Wireless LAN (WLAN) Outdoor Enclosure Design and Deployment Guide

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Outdoor Enclosure

Design and Deployment Guide

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A multitude of factors surround all Wireless LAN (WLAN) Deployments.Designing a secure, reliable system may prove to be intimidating, resource-intense and cumbersome to a business of any size.

To help overcome these common obstacles, our Outdoor Enclosure Design and Deployment Guide gives you the foundation needed to configure a complete and customized enclosure system for any deployment environment. We have taken our 12+ years of industry experience in solving real world deployment challenges and consolidated it into an easy-to-follow guide. As always, please consult the installer, network administrator, building supervisor or other local official for specific requirements and recommendations in your area.

Planning the NetworkWith every WLAN deployment, a holistic network design methodology should be followed. This process will include a preparation phase followed by planning, design, implementation, operation and optimization phases. During each of these phases, every aspect of the deployment should be considered in order to ensure a proper, safe and reliable installation. Below are examples of common questions to guide you through each phase.

Network Design Methodology

Phase 1: Preparation• Whatisthebudget?

• Whatdevicesmustthenetworksupportand

what is the appropriate coverage for these

locations?

• What services must the network support and to

whatlocationsmusttheseservicesbedelivered?

Phase 2: Network Plan• Whatdoestheexistingnetworklooklike?

• Whataremyestimatedhardwareneeds?

• Whenwillmysitesurveybeconducted?

Phase 3: Network Design• Whatweretheresultsofmysitesurvey?

• Wherewillmyremoteequipmentneedtobe

deployed?

• HowdoIprotectmyWLANequipmentinthefield?

Most WLAN designs begin with a planning phase that only addresses the most pressing equipment needs first, focusing primarily on the active electronics needed to run the network.

Often times, the security and installation of the WLAN access points (APs) and other ancillary equipment needed to support and protect the AP is not fully considered from the beginning. This common oversight can lead to higher deployment costs and delayed deadlines.

Whether your system is installed indoors or outdoors, best practices should always be followed to ensure continuous and secure operation. Best practices include careful selection and installation of enclosures and devices that ensure stable operation of the AP and protect it from theft, tampering or other environmental concerns.

When the proper preparation, planning and design phases are executed, the implementation, operation and optimization phases will transpire smoothly and your WLAN network should perform as designed.

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Deployments


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Many options exist in the market for securing WLAN equipment.The most commonly deployed device for security and environmental protection of an AP is a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-rated outdoor enclosure.

Outdoor enclosures are commonly used to protect Wi-Fi APs and other equipment from corrosion, dust, rain, extreme temperatures and unauthorized access or inadvertent contact with the controls and wiring secured within the enclosure.

An enclosure should be thought of as the foundation to an intricate security system for your AP, where each component is carefully selected to provide the best protection for the valuable equipment inside the enclosure.

Enclosure System Components Include:•Enclosure•LightningProtection•GroundLugs•CoaxSeal•CordGrip•Antenna

Careful consideration of each of these components will guide you in designing the appropriate enclosure system that meets your needs.

Defining the Enclosure Configurationfor your Deployment Environment

1. Determine the equipment that will be installed within the enclosure. This will ensure appropriate enclosure sizing and will help identify the need for additional environmental elements such as heaters or cooling fans. Your specific deployment, equipment and budget will determine the appropriate enclosure for your needs.

Before beginning any Wi-Fi deployment, consider the following:•EquipmentOperatingTemperature & Humidity Ranges•RequiredNEMARatings•DeploymentEnvironment•Size&WeightRestrictions

2. Determine coaxial connections, including connector configurations and lengths. Making proper coaxial connections outdoors during installation can save you time and protect your investment in the long run. The use of lightning protection and whether the protection will be deployed inside the enclosure or outside the enclosure should always be considered when determining coaxial connections. If RJ45 cabling is used, Ethernet suppression is recommended on each line.

We recommend the following when making any outdoor coaxial connections:• WraptheconnectioninUV-ratedelectricaltapeatleast¾” from each end of the connection.• UseCoaxSealtothoroughlycoverthefirstwrappingof electrical tape.• WraptheentirelayerofCoaxSealwithanotherlayerof UV-ratedelectricaltape,extendingoverthelayerofCoaxSeal.

Note: This method will keep the coaxial connections safe from the elements, allow you to easily access the connections in the future and prevent the Coax Seal from sticking to your components.

3. All components (including the enclosure if a metal enclo-sure is deployed) must be grounded. The ground bar can be internal and/or external to the enclosure and should always be connected to an earth ground.

