which
it communicates. The distance setting adjusts the bridge's timeout values to account for the time required
for radio signals to travel from bridge to bridge. If more than one non-root bridge communicates with
the root bridge, enter the distance from the root bridge to the non-root bridge that is farthest away. Enter
a value from 0 to 99 km.

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If your bridge is running Cisco IOS Release 12.3(4)JA or later, follow these steps to use your Internet
browser to configure the bridge distance setting:
Step 3 Enter your username in the User Name field. The default username is Cisco. The username
case-sensitive.
password is case-sensitive. The Summary Status page appears.
Step 7 Enter the distance setting (0 to 99 km) in the Distance field.
Step 8 Click Apply.
Step 9 Close your internet browser.
Follow these steps to use Telnet and the bridge CLI to change the bridge distance setting:
Note These steps are for a PC running Microsoft Windows with a Telnet terminal application. Check your PC
operating instructions for detailed instructions for your operating system.
Step 2 On your PC, select Start > Run, type Telnet in the entry field, and press Enter.
Step 3 When the Telnet window appears, click Connect and select Remote System.
Note In Windows 2000, the Telnet window does not contain drop-down menus. To start the Telnet
session in Windows 2000, type open followed by the access point’s IP address.
Step 4 In the Host Name field, type the access point’s IP address and click Connect.
Step 5 At the username and password prompts, enter your administrator username and password. The default
username is Cisco, and the default password is Cisco. Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.
Step 6 Enter enable and press Enter.
Step 7 At the password prompt, enter the enable password. The default enable password is also Cisco. The
password is case-sensitive.
Step 8 Enter configure terminal and press Enter.
Step 9 Enter interface dot11radio 0 and press Enter.
Step 10 Enter distance and a distance setting from 0 to 99 kilometers. Press Enter.
Step 11 Enter end and press Enter.
Step 12 Enter copy running-config startup-config and press Enter.

20 OL-7618-01
Mounting the Bridge
Mounting the Bridge

This section describes the mounting procedures for rooftop, mast, and tower installations. Personnel
installing the bridge must understand wireless bridging techniques, antenna alignment and adjustment,
and grounding methods. The integrated antenna configuration can be installed by an experienced IT
professional, but the external antenna bridge configuration and the external antenna must be
professionally installed.
Warning Industry standards relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure limits for this product require that the
antennas should be positioned no less than 6.6 feet (2 meters) from your body or nearby persons.
These procedures focus on general mounting and cable-routing topics. For information about assembling
the mounting hardware, see the “Assembling the Mounting Hardware” section on page 7.
Rooftop or Wall Mount

The mounting kit has an optional rooftop mounting bracket that is suitable for flat roofs, sloping roofs,
and exterior walls. Mounting the bridge on a rooftop or wall includes the following subtasks:
1. Mounting the bridge
2. Routing the cables
3. Activating the link
To mount the bridge on a rooftop or wall, follow these steps:
Step 1 Choose a mounting location for the bridge. If you are using the integrated antenna, the mounting location
must provide a clear signal path to the remote bridge. For more information, see “Choosing a Mounting
Location” section on page 4.
Step 2 Find a solid mounting position for the base bracket, such as a stud or main building member on a roof
or external wall. It may be necessary to utilize a stud-finder to find wooden structural members.
Step 3 Assemble the rooftop mount. For more information, see the “Assembling the Rooftop Mount” section
on page 8.
Step 4 Mount the rooftop bracket at the mounting location using the following user-provided hardware:
• Wooden structure — Four 1/4 x 2 inch (minimum) lag bolts
• Concrete structure — Four 1/4 x 1 inch (minimum) bolts with concrete anchors

OL-7618-01 21
Mounting the Bridge
Figure 7 shows the rooftop mast assembly:
Figure 7 Roof-Mount Mast
Make sure that the mounting pole is vertical. You can rotate the foot of the bracket to adjust the vertical
position for wall or sloped-roof mounting locations.
Step 5 Tighten the bolts to secure the mounting pole to the mounting foot. Torque nuts to 12 to 14 ft. lb.
Step 6 Attach the bridge to the vertical section of the pole using the supplied brackets and hardware. For more
information, see the “Attaching the Housing Brackets to the Bridge” section on page 9, “Attaching the
Mounting Bracket” section on page 10, and “Attaching the Bridge to the Mounting Bracket” section on
page 12.
Note The integrated antenna is polarized, so be sure to attach the bridge housing brackets so that the
antenna polarization matches the remote antenna polarization.

22 OL-7618-01
Mounting the Bridge
Figure 8 shows the bridge mounted on the rooftop mast:
Figure 8 Roof-Mount Assembly
Step 7 Point the antenna as accurately as possible in the direction of the remote antenna. The integrated antenna
is correctly positioned when the flat surface of the plastic cover faces the remote antenna.
Step 8 Find the building's grounding electrode system and then connect the bridge ground lug to the building's
grounding electrode system using 6 AWG copper wire. Use a crimping tool to crimp the wire to the
ground lug.
not available, refer to IEC 364, Part I through Part 7 (other countries).
Note Local code may require grounding of the rooftop mount.

