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8. WiMAX Campus Installation and Deployment
- 8.1 Identify Outdoor Site on Campus
- 8.2 Obtain FCC License
- 8.3 Identify Indoor Equipment Room on Campus
- 8.4 Install Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room
- 8.5 Install Pole at Outdoor Site and Ground
- 8.6 Install Antenna at Outdoor Site
- 8.7 Install Base Station Outdoor Unit
- 8.8 Complete Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room
- 8.9 Install Indoor Equipment Racks and Ground
- 8.10 Install 120VAC and -48VDC Power Feeds and/or Supplies
- 8.11 Install Base Station Indoor Unit
- 8.12 Complete Wiring of Base Station Indoor Unit
- 8.13 Initial Check-Out of Antenna and Base Station Outdoor and Indoor …
- 8.14 Install Ethernet (VLAN) Switch, or Identify Existing Capacity
- 8.15 Install Linux Server(s) and Software
- 8.16 Connect Backbone Network
- 8.17 Provide Reference Client Platform
- 8.18 Inital Check-Out of Campus WiMAX Testbed
- 8.19 Campus Installation and Deployment Checklist
- 8.20 Campus Bill of Materials
- 8.21 Campus Deployment Plan
- 8.22 Campus Deployment Issues
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8. WiMAX Campus Installation and Deployment
8. WiMAX Campus Installation and Deployment
The following sections outline the steps necessary to complete a campus installation, based on a WiMAX base station kit provided by Rutgers WINLAB and NEC.
The principal contents of the WiMAX base station kit provided by Rutgers WINLAB and NEC are listed here:
- Antenna, dual-polarization, omnidirectional antenna, for operation in the 2.5GHz range. Technical specification in Sec 1.2 of NEC Sector Antenna Installation Manual
- Base Station Outdoor Unit, for connection to one antenna. Technical specification in Sec 3.5 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- Base Station Indoor Unit, equipped equipped for 1-Sector Configuration, with one Network Interface (NW INTFC) card and one Channel Card (CHC). Technical specification in Sec 2.6 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- One Linux Server, including the ASN-GW and ORBIT Mangement Framework software, sufficient for checkout and initial deployment; may be sufficient for final depoyment configuration.
See Sec 6.9 for a complete, detailed list.
The principal items that the campus must provide are listed are:
- Outdoor site, with pole for mounting of antenna and Base Station Outdoor Unit.
- Indoor site, with racks, for mounting of Base Station Indoor Unit and Linux Servers.
- Wiring between sites, preferably in conduit.
- Zero to three Linux Servers, to accomodate desired final deployment configuration of the ASN-GW and ORBIT Mangement Framework software.
- Ethernet switch for multiple VLANs.
- -48VDC power supplies for Base Station Outdoor and Indoor Units.
- 110VAC feed for Linux Servers, -48VDC power supplies and Ethernet Switch. Preferably,the 110VAC feed should be provided by a UPS that bridges at least short power gaps.
See Sec 6.9 for a complete, detailed list.
Once the WiMAX base station kit has been installed on the campus, and is operational, the GPO can arrange the transfer of ownership from the NSF to the university.
8.1 Identify Outdoor Site on Campus
An outdoor site (e.g., the roof of a building) should be identified on campus that meets these requirements:
- High, to maximize range. Since throughput and coverage of WiMAX systems are highly influenced by the antenna location, care should be taken that the antenna is mounted so that siginificant portion of First Fresnel Zone is clear of obstructions. Ideally the antenna is mounted on the elevated structure providing clear line of sight to most of the intended coverage area.
- NOTE: Antenna height is limited to 6 m above the roof of the building, for reasons of aircraft safety.
- Capable of safely and securely supporting a pole that mounts antenna and Base Station Outdoor Unit. See Sec 6.1, 6.6 of the attachment:BS_INSTALLATION.pdf NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)]
- Access to building ground, for lightning protection, using a heavy ground cable.
- Access to Indoor Equipment Room, for power and optical fiber (signal) cables. The use of a conduit is preferred, but otherwise the fiber (signal) cables must be mechanically protected.
- Secure access, to prevent unauthorized people from disrupting operation, or receiving unhealthy electromagnetic exposure. For personnel safe area, see Sec 1.7 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
IMPORTANT: It is suggested that this process be started IMMEDIATELY, to assure that an appropriate outdoor site can be identified and it's coordinates used for obtaining FCC Experimental License.
