DragonWave Horizon Quantum Training

Revision 1

Quantum Course Overview

Horizon Quantum Overview

Product introduction and feature list Product comparison (product history & evolution) Hardware configurations, connections and interface description Connection and configuration methods CLI and Web GUI introduction Installation requirements and techniques Identifying installation issues and false failures Alignment processes and techniques Configuration, installation and alignment troubleshooting tips Post installation troubleshooting techniques Common issues and resolutions Feature functionality and description

Product Configuration

Installation and Alignment Training

Product Troubleshooting

Advanced Feature Group Discussion

Quantum - Course Overview

Product Introduction
Link Overview Product Highlights HW Functionality HW Options PN/SN Identification

Equipment Connections
Power Management Data Antenna

Configuration

Web GUI CLI SNMP Basic Link Configuration

Installation & Alignment

Power & Cabling Antenna Mount Grounding Path Design Alignment Process

Troubleshooting

Advanced Topics

Common Issues Merlin Diagnostics SW upgrades Maintenance

QoS HAAM XPIC BAC

Horizon Quantum Introduction & Overview

Horizon Quantum - System Description

The Horizon Quantum (HQ) system is a point to point, Ethernet bridge platform

It can be thought of as an Ethernet cable extender Provided that there is an operational link, any Ethernet frames that enter on one side will be delivered (undisturbed) on the far side Built-in (8-port) L2 switch supports MSTP/RSTP

Data

Video

VOIP

Encrypted Data

Quantum System Architecture

The Quantum system employs an indoor/outdoor split architecture whereby the radio (or RF) unit is outdoors and the modem unit is indoors

The two units are connected via 50 coax cabling with N-type connectors The IF frequencies approach 2000MHz so the cable must be rated for that frequency Longer runs will require N-type cabling with less loss/foot (ie, LMR-900)

50 Coax Cable

ODU Radio

IDU Modem

Horizon Quantum - Link Overview

NOTE: Link distance can exceed 50 miles Depending on frequency and antenna size

Quantum Highlights & Enhancements

6 38GHz Frequency Support 800+ Mbps over-air throughput Built-in 8-Port, Layer 2 switch

2 optical & 6 copper ports Throughput doubling without additional hardware ATPC, HAAM, BAC, MSTP, RLS, XPIC, QoS BAC supports rates approaching 2Gbps XPIC allows for co-channel cross-pol installs Reduced size and weight Built in alignment port Built in polarization sensor

Single or Dual Modem/Channel Options

Advanced Feature Enhancements

Enhanced ODU Features

Built-In crowbar feature for IF port overvoltage protection

Product History and Evolution

All Outdoor Horizon Compact

Max Throughput/Link (Mbps) Bandwidth Acceleration Dual Channel Option HAAM Enhanced GUI

Split-Mount Horizon Duo

800
No Yes

Horizon Compact+
400+ (up to 1G)
Yes No

Horizon Quantum
800+ (up to 4G) Yes Yes Yes In Progress

400
No No

Yes
No No No

Yes
Yes Yes No

No
No No No

XPIC Support
Integrated Switching

Yes
Yes

Component Descriptions & Functionality

Quantum Modem Functionality

Provides the digital Ethernet to modulated signal conversion Controls the selection of the Intermediate Frequency (IF) that will encapsulate the modulated signal Provides -48VDC to the radio via the IF port Initiates communication with the radio over a 10MHz In-Band Signal (IBS) Performs cable loss & channelized RSL calculations Hosts system software, frequency files & system configurations

MODEM BLOCK DIAGRAM

-48VDC

DIGITAL IF ETHERNET

10MHz

Quantum Modem Chassis Features

Quantum Radio Functionality

ODU or radio unit essentially provides two main functions

Frequency up/down conversion RF amplification

Link consists of a TxH and TxL radio Licensed links must be co-polarized

-48VDC

IF

RF

10MHz

Quantum Radio Chassis Features

Polarization Marker

Antenna Clips

Grounding Point

N-Type IF Cable connector

BNC Alignment Port

System Operation Traffic Flow

Modem Blocks are essentially the RF traffic. Are assembled in the modem and passed to the radio Blocks contain Ethernet data and modem-modem overhead information used to determine link status

Blocks will flow regardless of whether there is cargo (frames/data) available Bit stuffing will be used to fill unused space in Modem Blocks

Ethernet

IF

RF

Digital Ethernet
Incoming Ethernet frames can be larger than a modem block

IF Modem Blocks
220 Byte Payload Modem Blocks will flow at a constant rate will not wait for data