OL-7618-01 23
Mounting the Bridge
Step 9 Apply a thin layer of electrical joint compound to the bridge at the ground lug location (See Figure 9).
Figure 9 Ground Lug Attachment
1 Threaded mounting holes for ground lug
Step 10 Attach the ground lug to the bridge using two Phillips-head screws. Torque the screws to 10 to 12 in. lb.
Tower Mount
A professional installer must install the bridge on a tower. A professional installer has skills and
knowledge related to the construction, operation, and installation of electrical equipment and has
received safety training on the hazards involved.
Installing the bridge on a tower includes the following subtasks:
1. Mounting the bridge
2. Routing the cables
3. Activating the link

24 OL-7618-01
Mounting the Bridge
Mounting the Bridge on a Tower

To mount the bridge on a tower, follow these steps:
Step 1 Choose a mounting location on the tower for the bridge. If you are using the integrated antenna, the
mounting location must provide a clear signal path to the remote bridge. For more information, see
“Choosing a Mounting Location” section on page 4.
Step 2 Find a suitable mounting support or install a mounting pole for the bridge. The mounting bracket
accommodates poles from 1.25 to 4.5 inches (30.5 to 115 mm) in diameter; the supplied U bolts fit 1.25
to 1.75-inch poles only. You can find this type of hardware at http://www.tesco.com and
http://www.rohnnet.com.
Step 3 Hoist the bridge assembly to the mounting location. The mounting brackets include hoist rings that can
simplify this task. If you are hoisting a bridge that uses an external antenna, leave the foam block
attached to the face of the bridge while hoisting to protect the N connector.
Step 4 Attach the bridge to the mounting pole using appropriate hardware. For more information, see the
“Attaching the Housing Brackets to the Bridge” section on page 9, “Attaching the Mounting Bracket”
section on page 10, and “Attaching the Bridge to the Mounting Bracket” section on page 12. The
mounting bracket accommodates either a large mounting pole (see Figure 10) or small one (see
Figure 8).
Note The integrated antenna is polarized, so be sure to attach the bridge housing brackets so that the
antenna polarization matches the remote antenna polarization.

OL-7618-01 25
Mounting the Bridge
Figure 10 Bridge Attached to a Small Diameter Pole
1 U bolt (supplied) 2 Small diameter pole, 1.25 to 2.5 inches

(30.5 to 63.5 mm)
Step 5 Point the antenna as accurately as possible in the direction of the remote antenna. The integrated antenna
is correctly positioned when the flat face of the radome faces the remote antenna.

26 OL-7618-01
Routing the Cables
Step 6 Connect the bridge ground lug to the tower (metal-to-metal) using 6 AWG copper wire. Use a crimping
tool to crimp the ground lug to the wire.
Step 7 Apply a thin layer of electrical joint compound to the bridge at the ground lug location (See Figure 9).
Step 8 Attach the ground lug to the bridge (see Figure 9) using two Phillips-head screws. Torque the screws to
10 to 12 in. lb.
Step 9 Ensure the tower is attached to a proper grounding system.
Routing the Cables
Cables to the Building Grounding Block

This procedure explains how to route the cables from the power injector to the building grounding block.
The grounding block should be installed at the building entry point and connected to the building’s
ground system and every 100 ft (30 m) for long outside cable runs.
To route and connect cables, follow these steps:
Step 1 Unroll two 75-ohm cables the full length from the power injector to the building grounding block, laying
them out straight without kinks.
Step 2 For unassembled cables, cut and install F-connectors on the ends of each cable.
Step 3 Connect the cables to the power injector.
Step 4 Secure the cables along the path from the power injector to the grounding block using UV-stabilized
Ty-Wraps or equivalent fasteners.
Step 5 Form cable service loops and connect the cables to the grounding block.
Step 6 Find the building's grounding electrode system and then connect the grounding block to the building's
grounding electrode system using 14 AWG copper wire or larger.
Note In lightning environments, optional lightning arrestors should be installed at the building entrance (for
additional information, see the “Grounding the Cables for Lightning Protection” section on page 28).

OL-7618-01 27
Routing the Cables
Step 7 Weather seal all external coaxial connectors by wrapping them with the sealant tape provided in the
installation kit. For more information, see the “Applying Coax Seal Tape” section on page 29.
Note Do not weatherproof or permanently secure all connections until after final antenna alignment.
Grounding the Cables for Lightning Protection

For long outside cable runs, you must ground the shields of the RG6 coaxial cables to the tower at regular
intervals. This precaution helps protect the bridge and the power injector from lightning damage. The
recommended spacing between grounds is 100 ft (30 m). In areas of especially high lightning risk, space
the grounds even closer. Make sure each grounding block makes good electrical (metal-to-metal) contact
with the tower or a metal surface.
Caution Make sure to comply with the tower owner's policies and local codes. Drilling into tower structures or
other alterations can affect the tower's long-term integrity.
In lightning environments, optional lightning arrestors (or protectors) should be installed for each coax
cable at the building entrance. Mount the lightning arrestors at the building entrance and ground them in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In very high lightning environments where arrestors
with replaceable gas tubes are desired, use Huber+Suhner lightning arrestors
(part number 3401.99.0022). In less severe lightning environments where lower cost, non-replaceable
gas tube protectors are desired, NexTek lightning arrestors (PTC-C030) or equivalent can be used. For
additional information on the lightning arrestors, refer to these URLs:
NexTek:
http://www.nexteklightning.com/products/ptc_typef.html
Huber+Suhner:
http://www.hubersuhnerinc.com
Routing the Cables

To route and connect cables, follow these steps:
Step 1 For unassembled coax cables:

a. Unspool two 75-ohm cables, laying them out straight without kinks. Do not cut the cables until you
know the required length between the bridge and the first grounding block and between each of the
remaining grounding blocks.
Note Add an extra cable length for service loops at both ends.
b. Install F-connectors on the cable ends before climbing the tower.