Sites can also identify multiple locations and apply for multi-site license in case they plan to deploy more BSs.
8.2 Obtain FCC License
Each campus must apply to the FCC and obtain a license (experimental authorization) to operate the WiMAX equipment at their location.
IMPORTANT: It is suggested that this process be started IMMEDIATELY following the selection of the outdoor location, to assure that a license can be obtained.
In a few cases, the university will have an "Educational Broadband Services" license that can be used for this equipment, depending upon university policy. In the other cases, an application must be made to use spectrum that is either available, or else reserved for commercial use (e.g., Sprint/Clearwire) that has not yet started.
Per Ivan Seskar, Rutgers has obtained a license to operate at two locations (WINLAB and Bush Campus), utilizing spectrum reserved for commercial use by Sprint/Clearwire, that has not yet started. Because of this:
- The Rutgers/WINLAB license states: "Licensee must get consent from Educational Broadband Services and Broadband Radio Services licensees in the immediate vicinity of the tests."
- When Sprint/ClearWire stsrts commercial service in the area, Rutgers will have to shut down their WiMAX base stations, or else find other spectrum that is available.
- Furthermore, the license expires in 2 years, and can only be renewed with another application.
Suggestions from Tony Michel on the application process are at http://groups.geni.net/geni/attachment/wiki/WIMXBBN/020810%20%20license-HOWTO.pdf. He recommends:
- Consider Educational Broadband Services and Broadband Radio Services range of 2496 - 2690 MHz.
- Checking the FCC database to learn which spectrum in your area is available, and which has been assigned.
- Furthermore, he suggests using an antenna and a spectrum analyzer to determine which assigned spectrum is actually being used in your area.
- As a first choice, you should apply for spectrum that is available.
- As a second choice, you should apply for spectrum that has been assigned for commercial use (e.g., Sprint/Clearwire) that has not yet started.
The person submitting the application needs to obtain either a personal or institution FCC Registration Number (FRN). If one is not available, it can be obtained through FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES) registration.
With the FRN, an applicant can start the application process by filling out Form 442. Required information for filling up the form includes:
- Frequency: [specify 10MHz range near 2.5GHz]
- Frequency tolerance: 0.00002 %
- Power: 20 W [or specify 32 W, which is the maximum allowed]
- Radius: 5 km
- Location: [use Google Earth/Maps to find out latitude/longitude of the location where you plan to install the antenna]
- Emission designator: W7D
- Contracting Agency: National Science Foundation
- Contract Number: 0944089
It is a good strategy to request multiple sites, to allow flexibility in your installation, and/or to allow the eventual installation of two base stations to support handover experiments, etc. Note that WINALB/Rutgers license lists two sites.
It should be noted that this license (experimental authorization) "is to be used for fulfilling the requirements of a U.S. government contract".
Each application should attach a project overview, including details of NSF contract (award) in the filing process. to increase the likelihood of license issuance and to expedite the process.
At the end of the application process, the applicant must pay the $60 application fee. The fastest method of payment is by credit card. The FCC has a site for testing the application process.
Suggestions from Mark Corner on the application process:
- Write down any reference numbers, file numbers, confirmation numbers, correspondence numbers as you go. Most of them can't ever be retrieved without calling someone. And there a lot of them.
- The application website is very linear. Meaning that you really can't go back and edit anything, look up anything you already did, or go backwards.
Once application process is completed and assuming there are no issues with the particular location, FCC will issue a WIMAX license after 4-8 weeks. It is best to keep checking the FCC database to see when the assignment has been made, because it appears that it takes a long time for the FCC to mail out confirmation of the assignment.
Here is a sample license, the WINLAB Rutgers WiMAX license received from the FCC. Items of note include:
- Two sites were requested and received, which might permit handover experiments.
- Both requested a 10MHz band around center frequesncies of 2590 (2586-2595) MHz and 2610 (2605-2615) MHz
- Both requested the maximum allowable Effective Radiated Power of 32 W, even though the NEC equipment is limited to 20 W.
