Ruralconnect Gen3: TV White Space Radio
Ruralconnect Gen3: TV White Space Radio
Ruralconnect Gen3: TV White Space Radio
Copyright
Copyright© 2022 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No person may
reproduce this manual without explicit permission from Carlson. The information contained in this
publication is the latest available, as of the date printed on each page. Carlson reserves the right to
make changes without notice. Current revisions are available upon request.
Carlson Headquarters: 3134 Jacobs Ave. Suite C, Eureka, CA 95501 USA
Purchasers of Carlson products are required to make their own evaluations of product suitability for
their specific application(s). Regarding the use and/or application of our products and/or the use of
this manual, Carlson’s obligations are limited to the terms set forth in the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Sale for a delivered product.
Technical Support
Training and support are only available for products purchased directly from Carlson or its direct
distribution channel; the purchaser is responsible for technical assistance for all other system
components. Local product support is provided by Indigo Broadband in South Africa. The first point
of contact should always be via their support facilities which is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
CAT, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Tel: +27 72 268 5150
Email: [email protected]
Qualified Personnel
Only professionally trained personnel can perform the testing and/or configuration steps outlined in
this manual. Technicians are responsible for adhering to all applicable safety regulations and
industry-standard best practices. Carlson does not authorize non-certified personnel to work on
equipment without the direct supervision of a certified trained service technician.
Safety Warnings
In order to prevent personal injury, property damage, and/or equipment failure; it is essential
that the installer employ appropriate safety measures when testing, installing, and/or
maintaining RuralConnect® equipment. You are required to review all safety warnings in this
manual prior to testing, installing, and/or maintaining the system.
Outdoor Installation
You must never perform any installation work on a tower, mast, or rooftop during lightning storms or
other inclement weather. Dangerous work of this nature could result in serious injury and/or death. It
is important to adhere to all of the applicable local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to safety
equipment and tower climbing practices.
Electrical Installation
The electrical installation must be accomplished in accordance with the National Electrical Code
(NEC) and with any local codes effective at the time of installation.
To eliminate risk of electric shock, DO NOT connect/disconnect cables while units are powered up.
Safety will be compromised if external quality cables are not used for connections that will be
exposed to the weather.
Antenna installation near power lines is dangerous and contacting power lines can be lethal. When
selecting an installation site, keep safety and performance in mind. Make sure there are no power
lines anywhere where possible contact can be made. Carefully check the distance to any power
lines before starting installation. The distance from the mast or antenna to the nearest power line
should be at least twice the total length of the mast/antenna combination.
ETSI Instructions
This equipment design typically applies to commercial or industrial equipment expected to be
installed in locations where only adults are normally present. Instructions to ensure correct and safe
installation and interconnection of the equipment. For equipment intended only for use in a restricted
access area, the instructions shall so state. If the equipment is intended to be fastened in place, the
instructions shall explain how to securely fasten the equipment. Graphical symbols placed on the
equipment and used as an instructional safeguard shall be explained. If a replaceable component or
module provides a safeguard function, identification of a suitable replacement component or module
shall be provided in the ordinary person instructions or instructed person instructions, or skilled
person instructions, as applicable. (Power Supply)
RF Exposure
This equipment complies with radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 40 cm between the radiator
and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
It is advisable to use the device only in the normal operating position as described in this guide.
When the system is operational, avoid standing directly in front of the antenna. Strong RF fields are
present when the transmitter is on. The antenna must not be deployed in a location where it is
possible for people to stand or walk inadvertently in front of the antenna.
Regulatory Compliance Information
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 3134 Jacobs Ave, Eureka, CA 95501 USA
Declares that the product:
Product Name: RuralConnect® Gen3
Conforms to the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):
EMC: EN 301 489-1 & EN 61000-4 part 2-6 & 8
Product Overview
The RuralConnect® TV White Space Broadband Radio utilizes “white space” spectrum within the
UHF TV band from 470 MHz to 698 MHz (up to 790 MHz in EU/some African regions), for
applications where traditional microwave solutions will not provide adequate RF performance.
The RuralConnect Base Station (BS) is an outdoor unit (ODU) with three radios, each to be
connected to a 120-degree sector antenna.
The BS functions as an Internet gateway router via its 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connection. Using
three radios, the BS distributes up to 72 Mbps (6 MHz) or 96 Mbps (8 MHz) over the air, utilizing
three RF channels with three sector antennas, via 75-Ohm F-connectors. Together, the three radios
may host up to 100 subscribers.
The Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) ODU has a single TVWS radio with 75-Ohm F-connector.
The CPE utilizes a directional log-periodic antenna to receive up to 24 Mbps (6 MHz) or 32 Mbps (8
MHz) over the air.
Both units are powered via an external Power-over-
Ethernet (POE) injector. The Base Station consumes
up to 25 Watts, while the CPE consumes up to 8
Watts.
The RuralConnect® uses the IEEE 802.11af
standard, also called “White-Fi.” As with other 802.11
standards, 802.11af includes the use of Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to provide
protection against signal fading caused by multipath
interference (phase-shifting) while offering a robust
clean transmit spectrum. Reflections from trees,
buildings, and hills are inevitable for long-range
wireless links. These reflections arrive at slightly
Figure 1: RuralConnect® Outdoor Unit
different times, causing deep fading across the
channels used by white space systems. OFDM mitigates fading effects to ensure reliable wireless
communications even in mountainous, forested, and/or built-up areas where strong signal reflections
are common, even with non-line-of-sight (NLOS). The robustness and high data rate is obtained with
an adaptive modulation algorithm using BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, and 256QAM modulation
types.
To prevent interference with licensed users, the RuralConnect® combines an integrated GPS
receiver with a secured connection to a White Space Database (WSDB) using the PAWS standard.
Our international models ensure worldwide compatibility, regardless of the TV broadcast technology
in use. International users must ensure compliance with their regulatory authorities. For export only,
international models are available in both 6 MHz and 8 MHz versions.
In Africa, the RuralConnect® is only available with an 8 MHz channel bandwidth. The system is fully
compliant with ETSI EN 301-598 regulations.
To prevent exceeding an authorized power limit the radio includes an internal RF sensor that reads
the RF power output. The radio then adjusts the output across its operating band, according to the
power limit set by the ETSI. All power controls are factory set; no user controls are available.
2. System Planning
Proper Handling
You must follow precautionary measures when handling RuralConnect® devices. Improper handling
of your equipment may cause damage and void your warranty. The electronic components of the
RuralConnect® equipment are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Whenever handling the
equipment, always use adequate ESD protection, such as a grounded anti-static wrist strap. It is
also important to avoid the use of conductive tools, metal or otherwise. Where a plug on the power
supply cord is used as the disconnect device, the socket-outlet must be easily accessible.
Grounding
Grounding is the most important aspect of any electrical system.
It is recommended, and often required by law, to hire a certified electrician to install any required
electrical infrastructure.
For dissipation of hazardous energy, a ground is a low impedance electrical connection to the earth.
Grounding the RuralConnect® is very important for safety reasons, as well as protecting the system
from damage due to lightning and/or static charge/build up. Since lightning strikes and surges are
high in frequency, current, and voltage, the installation should use short, straight ground wires (not
coiled or looped). For optimal electrical conductivity, it is best to use the largest diameter ground wire
the ground connectors will accept. We recommend using a solid copper wire no smaller than eight
gauge.
It is required that the connection of the equipment protective earthing conductor to the installation
protective earthing conductor is made.
The impedance of your grounding should never exceed five Ohms. Carlson recommends
maintaining a ground with less than three Ohms.
An earth ground can be achieved, for example, using a utility company ground, grounding rod(s),
well casing, and/or cold-water pipes constructed of continuous metal.
A note of caution: sometimes repaired and/or extended metal cold-water pipes include PVC
sections hidden behind drywall. PVC will disrupt conductivity and render the pipe unacceptable as a
ground.
Conductivity is often poor in desert areas, so multiple ground rods may be required (preferably
bonded together to make a suitable connection). Undesirable grounds include, but are not limited to:
sprinkler pipes, PVC pipes, conduit, and buried wire.
Never use an unverified ground.
Caution must be taken to avoid electric shock. Prior to disconnecting a grounding connection,
always disconnect all power sources and cables from the system.
Cable Recommendations
Use of factory-approved high-quality cabling is important to ensure the best performance for your
RuralConnect® system. Carlson extensively researched and tested cabling before selecting those
offered for RuralConnect® customers. It is strongly recommended that you use only Carlson-
approved cables. Discuss your cabling options with your Carlson Sales Representative.