Step 2 Tie a rope near the end of two cables, and secure it using black electrical tape, making sure the
connectors do not support any cable weight.

28 OL-7618-01
Routing the Cables
Step 3 From the tower, use the rope to pull the cables up from the ground, making sure they pass along a tower
member where they can be securely fastened.
Step 4 Connect the cables to the bridge connectors and install service loops (also called a drip loop). The cables
should slope downward so that moisture runs away from the connectors during rainstorms.
Step 5 Secure the cables to the tower along the route to the grounding block using UV-stabilized Ty-Wraps or
equivalent fasteners.
Step 6 Install service loops and connect the cables to the grounding block.
Step 7 Repeat steps 2 to 6 for each cable segment between grounding blocks, except in Step 2 you must connect
the cables to the grounding block connectors.
Note The grounding blocks must be directly connected (metal-to-metal) to the tower.
Step 8 Weather seal all coaxial connectors by wrapping them with the sealant tape provided with the installation
kit. For more information, see the “Applying Coax Seal Tape” section on page 29.
Applying Coax Seal Tape

You must weather seal all coax connections using the Coax-Seal tape provided in the mounting kit. Coax
connections that are not properly sealed permit moisture to enter the connection, which leads to
performance degradation or link problems.
The following connectors must be weather sealed:
• F-connectors, located at the bridge and each grounding block.
• N connector, when using the bridge with an external antenna.
Note Do not use conventional plastic electrical tape because it deteriorates during long-term exposure to
ultraviolet light and extreme weather.
To apply Coax Seal, follow these steps:
Step 1 Make sure that the cables are secure and the F-connectors are tight. Torque the connectors to 10 to 14
in lbs.
Step 2 Make sure that the coaxial cable, F-connectors, and connector areas are clean and dry.
Step 3 Peel the paper backing off one of the 10 in. lengths of Coax-Seal tape.

OL-7618-01 29
Routing the Cables
Step 4 Wrap the F-connector with the tape, starting at the coaxial cable, extending across the connector body,
and finishing close the bridge or grounding block. Overlap each turn at least 50 percent so there is a
double thickness over all areas (see Figure 11).
Figure 11 Coax Seal Tape Application
Step 5 Using your fingers, mold and form the Coax-Seal around the cable and connector to form a smooth
surface. Make sure to squeeze out any air pockets (see Figure 12).
Figure 12 Coax Seal Tape After Forming Into Shape
Step 6 Visually inspect the seal to make sure the entire connector area is completely covered. If gaps are visible,
apply additional Coax-Seal over the existing material and then mold it to shape.
Step 7 Repeat this procedure for each coaxial connection on the bridge and grounding blocks.

30 OL-7618-01
Activating the Link
Activating the Link

Activate the link after the bridge system is completely installed and ready to power up. The following
procedure summarizes the bridge activation procedure:
1. Power up the root bridge, observing the power injector and bridge LEDs to verify proper startup.
2. Power up the remote non-root bridge, verify successful association, and position the antenna.
3. Position the root antenna.
If the initial antenna positioning was reasonably accurate, both bridges initialize and quickly associate
with one another. If the bridges do not associate, the antennas may be poorly aligned and you must adjust
the antenna position during the bridge startup cycle. Persistent association problems can indicate poor
placement of the bridge or obstacles in the transmission path.
Use LED indications to verify the state of the bridge during the association process. The following
sections explains how to interpret LED indicators.
Power Injector LEDs

The power injector contains four LEDs to provide status information on the wired Ethernet link, the
bridge Ethernet link, the bridge status, DC power status. The power injector LEDs are shown in
Figure 13.
Figure 13 Power Injector LEDs
1 Power jack (+48 VDC) 5 Ethernet port (RJ–45 connector)

2 Power LED 6 Ethernet Activity LED
3 Power injector dual-coax ports (F-Type connectors) 7 Injector Status LED
4 Mode button 8 Uplink Activity LED

OL-7618-01 31
Activating the Link
Checking Power Using Power Injector LEDs

When the power injector is powered up, it sends a constant discovery tone on the dual-coax cables to the
bridge. When the bridge is connected to the dual-coax cables, it returns the discovery tone to the power
injector. When the power injector detects the returned discovery tone, it applies +48 VDC to the
dual-coax cables to the bridge.
You can verify the availability of power to the bridge by checking the power injector LEDs (see
Figure 13):
• Power LED
– Green color indicates 48 VDC is available to the power injector (see Figure 13).
– Off indicates 48 VDC is not available to the power injector—verify that the power module is
connected to the power injector and to an AC receptacle and that AC power is available.
• Uplink Activity LED
– Green or blinking green color indicates the bridge is operating.
– Off indicates that the power injector-to-bridge link is not active—verify that the dual-coax cable
connections are properly connected to the power injector, the grounding block, and the bridge.
If the dual-coax cable is connected properly and the cable is not defective, contact technical
support for assistance.
– Amber color indicates that an internal power injector problem—disconnect and reconnect the
power injector power plug. If the problem continues, contact technical support for assistance
contact technical support for assistance.
• Status LED
– Green or blinking green color indicates that the bridge is operating.
– Blinking amber color indicates that the bridge has not been detected by the power injector and
that power is not being supplied to the bridge—verify that the dual-coax cable connectors are
properly connected to the power injector, the grounding block, and the bridge. If the dual-coax
cable is connected properly and not defective, contact technical support for assistance.
Checking the Power Injector LEDs