RF Modem Blocks

Empty Modem Block Prior to Loading

Loading Modem Block

Partially Filled Block

Full Modem Block

Digital Ethernet

RF Modem Blocks

IF Modem Blocks

Hardware Requirements & Options

Frequency Requirements TxH/TxL

A licensed link consists of a transmit high (TxH) & transmit low (TxL) radio

License will determine which end is TxL and which is TxH Transmit frequency at one end will be the receive frequency at the opposite end

RX - 18.675GHz TX - 17.925GHz

TX - 18.675GHz RX - 17.925GHz

High-Low Frequency Pair = 1 Licensed Channel

Modem Hardware Options

Single Radio Feed Single Modem Option

Hardware includes a single internal modem card that will allow a single channel frequency configuration

IF ports available: 1 Max throughput: 400Mbps

Single Radio Feed Dual Modem Option

IF ports available: 1 Max throughput: 800Mbps

Includes two internal modem cards that allow for dual channel frequency configuration Internal IF combiner merges both channel frequencies over a single IF port ODU radio can simultaneously transmit and receive two separate channels

Dual Radio Feed Dual Modem Option

IF ports available: 2 Max throughput: 800Mbps

Includes two internal modem cards that allow for dual channel frequency configuration over independent/separate IF ports Supports dual throughput mode using different channels or redundancy mode using same channel configuration

Single Radio Feed - Modem Options

There are 2 Single IF Port modem options available

One has a single internal modem card that will allow single channel transmission One has two internal modem cards and a combiner to allow for dual channel transmission

Radio can simultaneously transmit and receive multiple channels

Radio simply up-converts whatever the modem sends it

Channel 1

Single Modem Single Radio 1 x 400Mbps

Supports single channel transmission over a single radio

Dual Modem Single Radio 800Mbps (2 x 400)

Channel 2

Supports dual channel transmission over a single radio

Dual Radio Feed - Modem Options

There are 2 Dual IF Port modem options available

One provides dual throughput by using two separate channels over separate radios One provides redundancy by using identical channels over separate radios

Dual Modem Dual Radio 800Mbps (2 x 400)

Supports dual channel transmission over two independent radios

Dual Modem Redundancy 400Mbps (2 x 400)

Channel 1

Supports single channel transmission with hot standby redundancy 1 active radio - 1 standby radio

Hardware Connections

IF Connections & Limitations

IF cable carries multiple signals including; transmit & receive IF (data), DC power to the radio and a 10MHz In-Band Signal (IBS) for modem and radio communications
Errors due to connector/cable faults will typically occur at the higher receive IF frequencies (1600 1900MHz)

COMMS - 10MHz

TX IF: 400 - 700MHz RX IF: 1600 - 1900MHz

-48VDC

Maximum allowable cable distance will depend on cable type Quantum system can compensate for a certain amount of cable loss Max 18dB loss on the transmit IF signal & 24dB on the receive IF signal

Quantum - IF Cable Loss Limitations

Hardware Type
Allowable TX loss Allowable RX loss

Channel 1

18dB

24dB

14dB
Channel 2

20dB

18dB
Channel 1

24dB

Quantum - Cable Types and Limitations

Loss Cable Type dB/100ft at 2000MHz Outer Diam eter 3/8 9/16 7/8 7/16" 5/8" 7/8" 1 1/16" 3/8" 1/2" 7/8" 3/8" Single Modem , Single IF (23dB) 351 539 797 405' 796' 861' 1131' 320' 630' 1196' 313' Dual Modem , Single IF (20dB) (w ith com biner) 301 462 683 348' 683' 738' 969' 275' 540' 1025' 268' Dual Modem , Dual IF (24dB) (no com biner) 367 564 835 425' 835' 902' 1185' 336' 660' 1253' 328'

Times Microwave Times Microwave Times Microwave Andrew Andrew Andrew Andrew Eupen Eupen Eupen Belden

LMR-400 LMR-600 LMR-900 LDF2-50A LDF4-50A LDF4.5-50A LDF5-50A EC1-50 EC4-50 EC5-50 9913

5.989 3.898 2.635 5.174 2.635 2.44 1.857 6.556 3.331 1.756 6.709

Transmit IF Frequency (Tx IF) = 400-700 MHz

Receive IF Frequency (Rx IF) = 1600-2000 MHz

DragonWave has determined that the DWI supplied patch cables (one 6 and one 15) plus two surge arrestors add approximately 1.1 dB of extra loss @ 700 MHz, and 2.0 dB of extra loss @ 2000 MHz

Antenna Connections Radio Orientation

Radio polarization is determined by radio orientation

Antenna is dual-pol and will accept either polarization Simple dual-clip system to attach/detach radio Radio polarization determined by polarization marker (shown below) Circular waveguide port mates with antenna WG port

