Ruralconnect Gen3: TV White Space Radio

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RuralConnect® Gen3

TV White Space Radio


User Manual
V1.0
Trademarks
RuralConnect® and the RuralConnect® logo are registered trademarks of Carlson Wireless
Technologies, Inc. (“Carlson”). Windows® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and other countries.

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]

Repair and Return


Carlson will replace or repair this product within one year from the date of shipment if it does not
meet published specifications, or if it fails while in service due to a manufacturer’s defect. You must
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) prior to returning equipment to Carlson. To submit
an RMA request, please contact Indigo Broadband Support.

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.

Proper Handling and Grounding

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The electronic components of the RuralConnect® equipment are sensitive to electrostatic discharge
(ESD). In order to prevent potential warranty voiding damage, you must use an adequately grounded
anti-static wrist strap when handling the equipment. It is also important to avoid the use of
conductive tools. In order to prevent electric shock, always disconnect the remote power source and
all cables from the system prior to disconnecting the grounding connection.

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

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Carlson Wireless
Technologies Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to ETSI EN 301 489-1 regulations. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Spectrum Database Registration Requirements


Per ICASA regulations, your RuralConnect® system must be enrolled with a certified White Space
Database (WSDB) prior to performing any bench tests and/or completing the final installation.

ETSI Regulatory Compliance Information


ETSI Identifiers:
OPA-RC3-BS (Base Station)
OPA-RC3-CPE (Client Station)
ETSI EN 301-598
470-694 MHz (TV channels 21-48) (South Africa)
Emission designators
8 MHz channels 6M00F1D

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

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 9
Scope of Manual .......................................................................................................... 9
Product Overview......................................................................................................... 9
2. System Planning ................................................................................................................10
Proper Handling ..........................................................................................................10
Grounding ...................................................................................................................10
Lightning Protection ....................................................................................................11
Cable Recommendations ............................................................................................11
Recommended Tools ..................................................................................................12
Computer Required.....................................................................................................12
Spectrum Management ...............................................................................................12
2.7.1. Unlicensed Operation using a White Space Database .........................................12
2.7.2. Licensed/Fixed-Channel Operation ......................................................................13
Carlson Knowledge Base ............................................................................................13
3. Receiving and Testing - Quick Start Guide ........................................................................14
Unpacking ...................................................................................................................14
Setting up the Bench...................................................................................................14
3.2.1. RF Connections ...................................................................................................14
3.2.2. Power & Network Connections ............................................................................14
Registration Information ..............................................................................................14
3.3.1. Base and CPE Registration Details......................................................................14
3.3.2. Owner & Operator Information .............................................................................15
Software Configuration ...............................................................................................15
3.4.1. Finding the Base Station on Your Network...........................................................15
3.4.2. Log into the GUI...................................................................................................16
3.4.3. Home Page ..........................................................................................................16
3.4.4. CPE Management ...............................................................................................17
3.4.5. Radio Manager ....................................................................................................17
Test Internet Connection .............................................................................................19
4. Base Station Graphical User Interface (GUI)......................................................................19
Connecting to the Base Station ...................................................................................23
Home ..........................................................................................................................23
4.2.1. User Accounts .....................................................................................................24
4.2.2. Radio Manager ....................................................................................................25
4.2.3. Contact Details ....................................................................................................26
4.2.4. GPS Details .........................................................................................................26
CPE Management.......................................................................................................27
4.3.1. Edit CPE Configuration ........................................................................................28
Ethernet Port...............................................................................................................29
4.4.1. Bridge Routing Table ...........................................................................................30
4.4.2. VLAN Details .......................................................................................................31
4.4.3. Interface status ....................................................................................................32
Traffic Shaping............................................................................................................33
SNMP .........................................................................................................................34
Application Software ...................................................................................................34
Key Parameters ..........................................................................................................35
5. CPE User Management Interface ......................................................................................36
Home Page .................................................................................................................36
LAN Configuration.......................................................................................................37

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5.2.1. DHCP Server .......................................................................................................37
Traffic Shaping............................................................................................................38
TVWS Status ..............................................................................................................39
6. Field-Testing and Installation .............................................................................................39
Professional Installers .................................................................................................39
Antenna Height and RF Exposure Warnings ...............................................................39
Outdoor Unit (ODU) ....................................................................................................39
6.3.1. Mounting the ODU ...............................................................................................40
RuralConnect® Antennas ............................................................................................40
6.4.1. Base Station Sector Antenna ...............................................................................40
6.4.2. Client Station Log Periodic Antenna.....................................................................41
Weatherproofing RF Connections ...............................................................................42
Antenna Alignment......................................................................................................43
Interference Solutions .................................................................................................44
Surge Protection .........................................................................................................44
6.8.1. RF Lightning Protection .......................................................................................44
6.8.2. Antenna Port Protection .......................................................................................45
6.8.3. Power-Over-Ethernet Surge Protection ................................................................46
7. Appendices ........................................................................................................................47
Specifications..............................................................................................................47
7.1.1. System.................................................................................................................47
7.1.2. Network ...............................................................................................................47
7.1.3. Regulatory ...........................................................................................................47
7.1.4. Environmental ......................................................................................................47
7.1.5. Security................................................................................................................47
7.1.6. Antenna ...............................................................................................................47
7.1.7. Mechanical ..........................................................................................................48
7.1.8. Power Supply.......................................................................................................48
Warranty .....................................................................................................................48
Acronyms/Abbreviations .............................................................................................49
Glossary .....................................................................................................................50
Useful URLs................................................................................................................51