When power is applied to the bridge, the bridge activates the bootloader and begins the POST operations.
The bridge begins to load the IOS image when the Post operations are successfully completed. Upon
successfully loading the IOS image, the bridge initializes and tests the radio. The power injector LED
indications are listed in Table 6.
Table 6 Power Injector LED Indications
Uplink Activity Injector Status Ethernet Activity Description

— — Off Wired LAN Ethernet link is not active.
— — Green Wired LAN Ethernet link is operational.
— — Blinking Green Transmitting and receiving packets over the
wired LAN Ethernet link.
— — Amber Power injector internal memory
error—disconnect and reconnect the power
injector power plug. If the problem continues,

32 OL-7618-01
Activating the Link
Table 6 Power Injector LED Indications (continued)
Uplink Activity Injector Status Ethernet Activity Description

Off — — Link between power injector and bridge is not
active. This might be caused by improper
connections or a defective cable or connector.
Verify that the dual-coax cables are connected
correctly to the power injector, grounding
block, and bridge. If the cables are connected
correctly, contact technical support for
assistance.
Green — — Link between power injector and bridge is
operational.
Blinking Green — — Transmitting and receiving Ethernet packets
between the power injector and the bridge.
Amber — — Power injector internal memory
— Green — Bridge successfully passed Power On Self Test
(POST) and loaded the IOS image.
— Blinking Green — Bridge power is active and the bridge is loading
IOS image or POST operation has started.
— Blinking Amber — Bridge has not been detected and bridge power
is not active. This might be caused by bad
connections or a defective cable or connector.
Verify that the dual-coax cables are connected
correctly to the power injector, grounding
block, and bridge. If the cables are connected
correctly, contact technical support for
assistance.
Amber Amber Amber Power injector internal memory
Off Amber Off Bridge is resetting the configuration to defaults;
mode button has been depressed more than 2
seconds but less than 20 seconds.
— Red — Image recovery mode, downloading new image;
mode button pressed more than 20 seconds.
Red Red Red Power injector internal memory

OL-7618-01 33
Activating the Link
Bridge Installation Mode Indicators

When you power up the bridge for the first time, it starts in a special installation mode. In this mode, the
LEDs indicate the startup status, operating mode, association status, and received signal strength. This
information helps you activate the link and position the antenna while at the bridge mounting location.
The LEDs are mounted on the back of the housing near the connectors (see Figure 14).
Figure 14 LED and Connector Locations
1 Power Injector LR interfaces 4 Status LED

2 RSSI voltage port 5 Radio LED
3 Ethernet LED 6 Install LED
The Install LED displays the following information:
Table 7 Install LED States During Startup and Association
Install LED Bridge State

Off Startup
Amber blinking Scanning for beacons, not associated (non-root mode)
Amber Associated (non-root mode)

34 OL-7618-01
Activating the Link
Table 7 Install LED States During Startup and Association
Install LED Bridge State

Green blinking Transmitting beacons, not associated (root mode)
Green Associated (root mode)
After association, the Ethernet, Status, and Radio LEDs indicate signal strength (see Table 8).
The startup and association sequence depends on the initial bridge configuration, as follows:
• Default—The bridge attempts to associate with a root bridge for 60 seconds, and then it attempts to
associate with a non-root bridge. This timeout limits the amount of time you have to reposition the
antenna at the non-root location.
• Preconfigured—The bridge attempts to associate with a remote bridge in the configured mode,
either root or non-root. Because there are no timeouts, it is easier to reposition an antenna with poor
initial antenna positioning.
The following procedures explain how to activate the root and non-root bridges for either default or
preconfigured bridges.
Activating the Root Bridge

To activate the root bridge, follow these steps:
Step 1 Verify that the directional antenna or the face (radome) of the integrated antenna bridge points in the
approximate direction of the remote bridge antenna. If the antenna is at a significant angle, use
binoculars, satellite global positioning system (GPS), or reference objects to find the remote bridge or
antenna, and then manually adjust the horizontal and vertical positions accordingly.
Step 2 Apply power and observe the bridge LEDs.
Step 3 Wait for the bridge to cycle through the following initialization states:
State Install LED Activity

Self test Off Power on self test.
Non-root, searching1 Amber blinking The bridge attempts to associate with a root bridge for
60 seconds.
Root, searching Green blinking The bridge attempts to associate with a non-root bridge
indefinitely.
1. If your bridge is preconfigured as a root bridge, it skips this state.
Note If the Install LED changes to continuous amber, the bridge incorrectly associated with another
root bridge. Turn off the interfering root bridge and then restart this procedure.
Step 4 Leave the root bridge powered up and go to the non-root bridge to align it’s antenna (see the “Activating
the Non-Root Bridge” section on page 36).

OL-7618-01 35
Activating the Link
Activating the Non-Root Bridge

To activate and align the non-root bridge, follow these steps:
Step 1 Apply power and observe the bridge LEDs.

