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Antenna Installation 3-15
Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement
Optimizing RoamAbout Outdoor Antenna Placement
If an Access Point is connected to an outdoor directional antenna, the antenna must be
pointed directly at the antenna for the other Access Point. A misaligned antenna can
decrease the signal level or prevent communications. Aligning an omni-directional antenna
is less critical due to its wide radiation pattern. For optimal performance, make sure the
antennas are properly aligned:
• Use a pair of binoculars to point the antennas at each other.
• Analyze the quality of the radio link using the RoamAbout Access Point Manager.
The RoamAbout Access Point Manager provides a Link Test diagnostic tool that can help
you adjust the directional antenna to optimize the signal between Access Points. To test the
link between two Access Points that both use directional antennas, you may need one
person at each antenna and a method to communicate with those people. For details on
installing and using the Access Point Manager, refer to the RoamAbout 802.11 Wireless
Networking Guide.
To run the Link Test tool, perform the following steps:
1. There are two ways to access the Link Test window:
a) Highlight the Access Point client from the Managed List field in the AP
Manager main window and click on the Clients button.
b) Click on the Integrity pull-down menu in the AP Manager main window
and select Link Test. Select a client from the drop-down list.
2. Click on the Start Sampling button to start the Link Test.
3. To improve the signal strength, watch the SNR indicator and slowly move the antenna
in the direction that improves SNR. You may need have a person at the remote location
move the antenna while monitoring the SNR.
4. To stop the test, click the Stop Sampling button.