2 x antenna mounting clips

Horizon Quantum Product Identification

Quantum Radio Identification

The Quantum radio part number will determine the following:

R stands for Compact Radio L stands for Transmit Low (TxL) HP stands for High Power 18 defines the broadband frequency of the radio 18GHz B1 defines the sub-band of the radio ie) 18GHz, Band 1

The far end radio should be:

RHHP18B1

Quantum Modem Identification

The quantum modem part number will identify the modem type 3 modem hardware types are available

60-000471-01 = single IF feed / single modem 60-000471-02 = single IF feed / dual modem 60-000471-03 = dual IF feed / dual modem

Horizon Quantum Common Accessories

Dual Polarity Radio Mount - DPRM

H V

DPRM Description

Cross-pole mount on a single antenna Accepts standard Quantum radios Provides bandwidth doubling by allowing both radios to transmit and receive on separate channels and polarizations over the same antenna Reuses antenna and tower space, effectively reducing the total cost

Benefits

Redundant Dual Radio Mount - RDRM

RDRM connects 2 HC Plus radios to a single antenna to provide redundancy

As per redundancy feature specifications, both radios will transmit and receive on the same polarization Configuration settings are the same on both radios Initial configuration has primary radio Active , and secondary radio in Standby

Polarization Indicator

Horizon Quantum Pre - Configuration

Default IP Settings
All quantum units come with the following default IP settings

IP: 192.168.X.X MASK: 255.255.0.0

IP: 192.168.10.100 MASK: 255.255.0.0

NOTE: Although some radio settings can be modified, all configuration changes are initiated from the modem unit. Radio configuration changes are forwarded from the modem unit to the radio.

Connection Interface Options

The management interface is accessible via any one of the following ports 6 copper RJ45 Ethernet ports 2 fiber ports 1 RS-232 serial port (RJ45)

NOTE: By default, the management interface is accessible via the P3 copper Ethernet port - local access only

Isolated Port Groups (IPG)

There are 5 isolated port groups available that allow the user to connect the physical Ethernet ports to the virtual data paths. The IPGs essentially allow the user to interconnect multiple networks AND/OR isolate management traffic from data traffic

If all 4 data paths are used they will share the RF bandwidth over the link (first in, first out) Unused data paths relinquish the bandwidth to those being used (data paths are not allocated a % of bandwidth)

NOTE: By default, the management port (P3) is not connected to a data path therefore management access is restricted to the local unit only

Out of Band Management Option

By default, the system is configured for local management access only Management port (P3) is not connected to any data paths Network management settings should match on by units

MGMT

MGMT

Inband Management Option

Local and remote management access is available using an Inband management mode Management port (P3) must be attached to one of the data paths The same settings must be applied to the far end unit

MGMT

MGMT

System Connection Methods

Enhanced Web GUI (LinkView) Telnet (CLI) SNMP (v1,v2c,v3)

CLI Configuration

Command Line Interface (CLI)

To access via CLI, user will need to open a command prompt and telnet to the IP address of the unit you want to configure Default IP: 192.168.10.100 Username: energetic Password: wireless

CLI Conventions & Context Help

get commands return information about the system

? displays a list of all commands

Press ctrl-c to quit the listing

>get alarms

set commands enter parameters into the system or change the state of a system feature

get ? lists commands beginning with get

Press ctrl-c to quit the listing

>set programmed frequency C1 >set atpc on/off

Some commands do not follow the standard convention

? Frequency displays a list of all commands that include the word frequency

>save mib >reset system NAK

get frequency bank get programmed frequency set frequency bank

Unrecognized commands will return

IMPORTANT KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Tab key Up-arrow () Down-arrow ()

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Completes a partially entered command (must be unique) Displays previously entered commands Moves back down the list of previously entered commands
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Quantum - Basic Configuration Commands

set system capacity Determines whether single or dual channels will be used Example: >set system capacity 1 Associated help command: >get system capacity set radio band Defines the broadband and sub-band frequency of the radio as well as the channel band width Example: >set radio band fcc18_1_50_R5 Associated help command: >get radio band set system mode Defines the system modulation and subsequent over-the-air speed of the link Example: >set system mode hy50_351_256qam Associated help command: >get system mode set frequency bank Determines the channel bank to match the radio that the modem will be connected to (TxL / TxH) Example: >set frequency bank txhigh Associated help command: get frequency bank set programmed frequency Defines the transmit and receive channel frequencies Example: >set programmed frequency C1 Associated help command: get frequency bank

set programmed frequency wireless_port2 Defines the TX & RX channel frequencies for the 2nd channel Example: >set programmed frequency C3 wireless_port2 Associated help command: get frequency bank