Step 2 Wait for the bridge to cycle through the following initialization and association states:
State Install LED Activity

Self test Off Power on self test.
Non-root, searching Amber blinking The bridge attempts to associate with a root bridge.
Non-root, associated Amber The bridge successfully associated with the root bridge.
Step 3 If the Install LED starts blinking green, the non-root bridge failed to associate with the root bridge.
Power cycle the bridge, wait for the Install LED to blink amber, and then slowly pan the directional
antenna or bridge radome left to right or tilt it up and down until the Install LED changes to continuous
amber. In the default configuration, you have only 60 seconds to achieve association.
Note If your bridge fails to detect the root bridge in the 60-second period, you can begin the detection
process again by removing and reinserting the power plug in the power injector.
Note If your bridge detects the root bridge, the RSSI LEDs (Radio, Status, and Ethernet) do not
display the demo RSSI pattern but display the actual signal strength received from the root
bridge.
Note After the non-root bridge associates to the root bridge, it receives an IP address by DHCP from
the root bridge. In Install mode the root bridge becomes a DHCP server for the non-root bridges.
In actual installations, you should use your PC and record this new IP address.
Step 4 Align the non-root bridge antenna using LED indications or RSSI voltages. For more information, see
the “Positioning the Integrated Antenna” section on page 37.
Step 5 After obtaining antenna alignment, tighten all bridge mounting bolts and apply coax-seal to the cable
and antenna connectors (see the “Applying Coax Seal Tape” section on page 29).
Step 6 Leave the non-root bridge power up and return to the root bridge to align its antenna using LED
indications or RSSI voltages. For more information, see the “Positioning the Integrated Antenna” section
on page 37.

36 OL-7618-01
Activating the Link
Positioning the Integrated Antenna

The goal when positioning the antenna is to align the local antenna for maximum signal strength.
Measure signal strength using LED indications or the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)
voltage. The LEDs are convenient to use and adequate for most installations. The RSSI voltage is more
precise than the LEDs and better for complex installations, such as for stacked bridges.
Normally, you observe a single large peak as you pan the antenna across the signal path. However, if the
antennas are not well-positioned during installation, you may observe two peaks of roughly equal
amplitude. Think of the receive signal as a target (see Figure 15).
Figure 15 Signal Strength Target Showing Two-Peak Case
1 Medium signal level 3 Strong signal level

2 Weak signal level 4 Midpoint between peaks
The target consists of concentric rings, with the strongest signal at the center, surrounded by a weak area,
and then a moderately strong side lobe. As you scan across the signal, you can miss the strong center
signal and encounter two peaks of roughly equal amplitude, as shown by the horizontal dashed line. If
you position the antenna on one of these weaker peaks and subsequently adjust the vertical position, you
miss the maximum signal area completely. Instead, you must locate the two peaks and center the antenna
between the peaks. The vertical scan then crosses the center point where the signal level is maximum.

OL-7618-01 37
Activating the Link
Positioning the Antenna Using LED Indications

You can position the integrated antenna using LEDs only after the bridge successfully associates with
the remote bridge. In installation mode, the Install LED is continuous amber or green when the bridge
has successfully associated. The Ethernet, status, and radio LEDs then display the receive signal strength
indication (see Table 8).
Table 8 Install Mode Receive Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) Display
Signal Level (dBm) Ethernet LED Status LED Radio LED

–44 or stronger On On On
1
–47 to –44 Fast blink On On
2
–50 to –47 Medium blink On On
3
–53 to –50 Slow blink On On
–54 to –53 Off On On
–57 to –54 Off Fast blink On
–60 to –57 Off Medium blink On
–63 to –60 Off Slow blink On
–66 to –63 Off Off On
–69 to –66 Off Off Fast blink
–72 to –69 Off Off Medium blink
–75 to –72 Off Off Slow blink
– 75 or weaker Off Off Off
1. Blinks once per second
2. Blinks twice per second
3. Blinks four times per second
When you are using LEDs to maximize the signal, adjust the antenna until as many LEDs as possible are
on and the rest are blinking as fast as possible. With all three LEDS on, the signal is good enough to
support the maximum data rate.
To position the antenna using the LED indicators, follow these steps:
Step 1 Verify that the Install LED is either continuous amber or green.
Step 2 Slowly pan the bridge to the left and right of the signal path, and watch for peaks in signal strength. Be
sure to swing the antenna in an arc of 60 degrees to each side to ensure that the integrated antenna passes
through the main and side lobes of the remote antenna.
Step 3 Return the bridge to the position where the signal is strongest, or in the case of two similar peaks,
halfway between them.
Step 4 Secure the horizontal adjustment by tightening the U bolts on the mast. Torque the nuts to 6 to 8 ft. lb.
Step 5 Slowly tilt the bridge up and down, and watch for peaks in signal strength. Use the full vertical
adjustment range of the mounting brackets.
Step 6 Return the bridge to the position where the signal is strongest, normally where all signal strength LEDs
are on. If you are unable to turn on all LEDs, simply maximize the signal.