Carlson carries professional-grade RF coax cables that provide greater durability and less
attenuation than those readily available. We offer and recommend well-insulated 75-Ohm broadband
coaxial cable with gas-injected foam polyethylene insulation. For short jumper connections, use 18
AWG RG-6/U cables with a solid .040” bare copper conductor. For longer runs, use 14 AWG RG-11
cables with a .064” bare copper conductor.
Only use cable with 100-percent solid copper center conductors. Lower-quality copper-clad
conductors have decreased performance and can lead to failures.
The 75-Ohm cabling used for RuralConnect® installation should not exceed 45 meters. Terminate all
coax cables with weather-sealed 75-Ohm F-type compression connectors with PVC jackets. Do not
use crimp-type connectors.
Avoid cable bends as much as possible; do not put more than a 90-degree bend in any cable run.
Network performance is greatly affected by the quality of data cabling used. Carlson carries and
recommends UV-resistant, shielded and grounded twisted pair cabling (CAT-5 or greater) rated for
outdoor use.
Computer Required
You will need a computer with the following:
Web browser (Internet Explorer 9 +, Firefox, Chrome, etc.).
At least one gigabyte (GB) of RAM.
Keyboard and mouse (or other compatible pointing device).
Display adapter and monitor (1024x768 or higher resolution).
100/1000 Mbps Ethernet network adapter.
Spectrum Management
2.7.1. Unlicensed Operation using a White Space Database
Described in ETSI EN 301 598“Fixed devices must access a TV bands database over the Internet to
determine the TV channels that are available at their geographic coordinates…”
In accordance with this requirement, the RuralConnect® currently supports the FCC-approved White
Space Databases (WSDB) operated by Spectrum Bridge, iConnectiv and Google as well as the
ICASA approved CSIR S-GLSD (Secondary Geo Location Spectrum Database)
For European operation, Carlson has chosen WSDB partner Nominet. Other WSDB providers may
be available in your area.
To allow unlicensed operation, RuralConnect® radios must be enrolled and registered with a WSDB.
In most cases, enrollment is a one-time process performed by the factory prior to shipment. After a
radio has been enrolled and connected to the Internet, it will attempt to register with the WSDB and
request channel allocations. Via software, unit registration requires both the owner and operator’s
contact information and geo-location information. After configuration of your system, if you see any
error messages or cannot obtain channel allocations, contact Indigo Technical Support.
International Operators
If you will not be using a WSDB, refer to your spectrum regulatory authority to determine the TV
channels you can use. Without a spectrum database, you will manually select the operating channel
of the system.
Unpacking
Always inspect a package before opening. Report any damage to the shipping carrier. Unpack and
compare the contents against the packing slip and inspect everything for damage. Report any
missing or damaged components to your Carlson Customer Service Representative.
3.2.1. RF Connections
Attach three (3) of the included attenuators to a Base Station and one (1) to the CPE. Cable the
units together with one (1) RG6 coax jumper. If you are testing two CPEs at a time, attach an RG6
jumper to each unit and then to the splitter. Note the splitter adds additional cable/connector loss.
Registration Information
NOTE: The following registration details are required to configure the system. Incomplete or invalid
information may prevent the system from operating correctly. In countries that require use of a
spectrum database, inaccurate information could be a violation of the law.
MAC Addresses
Each radio has a unique MAC address, which is used to register with a White Space Database
(WSDB) and for client access controls. Each unit housing includes a sticker with the MAC address.
Though Base Stations have multiples radios within, WSDB registration is done using Radio/Sector 1.
This is the MAC address referenced next to “RAD” on the sticker (RAD: 70:B3:D5:xx:xx:xx). The
Base Station has a separate MAC address for the Ethernet interface, labeled “ETH” on the sticker.
The CPE has one MAC address, labeled “MAC” on the sticker.
Please note: If you are operating your RuralConnect® system with a spectrum database, you should
only register CPEs with a single Base Station. This is to prevent conflicting registrations, which will
nullify and cause the radio(s) to cease operation.
Antenna Height
WSDB registrations for each site include the antenna height above ground level (HAGL) in meters.
GPS-enabled units determine HAGL, with reference to the location of the GPS antenna. GPS values
are accurate within eight (8) meters. If using GPS, you must include the difference in height between
the GPS antenna and the TVWS antenna.
NOTE: ETSI regulations mandate the antenna height cannot exceed 30 meters AGL, nor 250
meters Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT). International regulations may vary.
Software Configuration
The following section is a brief overview of the steps required to configure your RuralConnect ®
system.