Basic Configuration - Example

>set system capacity 2 >set radio band fcc18_1_40_R5
2 - Dual Modem Single Radio FCC 18 1 40 R5 hy 40 351 256qam Licensing body 18GHz Sub-band 1 or A 40MHz channel bandwidth Release 5 hardware Horizon Compact Plus 40MHz channels 351Mbps average throughput 256qam modulation

>set system mode hy50_351_256qam

>set frequency bank txhigh >set programmed frequency C1 >set programmed frequency C1 wireless_port2 >save mib >reset system

txhigh - Transmit high channel bank C1 - Channel 1 C3 - Channel 3 No Index - Management Interface Base - Saves changes to flash

No Index - Required to invoke most RF configuration changes unless dynamic configuration option enabled

Web Interface Configuration

Quantum - Web GUI Configuration

To access via the Web Interface the user will need to open a web browser and enter the IP address of the unit you want to configure in the A pop-up window will prompt the user for a username and password

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Web GUI Home Page

Navigation Bar

System Information Pane

System Status Pane

Quantum - Configuration

Quick Config section will bring up the basic configuration tabs Management Configuration Wireless Configuration

Basic RF configuration
Web basic RF configuration follows the same process as the CLI

Each configuration step must be followed by hitting the submit button Configuration process must be done in the order outlined on the configuration page beginning with the system capacity.

Once each step has been submitted, the subsequent/following step should have options available in the dropdown menu

Basic RF configuration

Configuration Save Mib & Reset System

Once the configuration has been completed a save mib & reset system must be performed

Hit the Go to Save Settings and Reset System button at the bottom of the page

Configuration Verification
Once a system reset has been performed, monitoring the link via the System Status Pane allows the user to confirm when an RF link has been established with the far end

Link is established when

Installation

Quantum Installation Fundamentals

Antenna & Radio Installation

Hardware preparation Radio attachments and polarization Antenna specifications

Power & Cabling

Coax assembly, connections, a cable loss limitations Power provisioning

Grounding
Radio chassis Tower PonE

DragonWave Proprietary Information

Hardware Preparation & Installation

Antenna Mount Preparation

Prep the antenna mounts by centering the vertical and horizontal adjustment apparatus

Ensure adjustment bolts are centered to ensure equal adjustment range in both directions - prevents mount re-adjustments on the tower

Installation Radio Hardware Configuration

A licensed link must consist of a Transmit High (TxH) radio and a Transmit Low (TxL) radio

License will determine which end is TxL and which is TxH TxL/TxH orientation cannot be reversed from end to end

RX - 18.675GHz TX - 17.925GHz

TX - 18.675GHz RX - 17.925GHz

High-Low Frequency Pair = 1 Licensed Channel

Installation - Radio Polarization

Licensed links operate on co-polarization meaning both radios must have the same polarization (both vertical or both horizontal)

License will dictate vertical or horizontal polarization

Polarization Marker

Installation - Radio Attachment

Radio is attached to antenna using the two mounting clips

Circular waveguide interface between radio and antenna Polarization of the link changed by simply rotating radio by 90 degrees

Dual-Pol antennas will accept vertical or horizontally polarized radios

Installation Waveguide Interface

Antenna Mast - Twist and Sway

Maximum twist or sway = of beamwidth of the antenna

Antenna with a beamwidth of 2 can tolerate 1 twist or sway Ensure proper mounting above and below antenna mast
Max 1

24GHz UL Clearance Requirements

24 GHz unlicensed systems require a cross-polarization configuration that is more susceptible to near-field reflections

THIS ONLY APPLIES TO 24GHz UNLICENSED LINKS

24GHz UL Clearance Requirements

General rule is 1 to 1

antenna mounting height must be equal to (or greater than) the distance to the closest obstruction An antenna mast 4ft away from a roof edge must be mounted at least 4ft high on the mast

Power and Cabling

Cabling & Power

Cabling Default Management & Data Connections IF connections Cable Types, Limitations & Assembly Power Power supply types Power consumption Fuse recommendations PonE limitations

Quantum Default Connections

POWER
RTN - 48V

Port 3 Local Management

ODU1 Radio IF Connection

Port 8 Data Connection

IF Cable Types and Limitations

Loss Cable Type dB/100ft at 2000MHz Outer Diam eter 3/8 9/16 7/8 7/16" 5/8" 7/8" 1 1/16" 3/8" 1/2" 7/8" 3/8" Single Modem , Single IF (23dB) 351 539 797 405' 796' 861' 1131' 320' 630' 1196' 313' Dual Modem , Single IF (20dB) (w ith com biner) 301 462 683 348' 683' 738' 969' 275' 540' 1025' 268' Dual Modem , Dual IF (24dB) (no com biner) 367 564 835 425' 835' 902' 1185' 336' 660' 1253' 328'