38 OL-7618-01
Activating the Link
Step 7 Secure the vertical adjustment by tightening the four bolts that secure the housing bracket to the support
bracket. Torque bolts to 14 to 16 ft. lb.
Positioning the Antenna Using the Received Signal Strength Indicator

The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is a DC voltage that is proportional to the received signal
level. The RSSI voltage is available whenever a signal is present regardless of the bridge mode (install
or normal).
Note The RSSI sample rate is faster when the bridge is placed in Install mode.
The RSSI port is a female BNC connector on the housing (see Figure 14). The RSSI voltage increases
linearly with signal level. Table 9 shows the RSSI voltage for selected signal levels.
Table 9 RSSI Voltage Levels
Nominal Signal Level (dBm) RSSI Reading (Volts)

–20 or greater 2.7
–30 2.3
-40 1.9
–50 1.5
–60 1.2
–70 0.8
–80 0.4
–90 or less 0.0
The RSSI varies from 0 to 2.7 volts for signals between –90 and –20 dBm, respectively. The accuracy
over temperature and component variations is ± 4 dB. You can use any convenient voltmeter with a probe
terminated with a male BNC connector to position the antenna.
To position the antenna using the RSSI voltage, follow these steps:
Step 1 Remove the RSSI port cover and connect a voltmeter probe to the port. Use a probe terminated with a
male BNC connector.
Note For faster RSSI response, you can temporarily place the bridge in Install mode.
Step 2 Slowly pan the bridge to the left and right of the signal path and monitor the RSSI voltage for peaks in
signal strength. Be sure to swing the antenna in an arc of 60 degrees to each side to ensure that the
antenna passes through the main and side lobes of the antenna.
Step 3 Return the bridge to the position where the signal is strongest, or in the case of two similar peaks,
halfway between them.
Step 4 Secure the horizontal adjustment by tightening the U bolts on the mast. Torque the nuts to 6 to 8 ft. lb.

OL-7618-01 39
Stacking Bridges
Step 5 Slowly tilt the bridge up and down, and watch for peaks in signal strength. Use the full vertical
adjustment range of the mounting brackets.
Step 6 Return the bridge to the position where the signal level is strongest.
Step 7 Secure the vertical adjustment by tightening the four bolts that secure the housing bracket to the support
bracket. Torque bolts to 14 to 16 ft. lb.
Step 8 Remove the cable from the RSSI port and replace the cover.
Stacking Bridges
You can double the throughput, or create a standby link, by stacking two bridges. A stacked installation
consists of two bridge systems installed at the same physical location. For detailed mounting instructions
refer to the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions that shipped with your
bridge.
Operations summary:
• Adjacent bridges should be located at least 8 feet apart.
• Radios of adjacent bridges should be configured for operation on non-adjacent channels.
Choosing a Second Mounting Location

You can mount the second bridge system in the same general location as the first as long as you separate
the antennas by at least 8 feet. For example, in a flat-roof installation you can separate the bridges
horizontally, roughly perpendicular to the line of signal propagation. In a tower installation, you can
separate the antennas vertically. During the activation process, you verify that the interference between
systems is acceptably low. Do not attempt to stack more than two bridges.
Figure 16 Interference Paths with Stacked Bridges

40 OL-7618-01
Stacking Bridges
Installing the Stacked Bridges

To install stacked bridges, refer to Figure 16 as you follow these steps:
Step 1 Install the link 1 bridges (bridges A and C) normally, but leave room at each site to install the link 2
bridges (bridges B and C).
Step 2 Activate the link 1 bridges, align the antennas, and verify proper operation of the link.
Step 3 At each site location, choose a candidate location for the second bridge that is at least 8 feet away from
the first bridge. Separate the bridges as far as is practical from each other, keeping in mind that the
second antenna must have a clear path to the remote system.
Step 4 At each site location, temporarily install the second link 2 bridge, positioning the antenna toward the
intended location of the corresponding link 2 remote antenna.
Note You can improve system isolation by using different polarizations for the two local antennas. For
example, if the link 1 system has vertical polarization, assemble the link 2 system for horizontal
polarization.
Verifying Isolation
Isolation measurements are valid only if the link 1 bridges are operating at maximum power. By default,
the bridge operates at maximum power.
To verify signal isolation, refer to Figure 16 as you follow these steps:
Step 1 Ensure that the link 1 bridges are operating at full power and bridge A is configured as the root bridge.
Step 2 At Site 1, measure the isolation between bridges A and B:
a. Activate the link 2 bridge (bridge B) as a non-root bridge and let it associate to bridge A (the root
bridge).
b. Connect a voltmeter to the RSSI port of bridge B, and verify that the voltage is 1.95 volts (-40 dBm)
or less. If the voltage exceeds 1.95 volts, move the bridge farther away and repeat this procedure.
c. Slowly rotate the bridge B antenna a few degrees to the left and to the right and verify that the RSSI
level does not rapidly spike above 1.95 volts. If the voltage peaks above 1.95 volts, move the bridge
farther away and repeat this step.
Step 3 Go to the remote Site 2 location to measure the isolation between bridges A and D:
a. Activate the link 2 bridge (bridge D) as a non-root bridge and let bridge D associate to bridge A (the
root bridge).
b. Connect a voltmeter to the RSSI port of bridge D and align the bridge D antenna with bridge A so that
the RSSI voltage is maximized.
c. When the antennas are fully aligned, if the RSSI voltage level is greater than 1.95 volts, the bridge
sites are very close. Reduce the output power on all bridges at both sites (bridges A, B, C, and D) to
12 dBm.