Selecting an Enclosure System

•Internaland/orExternalGroundBars•HeatingandCoolingComponents•EthernetSurgeSuppression•CoaxialCableAssemblies•RJ45EthernetJumpers•UV-RatedElectricalTape

•Power•Grounding•Security•MountingFixtures•LocalBuildingCodes



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Externally Mounted Grounding & Lightning ProtectionEnclosures with externally mounted grounding and lightning protection are designed to keep the lightning protection devices away from the equipment inside the enclosure. All of the lightning protection is located outside the enclosure, either on a copper ground bar or secured through the bottom of the enclosure.

AccessPoint

Antenna

ExternalGround Bar

AccessPoint

Antenna Antenna

AccessPoint

LightningProtection

AccessPoint

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RJ45 Ethernet Jumper

Coaxial Cable Assemblies

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Ground Wire

Lightning Protection



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External Method 1Enclosure with Externally Mounted Ground Bar

External Method 1:UsingaTerraWaveGround Bar

• Coaxialconnectionstotheequipmentare made inside the enclosure and then go through the bottom of the enclosure with the use of bulkhead connectors.

• Another small jumper is used to connect the bulkhead connector exiting through the bottom of the enclosure to the first connector on the lightning protection.

• Thelightningprotectionisthendirectly mounted to the ground bar.

• Eithertheantennaleadoranextension cable connected to the antenna lead is used to connect to the other end of the lightning protection.

External Method 1 Components Include:• Enclosure• EthernetSurgeSuppression• InternalGroundBar• ExternalGroundBar• LightningArrestors• CoaxialCableAssembliesfromtheAP to the inside bottom of the enclosure• CoaxialCableAssembliesfromthe outside bottom of the enclosure to the

*TerraWave Solutions recommends: Connect all interior ground bars together to one central ground exiting the enclosure.

Note: This configuration is not recommended for locations where tampering could easily occur. Rather, this configuration is generally deployed when access to the equipment is limited, the enclosure is in a secure area or deemed fit by the installer.

Lightning Protection• Antenna• AntennaExtensionCable(s)(Optional to extend signal to a remote mounted antenna)• GroundStud• GroundWire• RJ45jumperfromAPtoEthernet Surge Suppression• RJ45JumperfromEthernetSurge Suppression to Switch or PoE Injector



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AccessPoint

Antenna

ExternalGround Bar

AccessPoint

Antenna Antenna

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External Method 2Enclosure with Externally Mounted Lightning Protection Connected Directly to the

Bottom of the Enclosure.

External Method 2: Attaching the Lightning Protection through the Bottom of the Enclosure

• Anotheroptionistoattachthelightning protection to the exterior bottom of the enclosure, with the bulkhead entering inside through the bottom of the enclosure.

• Coaxial connections to the equipment are made inside the enclosure and connected to the bulkhead connector of the lightning protection. This method requires each lightning protector to be individually grounded with the use of the terminal ring located on the bottom of the lightning protector.

• Then, either the antenna lead or an extension cable connected to the antenna lead is used to connect to the other end of the lightning protection.

For All Externally Mounted Systems

• Ethernetsurgesuppressionshouldalways be deployed inside the enclosure to provide the best level of protection.

• ANEMA-ratedcordgripshouldalsobe used to introduce the Ethernet wiring into the enclosure and connect to the Ethernet surge suppression.

• AnotherRJ45jumpershouldbeused on the other side of the Ethernet surge suppression to connect to the equipment. Ethernet surge suppression must also be grounded to an enclosure ground bar.

• Onceallinternalconnectionshavebeen grounded, the enclosure ground bar should be connected to a ground lug exiting the enclosure, bringing the ground outside the enclosure.

• Thegroundlugisthenconnectedtothe external grounding system and then connected to an Earth ground, or as designated by local building codes.

External Method 2 Components Include:• Enclosure• CoaxialCableAssembliesfromtheAP to the inside bottom of the enclosure• Antenna• AntennaExtensionCable(s) (Optional to extend signal to a remote mounted antenna)

• GroundStud• GroundWire• RJ45jumperfromAPtoEthernet Surge Suppression• RJ45JumperfromEthernetSurge Suppression to Switch or PoE Injector• InternalGroundBar• LightningArrestors• EthernetSurgeSuppression



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AccessPoint

Antenna

ExternalGround Bar

AccessPoint

Antenna Antenna

AccessPoint

LightningProtection

AccessPoint

Antenna




Internal Ground Bar

Ground Wire




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Internal Method 1:Enclosure With Internally Mounted Lightning Protection Using Mounting Flanges.