Times Microwave Times Microwave Times Microwave Andrew Andrew Andrew Andrew Eupen Eupen Eupen Belden

LMR-400 LMR-600 LMR-900 LDF2-50A LDF4-50A LDF4.5-50A LDF5-50A EC1-50 EC4-50 EC5-50 9913

5.989 3.898 2.635 5.174 2.635 2.44 1.857 6.556 3.331 1.756 6.709

Transmit IF Frequency (Tx IF) = 400-700 MHz

Receive IF Frequency (Rx IF) = 1600-2000 MHz

DragonWave has determined that the DWI supplied patch cables (one 6 and one 15) plus two surge arrestors add approximately 1.1 dB of extra loss @ 700 MHz, and 2.0 dB of extra loss @ 2000 MHz

Ethernet Cable Pinout

Shielded CAT5e, CAT6 Conductors should alternate between striped and solid Note: Blue pair is reversed

1000BaseTx RJ45 pinout Pin Signal Color 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TP0+ TP0TP1+ TP2+ TP2TP1TP3+ TP3White/Brown Brown White/Green Green White/Orange Blue White/ Blue

Grounding

Quantum Installation Fundamentals

4 critical grounding points required to provide proper lightning and surge protection Radio chassis ground Modem ground Upper and lower inline surge protection ground

Surge Protection & Grounding

Alignment

Compact Plus Alignment

Alignment Preparation
Path preparation Fresnel Zone clearance Side lobes Target discovery methods

Pre-Alignment System Check

Configuration confirmation Expected alarms RSL monitoring CLI & web GUI

Alignment
Parameters RSL monitoring Antenna adjustment mechanics Alignment process

DragonWave Proprietary Information

Alignment Preparation

Path Preparation Fresnel Zone Clearance

The Fresnel Zone is the main elliptical region surrounding the line-ofsight path between transmitting and receive antennas.

Must be obstruction free for a microwave radio link to work properly. Obstructions include trees, buildings, other structures or even large vehicles in some cases
Low RSL readings Poor SNR and EbNo ratio High Equalizer Stress levels

Fresnel zone blockages can result in any or all of these symptoms

Additional Side Lobes

Main Lobe Fresnel Zone

Solutions For Finding a Target

Shorter links - remote site antenna not visible

Reflective signaling devices - mirror GPS/Compass

Longer Links - remote site not visible

Reflective signaling mirror GPS/Compass Google Maps imaging Identify nearby landmarks or intersections

Low light conditions

High candle power flash or strobe light Camera flash Flare

Locating End-Points Maps

When the far end of the link is not visible

Enter the address or coordinated of both ends of the link in Google Maps or Google Earth Plot a link line between the two sites Identify a nearby landmark or intersection and align to that

Pre-Alignment System Check

Pre-Alignment Expected Alarms

Log into the web interface and select the highlighted Alarms tab from status window or from the top menu navigate to the Wireless Alarms section
GUI

CLI

Pre-Alignment Expected Alarms

Wireless Link Down Refers to the systems inability to link with the far end unit. In the case of pre-alignment, this will be accompanied by the RSL below threshold & modem receiver loss of signal alarms

Pre-Alignment Expected Alarms

Modem Receiver Refers to the systems inability to lock on a signal from the far end. This alarm will be active when RSL below Loss of Signal threshold alarm is active. Can also be present when RSL within threshold but SNR alarms active assists in detecting interference and signal quality issues If the system is configured for a dual wireless channel, this alarm will also be present on wireless port 2 RSL Below Threshold Alarm is active until a signal is detected within the threshold for that given modulation mode. RSL thresholds will vary significantly between modulation modes. NOTE: A link may still require alignment even though the RSL threshold alarm is inactive

Pre-Alignment System Check - CLI

Confirm the following configuration settings (on both ends) prior to alignment:

Frequency bank & programmed frequency (WP1 & WP2) System mode Transmit power Radio transmitter state

Programmed Frequency (WP1 & WP2)

Transmit frequency on one end should match the receive frequency from the far end of the link, and vice versa. A channel mismatch must be resolved prior to alignment. Also verify that both ends are configured to use the same number of channels

System Mode
The system mode setting determines the modulation and overthe-air speed of the link. A system mode mismatch will affect signal quality but may not affect signal power. May be able to achieve near-target RSL levels but RF link not attainable. Ensure system modes are the same. CLI: >get system mode

CLI: >get programmed frequency / get system capacity

Transmit Power
Unless a license indicates otherwise, the transmit power levels should be the same on both ends of the link. Uneven transmit power levels can cause unnecessary confusion during alignment

Radio Transmitter State

A disabled transmitter, whether it has been manually turned off by the user or automatically disabled by the system, will prevent the user from aligning the link. Ensure that the radio transmitter state in on prior to alignment.