OL-7618-01 41
Related Documentation
d. If you are still unable to reduce the RSSI voltage level to 1.95 volts, change the polarization of the
link 2 bridges (bridges B and D). For example; change the antenna polarization from vertical to
horizontal.
Step 4 At Site 2, measure the isolation between bridge C and D by following these steps:
a. Turn off bridge A for this measurement.
b. Activate the link 2 bridge (bridge D) as a non-root bridge and the link1 bridge (bridge C) as a root
bridge and let bridge D associate to bridge C.
c. Connect a voltmeter to the RSSI port of bridge D and verify that the voltage is 1.95 volts (–40 dBm)
or less. If the voltage exceeds 1.95 volts, move the bridge farther away and repeat this step.
d. Slowly rotate the antenna of bridge D a few degrees to the left and to the right and verify that the
RSSI level does not rapidly spike above 1.95 volts. If the voltage peaks above 1.95 volts, move the
bridge farther away and repeat this step.
Step 5 After you verify the isolation of the second bridge link, you must properly set the root and non-root
bridge settings for both links, align the link 2 bridge antennas, and verify proper link 2 operation.
Related Documentation
The following documents provide additional information about the wireless bridge:
• Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Bridge Hardware Installation Guide
• Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Bridge Software Configuration Guide
• Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge 9-dBi Omnidirectional Antenna
• Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge 9.5-dBi Sector Antenna
• Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge 28-dBi Dish Antenna
• Cisco IOS Command Reference for Cisco Aironet Access Points and Bridges
• Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge
Obtaining Documentation
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available on Cisco.com. Cisco also provides several
ways to obtain technical assistance and other technical resources. These sections explain how to obtain
technical information from Cisco Systems.
Cisco.com
You can access the most current Cisco documentation at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm
You can access the Cisco website at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com

42 OL-7618-01
Documentation Feedback
You can access international Cisco websites at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml
Documentation DVD
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Documentation DVD package, which
may have shipped with your product. The Documentation DVD is updated regularly and may be more
current than printed documentation. The Documentation DVD package is available as a single unit.
Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order a Cisco Documentation DVD (product
number DOC-DOCDVD=) from the Ordering tool or Cisco Marketplace.
Cisco Ordering tool:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/
Cisco Marketplace:
http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/
Ordering Documentation
You can find instructions for ordering documentation at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm
You can order Cisco documentation in these ways:
• Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from
the Ordering tool:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/
• Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by
calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in
North America, by calling 1 800 553-NETS (6387).
Documentation Feedback
You can send comments about technical documentation to bug-doc@cisco.com.
You can submit comments by using the response card (if present) behind the front cover of your
document or by writing to the following address:
Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883
We appreciate your comments.

OL-7618-01 43
Cisco Product Security Overview
Cisco Product Security Overview

Cisco provides a free online Security Vulnerability Policy portal at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html
From this site, you can perform these tasks:
• Report security vulnerabilities in Cisco products.
• Obtain assistance with security incidents that involve Cisco products.
• Register to receive security information from Cisco.
A current list of security advisories and notices for Cisco products is available at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt
If you prefer to see advisories and notices as they are updated in real time, you can access a Product
Security Incident Response Team Really Simple Syndication (PSIRT RSS) feed from this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_psirt_rss_feed.html
Reporting Security Problems in Cisco Products

Cisco is committed to delivering secure products. We test our products internally before we release them,
and we strive to correct all vulnerabilities quickly. If you think that you might have identified a
vulnerability in a Cisco product, contact PSIRT:
• Emergencies — security-alert@cisco.com
• Nonemergencies — psirt@cisco.com
Tip We encourage you to use Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) or a compatible product to encrypt any sensitive
information that you send to Cisco. PSIRT can work from encrypted information that is compatible with
PGP versions 2.x through 8.x.
Never use a revoked or an expired encryption key. The correct public key to use in your correspondence
with PSIRT is the one that has the most recent creation date in this public key server list:
http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?search=psirt%40cisco.com&op=index&exact=on
In an emergency, you can also reach PSIRT by telephone:

• 1 877 228-7302
• 1 408 525-6532
Obtaining Technical Assistance

For all customers, partners, resellers, and distributors who hold valid Cisco service contracts, Cisco
Technical Support provides 24-hour-a-day, award-winning technical assistance. The Cisco Technical
Support Website on Cisco.com features extensive online support resources. In addition, Cisco Technical
Assistance Center (TAC) engineers provide telephone support. If you do not hold a valid Cisco service
contract, contact your reseller.

44 OL-7618-01
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Cisco Technical Support Website

The Cisco Technical Support Website provides online documents and tools for troubleshooting and
resolving technical issues with Cisco products and technologies. The website is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year, at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Access to all tools on the Cisco Technical Support Website requires a Cisco.com user ID and password.
If you have a valid service contract but do not have a user ID or password, you can register at this URL:
http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do
Note Use the Cisco Product Identification (CPI) tool to locate your product serial number before submitting
a web or phone request for service. You can access the CPI tool from the Cisco Technical Support
Website by clicking the Tools & Resources link under Documentation & Tools. Choose Cisco Product
Identification Tool from the Alphabetical Index drop-down list, or click the Cisco Product
Identification Tool link under Alerts & RMAs. The CPI tool offers three search options: by product ID
or model name; by tree view; or for certain products, by copying and pasting show command output.
Search results show an illustration of your product with the serial number label location highlighted.
Locate the serial number label on your product and record the information before placing a service call.
Submitting a Service Request