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Figures
Figure 1: RuralConnect® Outdoor Unit .................................................................................................. 9
Figure 2: Security warning while attempting to access the GUI .......................................................... 16
Figure 3: GUI Login .............................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 4: System Status........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5: Setting up new CPE ............................................................................................................. 17
Figure 6: Manager Screen ................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 7: Location Screen .................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 8: Location Override Screen ..................................................................................................... 18
Figure 9: Setting Manual Location Details ........................................................................................... 18
Figure 10: PAWS Screen ..................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 11: Operator Details.................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 12: Radio Manager Passphrase ............................................................................................... 19
Figure 13: Base Station User Interface - Home Screen Flowchart ..................................................... 20
Figure 14: Base Station User Interface - Radio Manager Flowchart................................................... 21
Figure 15: Base Station User Interface - CPE Management Flowchart .............................................. 22
Figure 16: Base Station User Interface - Home Screen ...................................................................... 23
Figure 17: Base Station User Interface - User Accounts Screen ........................................................ 24
Figure 18: Base Station User Interface - Radio Manager Screen ....................................................... 25
Figure 19: Base Station User Interface - Setup Contact Details for PAWS White Space Database
(WSDB) ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Figure 20: Base Station User Interface - GPS Screen ........................................................................ 27
Figure 21: Base Station User Interface - CPE Management .............................................................. 27
Figure 22: Base Station User Interface - Setting up CPE Details ....................................................... 28
Figure 23: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port Setup Screen ................................................ 30
Figure 24: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port Bridge Routing.............................................. 31
Figure 25: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port VLAN Settings .............................................. 32
Figure 26: User Interface Ethernet Interface Status ............................................................................ 33
Figure 27: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping ........................................................ 33
Figure 28: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping Classes .......................................... 33
Figure 29: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping Device List...................................... 34
Figure 30: Base Station User Interface - CPE Traffic Shaping Screen ............................................... 34
Figure 31: Base Station User Interface - Traffic Shaping Confirmation Screen.................................. 34
Figure 32: Base Station User Interface - SNMP Setup Screen........................................................... 34
Figure 33: Application Software ........................................................................................................... 35
Figure 34: Base Station User Interface - Software Selection Screen ................................................. 35
Figure 35: Base Station User Interface - Key Parameters Logging .................................................... 35
Figure 36: CPE User Interface – Home Screen .................................................................................. 36
Figure 37: CPE User Interface – LAN Configuration Screen .............................................................. 37
Figure 38: CPE User Interface - Additional LAN Configuration Options ............................................. 37
Figure 39: CPE User Interface – DHCP Server Screen ...................................................................... 38
Figure 40: CPE User Interface – UL/DL Traffic Shaping ..................................................................... 38
Figure 41: CPE User Interface – Radio Status Screen ....................................................................... 39
Figure 42: Pole-mounted RuralConnect® Gen3 Unit .......................................................................... 39
Figure 43: ODU Mounting Kit ............................................................................................................... 40
Figure 44: Log Periodic Direction Antenna Radiation Pattern and Gain Chart ................................... 41
Figure 45: Step 1: Securing RF Cable to Radio or Antenna ............................................................... 42
Figure 46:Step 2: Seal the Connector Assembly ................................................................................ 42
Figure 47: Step 3. Covering Rubber Tape with Electrical Tape .......................................................... 43
Figure 48: Base Station RF Surge Protector Diagrams ...................................................................... 45
Figure 49: CPE RF Surge Suppressor ................................................................................................ 46
Figure 50: POE Surge Protector .......................................................................................................... 46

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Tables
Table 1: Sector Antenna Specifications .....................................................................................40
Table 2: Log Periodic Directional Antenna Specifications..........................................................41
Table 3: High-Value Base Station RF Surge Protector Specifications .......................................45
Table 4: CPE RF Surge Protector Specifications ......................................................................46
Table 5: 640-6550 POE Surge Protector Specifications ............................................................46

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1. Introduction
Scope of Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide professional planning and installation personnel with the
appropriate information and procedures required to install and operate the RuralConnect TV White
Space Broadband Radio and accessory equipment. In order to avoid harm to persons or damage to
the product, please ensure that you have read and understand the safety, unpacking, and
installation sections before proceeding.

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.

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Lightning Protection
Poorly grounded lightning protection is the same as having no protection at all!
Lightning is one of the most dangerous and most common natural hazards for outdoor wireless
systems such as the RuralConnect®. It is essential to install and maintain adequate lightning
protection for your equipment. Verified ground connections are imperative for lightning protection to
work correctly.
Primary lightning protection is located outside the enclosure. Install primary lightning protection with
a good ground on all RF and/or data connections that have even a moderate outdoor line build-out.
Best practices dictate all lines entering or exiting a building need protection. You must use protection
on both ends of the cables between buildings! Contact your sales representative for detailed
specifications and usage information for the primary lightning protection solutions available from
Carlson.
In areas with frequent lighting activity, augmenting the Client Station install with a nearby lightning
rod is strongly recommended. Lightning can unpredictably strike and miss the antenna mast
altogether, making contact with the underlying wiring/cabling instead. Lightning discharges into the
lowest impedance path to ground, i.e. earth. In many cases this will be the master ground in the
primary AC panel unless nearby grounding is installed.

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.

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Recommended Tools
These are the tools commonly used to set up and install a RuralConnect ® system. To ensure a
seamless installation, make sure you have these tools available.
 ESD protection gear
 Wrench set (metric)
 Socket set (metric)
 Screwdriver set (Phillips and Standard)
 Multimeter/multi-tester
 CAT5/CAT6 cable tester
 CAT5/CAT6 wire cutter/stripper tool(s)
 RG-6/RG-11 RF cable cutter/stripper and compression/termination tool(s)
 Butyl tape (Vapor Wrap®)
 Vinyl/electrical tape

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.

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
2.7.2. Licensed/Fixed-Channel Operation
ETSI Region 1 Domestic Operators (Africa)
Unless the system has been registered with a White Space Database (WSDB), it is necessary for
the equipment operator to hold an ICASA (South Africa) special issue license to operate in the UHF
band. Without a spectrum database, you will manually select the operating channel of the system.
Prior to powering your radios and conducting tests, you must have a list/map of allowable channels
specific to the Base Station and Client Station locations. To obtain a list of channels available in the
you need to connect to the relative Regulatory Authority to use one of the approved databases
hosted by Local Regulator -approved White Space Database providers:
South Africa - CSIR : https://whitespaces.csir.co.za

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.