Most management of a RuralConnect® system is done via the web-based Graphical User Interface
(GUI) that runs on the Base Station. Once the equipment has been set up on your bench, you will
access the GUI via your web browser.
System Status
Note the up time. This time should be similar to the amount of time the Base Station has been
powered.
Sector Status
The BSID is the MAC address of each radio. Each radio can operate on a different channel. A new
system should not show a valid channel until it has been configured.
Manager
Location
GPS-enabled units should show the number of GPS satellites visible from the Base Station.
PAWS
For compliance in regions with spectrum-sharing regulations, the RuralConnect ® supports the IETF
Protocol to Access White Space (PAWS). PAWS is a standard used by the Base Station to connect
with a White Space Database (WSDB) and get a list of available channels based on the geolocation
of each radio in its network.
Configuration
For testing, leave a check in the box for both “Automatic Channel Selection” and “Enabled.” Enter a
Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Passphrase.
Home
The system is waiting for the GPS module to report a valid location
Awaiting GPS for the base station. Check the location block (described below) or
the GPS Details page.
Disabled The Radio Manager is disabled. Place a tick in the Manager
Enabled tick box to switch on the Radio Manager.
Awaiting PAWS Before the base station can switch on the radios it must be granted
access by a TV white space database (the PAWS). See the PAWS
section of the Radio Manager page, described below.
Channels Allocated The Radio Manager has allocated channels to all the enabled radio
cards and switched them on. The base station is operating.
Not all Radios have Some of the radio cards have been given channels but for at least
Channels one this was not possible. The most likely reason is the PAWS not
granting access to enough channels for all the radio cards.
Figure 18: Base Station User Interface - Setup Contact Details for PAWS White Space Database (WSDB)
CPE Management
This is one of the most important Screens on the user interface. It shows details of the CPEs that
are connected to the base station and allows their configuration, both before and after they connect.
NAT Router The most common operating mode of a CPE for IP version 4. This mode
behaves in the same way as many domestic DSL routers. The CPE separates
the network in the uplink direction (through the radio) from the network in the
customer premises. The uplink network is called the WAN (Wide Area
Network) and the customer premises network is called the LAN (Local Area
Network). The LAN consists of any devices connected through the CPE’s
Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The CPE routes traffic between these two networks while
performing address translation so that the WAN network only sees the CPE’s
WAN address and never sees any addresses from the LAN. In effect, the
entire customer LAN accesses the wider network through a single IP address.
The LAN must be configured from the CPE web pages.
Router The CPE acts as an IP router. Much like the NAT router mode, the separation
into WAN and LAN exists and the CPE WAN address is defined in the same
way. The LAN however is assigned a routable subnet and LAN addresses that
do appear on the WAN must be configured from the CPE web pages. In this
mode, IP version 6 can also be configured.
Bridge In Bridge mode, the CPE acts as a simple learning bridge. It operates in much
the same way as standard network switches. The TV White Space (TVWS)
radio, the WiFi and the Ethernet ports are all bridged together, transferring
traffic between them according to the destination MAC addresses contained in
the packets. Inspecting the source MAC addresses of packets as they travel
through the system are how locations of addresses are learned. This mode is
agnostic to whether the traffic is IP version 4 or IP version 6. The source and
destination must still agree on which IP version they are using. The only
configuration required in this mode is the selection of ‘Bridge’ for the ‘Router
Mode’ parameter. The devices behind the CPE are on the same network as
those behind the base station so they see DHCP servers, DNS servers, etc.
automatically.
The WAN IP V4 block allows the CPE WAN IP version 4 addresses to be configured in NAT Router
and Router modes. The WAN IP V6 does the same for IP version 6 addresses in Router mode.
The software block controls the software version the CPE is running. The desired version can be
selected from those available on the base station. The actual version is the version the CPE is
running now. If these are different, the BS will download the desired version to the CPE and instruct
it to be run.
The radio block displays useful information regarding the state of the radio link connecting the CPE
to the base station.
Finally, the location block shows the CPE location information that is being reported by its GPS
module, along with the results of the request to the TV white space database to be allowed to
transmit on the radio channel at the CPE’s location.
Ethernet Port
The base station communicates with the wider area network through its Ethernet port. All the traffic
that travels to and from the CPEs is passed through this port. In addition, the base station software
itself can be accessed through this port and for this purpose it must be assigned an IP address. The
Ethernet Port page allows the configuration of this address.
The factory supplied default is for this address to be acquired using DHCP from a server located on
the wider area network. It is however, possible to change this through the Ethernet Configuration
page. Follow the instructions on the page.
