Wireless AP, also known as wireless access point, is divided into two types: "indoor wireless AP" and "outdoor wireless AP" according to the usage scenarios. "Outdoor wireless AP" is also called "outdoor wireless AP", which is often used in outdoor wireless network deployment and construction. Because its use scene is in an outdoor environment, it has corresponding features such as waterproof, lightning protection, sun resistance, and low temperature resistance. Today, what we are going to explain is the matters needing attention when outdoor wireless APs are installed in outdoor scenes.
Precautions for Outdoor Wireless AP Installation
1. Choosing the Right Outdoor AP Antenna
Due to the particularity of the "outdoor wireless AP" usage scenarios, most of the "outdoor wireless APs" currently need to be used with an external antenna. There are generally two types of antennas, "directional antenna" and "omnidirectional antenna". Simple Generally speaking, the directional antenna room transmits signals in one direction, while the omnidirectional antenna transmits signals diffusely around. Usually, the angle of the directional antenna transmits the signal will not exceed 180 degrees, and the angle of the omnidirectional antenna transmits the signal. It is 360 degrees. Due to the different antenna emission angles, the signal coverage distance will generally be different. Generally speaking, the smaller the antenna signal emission angle, the longer the signal coverage distance.
Therefore, when installing outdoor wireless APs, the selection of outdoor wireless AP antennas should be considered according to the actual coverage area and coverage distance.
2. Choose a suitable outdoor wireless AP installation point
Outdoor wireless APs are usually installed in the form of holding poles on high places such as street light poles and tree trunks, so when choosing an installation point, choose a solid installation point. The installation point is required to be firm and free from shaking, etc. At the same time, it should be as far away as possible from strong electric high-voltage lines, fire-fighting pipes, and building lightning rods to avoid interference from strong electricity and strong magnetism.
3. Reasonably arrange the distance between the antenna and the antenna
If multiple antennas are arranged at one installation point, it is best to keep a certain distance between the antennas to reduce the interference between the antennas. The usual practice is: the installation distance between the omnidirectional antennas It is best to keep it at about 20-40 cm; the installation distance of the directional antenna should be kept at about 2 meters from top to bottom.
4. Lightning protection for outdoor AP antenna installation points
Regardless of whether the outdoor wireless AP antenna is an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna, because it is a metal product, lightning protection must be done when it is installed outdoors. The installation height of the antenna cannot exceed the lightning rod. The standard practice is: the antenna is installed below the lightning rod, and the highest point of the antenna is within 45 degrees of the downward protection of the lightning rod. To avoid lightning strikes to the antenna and other situations to the greatest extent.
5. Grounding of Outdoor AP Antennas
Make sure that the outdoor AP and its affiliated or connected devices (such as antennas, lightning rods, etc.) are grounded. When grounding, you need to pay attention to the reliable connection of the access point to the ground. It is not recommended to use screws or other methods such as direct crimping wires. Connect to the ground wire, it is better to connect the wires of other equipment to the same ground network to ensure the security of the AP to the greatest extent.
6. Selecting an Appropriate Outdoor AP Power Supply Mode
There are two power supply methods for outdoor APs, adapter power supply and PoE power supply. Adapter power supply is what we often say is to use a power adapter to connect a plugboard and other circuits for power supply; and PoE power supply is to use a PoE switch for network cable power supply. Relatively speaking, the adapter power supply is relatively backward, cumbersome and risky, and requires a separate circuit to supply power to the outdoor wireless AP; while PoE power supply only needs to add a PoE power supply unit, and the outdoor wireless AP can be powered by a network cable. Simple, easy to deploy, high security.
7. Waterproof treatment of outdoor wireless AP and its connected equipment connection points
The connection points of the outdoor wireless AP and its connected devices (such as the connection point between the antenna and the outdoor AP) must be separately waterproofed to ensure the safety and reliability of the connection point because they are connected during later construction. In addition, it should be noted that the waterproof treatment of the connection point is performed after the ground wire is connected.
8. Outdoor AP Directional Antenna Pole Recommended Dimensions and Installation Precautions
- If multiple directional antennas are installed on one pole, the vertical distance between each directional antenna is 2m. It is recommended to install a maximum of 2 directional antennas on one pole;
- The recommended installation height of the directional antenna is about 3-5m, which is subject to the actual situation of the project;
- By default, the directional antenna should be tilted down by 15 degrees. The actual project requirements shall prevail. The AP radio port without an antenna must be waterproofed and the radio frequency must be turned off;
- The position of the pole and installation shall be implemented strictly according to the plan, and shall not be moved without authorization. The picture on the right is for reference, and the actual project requirements shall prevail;
- After each installation, waterproof, lightning protection and grounding measures must be taken at the same time to avoid damage to the equipment;
- The pole must be firmly fixed to ensure that it will not move when shaken vigorously.
9. Other construction specifications
- Lay out the cables according to the requirements of the design plan, and the cables are required to be firm and beautiful, and there must be no crossing, twisting, cracking, etc. It is necessary to use an outdoor dedicated network cable outdoors, and protect the exposed part with a sleeve.
- It is not allowed to be wired together with strong current and high-voltage pipelines, fire-fighting pipelines and building lightning protection lines to ensure that there is no strong current and strong magnetic interference.
- It is recommended to use PVC pipes, iron pipes, plika pipes, or wire troughs for wiring. If metal conduit is used, it should be grounded at both ends of the metal conduit.
- PVC pipes for outdoor horizontal wiring should be used as water leaks to prevent water accumulation in the pipes.
- The wall holes for cables should be sealed with waterproof and flame-retardant materials.