CLI: >get transmit power

CLI: >get radio transmitter state

Antenna Alignment

Alignment Monitoring Parameters

During the initial alignment process, the Receive Signal Level (RSL) is the primary parameter used to determine a viable link

RSL signal strength or signal power Does not account for signal quality

Once the target RSL has been established, there are several parameters that need to be monitored to declare a clean RF link:

Signal Power Indicators

Receive Signal Level (RSL)

Signal Quality Indicators

Energy per bit (vs) Noise - EbNo Signal to Noise Ratio SNR Equalizer Stress - EQS

RF Traffic Indicators
Modem RX Blocks Modem RX Block Errors

Alignment Monitoring Methods

There are three main ways to monitor the RSL during alignment

Command Line Interface (CLI) Web Interface BNC port signal strength indicator

Alignment Monitoring Methods - CLI

Command Line Interface CLI Receive Signal Levels (RSL) can be monitored via CLI by repeatedly issuing the get modem statistics command. For alignment purposes, the RSL is used as the primary indicator, but the target RSL has been established, the signal quality can be confirmed using this command as well (ie, EbNo, SNR, EQS) CLI command: >get modem statistics

Alignment Monitoring Methods - BNC

BNC Port Field Strength Indicator The Quantum comes equipped with a built in BNC port which can be used to monitor the RSL. The port provides a milliVolt (mV) output that corresponds directly to the dBm level being received by the system. BNC = -45mV RSL = -45dBm CLI command: >set alignment on

Alignment Monitoring Methods - Web

Web Interface Link Alignment Receive Signal Levels (RSL) can be monitored under the tools tab in the Web GUI. The RSL will refresh every second for alignment and monitoring purposes. Additionally, once an operational RSL has been established, the wireless link should switch to UP Related CLI command: >set web server on

Antenna Mount - Adjustments and Locking

Once the antenna mount has been attached and secured to the mast

Loosen the horizontal and vertical lock nuts slightly prior to performing the alignment Lock nuts should still be tight enough to provide a little resistance during alignment adjustments Less chance of misalignment when alignment complete and lock nuts tightened

Vertical Adjustment

Horizontal Adjustment Horizontal Lock Nuts

Vertical Lock Nuts

Alignment Process
1. Alignment Preparation

Ensure that the path is free of obstructions Ensure one crew at each endpoint Ensure both transmitters enabled and BNC alignment port is enabled (if being used)

2. Site A - Alignment Perform a full horizontal alignment on site A (entire 35 range) and tighten lock nuts once max RSL has been attained Perform a full vertical alignment and lock down once the max RSL has been attained

3. Site B - Alignment Perform a full horizontal alignment on site B (entire 35 range) and tighten lock nuts once max RSL has been attained Perform a full vertical alignment and lock down once the max RSL has been attained

4. Link Confirmation

Repeat horizontal and vertical alignment on both ends as necessary until target RSL is achieved Ensure H & V lock nuts have been tightened

Important Alignment Tips

Main and Side lobes Depending on the target RSL, RSL threshold and distance of the link, there may be multiple side lobes present during alignment Side lobes are typically 15-20dB below the main lobe Lower vertical lobes not always present ground absorption

-65dBm -50dBm -35dBm -50dBm -65dBm

Important Alignment Tips

Adjustment rotation A full (360) rotation of the adjustment bolt can cause the user to skip over the entire main lobe For standard antennas, a turn, with a 1 second settle time is recommendations With larger antennas (smaller beamwidth) smaller adjustments may be required (1/8th turn) to find the main signal

Sometimes additional Side Lobe(s) are seen Side Lobe(s)

Main Lobe
DragonWave Antenna

Link Verification Link Parameters

How can I tell that the link parameters are fine?