ISSUE: The Rutgers/WINLAB license state: "Licensee must get consent from Educational Broadband Services and Broadband Radio Services licensees in the immediate vicinity of the tests." This must be done at each site. Could it be done for all sites by contacting Sprint/ClearWire on behalf of GENI?
ISSUE: In the Rutgers/WINLAB case, and probably for others, the base station will have to shut down (or find available spectrum) when Sprint/ClearWire starts commercial service in the area. Can we determine when might this be expected for each of the affected areas?
8.3 Identify Indoor Equipment Room on Campus
An indoor site (e.g., an IT equipment room) should be identified on campus that meets the requirements listed in Section 1.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS), and particularly the following requirments:
- Equipment rack space to mount Base Station Indoor Unit.
- Equipment rack space to mount Linux Servers contained in kit, currently 3 servers.
- Access to Outdoor Site, for power and fiber (signal) cables. The use of a conduit is preferred, but otherwise the optical fiber (signal) cables must be mechanically protected.
- Access to building ground, to ground equipment racks and mounted equipment.
- Access to -48VDC feeds for Base Station Outdoor Unit (max 4A) and Base Station Indoor Unit (max 8.3A), or else -48VDC rectifiers run from 110VAC feeds.
- Access to 110VAC feeds for Linux Servers, and possibly -48VDC rectifiers. If possible, the 110VAC feeds should be protected with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that bridges short power gaps, to prevent disrupting the WiMAX testbed from the most common (short) power gaps.
- Access to available Ethernet (VLAN) switching capacity, if possible.
- Access to backbone network Layer 2 connection.
- Secure access, to prevent unauthorized people from disrupting operation.
NOTE: It is suggested that this process be started IMMEDIATELY, to assure that an appropriate indoor equipment room can be identifed.
8.4 Install Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room
The following cables must be run at the Outdoor Site and between the Outdoor Site and the Indoor Equipment Room:
- Heavy ground cable, from building ground to grounding bar at Outdoor Site, and from grounding bar to pole, for lightning protection. See Sec 3.4.2.2, Fig 3-9 and Sec 6.3 in the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Does this require a PE to certify proper grounding?
- One -48VDC power cable, from (one) Outdoor Unit to indoor equipment room. See Sec 3.4.1, Fig 4-1 and Sec 6.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Does kit contain this cable?
- Two optical fiber signal cables, from (one) Outdoor Unit to indoor equipment room. See Sec 3.4.1, Fig 4-1 and Sec 6.4 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Does kit contain these cables?
8.5 Install Pole at Outdoor Site and Ground
A pole must be provided and mounted at the outdoor site to safely and securely mount the Antenna and Base Station Outdoor Unit.
ISSUE: Does the kit contain the pole?
See Sec 6.1 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS) fro outdoor site options, ans Sec 6.6 for pole options.
See Sec 1.2 of NEC Sector Antenna Installation Manual, which specifies a pole diameter between 48mm and 120mm.
For example, the pole may be suuported on a roof using an H bracket; see Sec 6.1 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Does this require a PE to certify the safety?
The pole should be mounted in a position that optimizes the performance (e.g., the range) of the antenna.
ISSUE: Should the pole be placed to allow for the possible addition of a second or even third antenna?
The pole must be connected to the heavy cable that runs to the building ground, for lightning protection.
8.6 Install Antenna at Outdoor Site
The base station kit includes one dual-polarization, omnidirectional antenna, for operation in the 2.5GHz range.
Install the antenna following Sec 1 - 5 of the NEC Sector Antenna Installation Manual
Since throughput and coverage of WiMAX systems are highly influenced by the antenna location, care should be taken that the antenna is mounted so that siginificant portion of First Fresnel Zone is clear of obstructions. Ideally the antenna is mounted on the elevated structure providing clear line of sight to most of the intended coverage area.
ISSUE: All of this needs to be explained. How does its height influence the coverage? Are we limited to 6' above the structure? If so, how is this measured? On which side of the pole should the antenna be mounted? How should it be tilted? How do these influence the coverage pattern?
ISSUE: Do we also need GPS receiver and antenna, per NEC documentation? If we do not install it now, what might we be missing later?
8.7 Install Base Station Outdoor Unit
The Base Station Outdoor Unit (ODU) is mounted outdoors, near the antenna.