Carlson Knowledge Base


Prior to unpacking your RuralConnect® equipment, we recommend reviewing the latest
documentation available on our Knowledge Base.
The online Carlson Knowledge Base contains a variety of useful articles that will help you get started
with your new RuralConnect® system. To access the Knowledge Base, open your web browser and
navigate to www.carlsonwireless.com. Hover your cursor over “Support” and click the “Knowledge
Base” link.
To access the Knowledge Base directly, follow the link below:
http://hosted.comm100.com/helpdesk/main/main.aspx?siteid=129483
If you are new to the Knowledge Base, click the “New to Register?” link. You will receive a
confirmation email with an activation link. Follow the link to finalize your registration and select an
initial password.
If you forgot your password, click the “Forgot Password?” link.

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3. Receiving and Testing - Quick Start Guide
This section outlines the needed steps to set up the software and conduct an initial bench test before
entering the field. Prior to starting these steps, you will need the following:
 A RuralConnect® Bench Test Kit
 Two (2) compatible computers
 Four (4) standard CAT5 Ethernet cables
 An Internet connection

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.

Setting up the Bench


Warning: do not power up a unit without proper cabling and attenuation. Failure to do so could result
in system damage that may void the warranty. You must have at least 60 dB of attenuation between
a RuralConnect® Base Station and each CPE.

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.

3.2.2. Power & Network Connections


From the “OUT” jack of each POE injector, run a CAT5 Ethernet cable (not supplied) to each unit to.
From the “IN” port of the Base Station POE injector, connect your LAN/Internet connection. Connect
your first computer to Local Area Network (LAN) to which the Base Station is connected. From the
“IN” port of the CPE POE injector, connect your other computer.
Connect each POE injector to a power source.
Wait two to three minutes for the system to initialize.

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.

3.3.1. Base and CPE Registration Details

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.

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Geolocation Details (Latitude/Longitude)
You must have each unit’s geolocation in decimal degrees. For radios not deployed, enter the
coordinates for their storage location.
NOTE: ETSI regulations mandate these values be accurate within 30 meters. International
regulations may vary.

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.

3.3.2. Owner & Operator Information


Where use of a spectrum database is required, contact information is required for both the owner
and operator of the equipment. This information is used to register each radio with a White Space
Database (WSDB).
NOTE: Registration details imply explicit responsibilities and are public record.
If you own and operate the equipment, you can enter the same information for both the owner and
operator details. You may want to specify a different “operator” contact, a lead technician that will be
responsible for the system hereon.
If your networks are operated by an organization that does not own the equipment, be sure the
owner and operator fields accurately detail the appropriate contacts.

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.

3.4.1. Finding the Base Station on Your Network


You may access the unit from your local network via an IP address or hostname.
IP Address
The local IP address of a Base Station can be static or assigned dynamically by your DHCP server.
If your unit came with a default IP address, it would include a paper and/or sticker with the address.
Otherwise, the unit is likely DHCP-enabled and you will need to determine its address.
Using the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), you can find the local IP address of a Base Station.
From a Windows PC open a command prompt and run the command “arp -a”. You will see a list of
IP and MAC addresses. Look for a MAC address starting with “ 70-b3-d5-17”. You can use the
corresponding IP address to connect to the Base Station.
This ARP method only works if your computer is on the same subnet as the Base Station and both
have shared information on that network. You can download and use a “ping scanner” utility to
search for the Base Station. For example, “Angry IP Scanner” is a free and open-source program

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that will ping any range of IP addresses to determine which, if
any, are active. Visit http://angryip.org to learn more.
The Client Station, or “CPE”, has a DHCP server running by
default. If the attached computer is configured to obtain an IP
address via DHCP, it will automatically obtain an IP address
from the CPE. The default IP address of the CPE is 192.168.2.1, accessible via URL:
https://192.168.2.1.

Figure 2: Security warning while


Hostname attempting to access the GUI
The hostname of a RuralConnect® Base Station is configured
at the factory and can be changed. The default Base Station hostname is “tvws_bs”. If your
computer and Base Station are hosted on a network with a local DNS server, you should be able to
access the unit via its hostname, using URL: https://tvws_bs.

3.4.2. Log into the GUI


Open a web browser and type the URL, starting with “https://” followed by the IP address or
hostname.
You may be prompted with a security warning.
Depending on your browser, you may need to choose an option to continue or ignore the error.
Some browsers allow or require you to add an exception for this particular address/machine. For
example, in Google Chrome you may get a warning that
states, “Your connection is not
private.” Toward the bottom of the
message, click “Advanced” and
then click “Proceed to {ip address
of your Base Station}.” In Firefox,
you may be directed to click “Add
Exception”. Once you click the
link, the details of the Base
Station security certificate will be
displayed. Click “Add Exception”
to continue.
Enter the default username Figure 4: BS Mac Add Figure 3: GUI Login
(“Admin”) and password (“Admin”) and click the “Log in” button.

3.4.3. Home Page


This page includes an overview of your TV White Space network, including some configuration and
status details.

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.

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CPE Status
Registered CPEs will be listed here. New systems should not have any CPEs listed.

3.4.4. CPE Management


From the navigation bar at the top of the GUI, click “CPE Management”.
Click the “New” button.
To the right of the “Hardware Address”, click the address field, enter the MAC address of your CPE
and then press “Enter” or click the green checkmark to save the value.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Close” Figure 4: Setting up new CPE
button.

3.4.5. Radio Manager


From the navigation bar at the top of the GUI, click “Radio Manager”.

Manager

Figure 5: Manager Screen


You should see a check in the “Enabled” box. The status must show “Channels allocated” to allow
the radio(s) to transmit.

Location
GPS-enabled units should show the number of GPS satellites visible from the Base Station.