No link affecting alarms

available via GUI or CLI >get alarms Ensure that link not aligned to side lobe typically 15-20dB down from target RSL 3dB of target RSL level Appropriate fade margins established fade can be as high as 6 dB per mile should be 19 dB or greater (21 for 256QAM) should be 24 dB or greater (29 for 256QAM)

Wireless link established wireless link is up

RSL within expected range

Eb/No within acceptable range

SNR within acceptable range

Modem Block Errors not increasing

Link Verification - Web

Web Verification The same RF parameters used to declare a operational link in the CLI can be viewed in the GUI

RSL 3dB of target EbNo > 21dB SNR >29 EQS <150

Link Verification Web GUI

SITE A

0 Rx Block Errors

SITE B RF parameters within spec as outlined on previous page

Troubleshooting
Common Issues & Tips

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Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips

Configuration Issues

System mode mismatch Transmit power mismatch Programmed frequency mismatch

Installation and Alignment Issues

Troubleshooting Techniques

Radio and antenna mount issues Radio cross polarization Side lobe alignment Advanced feature Issues

Radio Loopback Network Loopback Alarms Monitoring Diagnostics File Verification

Post Installation Issues

Link deterioration Traffic Loss Hardware replacement issues Software upgrades

Configuration Issues

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Radio Mismatch
The IDU modem must be programmed with an appropriate radio band and frequency bank such that it matches that of the connecting radio. Incorrect configuration will result in a radio mismatch alarm (see below)

Frequency Bank Mismatch

Radio Band Mismatch

TxH

18B1

TxL

23B2

A modem that is configured for transmit low frequency bank but connected to a transmit high radio will result in a Radio Mismatch alarm

A modem that is configured for an 23B2 radio band but connected to an 18B1 radio will result in a Radio Mismatch alarm

System Mode (Modulation) Mismatch

A mismatch in the system mode configuration will result in a modem receiver loss of signal alarm

Can be difficult to diagnose because the RSL levels will appear close to target levels Link quality indicators (SNR, EbNo) will be below threshold levels

Modulation Mismatch Analogy - A comparable analogy would be two people talking to each other in different languages. They can hear each other (good signal power RSL) but dont understand each other (bad signal quality SNR)

NOTE: The system mode will determine the maximum allowable transmit power for any given modulation. Although RSL levels may appear to be near target levels, a modulation mismatch will typically result in a slight RSL mismatch (seen above)

Transmitter & Transmit Power Mismatch

Transmit Power Mismatch
A mismatch in the transmit power configurations will typically result in an equally mismatched RSL level from end to end Depending on the target RSL and sensitivity thresholds of a given link, this can result in a link down condition In most cases the link will remain up with an obvious RSL mismatch CLI: >get transmit power

Transmitter State Mismatch

User must also ensure that both radio transmitters are enabled prior to alignment User has manual control of the transmitter state (on/off). A disabled transmitter will result in a link down state and one side of the link reporting and RSL level near or below the noise floor CLI: >get radio transmitter state

Programmed Frequency Mismatch

Channel Mismatch - A Programmed Frequency configuration mismatch will result in a wireless link down condition accompanied by the modem receiver loss of signal and RSL below threshold alarms.

To avoid a channel mismatch always verify the TX and RX frequencies on the home page system information pane. The transmit frequency on one side of the link should be the receive on the other end, and vice versa

Installation & Alignment Issues

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Cabling Issues
Incorrectly made cables or cables that exceed the recommended distance limitations will result in an excessive cable loss alarm When a cable disconnect has occurred (due to faulty assembly or manual disconnection) the system will report a radio lost communications alarm

Exceeds recommended distance of 300ft for LMR400 cable

LMR400 - 500ft

Asynchronous Modem Block Errors

Each wireless port (channel) in a dual modem system uses a different IF frequency to transport data to and from the radio. Depending on the quality of the cable it is possible to have notch filtering on one of the frequencies, but not on the other Notch filtering can normally be identified by the presence of modem block errors on one wireless port (WP1) or channel but not on the other (WP2) see example below

Increasing Block Errors

WP1 IF: 1625MHz

WP2 IF: 1725MHz

No Block Errors

To confirm notch filtering on a cable the channels can be swapped

If the issue follows the channel frequency after they have been swapped, the cable (or a cable connection) is faulty and must be replaced If the problem stays on the same wireless port, the internal modem card is at fault and the IDU mist be replaced.