It connects to the antenna with a coaxial cable, and connects to the Indoor Unit (IDU) with two optical fibers. In addition, it requires a -48VDC power feed and a protection ground.
The installation should follow the instructions in Sec 3.1 - 3.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
8.8 Complete Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room
- Verify connection of heavy ground cable, from building ground to grounding bar at Outdoor Site, and from grounding bar to pole, for lightning protection. Connect ground cable from grounding bar to the Outdoor Unit. See Sec 3.4.2.2, Fig 3-9, and Sec 6.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- Connect two coaxial cables between Outdoor Unit and Antenna, including lightning protectors. See Sec 3.4.2.3, Fig 3-9, 4-1, and Sec 6.4 of theNEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Does kit contain these cables?
- Connect one -48VDC power cable from indoor equipment room to Outdoor Unit. See Sec 3.4.1, Fig 4-1 and Sec 6.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- Connect two optical fiber signal cablesfrom indoor equipment room to Outdoor Unit. See Sec 3.4.1, Fig 4-1 and Sec 6.4 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
8.9 Install Indoor Equipment Racks and Ground
Install (or identify) indoor equipment racks in the indoor equipment room, per Sec 2.3.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS), with sufficient space to mount:
- Base Station Indoor Unit (5U).
- (Multiple) Linux Servers (1U)
- Ethernet (VLAN) switch (typically 1U), or utilize existing Ethernet switch capacity.
These racks must be connected to building ground.
8.10 Install 120VAC and -48VDC Power Feeds and/or Supplies
Provide -48VDC feeds for Base Station Outdoor Unit (max 4A) and Base Station Indoor Unit (max 8.3A), or else provide -48VDC rectifiers run from 110VAC feeds to supply these loads.
ISSUE: If -48VDC rectifiers are required, what is recommended? Individual units for each load? Sized to suuport a fully populated Base Station Indoor Unit? Or less?
Provide 110VAC feeds for Linux Servers, Ethernet switch (if provided), and -48VDC rectifiers (if provided).
ISSUE: If possible, the 110VAC feeds should be protected with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that bridges short power gaps, to prevent disrupting the WiMAX testbed from the most common (short) power gaps. If this is not available, should one be added? If so, what is recommended?
8.11 Install Base Station Indoor Unit
Install the Base Station Indoor Unit (IDU) on the indoor equipment racks, per Sec 2.3 of the NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
The IDU in the kit is equipped for 1-Sector Configuration, per Fig 2-3 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS), and includes:
- One NW INTFC unit.
The NW INTFC unit connects to a -48VDC power feed and a protection ground, and supplies power to the entire Indoor Unit. See Sec 2.2.2 and Fig 2-4 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
The NW INTFC unit connects to the ASN-GW function, supported on the Linux servers, using an ethernet cable that connects to the Ethernet switch, that provides the necessary VLAN.
- One CHC unit.
Each CHC unit supports one Outdoor Unit and Sector Antenna. It connects to the ODU with two fibers. See Sec 2.2.3 and Fig 2-5 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Optionally, each CHC unit could support two Outdoor Units and Sector Antennas. Is there any reason to do this? Or, is this for redundancy?
ISSUE: Optionally, two additional CHC units could be installed. Will there ever be areason to do this? To serve multiple sectors?
8.12 Complete Wiring of Base Station Indoor Unit
Complete external connections to the Base Station Indoor Unit as explained in Sec 2.4.1 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- Connect ground cable from Indoor Unit to building ground. See Sec 2.4.1, 2.4.3.3 and Fig 2-4 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- Connect power cable from NW INTFC unit within the Indoor Unit to -48VDC feed, or -48VDC rectifier. See Sections 2.4.1 and 2.4.3.1 and Figure 2-4 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
ISSUE: Doee the kit provide this cable?
- Connect ethernet cable from NW INTFC unit within the Indoor Unit to VLAN switch, for access to ASN-GW functions. See Sec 2.4.1, 2.4.3.2 and Fig 2-4 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
- Connect two optical fibers from Outdoor Unit to CHC unit within the Indoor Unit. See Sec 2.4.2 and Fig 2-5 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
8.13 Initial Check-Out of Antenna and Base Station Outdoor and Indoor Units
Turn power ON to the Base Station Indoor and Outdoor Units, per Sec 5 of NEC Installation Manual for Base Station (IMN:BS)
COmplete initial checkout of the of the antenna and Base Station Outdoor and Indoor Units.