Figure 6: Location Screen

Location & Antenna Height Manual Override

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If the unit is not GPS-enabled or no satellites are within range, click the “GPS Details” button at the
bottom of the Radio Manager Screen. Under “Location Manual Override”, check the box next to
“Use” and then click the green checkmark.

Figure 7: Location Override Screen


For both the latitude and the longitude click on the appropriate field, enter the value, and then click
on the green checkmark.

Figure 8: Setting Manual Location Details

Do not use the manual override function if GPS communication is available.


Once done, click the “Close” button.

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.

Figure 9: PAWS Screen


GPS-enabled units do not require you to enter geolocation details; however, registration with a
WSDB requires complete contact details. Per FCC Part 15H regulations, all White Space Devices
(WSDs) must be registered with a WSDB, including the contact details of the parties who own the
equipment and those responsible for its operation.
At the bottom of the Screen, click the “Contact Details” button and fill in every field. After you
complete a field, press “Enter” or click the green checkmark.

Figure 10: Operator Details


NOTE: These contact details define the parties responsible for the equipment and its use.
Additionally, these details are public record.

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Once you have completed all contact details, click the “Close” button at the bottom of the Screen.
After the PAWS registration and channel requests are complete, you should see “Channel list
available” in the Radio Manager PAWS “Message” field.

Configuration
For testing, leave a check in the box for both “Automatic Channel Selection” and “Enabled.” Enter a
Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Passphrase.

Figure 11: Radio Manager Passphrase


After making a change, press “Enter” or click the green checkmark.
Once the PAWS and wireless configuration details are complete, the Base Station should acquire
channels from the WSDB and begin transmitting. You should see a value next to “Center Frequency
(MHz)”.
Browse to the Home page to view the status of each sector and any connected CPEs.

Test Internet Connection


Open a web browser and navigate to a webpage of your choice. You may wish to visit your favorite
streaming or performance-testing site.
Repeat link verification steps for each Client Station.
Once you have verified the operational status of each unit, congratulations! You have completed
the first step in testing your new RuralConnect® system.

4. Base Station Graphical User Interface (GUI)


The following section provides an overview of the web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) that
operates within your Local Area Network (LAN). When used with a limited number of Base Stations,
the GUI provides a cost effective and simple way to manage the units both in the field and remotely.
We recommend you familiarize yourself with the GUI on the bench prior to outdoor testing and
deployment.
The flow charts below describe how you access the GUI, setup and maintain the system (see
Figures below):

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Figure 12: Base Station User Interface - Home Screen Flowchart

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Figure 13: Base Station User Interface - Radio Manager Flowchart

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Figure 14: Base Station User Interface - CPE Management Flowchart

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Connecting to the Base Station
To begin the login process, start by plugging the base unit into your Ethernet network.
You will use a web browser to connect to the web-based Graphical User Interface, or “GUI”. From a
computer on your LAN, open a web browser and browse to “http://{ip address}”. If you do not know
the IP address, or for more information, see Section 3.4.1: Finding the Base Station.

Home

Figure 15: Base Station User Interface - Home Screen


The first page shown after login is the Home page. Its primary purpose is to display summary
system, sector and link status information and allow access to the other status and configuration
pages. There are three sections:
At the top is a block containing system information. The host name and system location may be
changed by clicking on them and typing new values. There is also a button that allows an
administrator to manage the device’s accounts.
In the middle is a summary of the state of the radio sectors. There will be an entry for each radio
card installed in the system, the figure shows a base station fully populated with three. The sector
names may be changed here, but everything else is configured through the Radio Manager top
level page (accessed through the menu bar at the top).
At the bottom is a list showing the Customer Premise Equipment, or “CPEs”. that are currently
connected to this base station through the radio. More information and access to CPE configuration
is available on the CPE Management top level page (from the Menu Bar).

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4.2.1. User Accounts
Clicking the Home screen’s “User Accounts” button will display this page (see below):

Figure 16: Base Station User Interface - User Accounts Screen


New accounts may be created by pressing the “New User” button. This adds a line to the account
list. Usernames may be changed by clicking on them and typing a new name, as shown in the
figure. Accounts may be deleted by placing a tick in the check box on the left and clicking the
“Delete Users” button.
The password of a user may be changed here by clicking the “Change” button in the “Password”
column.
An account is allocated a set of privileges, shown in the “Rights” column. There are two levels,
“User” and “Administrator”. The general principle is that a “User” account only has sufficient rights to
be able to operate the system, while “Administrator” rights are required for installation and
commissioning.
Note that, as mentioned on the web page, the default “Administrator” account cannot be deleted nor
have its name or rights changed.

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4.2.2. Radio Manager
The Radio Manager top-level page allows the installation and commissioning of the base station.

Figure 17: Base Station User Interface - Radio Manager Screen


This page is divided into sections. At the top is the regulatory authority for which the base station is
constructed. This is set during manufacture and cannot be changed.
Next is the overall Radio Manager block. In normal operation, the Radio Manager should be
enabled. The Manager Status shows the current state of the radios. The status may be any one of
the following:

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.

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The third block shows a summary of the Location information. The antenna height above the
ground should be entered here; the height is used when communicating with the PAWS database.
More information regarding the state of the GPS module is available by clicking the “GPS Details”
button.
The PAWS block shows the state of the communication with the TV white space database system
and allows it to be configured. The provider should be set from the factory to the correct provider.
Some providers require an Application Programming Interface (API) key, which can also be entered.
In normal operation, the location of the CPE is also checked with the PAWS database, but removing
the tick from the Do CPE Location Checking checkbox can disable this. Finally, this block shows the
result of the PAWS communication. This will normally “indicate channel list available” if the
communication was successful.
Finally, there is the Configuration block at the bottom. In this block, each radio card’s configuration
can be set. If “Automatic Channel Selection” is checked, the system will choose the available
channel containing the lowest detected noise for each radio card.