Internal Method 1: UsingtheLightningProtection Mounting Flanges

• Coaxialconnectionstotheequipmentare made inside the enclosure and then go to the first connector on the lightning protection which is mounted directly on the enclosure backplate with the use of mounting flanges. • Anothersmalljumperisusedtomakea connection from the other end of the lightning protection and run through the bottom of the enclosure with the use of bulkhead connectors.

• Then, either the antenna lead or an extension cable connected to the antenna lead is connected to the bulkhead connector exiting the bottom of the enclosure.

Internally Mounted Grounding & Lightning ProtectionEnclosures with internally mounted grounding and lightning protection are designed to secure most components of the system within the enclosure. All of the lightning protection and surge suppression is located inside the enclosure.

The lightning protection can be mounted in one of two ways: by using the provided mounting flanges, or by securing it through the bottom of the enclosure. Both methods require that all protection devices be connected to one or multiple enclosure ground bars. The enclosure ground bar serves as the ground connection point for all enclosure components.

*TerraWave Solutions recommends: Connect all interior ground bars together to one central ground exiting the enclosure.

Internal Method 1 Components Include:• Enclosure• EthernetSurgeSuppression• InternalGroundBar• LightningArrestors• CoaxialCableAssembliesfrom the AP to the Lightning Arrestor• CoaxialCableAssembliesfrom the Lightning Arrestor to the bottom of the Enclosure

Note: This method is generally deployed for mission-critical applications, such as when mounted in a public area or when deemed appropriate by the installer.

• Antenna• AntennaExtensionCable(s) (Optional to extend signal to a remote mounted antenna)• GroundStud• GroundWire• RJ45jumperfromAPtoEthernet Surge Suppression• RJ45JumperfromEthernetSurge Suppression to Switch or PoE Injector



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AccessPoint

Antenna

ExternalGround Bar

AccessPoint

Antenna Antenna

AccessPoint

LightningProtection

AccessPoint

Antenna




Internal Ground Bar

Ground Wire




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Internal Method 2Enclosure With Internally Mounted Lightning Protection Exiting Through

the Bottom of the Enclosure.

Internal Method 2:Attaching the Lightning Protection through the Bottom of the Enclosure

• Thelightningprotectionisattachedtothe interior bottom of the enclosure, with the bulkhead connector exiting through the bottom of the enclosure.

• Coaxialconnectionstotheequipmentare made inside the enclosure and connected to the first connector on the lightning protection.

• Then,eithertheantennaleadoran extension cable connected to the antenna lead is used to connect to the bulkhead connector of the lightning protection exiting from the bottom of the enclosure.

For All Internally Mounted Systems

• Ethernetsurgesuppressionisalsodeployed inside the enclosure to provide the best level of protection.

• ANEMA-ratedcordgripshouldbeused to introduce the Ethernet wiring into the enclosure and connect to the Ethernet surge suppression.

• AnotherRJ45jumpershouldbeused on the other side of the Ethernet surge suppression to connect to the equipment.

• The Ethernet surge suppression and all lightning protection should be grounded to the enclosure ground bar.

• Ifmorethanninegroundleadsareneeded, multiple enclosure ground bars should be used.

• Theenclosuregroundbarshouldbeconnected to a ground lug exiting the enclosure, bringing the ground outside the enclosure. The ground lug is then connected to an Earth ground, or as designated by local building code.

Internal Method 2 Components Include:• Enclosure• CoaxialCableAssembliesfromthe AP to the Lightning Arrestor• Antenna• AntennaExtensionCable(s) (Optional to extend signal to a remote mounted antenna)

• GroundStud• GroundWire• RJ45jumperfromAPtoEthernet Surge Suppression• RJ45JumperfromEthernetSurge Suppression to Switch or PoE Injector• InternalGroundBar• LightningArrestors• EthernetSurgeSuppression



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Enclosure System WorksheetThe below Enclosure System Worksheet will help configure the optimal solution for your outdoor application. For assistance in selecting the components for your desired configuration, please reference the previous four deployment methods. The deployment method component list will indicate the necessary components for the selected deployment method. Please contact a TerraWave Regional Sales Executive for any assistance needed to complete your solution.

What type of enclosure is needed?

