Building a 5.2 GHz Canopy network for a village or enterprise
Typical task: there is a village, a quarry or an enterprise territory where optics are expensive or nowhere to pull, and many points need communication. The solution is PtMP-network: one mast with access points in the center, subscriber modules for customers. Classic kit for this - Motorola Canopy 5.2 GHz: point 5200APG plus modules 5250SMBC.
Centre: mast with sectors
The access point looks at its 60° sector. Six points on the mast close the circle. To prevent the sectors from interfering with each other, Canopy has GPS synchronization: all points transmit and receive in one stroke over a satellite clock. Up to 200 subscribers sit on one point.
Subscriber: module on the wall or mast
The client puts a subscriber module: up to 3.2 km it works on its own, up to 25 km - with a plate reflector. The condition is the same and strict: direct visibility on the mast. The 5.2 GHz range barely passes through obstacles, but it has less interference from household networks than 2.4 GHz.
What to count in advance
The height of the mast and the visibility of subscribers, the number of sectors on the rose directions, the band: 10 Mbit/s radio signalling rate; usable throughput is lower per point is divided between its subscribers. And the estimate outside the boxes: mast, power supply 24 V, cable, lightning protection, alignment - discussed in the article 5 GHz Radio Bridge Kit. If the subscriber is one and far away - perhaps you need not PtMP, but a point-to-point bridge: the difference in the technical guide "PtP or PtMP".
FAQ
How many subscribers does one Canopy mast cover? Up to 200 subscriber modules per access point; six points on the mast cover the 360° circle.
What is the range of the 5.2 GHz Canopy network? Up to 3.2 km from the mast without a reflector at the subscriber, up to 25 km - with a plate reflector, with a line of sight.
What is 5.2 GHz better than 2.4 GHz? There is less interference from home networks; but the signal does not pass through obstacles, you need direct visibility.
When is the PtP Bridge needed instead of PtMP? When the subscriber is one and far away: a pair of point-to-point devices will give a dedicated link without dividing the band.
Village, base and industrial site: different subscriber schedules
For several buildings at a base on the Irtysh near Tobolsk, first mark the central node and the facilities that actually need connections on the site plan. Record each subscriber’s requirements: workstations, cameras, operational data or other equipment. The number of buildings does not replace a list of network connections and planned data traffic.
For an industrial site near Chelyabinsk, separately identify modules to retain, possible mounting locations and maintenance access. Replacing one subscriber unit and expanding the entire network are different purchases. List radio equipment, power supplies, installation and LAN connections separately in the quotation. A place name identifies the project location; without site data, it does not establish line of sight or link performance.