4.2.3. Contact Details


At the bottom of the Radio Manager page, there is a button that allows the contact details to be
entered. These are required for the PAWS communication; some providers will reject transactions if
these are not filled in.

Figure 18: Base Station User Interface - Setup Contact Details for PAWS White Space Database (WSDB)

4.2.4. GPS Details


This page, accessed from the Radio Manager page, shows details of the operation of the GPS
module. There is also provision for a manual override: tick the Use checkbox and enter a desired
location in the Latitude and Longitude boxes.
At the bottom of the GPS Details page, the communications with the GPS module is shown. If there
is nothing scrolling, verify the GPS antennas has a clear view of the sky. For assistance, contact
Carlson Technical Support.

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Figure 19: Base Station User Interface - GPS Screen

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.

Figure 20: Base Station User Interface - CPE Management


The CPE Management page consists of a list of CPE that are connected and/or configured. The
figure shows three connected and configured CPE.
A CPE can be pre-provisioned by clicking the “New CPE” button. This displays the Edit CPE
Configuration page (described below).

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Enter the MAC address of the CPE (it is the MAC address that is used to globally identify CPE)
along with other appropriate configuration.
A CPE can also be provisioned once it is connected. A CPE that is connected to the base station
that does not have provisioning information will appear in the list without the configuration columns.
Place a tick in that CPE’s select check box and click the “Configure CPE” button. This will once
again show the CPE Configuration page, although this time the hardware address will be filled in.
Placing a tick mark in the CPE’s select check box and clicking CPE Details can access the same
panel for an already configured CPE.
A CPE can be deleted by ticking its select check box and clicking the “Delete CPE” button.
Confirmation is requested for this operation. If currently connected to the base station, the CPE will
lose its configuration and disconnect.
Finally, the traffic shaping configuration for a CPE can be accessed by selecting the CPE and
clicking Traffic Shaping. The operation of the traffic shaping system is described in a later section.

4.3.1. Edit CPE Configuration


This sub-page shows the configuration and status details of a selected CPE.

Figure 21: Base Station User Interface - Setting up CPE Details


The first block on this page shows the CPE MAC address. This can only be changed if you are pre-
provisioning a CPE before it connects.

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Next is the Main Router mode. There are three modes: NAT Router, Router and Bridge.

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.

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Figure 22: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port Setup Screen
In addition to the Port Configuration function, there are buttons at the bottom of the page that
provide access to other Ethernet related Screens.

4.4.1. Bridge Routing Table


The base station contains a learning bridge that is used to route traffic between the Ethernet port
and the radios. This page shows the Ethernet MAC addresses learned and ports to route Ethernet
frames for each.

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Figure 23: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port Bridge Routing

4.4.2. VLAN Details


The base station has basic support for 802.1q VLAN tagging. This sub-page allows the VLAN
configuration of the Ethernet and radio ports to be specified. In addition, packet counts on each port
are shown, which is sometimes useful for diagnosing issues.

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Figure 24: Base Station User Interface - Ethernet Port VLAN Settings

4.4.3. Interface status


The Interface Status sub-page indicates the connection state and speed of the Ethernet
connection.

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Figure 25: User Interface Ethernet Interface Status

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.

Figure 26: Base Station User Interface - UL/DL Traffic Shaping

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

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The bottom of this page shows a list of devices that the base station is going to enforce MIR and CIR
for. This will get populated automatically once classes have been assigned to CPE devices.

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.

Figure 31: Base Station User Interface - SNMP Setup Screen

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.

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Figure 32: Application Software

Follow the instructions on the page to upload a new version and reboot to run it.

Figure 33: Base Station User Interface - Software Selection Screen


An application load contains software that runs on the base station, as well as software that runs on
the CPE. CPE software is controlled via the CPE Configuration page.

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

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base station roughly once every 10 seconds, so higher sample rates for these parameters make little
sense.
Clicking the “Download CSV File” button will download a comma-separated values file containing the
parameters from your browser. This file can then be loaded into Excel or similar programs.
Some of the parameters that are available accumulate. For example, the packet count for the
Ethernet port. The “Reset Accumulating Parameters” button will reset these parameters back to
zero.
The “Clear Stored Data” button deletes all samples the base station has collected and starts the
collection again.

5. CPE User Management Interface


The CPE provides a similar set of web pages as the base station to allow local monitoring and
configuration. Setting a CPE up and connecting a browser to it is a little different.
The factory default state for the CPE Ethernet port is a fixed IP address of 192.168.2.1 and subnet
mask of 255.255.0.0. Configure a PC Ethernet port for another address in this subnet and connect
an Ethernet cable directly from the PC to the CPE Ethernet port. Open a browser on the PC and
enter the URL “https::/192.168.2.1”. This should bring you to a similar login page to the base station
(after the same issues with the browser and the self-signed certificate).
The default username and password is the same as for the base station. Username is “Admin” and
password is “Admin.” Once you successfully log in, you will arrive at the Home page.

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.

Figure 35: CPE User Interface – Home Screen

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LAN Configuration
The configuration of the LAN port is carried out in a similar manner to the base station’s Ethernet
port. Usually, the CPE is the router device on the LAN, so it will be configured with a static IP
address, often “.1” in the desired subnet. If the CPE is configured by the base station for bridging
mode, the LAN configuration is ignored, and the CPE’s WAN address will be accessible through the
LAN port. To change the configuration, follow the instructions on the Screen.

Figure 36: CPE User Interface – LAN Configuration Screen

LAN Configuration Buttons - CPE


The page also has buttons for the Routing Table (see 4.4.1), Interface Status (see 4.4.3) and
VLAN Details (see 4.4.2); all identical in operation to the base station. Finally, there is a button for
the DHCP Server.