Using the online TAC Service Request Tool is the fastest way to open S3 and S4 service requests. (S3
and S4 service requests are those in which your network is minimally impaired or for which you require
product information.) After you describe your situation, the TAC Service Request Tool provides
recommended solutions. If your issue is not resolved using the recommended resources, your service
request is assigned to a Cisco TAC engineer. The TAC Service Request Tool is located at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/techsupport/servicerequest
For S1 or S2 service requests or if you do not have Internet access, contact the Cisco TAC by telephone.
(S1 or S2 service requests are those in which your production network is down or severely degraded.)
Cisco TAC engineers are assigned immediately to S1 and S2 service requests to help keep your business
operations running smoothly.
To open a service request by telephone, use one of the following numbers:
Asia-Pacific: +61 2 8446 7411 (Australia: 1 800 805 227)
EMEA: +32 2 704 55 55
USA: 1 800 553-2447
For a complete list of Cisco TAC contacts, go to this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/techsupport/contacts
Definitions of Service Request Severity

To ensure that all service requests are reported in a standard format, Cisco has established severity
definitions.
Severity 1 (S1)—Your network is “down,” or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You
and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

OL-7618-01 45
Obtaining Additional Publications and Information
Severity 2 (S2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your

business operation are negatively affected by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco
will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.
Severity 3 (S3)—Operational performance of your network is impaired, but most business operations
remain functional. You and Cisco will commit resources during normal business hours to restore service
to satisfactory levels.
Severity 4 (S4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or
configuration. There is little or no effect on your business operations.

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online
and printed sources.
• Cisco Marketplace provides a variety of Cisco books, reference guides, and logo merchandise. Visit
Cisco Marketplace, the company store, at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/
• Cisco Press publishes a wide range of general networking, training and certification titles. Both new
and experienced users will benefit from these publications. For current Cisco Press titles and other
information, go to Cisco Press at this URL:
http://www.ciscopress.com
• Packet magazine is the Cisco Systems technical user magazine for maximizing Internet and
networking investments. Each quarter, Packet delivers coverage of the latest industry trends,
technology breakthroughs, and Cisco products and solutions, as well as network deployment and
troubleshooting tips, configuration examples, customer case studies, certification and training
information, and links to scores of in-depth online resources. You can access Packet magazine at
this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/packet
• iQ Magazine is the quarterly publication from Cisco Systems designed to help growing companies
learn how they can use technology to increase revenue, streamline their business, and expand
services. The publication identifies the challenges facing these companies and the technologies to
help solve them, using real-world case studies and business strategies to help readers make sound
technology investment decisions. You can access iQ Magazine at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/iqmagazine
• Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering
professionals involved in designing, developing, and operating public and private internets and
intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/ipj
• World-class networking training is available from Cisco. You can view current offerings at
this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/index.html

46 OL-7618-01

OL-7618-01 47
This document is to be used in conjunction with the documents listed in the “Related Documentation” section.
© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in the USA on recycled paper containing 10% postconsumer waste.

48 OL-7618-01

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge

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Typical Bridge Installation Components

Figure 1 Typical Bridge Installation Diagram

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Choosing a Mounting Location

Signal Path Distance

Signal Path Clearance

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Table 1 Clearance Guidelines for UNII 5.7-GHz Frequencies

Physical Site Inspection

Contact Information and Access Permissions

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Required Tools and Fasteners

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Cisco Dual-Coax Cables

Table 2 Cisco Dual-Coax Cables

Cable Length Cisco Part Number

Non-Cisco Coax Cables

Table 3 Non-Cisco Coaxial Cables

Assembling the Mounting Hardware

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Assembling the Rooftop Mount

Step 1 Place a washer on the long flanged hex bolt.

Figure 2 Rooftop Support Bolt Locations

1 Long flanged hex bolt 3 Carriage bolt

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Step 10 Repeat Steps 8 and 9 for the other square hole.

Attaching the Housing Brackets to the Bridge

Note External bridge installations should use vertical polarization.

Figure 3 Housing Bracket Attachment

1 Housing bracket 4 Hang pin

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Attaching the Mounting Bracket

Table 4 Mounting Bracket Attachment

Mast Type Mast Diameter Mast Attachment

Rooftop Support or Small Mast Diameters

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Figure 4 Mounting Bracket Assembly for Rooftop Support

1 U bolt 4 Hex nut

Large Mast Diameters

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

To attach the mounting bracket to a large mast, follow these steps:

Figure 5 Mounting Bracket Assembly for a Large Mast

1 Guillotine-style U bolt (user supplied). 2 Large mast, 2.5 to 4.5 inches

Attaching the Bridge to the Mounting Bracket

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Figure 6 Attaching the Bridge to the Mounting Bracket

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Initial Lab Bring-Up

Before You Begin

Initial Mounting and Placement

Step 1 Mount the bridge on a tripod or other suitable equipment.

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Setting Each Bridge to Defaults

Step 1 Ensure other bridges are not powered up.

Step 4 Click Apply.

Configuring the Root Bridge

Step 1 Ensure other bridges are not powered up.

Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

Step 3 Observe the LED status indications (refer to Table 5).

Table 5 Install Mode LED Status Indications