Radio & Antenna Mount Issues

Antenna Mounted out of plumb Pole mount incorrect size for dish no room for adjustment No bottom mount / stabilizer Bar

Maximum twist/sway = of beamwidth Max twist/sway = 1 degree for 1ft antenna Max twist = 0.5 degrees for 4ft antenna

Maximum of 4 ft of mast above last rigid mounting point Mast diameter, wall thickness, construction material will also affect stability 1 2 antennas require 2 3/8ths diameter pole Larger antennas require 3 or larger diameter

Radio Cross-Polarization
HCP links that operate on licensed radio bands use a diplexer system to simultaneously handle transmitted and received signals to/from the dish/reflector. For this reason, both radios must have the same signal polarization

CAUTION: Cross-Polarized radios will result in a signal strength approximately 30dB below the expected RSL level. Ensure that both radios have the same orientation/polarization

Vertical

Horizontal

Note: The polarization can be confirmed remotely via the command line interface

CLI: >get antenna tilt

Side Lobe Alignment

Symptoms - Side Lobe Alignment
Side lobe alignment typically a result of not performing a full alignment or aligning too quickly Side lobes are normally 15-20dB down from a neighboring main lobe. Similarly, the secondary side lobes will be an additional 15-20dB below the first side lobe CLI : >set alignment on >get modem statistics

NOTE: The misaligned radio can be identified by reviewing the RSL levels on both radios The radio reporting near target RSL levels is typically the misaligned radio (far side is aligned properly). Similarly, a radio reporting a lower RSL reading (15-20dB down) indicates that the far end radio is misaligned

Advanced Features - ATPC Mismatch

ATPC must be disabled prior to the alignment If ATPC required after alignment user must ensure that the feature is enabled on both sides

ATPC mismatch will result in an ATPC config mismatch alarm on the unit with ATPC enabled non link affecting

Advnaced Features - HAAM Mismatch

HAAM must be disabled prior to the alignment If required after alignment ensure that the feature enabled on both sides

HAAM mismatch will result in a modulation mismatch and multiple subsequent alarms HAAM uses slightly different modulation scheme to allow for hitless shifting. These different system modes will not link up with non-HAAM modes therefore a HAAM config mismatch will always result in a link down state.

Post Installation Issues

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Link Deterioration Alignment

Antenna mount adjustment bolts not tightened

Wind can knock system out of alignment Larger antennas more susceptible to wind loading Tower crews accidentally move antenna The end that experienced the misalignment generally continues to receive a signal close to target. The far end is still accurately aligned. Far end will experience a significant RSL drop May hit the edge of the main lobe or even a neighboring sidelobe The misalignment example below uses a target RSL of -45dBm

Antenna misalignment will often result in uneven RSL levels

- 47dBm

- 62dBm

Saturation & Sensitivity Specs

Troubleshooting Techniques and Utilities

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RF loopback Fault Isolation

The Quantum comes equipped with a radio loopback feature that allows the user to quickly diagnose link issues by isolating and identifying the faulty component Helps isolate between transmitter and receiver issues and identifies faulty hardware Transmit signal is looped back on receiver The remote transmitter should be disabled prior to enabling local loopback This is to ensure that there arent interfering signals entering the receiver You only want to hear the local (looped back) transmit signal

Enabling RF loopback - Web

Radio loopback feature configuration controls are found under the diagnostics tab Ensure that the radio loopback type is selected and the loopback timeout duration is set appropriately loopback will automatically disable

Enabling RF loopback - CLI

To activate the radio loopback feature via the CLI, issue the following telnet command:
>set radio loopback on -t<seconds>

Loopback Monitoring - RF Parameters

Radio loopback can be visually confirmed by monitoring the link status window of the local unit successful loopback will result in a wireless link up status on Wireless Port 1

Confirm radio loopback by comparing the RF performance before and after loopback is enabled RSL EbNo SNR

RF Loopback - Monitoring Parameters

A successful radio loopback can usually be identified by reviewing the RF parameters (RSL, SNR, EbNo) , however, intermittent transmit and receive issues are sometimes undetectable using this method The most accurate way to confirm radio loopback is to monitor the modem blocks (RF traffic) There should be 0 modem block errors during the loopback RF traffic statistics should be cleared after loopback has been enabled

CLI commands: >set traffic statistics 0 >get traffic statistics Ensure 0 Rx Block Error

Web Interface:
RF(wireless) traffic statistics available under web GUI performance tab Ensure counters are cleared after loopback feature enabled

Ensure 0 Rx Block Error

IF Loopback Fault Isolation

The Quantum is also equipped with an IF loopback feature that allows the user to further isolate local faults by performing a loopback within the IDU modem. Typically, the IF loopback is performed after a radio loopback failure This allows the user to isolate the fault further by eliminating the radio and IF cable from the test If the radio loopback test failed but the IF loopback passes, the fault is in the radio/IF cable If the IF loopback fails the modem is at fault The remote transmitter should be disabled prior to enabling local IF loopback This is to ensure that there arent interfering signals entering the receiver You only want to hear the local (looped back) transmit signal

Merlin Utility Demonstration

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SW Upgrade Procedure

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Configuration Backup & Restore

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Advanced Features

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