Figure 37: CPE User Interface - Additional LAN Configuration Options

5.2.1. DHCP Server


The CPE provides a DHCP server that can be configured to supply IP addresses to devices on the
LAN in NAT Router and Router modes. This feature is disabled in Bridge mode; the central DHCP
server on the WAN will be available in this case.
The first part of the page allows the user to define the range of addresses that can be allocated.
Make sure the range of addresses is in the same subnet as the CPE LAN port address, but that the
LAN port address is not actually in the range. The lease period is usually 86,000 seconds (just under
24 hours).
The second part of the page lists the addresses that have currently been allocated by the DHCP
server.

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Figure 38: CPE User Interface – DHCP Server Screen

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 39: CPE User Interface – UL/DL Traffic Shaping

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TVWS Status
The CPE radio’s status is monitored through the TVWS
Status page. The few items of radio configuration are
also on this page. The main ones are the SSID and
Passphrase, which must match the base station
configuration.
Part of the acquisition sequence the CPE goes through is
a survey of available channels. The results of this are
shown near the bottom of the page.
Finally, there is a “GPS Details” button that shows the
state of the on-board GPS module. This page is identical
to the base station.

Figure 40: CPE User Interface – Radio Status


Screen

6. Field-Testing and Installation


Professional Installers
RuralConnect® radios and antennas can only be installed by professionally trained personnel.

Antenna Height and RF Exposure Warnings


RuralConnect® installations must adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations. Failure to follow
those guidelines could result in costly fines, damage to the equipment, and/or inadequate RF
protection for end users. Per ETSI regulations, antennas used with fixed TV Band devices may not
be more than 30 meters above ground level, or 250 meters above average terrain. All persons are
required to maintain at least a 40 cm distance from the device; additional hardware may be required
to ensure that separation. All regulatory compliance requirements related to the installation and
operation of RuralConnect® devices are the sole responsibility of the operator.

Outdoor Unit (ODU)


RuralConnect® Gen3 radio uses external antennas that operate
over the entire UHF band (470 MHz to 790 MHz). Speak to your
Indigo Sales Representative about the antenna selection available.
Clients connect to a Base Station via a UHF radio signal. Due to
the unique propagation characteristics of signals in the UHF band,
good connections are generally possible even if there is a non-line-
of-sight path to the Base Station. Once a link to the Base Station is
established, clients provide local network access via a standard
Ethernet connection.
The top plate of the ODU has one or more RF ports, while the
bottom plate has an Ethernet port. Client Stations also have LEDs
to indicate signal strength. Figure 41: Pole-mounted
RuralConnect® Gen3 Unit

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6.3.1. Mounting the ODU
Installers will use pole/wall mounting kit (part #: 900-7220) to install the RuralConnect ® ODU. Most
installs will mount the unit directly behind or below the antenna, with grounded inline surge
protection.
The mounting bracket allows installation using poles with a diameter up to 50mm.
Using the 900-7220 mounting kit, follow the below instructions for pole
mounting the RuralConnect® ODU:
1. Attach the mounting flanges to the enclosure using the 10-32
x 20mm” Bolts, and Nylock® hex nuts.
2. Tighten the hex nuts to a maximum of 2.71Nm. Do not over
tighten!
3. Position the enclosure on the pole.
4. Place the U-Bolts around the pole and slide the pipe flanges
over them with the serrated sides facing the pole.
5. Apply an anti-seizing compound to the threads of the U-Bolts.
6. Slide the mounting flanges (now attached to the enclosure)
over the U-Bolts and secure those using the 8mm lock
washers and 8mm hex nuts.
7. Tighten the 8mm nuts. Do not over tighten!
Figure 42: ODU Mounting Kit
RuralConnect® Antennas
The following ETSI - authorized antennas are available for use with the RuralConnect ® in the United
States. Currently, no other manufacturer produces antennas authorized for use with the
RuralConnect®. For 360-degree coverage, you will use three (3) 120-degree Carlson Sector
Antennas (model # 053-470-786-75-8), each connected to one of the three Base Station radios. For
the Client Station, you will use the Carlson Log Periodic Antenna (model # 057-470-786-8-F).

6.4.1. Base Station Sector Antenna


The RuralConnect® Sector Antenna (model # 053-470-786-75-8) includes a female F-type connector
and heavy-duty mounting bracket (part # 920-7215) for mounting to a pole with a diameter up to
55mm.

Model Number 053-470-786-75-8


Antenna Type 2-Bay sector
Beam width 120 degrees
Polarity Vertical
Antenna Connector “F” type female 75 Ohms
Frequency Range 470-790 MHz
Gain 8 dBi
Weight & Dimensions 3.6Kg – 24cm x 43cm x 25cm
Mounting Kit Part # 920-7215
Pole Mast 25mm – 55mm
Table 1: Sector Antenna Specifications

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Mounting Sector Antenna
Using the 920-7215 mounting kit, follow these instructions for pole mounting the Sector Antenna:
1. Attach the mount plate
a. Place the U-bolts around the bottom section of the antenna and place the mount
saddles over them the curved side facing the antenna.
b. Keeping the mount plate perpendicular to the antenna, slide the U-bolts into the
mount plate and fasten them using the 6mm flat washers and Nylock ® nuts. Do not
over tighten!

2. Attach to mounting pole:


a. Place the V-bolts over mounting pole and slide the V-clamp pipe flanges onto the
bolts with the serrated sides facing the pole.
b. Apply an anti-seizing compound to the threads of the V-bolts.
c. Slide the V-bolts into the antenna mount plate and fasten them using the 8mm flat
washers, lock washers and nuts. Do not over tighten!

6.4.2. Client Station Log Periodic Antenna


The log periodic directional antenna (model #: 057-470-862-10.5-F) includes a female F-type
connector and a heavy-duty mounting bracket for mounting to a pole with a diameter up to 60mm.
Below are the specifications for the log periodic antenna:

Model Number 057-470-862-10.5-F


Antenna Type Log Periodic
Polarity Vertical or Horizontal
Front-to-back-ratio 36 dB
Return Loss -15 dB
Beamwidth (-3 dB) +/- 28 degrees
Maximum Mast Diameter 60 mm
Antenna Connector “F” type female 75 Ohms
Frequency Range 470-862 MHz
Gain 10 - 11 dBi
Weight & Dimensions 1kg – 38cm x 35cm
Table 2: Log Periodic Directional Antenna Specifications

Figure 43: Log Periodic Direction Antenna Radiation Pattern and Gain Chart

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Mounting Log Periodic Antenna
Installers mount the log periodic antenna with the elements vertically aligned. Use the included pole
mounting kit and instructions.

