AvaLAN Wireless AW900F - Manual (Page 6)

AW900F | AW900F-PAIR User’s Manual
PAGE 6 Technical Support (650) 384-0000 www.avalanwireless.com
Operational Summary
The AW900F Radio allows the user to create a long-range, wireless Ethernet network with up to
4 subscriber units per access point.
Configuring a wireless link with the AW900F requires the establishment of six elements:
• Each radio must know whether it is to be an access point (AP) or subscriber unit (SU).
• Each radio must have an IP address that is unique among all others on the same network.
• The AP must know how many SUs are expecting communication.
• The SU must be assigned a unique subscriber ID to specify which time division slot it will use
when communicating with the AP.
• The AP and any given SU must share a common 128-bit encryption key and each radio’s
unique 64-bit Radio Address.
The access point (AP) automatically scans to locate the other radios in the group, encrypts
Ethernet data received from the network, and transmits it wirelessly to the correct subscriber
unit (SU). Any 10/100 BaseT Ethernet client device (ECD) can be connected to an AW900F
subscriber unit. Each SU encrypts Ethernet traffic received from the attached ECD and transmits
the data wirelessly to its AP. Each SU can be plugged directly into an ECD without adding drivers
or loading software. Essentially, once the AP/SU pair is configured and running, it behaves like a
transparent Ethernet cable that encrypts and then passes all traffic including VLANs.
Note: Every SU should be placed at least 50 feet from the AP to avoid overloading the radio’s
receiver. If two AP units are installed very close to one another, they may interfere with each
other causing degraded throughput and range. Locate APs at least 25 feet apart (see antenna
guide on page 16).
Physical Setup
1. Before placing the radio in its final location, it may be best to perform the digital setup procedure
described in the next section.
2. Connect the AW900F’s RP-TNC RF connector to a suitable antenna. A 2 dBI omni-directional dipole
antenna (AW2-900) is included and is suitable for testing and general applications. Application specific
antennas are available if greater range and/or directionality is required. Choose one of our other
antenna models that can be found on our website at www.avalanwireless.com.
3. Power is provided to the unit by means of the 120 VAC to 12 VDC 0.5A wall power supply.