• Whattypeofenclosurematerialisappropriateforthedeploymentenvironment?_____Metal_____Non-Metal(Polycarbonate)

• Whatnetworkingequipmentistobeinstalledinsidetheenclosure?_______________Manufacturer_______________ModelNumber

• Whatenclosuresizeisneededtohouseyourequipment?_____12x10x6_____14x12x6_____18x16x10_____24x24x10_____Other(Pleasespecify)

• Isvisualaccessneededtoseeinsidetheenclosurewithoutopeningthedoor?_____Yes,ClearDoororWindow_____No,SolidDoor

• Isakeypreferabletoaccesstheenclosuredoor?_____Yes,CAT60Lock_____No,LatchingLock(PadlockableLatches)

• Isthissolutionbeingdeployedwherethetemperaturesmayexceedtherecommendedoperatingtemperaturesoftheequipment?

_____Yes,ModeratelyWarmer–Vented_____Yes,ModeratelyColder–Heated_____Yes,ModeratelyWarmerandColder–HeatedandCooled

• Whereistheenclosurebeingmounted?_____WallMount_____PoleMount_______________Other(Pleasespecify)

What type of Ethernet Surge Suppression is needed?

• Myequipmentrequires15.4WofDCpowerorless._____Yes,802.11afEthernetSurgeSuppression

• Myequipmentrequires25.5WofDCpowerorless._____Yes,802.11atEthernetSurgeSuppression

How many Internal Ground Bars are needed?

• Howmanypiecesofequipmentneedtobegrounded?(HINT:CountthenumberofLightningArrestorsandEthernetSurgeSuppressorsintheEnclosure)

_____1-8pieces,1GroundBar_____8-16pieces,2GroundBars_____16-24pieces,3GroundBars

How many External Ground Bars are needed?

• IsExternalMethod1theselectedsolution?_____Yes,anExternalGroundBarisneeded_____No,anExternalGroundBarisnotneeded

What Lightning Arrestors are needed?

• HowmanyconnectorsareontheAccessPoint(AP)?Pleasespecify._____(Thisisthenumberoflightningarrestorsneeded).

• WhattypesofconnectorsareontheAP?_____N-Style_____RPSMA_____RPTNC_______________Other(Pleasespecify)

What Cable Assembly Configurations are needed?

• FromtheAPtotheinsidebottomoftheenclosure?_____Yes,IamusingExternalMountMethod1orExternalMountMethod2

1. WhatistheconnectorontheAP?_____N-StyleJack_____RPSMAJack_____RPTNCJack_________________Other(Pleasespecify)

2. ThecableassemblywillneedthesameconnectortypeasontheAP,butthePlugversion._______________Plug

3. Abulkheadjackofthesameconnectortypeisneededontheotherendofthecableassemblytogothroughthebottomoftheenclosure._______________BulkheadJack

4. Howlongdoesthecableassemblyneedtobe?__________Inches

5. Whatcabletypeisneeded?_____TWS-100_____TWS-195

• FromtheoutsidebottomoftheenclosuretotheLightningProtection?_____Yes,IamusingExternalMount,Method1

1. Whatistheconnectortypecomingoutofthebottomoftheenclosure?_______________BulkheadJack

2. Thecableassemblywillneedthesameconnectortypeaswhatiscomingoutofthebottomoftheenclosure,butthePlugversion._______________Plug

3. AJackofthesameconnectortypeisneededontheotherendofthecableassemblytoconnectintothelightningarrestor._______________Jack





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• FromtheAPtotheLightningArrestor?_____Yes,IamusingInternalMountMethod1orInternalMountMethod2

1. WhatistheconnectorontheAP?_____RPTNCJack_____RPSMAJack_____N-StyleJack_______________Other(PleaseSpecify)

2. ThecableassemblywillneedthesameconnectortypeasontheAP,butthePlugversion._______________Plug

3. AJackofthesameconnectortypeontheotherendofthecableassemblyisneededtoconnecttothelightningarrestor._______________Jack


5. Whatcabletypeisneeded?_____TWS-100______TWS-195

• FromtheLightningArrestortothebottomoftheenclosure?_____Yes,IamusingInternalMountMethod1

1. Whatistheconnectortypeofthelightningarrestor?_____BulkheadJack

2. Thecableassemblywillneedthesameconnectortypeaswhatiscomingoutofthebottomoftheenclosure,butthePlugversion._______________Plug

3. Abulkheadjackofthesameconnectortypeisneededontheotherendofthecableassemblytoconnectintothebottomoftheenclosure._______________BulkheadJack



Antenna: What Antenna is needed?

• Whatradiofrequenciesneedtobecovered?_______________MHzorGHz

• Whattypeofantennaisneeded?_____Omni-directional_____Directional

• Howmuchgainisneeded?__________dBi

Are Antenna Extension Cables needed?