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.

Step 1: Connect Cable Assembly to Antenna or Enclosure


Attach the RF cable F-type male connector to the F-type female connector of the antenna or
enclosure. Ensure connections are clean and dry, then hand-tighten the connector firmly.

F-Type Female
Connector

F-Type Male 75-Ohm Coax


Connector

Figure 44: Step 1: Securing RF Cable to Radio or Antenna

Step 2: Seal the Connector Assembly


Tightly wrap the connectors with one layer of electrical tape and
extend 15mm beyond the F-Type male connector. This step is
highly recommended, as it will make removal of the
weatherproofing faster, easier and cleaner.
Tightly wrap the connectors with two layers of butyl tape. Note:
The butyl tape should seal entire connection and extend 40mm
beyond the F-Type male connector (25mm beyond electrical
tape). It is important to cover all of the underlying electrical tape, Figure 45:Step 2: Seal the Connector
or water could creep in underneath the vapor wrap. Assembly

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Step 3: Cover Rubber Tape with Electrical Tape
Tightly wrap the rubber tape with two layers of electrical tape to Electrical Tape
protect the vapor wrap. The electrical tape should extend 25mm
beyond the vapor wrap to ensure full coverage. You can easily
remove the weatherproofing by cutting down one side of the
wrap and peeling it away.

Figure 46: Step 3. Covering Rubber


Tape with Electrical Tape
Antenna Alignment
Omni-Directional Base Station Antenna
While Omni-directional antennas do not require alignment, you must consider placement concerns.
Avoid mounting adjacent to a metal object when possible. When mounting to the side of a tower,
always use a standoff of one meter or more. Place the mount toward the top of the standoff pole.
For cabling, always mount securely near the antenna and use a small jumper coax cable to avoid
tension on the antenna connections. Always use cable service loops to mitigate water damage and
allow slack for future service.

Client Station Antenna


The available log periodic antenna allows simple mounting and alignment. This antenna is vertically
aligned (elements perpendicular to the ground). The CPE antenna has a horizontal beamwidth up to
28 degrees. In most conditions, simply powering up the radio with an attached antenna will provide
enough signal strength to establish a link with the Base Station.

Initial Antenna Alignment


While you do not need line of sight between radios, careful alignment will ensure maximum
performance. Here are several methods that have worked for installers:
Aim towards the Base Station antenna.
Plot out the path on a topographical map and set the antennas using a compass
In non-line-of-sight installations, the signal will be travelling around obstructions. Aim the CPE
antenna toward the nearest clearing next to/between obstructions.
How closely aligned do the antennas need to be? With the wide beam width of the log periodic
antenna, rated performance can be achieved at +/- 28 degrees, while best performance can be
achieved at +/-5 degrees.

Receive Signal Level Indicator (RSSI) Lights (on new models)


The CPE has RSSI LEDs on the bottom of the enclosure to help the installer align the CPE antenna
during testing and installation. The “sweet” spot is usually between two points where the LEDs
indicate a lower signal. For example, if you see two solid lights both at 270-degrees and 180-
degrees, but the third light comes on between both points, your best signal will be around 225-
degrees.

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Precision Antenna Alignment & Performance Testing
Network performance fluctuates naturally with link performance. In short, you can test and find the
best performance with the best antenna alignment. Try a continuous round-trip latency/ping test. To
perform this test in Windows, open a command prompt and send the command “ping -t {ip address}”.
For the IP address, use a network device at or near the Base Station. Align the antenna until you
find the lowest, most consistent ping times.
Test the link throughput using your speed test of choice. Run this test three or more times and note
the results. Move the CPE antenna a few degrees askew and test again. Skew the antenna the other
direction a few degrees and test again. Keep performing these tests until you find the antenna
alignment that provides the best network performance.

Management Interface Signal Level Values


Over a longer period, the web interface will provide you with averaged/time-lapsed information about
the signal level of each link as it fluctuates. During deployment, you may find in some cases stronger
signals (more lights) in multiple directions. During alignment, the uplink signal (not indicated on the
LEDs) will be different between these points. The web interface can help you determine if the
antenna needs to be realigned for an improved uplink.

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.

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For protecting the radio from power surges,
Carlson stocks both coaxial and POE
lightning surge suppressors as primary
lightning protection. These are optional items,
sold separately and included in all general
system quotes.
In-line protectors mount in series with the
coaxial cable, data or power line, which
provides an excellent solution for a retrofit
application. The installer will ground the
protector using the external ground screw
attached to the body of the surge protector.

6.8.2. Antenna Port Protection


Normally mounted high on a tower, antennas
are subject to lightning surges when lightning
strikes. Alternately, lightning can strike near a
tower, and a momentary potential difference
of thousands of volts can exist between the
tower ground and other nearby ground
systems, causing current surges through
ground and antenna wiring.

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.

