KBC Networks Mesh2HT - Manual (Page 55)

Mesh2HT User Manual
Manual-MESH2HT-Rev1311
Copyright © KBC Networks 2012
Page 55 of 59 www.kbcnetworks.com
4 Troubleshooting
4.1 Visual Inspection
If the Mesh2HT antennas can be accessed, the status LEDs can be investigated to
determine if there is an obvious answer to the problem.
4.1.1 LED Status
If the Link Activity LED is not illuminated then the Mesh2HT RF Module does not sense
an established cable link from the Ethernet device through the PIM to the Mesh2HT unit.
Check all cables and connectors as well as connections into and out of the PIM. For
instance, if the “Data In” side of the PIM is connected to the Mesh2HT, the device will
receive its power but the Link Activity LED will not be on.
If all four of the RSSI LEDs are not lit then radio 1 link may be unsatisfactory or is not
used. If one or more of the RSSI LEDs are lit but some are not illuminated then the link
may be obstructed, channel selection is needed or alignment is necessary. If connecting
long range, visit the “Long Range Parameters” in the GUI for the host/AP and client and
insert the approximate distance in meters. See section 3.2.6.1.
4.1.1.1 Increasing Signal Strength
In some cases a suitable RSSI can only be achieved by using the external directional
antennas. The external antennas are a much higher gain antenna than the supplied
omni-directional antennas.
4.1.1.2 External Directional Antenna Alignment
Alignment is recommended and in some cases, critical, for directional antennas. KBC
external directional antennas come with the same hardware kit as the kit supplied with
the Mesh2HT node. Below is the recommended procedure for alignment:
• Assemble the mounting kit (see section 2.3.2.1 for details) and fix to a pole or mast.
• Attach the directional antenna to the antenna base plate piece of the mounting arm.
• Keep left/right and up/down swivel pieces just loose enough to move in the desired
direction.
• Access the Mesh2HT node user interface to which the antenna is connected and view
the status information page for the particular radio’s signal strength to be adjusted.
Radio 1 uses the top antenna ports and Radio 2 uses the lower two ports.
• If the radio in question is an access point, view the “CONNECTED STATIONS” section
of the status information detail and note the signal strength indication. The number
outside of the parenthesis is the important number. As the alignment process is
carried through, the higher the signal strength (or RSSI), the more fine-tuned the
alignment has become. The RSSI LEDs on the node case will reflect the Radio 1 RSSI
figure as configured on the Advanced Wireless screen.
• To align the antenna, face the plastic white portion which has the KBC logo in the
direction of its configured mate. Move the antenna downward slightly and refresh the
status information page to see the impact of alignment upon the RSSI. Refresh the
browser a few more times before moving the antenna again. Continue moving the
antenna downward and refreshing the browser until the RSSI is significantly lower
than the best position found. Return the antenna upward to the position of the
strongest signal.
• Tighten the up/down alignment piece and perform the same procedure for the
left/right alignment to find the over-all strongest RSSI.