I know you all know I once talked about the WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) architecture on an earlier blog. This is a continuation on the blog post and it is written as a request from an esteemed and devoted reader – Michael Namai. Ok. Mike, I hope your mind is fresh and ready for this:
I hope you already know about the theoretical part of the architecture if not then click #here. If yes then let’s continue. I have categorized the blog into different subtitle headers based on the questions you had asked for and Ill be talking extensively on the different needs to setting up the WISP. This is an after basic blog.
MINI BASE STATION
Based on your request, you asked me to write about the ISPAIR mini-BTS that is under the Netkrom products.
- Base Station Module
There are different Base Station modules under Netrkrom and the type is needed is based on your needs and what you aim to target. In my own opinion you should highly consider the ISPAIR Multi-band Base Station 500 series.
ISPAIR BTS - 500 Series modules
For full description on the above product click here
- Base Station Antennas
Antennas are important as they are used to boost the sector distance. Installing Antennas should be done professionally as there are so many factors to be considered. See below antenna pictures.
Already installed Antennas
Antennas should be offered with the ISPAIR on request or you can buy them on the black market # contact me for some black market pricing.
- Base Station Mesh
The Mesh is what holds the outdoor gadgets together and this design is ideally yours. You might want to buy an already existing Mesh or Design your own on the jua kali market. However, there is no relevance in wasting so much money on this as you can always mount it anywhere. As long as it is stable and tight. picture examples;
Netkrom Module on a Straight tower
CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT (CPE)
This equipment is installed at the cutomers premise as an access point to your Base Station. There are several types and my advice is either to the 500 series or 510 series. Pictures and link Below
500 Series CPE
Click here for pricing and reviews of this product
510 Series Netkrom CPE
Click here for pricing and reviews of this product.
I advice you to get the 510 series CPE. Since you target a client base of around 200 cutomers, you will need to have 200 of this sets that you can either sell or lease to customers.
COMPUTER AS A YOUR SERVER
A Computer is necessary in the WISP setup because of these reasons:
- Initial configuration and maintenance of the WISP Base Station
In order for the Base Station to function it has to be configured and set up with the desired access name, passwords and frequencies. For this to happen, you have to install the Base Station access CD on a computer to establish a connection to the BTS. This offers you the BTS software that is used to set up the BTS and manipulate it as desired.
Another reason is for maintenance purposes. LED observation (viewing of hardware lights) is not enough for BTS maintenance and this might lead to incomplete diagnosis. For this reason, you will need a computer so as to view the hardware problems via the software. (The BTS software is able to show you faults and how to diagnose them).
- Mapping and Maintenance of Client CPEs
Another reason for having a computer is to enable remote access of client CPEs for mapping purposes# mapping is the process of enabling a client CPE associate with the Internet server at the main station. This mapping process is possible after the CPE has been associated with the Access Point BTS.
Maintaining a client is the hardest part of the work and this tests your customer support capabilities. If a customer has link problems you will be able to view and manipulate the CPE remotely from the main side, thanks to the Access Point Software. If customers CPE needs to be disconnected because of payment reasons, you will not have to go to the clients premise and take the CPE, all you need to do is disallow the CPE Mac address from getting internet connection.
There is not need of a special type of computer to do all this work but a strong computer with proper memory is needed. Remember, “If the software goes down, the client goes down” and this will lead to customer frustration which, trust me, I wouldn’t want you to deal with. For this reasons the best computer is needed
On my view, a HP is a good brand and maintaining it is quite easy, it is meant for resilience purposes and the new version of it is good. Click here to view the new HP.
Remember, the computer needs a backup system that backups the software on a timely manner. Backing up saves against loss of data in case of any problems. You can use an external drive to backup your data on a 12 hour basis. #contact me for more on that..hiyo ni kazi ya kando…lol
ROUTER
A Cisco router is a must need product for security reasons. A normal router would allow hackers like us into your system thus making it vulnerable. There are several Cisco router models and even though some have high capabilities, we are only setting our mind on access lists; access lists are used to define the number of IPs that can access the network.
cisco 871 series router
Cisco 871 front View
Several ports on a Cisco 871, the router does not allow scalability so you will need a switch to expand your local network
You can use the Cisco Partner locator page to know a cisco router dealer near you. Clickhere
Click here for this router deal in Kenya
CABLING
A networking cable is needed to interconnect your gadgets. There are several cables and most cables are not certified for BTS usage. Cables I can advice are shielded cat6e cables or an armoured and shielded cat5e cable which is mostly used in a BTS setup. See pictures below:
When choosing a cable ensure it is a shielded type so as to avoid interferences which in turn affects the system transmission.
Cat 5e Shielded and Guarded Cable
INTERNET LINK
If you want to offer internet services to your customers you will need to have a good and dedicated internet link. The link should be at least 512 kbps and an infinite at most. When choosing an internet link ensure you choose an ISP that has built its reputation in the ISP market.
However, If you want to offer point to point or point to multipoint services to your customers, you do not require an internet link; maybe for personal usage.
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
Even though this is categorized under add on features on your WISP setup, it is essential for ensuring loss of data and also protecting your systems from power surges.
SERVER RACK
This is also categorized under add on materials #it is not a primary requirement in the setup. It is simply used to neaten up the workplace and make the environment spacious thus easy troubleshooting and tagging especially of cables.
See Below the complete outdoor setup diagram. Coutersy of Netkrom
WISP Outdoor Setup
I hope this has helped you know the after basic essentials. I know I have not included any pricing but I will do so immidiately my price research comes through. I want to direct you the best deals in town.
I can also be available to assist in the setup as long as you are ready to pay me and carter all expenses # its so negotiable. Cheers!
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