Figure 47: Base Station RF Surge Protector Diagrams

High-Value Base Station RF Surge Protector

Carlson Part Number 650-6560


Surge Rating 50 kA IEC 61000-4-5 8/20 us waveform 500 J
Turn-On +/- 20%
Turn-On Time 2.5 ns for 2 kV/ns
Power HF 100W, VHF 100W, UHF 25W
Frequency Range 4-900 MHz
VSWR <= 1.2:1 over frequency range
Insertion Loss <= 0.2 dB over frequency range
Temperature -45 C to +85 C storage/operating +50 C
Table 3: High-Value Base Station RF Surge Protector Specifications

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
CPE RF Surge Protector

Carlson Part Number 640-6565


Frequency Range 5-1000 MHz
Insertion Loss <1 dB
Return Loss >18 dB
DC Breakdown Voltage 120 min, 297 max
Surge Current (10 Operations 8/20µS) 10 kA
Capacitance 2 pF max
Impedance Match 75 Ohms
Table 4: CPE RF Surge Protector Specifications Figure 48: CPE RF Surge
Suppressor
6.8.3. Power-Over-Ethernet Surge Protection
Up tower radios, including the CPE, should have primary lightning
protection installed at both ends of the POE line if the wiring
travels outside or between buildings. It is critical to install primary
protection at the customer end of the wiring to prevent possible
electrocution of the customer when lightning strikes near the
equipment. If the radio is not powered, the Ethernet and RF
connections should be disconnected to protect the circuitry.

640-6550 POE Surge Protector


Figure 49: POE Surge Protector
Part #: 650-6550
The 640-6550 POE Surge Protector is not enclosed for outdoor mounting, though an optional plastic
enclosure is available.
Carlson Part Number 640-6550
Operating Voltage Data 5V; POE 48V
Clamping Voltage 7.5V Data (Pins 1,2,3,6), 70V POE (Pins 4,5,7,8)
Max Surge Discharge Current 10KA (8/20 µS)
Peak Pulse Current 100A (10/1000 µS)
Pins Protected All 8 Pins
Protection Mode Differential & Common Mode L-L, L-G
Insulation Resistance >1000 M Ohm
Max Shunt Capacitance <25 pF
Data Rate 100 Mbps
Response Time <5 ns
Operating Temperature -20 to +60°C
Storage Temperature -20 to +80°C
Operating Humidity 0% to 95% non-condensing
Size (L x W x H) 68 x 25.4 x 25.4 mm
Size (overall) 82 x 25.4 x 25.4 mm
Weight 68 g
Ground Wire 16 AWG, 26 cm long
Connectors RJ45 Shielded Jacks
Table 5: 640-6550 POE Surge Protector Specifications

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Copyright© 2021 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
7. Appendices
Specifications
7.1.1. System
Frequency Bands UHF 470-790 MHz (US and ETSI)
Channel Spacing 6 MHz (US), 8 MHz (ETSI)
Modulation BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM
RF Data Rates 1.8 up to 32 Mb/s
RF Data Rate Control Dynamic or Fixed
RF Receive Interface Proprietary technology is used to reduce
co-channel interference
RF Rx Sensitivity -98 dBm for 10% PER using BPSK
-90 dBm for 10% PER using 16QAM ½
-80 dBm for 10% PER using 64QAM 5/6
-73 dBm for 10% PER using 256QAM 5/6
RF Rx Blocking Resistance -48 dBm TV transmission on channel N+2
-20 dBm cellular station transmissions
RF Rx Signal Maximum -16 dBm with full linearity
Channel Access Method CSMA (Carrier Sensing Multiple Access)
User Ports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Ethernet Cable Connection- required Cat 6 or 6a (8 pins, with ground)
Warranty Limited Warranty, USA, Puerto Rico

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

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7.1.7. Mechanical
Dimensions 19cm x 8,25cm x 22,8cm
Enclosure Material Painted steel
Weight 2,5kg
Mounting 25mm – 50mm vertical mast

7.1.8. Power Supply


Input Voltage 100-240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Output Voltage 48 VDC (CPE), 56 VDC (Base Station)
Current Draw - Base Station Tx: 25W, Rx: 9W, Idle: 7W
Current Draw - Client Station Tx: 15W, Rx: 8W, Idle: 6W
Output Connector Type 8P8C “RJ45” Power-over-Ethernet (POE)

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.

Limits and Exclusions


There are no express warranties except as listed above.
CARLSON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS
WARRANTY. ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE
APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or a
limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply
to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which vary from
state to state. If a problem with this product develops during or after the warranty period, you may
contact your dealer or service center.

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Acronyms/Abbreviations
16QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16-states)
256QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (256-states)
64QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (64-states)
API Application Programming Interface
BPSK Binary Phase-Shift Keying
BS Base Station
CPE Customer Premises Equipment (Client Station)
dB Decibel
DL Downlink
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
FTDI Future Technology Devices International
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou)
GUI Graphical User Interface
IP Internet Protocol
LAN Local Area Network
NAT Network Address Translation
OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
OMC Operations and Management Center
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PAWS Protocol to Access White Space
PER Packet Error Rate
POE Power Over Ethernet
QPSK Quadrature Phase-shift Keying
RF Radio Frequency
RG-11 75-Ohm Cable Standard (1.63 mm core with triple/quad shielding)
RG-6/U 75-Ohm Cable Standard (1.0 mm core with double shielding)
RMA Return Materials Authorization
Rx Receive
STA Special Temporary Authority
SU Subscriber Unit
TVWS TV White Space
Tx Transmit
UL Uplink
USB Universal Serial Bus
VLAN Virtual Local Access Network
WAN Wide Access Network

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Glossary
Access Point
A device that allows a wireless device (or multiple devices) to connect to a network (or the
Internet)

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

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Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)
A digital multi-carrier modulation method used with Fast Fourier Transform algorithms to achieve
very high throughput and increase spectral efficiency

Special Temporary Authority (STA)


A temporary broadcast license that allows a broadcast station to operate outside of its normal
technical or legal parameters

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

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Tower Safety Information
Tower installation crews MUST be adequately trained, licensed, and properly equipped with all of the
safety equipment required by law. Failure to follow federal and/or local regulations may result in
warranty voiding equipment damage, personal injury, fines, and/or the loss of applicable licenses.
Information provided here is strictly for reference purposes.
OSHA Guidelines: Part 1910 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_level=1&p_part_
number=1910

South African Health and Safety Act of 1993


General Tower Safety Guide
http://homepower.com/view/?file=HP128_pg66_Woofenden
General TV White Space information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_spaces_(radio)

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