Traffic Shaping
The base station and CPE together provide a traffic shaping scheme that allows individual CPE (and
in router and bridge modes, individual devices behind the CPE) to be assigned maximum and
committed information rates (MIR and CIR) in both the downlink and uplink directions. This is
controlled by configuration contained in the base station. The downlink control is performed by the
base station, while the uplink is performed by the CPE.
The first step in configuring traffic shaping is via the Traffic Shaping page. Here, the classes of
shaping that are to be available are defined. A traffic shaping class specifies the MIR and CIR in
both the uplink and downlink. The “New Class” button will create a new class with some defaults.
The “Delete Classes” button will delete the selected classes. The name and bit rates may all be
changed.
Figure 27: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping Classes
Figure 28: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping Device List
The second step is to assign classes to CPE devices. This is done through the CPE Management
page. Go there, select the desired CPE and click the “Traffic Shaping” button.
Clicking “New Device” on this page will create a new shaping device, whose MAC address will
default to the CPE MAC address. If the CPE is operating in NAT router mode this is the only device
shaping can work with, otherwise change this to the MAC address of the device on the CPE’s LAN.
Then select the class this device is to conform to.
Figure 29: Base Station User Interface - CPE Traffic Shaping Screen
If you now return to the main Traffic Shaping page, the device list at the bottom will now show an
entry.
Figure 30: Base Station User Interface - Traffic Shaping Confirmation Screen
SNMP
The base station supports element management systems that communicate using SNMP version 1
or 2. This page allow configuration according to your SNMP management plan.
Application Software
The Application Software page reports the current version of software running on the unit. The
base station can store two versions of the application, one of which is currently running.
Follow the instructions on the page to upload a new version and reboot to run it.
Key Parameters
The base station collects
statistical information from
various sources while running.
This information is available for
view and download on the Key
Parameters page.
Users can choose what
information is displayed on the
live graph by placing tick marks
against their desired items. The
selected items are allocated a
color and then shown in the
graph area.
The sample period can be
configured. However, be aware
that the CPE information is only
transferred from the CPE to the
Figure 34: Base Station User Interface - Key Parameters Logging
Home Page
The CPE Home page contains some top-level information about the CPE along with the “User
Accounts” button. User accounts are managed in the same way as the base station, as described in
section 4.2.1.
Traffic Shaping
The traffic shaping system is controlled by the base station, as described in section 4.5. The traffic
shaping page on the CPE shows the devices that the CPE will shape the traffic for in the uplink for
diagnostic purposes.
Figure 43: Log Periodic Direction Antenna Radiation Pattern and Gain Chart
Weatherproofing RF Connections
Once you have mounted and secured your antenna, we recommend completing the installation by
properly weatherproofing the RF connector. The connector must be waterproof, durable, and easy to
remove/service. You will need:
Vinyl/electrical tape
Rubber (butyl) tape, a thick, sticky sealing tape, commonly known as “vapor wrap.” We
recommend 3M 3339 tape.
F-Type Female
Connector
Interference Solutions
Interference problems can arise with external devices installed near the antenna or radio, including
external devices later installed. External interference can adversely affect the operation of a
RuralConnect® TV White Space Radio, to the extent that the link is unusable.
To determine if a RuralConnect® is interfering with other equipment, power down the unit and check
the other device(s) for interference issues.
Though less common, to determine if an external device is interfering with the RuralConnect ®, shut
down suspected devices while streaming audio or video over the link, or just run and monitor a
continuous ping to a website. For the latter, open a Windows command prompt and run command
“ping -t {ip address}.”
Before calling Technical Support, the installer is encouraged to try correcting the problem by trying
one or more of the following suggestions:
Relocate the offending/offended device,
Reorient or relocate the antenna to a new position,
Change the frequency of the radio or offending device,
Separate the power sources, or filter sources between the offenders,
Use RF “trap” filter(s) to isolate interference from specific channels
If you are not a professional installer, consult with the dealer, service provider or other
experienced technician
Surge Protection
6.8.1. RF Lightning Protection
The most common source of damage to wireless products is lightning-induced power surges. These
surges attribute to almost all wireless equipment failures in the field. A lightning strike generates
tremendous currents whenever it touches down. These currents travel through towers, pipes,
telephone wires, power wires, trees, lakes, rivers, and the ground.
The installer is responsible for the installation of proper surge protection on the power, data, and
antenna lines.