ISSUE: What could be done without an ASN-GW? What could be done with a rudimentary ASN-GW?
8.14 Install Ethernet (VLAN) Switch, or Identify Existing Capacity
8.15 Install Linux Server(s) and Software
8.16 Connect Backbone Network
8.17 Provide Reference Client Platform
8.18 Inital Check-Out of Campus WiMAX Testbed
8.19 Campus Installation and Deployment Checklist
Campus Installation Checklist, for each site
Contact(s):
Step | Description | Planned | Started | Completed | Comment |
1 | Identify Outdoor Site on Campus | - | - | - | |
2 | Obtain FCC License | - | - | - | |
3 | Identify Indoor Equipment Room on Campus | - | - | - | |
4 | Install Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room | - | - | - | |
5 | Install Pole at Outdoor Site and Ground | - | - | - | |
6 | Install Antenna at Outdoor Site | - | - | - | |
7 | Install Base Station Outdoor Unit | - | - | - | |
8 | Complete Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room | - | - | - | |
9 | Install Indoor Equipment Racks and Ground | - | - | - | |
10 | Install 120VAC and -48VDC Power Feeds and/or Supplies | - | - | - | |
11 | Install Base Station Indoor Unit | - | - | - | |
12 | Complete Wiring of Base Station Indoor Unit | - | - | - | |
13 | Initial Check-Out of Antenna and Base Station Outdoor and Indoor Units | - | - | - | |
14 | Install Ethernet (VLAN) Switch, or Identify Existing Capacity | - | - | - | |
15 | Install Linux Server(s) and Software | - | - | - | |
16 | Connect Backbone Network | - | - | - | |
17 | Provide Reference Client Platform | - | - | - | |
18 | Initial Check-Out of Campus WiMAX Testbed | - | - | - |
8.20 Campus Bill of Materials
8.21 Campus Deployment Plan
The GENI D&P WiMAX Infrastructure Buildout summarizes the entire plan.
It includes a map of the participating campuses:
And a list of involved researchers and IT leaders:
The WiMAX Kit Project (1753) outlined the usage plans for each campus:
Current campus deployment status:
Step | Description | Colu | Poly | UCLA | Colo | UMass | Wisc | BBN |
1 | Identify Outdoor Site on Campus | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2 | Obtain FCC License | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
3 | Identify Indoor Equipment Room on Campus | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
4 | Install Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
5 | Install Pole at Outdoor Site and Ground | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
6 | Install Antenna at Outdoor Site | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
7 | Install Base Station Outdoor Unit | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
8 | Complete Wiring at Outdoor Site and to Indoor Equipment Room | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
9 | Install Indoor Equipment Racks and Ground | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
10 | Install 120VAC and -48VDC Power Feeds and/or Supplies | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
11 | Install Base Station Indoor Unit | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
12 | Complete Wiring of Base Station Indoor Unit | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
13 | Initial Check-Out of Antenna and Base Station Outdoor and Indoor Units | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
14 | Install Ethernet (VLAN) Switch, or Identify Existing Capacity | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
15 | Install Linux Server(s) and Software | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
16 | Connect Backbone Network | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
17 | Provide Reference Client Platform | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
18 | Initial Check-Out of Campus WiMAX Testbed | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
8.22 Campus Deployment Issues
No | Issue | Opened | Resolved | Resolution | Note |
1 | - | - | - | - | - |
2 | - | - | - | - | - |
3 | - | - | - | - | - |
4 | - | - | - | - | - |
5 | - | - | - | - | - |
Attachments (5)
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ANTENNA.pdf (643.8 KB) - added by 15 years ago.
WiMAX Antenna Installation Manual
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BS_INSTALLATION.pdf (3.0 MB) - added by 15 years ago.
WiMAX Base Station Installation Manual
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Antenna.jpg (8.9 KB) - added by 15 years ago.
Non-Penetrating Roof Antenna Mounting Example
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Winlab-WiMax-License.pdf (15.4 KB) - added by 15 years ago.
WiMAX Experimental License
- 113009 v0.5 GENIDandPInfraBuildouts.pdf (181.1 KB) - added by 15 years ago.