ANTENNAS

SECTOR PANEL

Used primarily as broadcast antennas in "cell site" installations because of their focused signal, increased gain and ability to be tilted to avoid interference. These features give the antenna site more capacity and better signal levels.

Average...
 - Beam degrees: 90° to 180°
 - Gain: 15 to 20 dBi
 - Price: ~ $33 /dBI

PATCH

Used primarily for point-to-point indoor and outdoor links. More attractive and compact than parabolic antennas but less power for the dollar and higher wind-load.

ASSORTED, COLLECTED NOTES

from the Telex WISP Antenna FAQ...
Q3: What are the advantages of using sector antennas instead of an omni?

There are several good reasons to use sector antennas. More capacity. By using 3 sector antennas on DSSS channels 1, 6 and 11 with 3 AP's, you can triple the number of clients in a given area. Better signal levels. Sector antennas usually have more gain than omni's and can be mechanically down tilted to focus where the users are. A WIPOP sector antenna will pay for itself if just one customer did not need an amplifier. Channel reuse. Because the sector antenna can be down tilted, the signals are not thrown out to the horizon. This allows that channel to be re-used several miles away at a different cell site. Eliminate interference. Because a sector antenna is directive and usually has good front-to-back (F/B), it can reduce or eliminate interference from stations that are behind the sector antenna.

Trees are a BIG problem in Fixed-Wireless systems. They absorb and scatter RF energy and can prevent a WISP/FWA system from functioning.

• 900 MHz systems can usually penetrate trees better than either 2.4 or 5.8 GHz systems.
• High-power systems and FHSS work better than lower power systems and DSSS.
• Placing the both the AP and CPE antenna above the tree-tops works the best.
• If there is a small LOS hole through the trees, 5.8 GHz signals may pass through, due to the smaller Fresnel distance required.
• Horizontal and 45 degree polarization has shown to have a slight advantage over vertical polarization at 2.4 GHz.
• Using an Access Point at extreme height (>500 feet) with mechanical or electrical beamtilt also helps clients within 5 miles because the signals pass through fewer trees.
• Wet trees are worse than dry trees.
• Pine trees are worse than leafy trees.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a clutch solution to wiring simplification in large installation sites. NYCwireless.net has a beautiful do it yourself guide and HyperLink sells ready to use kits.