To protect against these current surges, Installer must use a coaxial lightning protector in the
antenna line as primary protection. The RF Lightning Suppressor is often installed near the RF
antenna port and/or the grounded antenna entry point of the building (or outdoor cabinet). The
available shorted stub protectors are reliable and capable of protecting against powerful surges.
Ground the RF Lightning Suppressor by connecting a ground wire (usually #8 AWG solid) to the
ground screw on the body of the surge protector. The other end of the ground wire must tie into the
tower ground system or other verified earth ground. You must seal in-line lightning protectors from
moisture, which can enter them through the grounding screw. Carlson recommends wrapping the
lightning protector with butyl tape as the other RF connectors.
7.1.2. Network
Typical Client Loading (per radio – 3 in a base 30 clients with 5 Mbps/1 Mbps residential
station) SLA
Management Web-based Graphical User Interface
(GUI)
End-to-End Latency 5-35 ms
7.1.3. Regulatory
ACP and Spectrum Mask Meets FCC and Ofcom specifications
-55 dBr +/- 3 MHz relative to 12.2 dBm
(measured at 100 KHz increments)
7.1.4. Environmental
Operating Temperature -30° to 55° C
Operating Humidity Up to 95%, non-condensing
Shock and Vibration MIL-STD-810
7.1.5. Security
Security Mechanism WPA2/AES 128-bit shared secret key
7.1.6. Antenna
Base Station Antenna 3 Bay Sector
Antenna Connector Female “F” type 75 Ohms
Warranty
Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. or Carlson Wireless USA (collectively referred to as “Carlson“)
will repair this product with new or rebuilt parts, free of charge, in the United States or Puerto Rico
for one (1) year from the date of original purchase in the event of a defect in material or
workmanship.
This warranty extends to the original purchaser only. A purchase receipt or other proof of the date of
original purchase will be required before the rendering of warranty services. This warranty only
covers failures due to defects in materials or workmanship, which occur during normal use. It does
not cover damages incurred in shipment or failures caused by products not supplied by Carlson. It
also does not cover failures which result from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling,
misapplication, alteration, modification, lightning, power line surge, introduction of sand, dust,
humidity and/or liquids, or service by anyone other than a Carlson Factory Service Center or
authorized Carlson Service Center, or damage that is attributable to acts of God.
You can obtain mail-in service in the United States during the warranty period from a Carlson
Factory Service Center by visiting http://www.carlsonwireless.com/support/rma-request.html for an
RMA (Return Materials Authorization) number. After receiving your RMA number, ship your product
adequately packed, postage paid and insured to the address provided.
Attenuation
Amplitude reduction of an electrical signal
bps
Bits per second, the rate of at which data is transmitted
Byte
A digital “word” usually made up of eight bits
CPE or Client
Customer Premise Equipment or “Client Station”: An endpoint, usually at a customer’s location,
that connects to a network (or the Internet) via an Access Point/Base Station
Ethernet
A set of computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs)
IP
Internet Protocol: Provides for transmitting blocks of data between hosts identified by fixed-
length addresses
LAN
Local Area Network: A privately owned network that offers high-speed communications
channels connecting information processing equipment in a limited geographic area
Modulation
Process used to vary the properties of a carrier signal with a modulating signal
Packet
Data encapsulated with control information - the three principal elements of a packet include
the header, text, and trailer bits (for error detection and correction) - a header contains the data
needed to route the packet through a network to its final destination
Router
A network device used to forward data between multiple networks
Useful URLs
Carlson provides the following URLs for reference purposes only. This is not a comprehensive
source for this information. The purchaser must be familiar themselves with all relevant safety and/or
regulatory information prior to the operation of a RuralConnect® system. Carlson does not authorize
untrained and/or unqualified personnel to work on the system without the supervision of a qualified
technician.
Spectrum Registration
ICASA information regarding White Space Database Administration in South Africa
https://tvwhitespaces.icasa.org.za/public/about
ESD Protection
General information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_discharge
ESD Association
http://www.esda.org/
IPC: Association Connecting Electronics Industries
http://www.ipc.org/default.aspx
Cable Information
General Coaxial Cable information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_cable
General F Connector information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F_connector
Weatherproofing RF connections
http://www.dxengineering.com/pdf/WeatherProofingCoax-TechTip.pdf
RF Safety Information
FCC: Radio Frequency Safety
http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html
VHF/UHF Exposure information/warnings
http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html#Q17