• Istheantennamountedmorethan36”awayfromtheenclosure?_____Yes,Ineedantennaextensioncables

1. Whatistheconnectortypeandgenderontheantennalead?_______________ConnectorType_______________ConnectorGender

2. Thesametype,butoppositegenderforthefirstconnectoronthecableassemblyisneeded.Ineed_______________ConnectorType_______________ConnectorGender

3. Whatistheconnectortypeandgenderonthepieceofequipmentthattheantennaextensioncablewillbeconnectedto?

_______________ConnectorType_______________ConnectorGender

4. Thesametype,butoppositegenderfortheotherendofthecableassemblyisneeded.Ineed_______________ConnectorType_______________ConnectorGender

5. Howlongdoesthecableassemblyneedtobe?__________Feet

6. Whatcabletypeisneeded?_____TWS-100_____TWS-195_____TWS-240_____TWS-400_____TWS-600

How does the entire solution connect to an Earth Ground or what is required by Local Building Code?

(NOTE: TESSCO offers many ground stud and ground wire components. Please contact your TESSCO sales representative for more information.)

• Whatgroundstudisrequired?_______________

• Whattypeofgroundwireisrequired?_______________

What RJ45 Ethernet jumpers are needed?

(NOTE: TESSCO offers many RJ45 Ethernet jumpers. Please contact your TESSCO sales representative for more information.)

• RJ45jumperfromtheAPtotheEthernetsurgesuppression

1. Whatcabletypeisneeded?_____CAT5_____CAT5E_____CAT6

2. Howlongdoesthejumperneedtobe?__________Inches

• RJ45jumperfromtheEthernetsurgesuppressiontotheswitchorPoEinjector

1. Whatcabletypeisneeded?_____CAT5_____CAT5E_____CAT6

2. Howlongdoesthejumperneedtobe?__________Feet



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Car Rental CompanyCar rental organization providing service for 50-plus years needed to deploy a new wireless system for their frequent users in outdoor and indoor locations.

Business ChallengeNew wireless solution had to be deployed in over 50 airport locations in challenging indoor and outdoor environments.

Solution: - 12x10x6 Steel Enclosure deployed with lightning protection inside the enclosure to a remote antenna location - Improved operation efficiency and customer service

TerraWave Outdoor Enclosures in the Field

Department of TransportationState-wide DOT with Remote Locations needed to install wireless systems to upload field reports & scan vehicles for inventory.

Business Challenge: - WLAN installation at remote DOT yard locations throughout the state - Equipment would be outside & needed protection from the elements

Solution: - 12x10x6 Polycarbonate enclosure with externally mounted lightning protection and omnidirectional antenna to maximize wireless coverage area - Operations ran more smoothly and took less time to complete



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Acronyms and Definitions

WLAN–WirelessLANorWirelessLocalAreaNetwork;pro-vides wireless network communication over short distances using radio or infrared signals instead of traditional network cabling.

AP–AccessPoint;AWLANtypicallyextendsanexistingwired local area network. WLANs are built by attaching a de-vice called the AP to the edge of the wired network. Clients communicate with the AP using a wireless network adapter similar in function to a traditional Ethernet adapter.

NEMA–NationalElectricManufacturersAssociation

802.3af–IEEEstandardforPoweroverEthernet(PoE)up to 15.4 watts of DC power

802.3at–IEEEstandardforPoweroverEthernet(PoE)up to 25.5 watts of DC power

RJ45–Standardconnectorforcomputernetwork(Ethernet) cables



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TerraWave Solutions5250 Prue RoadBuilding S4, Suite 475San Antonio, TX 78240

210.375.8482 Phone800.851.4965 Phone210.375.8382 [email protected]

To view the complete TerraWave offering, please visit www.terra-wave.com and click on Browse Products. For special requests and customized solutions, please contact a TerraWave Regional Sales Executive at (210) 375-8482, (800) 851-4965 or [email protected].

All TerraWave products are available for purchase exclusively through TESSCO Technologies.

TerraWave Solutions® is a brand of Ventev Innovations,® a Division of TESSCO Technologies Incorporated.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this Guide is intended for reference only. TerraWave Solutions®, a brand of Ventev Innovations®, a division of TESSCO Technologies Incorporated, recommends that the final WLAN system design and deployment be conducted by qualified technical personnel, and that compliance to local regulations be strictly adhered to. TerraWave Solutions and TESSCO, their employees and affiliates are not liable for any actions that may result in any equipment damage or loss from any of the recommendations contained herein.

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Outdoor Enclosure Design and Deployment Guide

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