Light fog or precipitation may result in noticeable degradation of wireless network performance. Heavy
precipitation or fog may result in severe performance degradation and possible loss of network
connectivity.
If the performance of a well-functioning network is degraded by worsening weather conditions, it may be
advisable to add BreadCrumbs to the network to act as short haul repeaters to counteract the effects of
the weather. An alternative is to move the BreadCrumbs closer together.
4.3.4 Interference
RF interference can degrade network performance. RF interference can come from various sources,
including:
Other BreadCrumbs that are placed too closely together.
Other RF devices, such as microwave devices, cordless phone base stations, radio transmitters, other
wireless networks, jamming devices, etc.
Metal surfaces, such as fences and buildings, can cause radio waves to be reflected, causing multi-
path interference.
Caution
Caution
Plan the BreadCrumb wireless network to minimize the e
ffects of RF interference.
Plan the BreadCrumb wireless network to minimize the effects of RF interference.
4.3.5 Placement of Mesh Components
The placement of BreadCrumbs has a major impact on maximum effective range and, therefore, network
performance. Each component must be elevated above the surrounding terrain to allow for adequate
wave propagation. A device that is placed directly on the ground has a significantly reduced effective
range. Elevating a device above the ground dramatically increases the maximum effective range. Rajant
recommends elevating each component a minimum of 6 feet above the surrounding terrain.
4.4 Deployment Guidelines and Methodology
This section addresses the actual on-site deployment of the mesh. While by no means an exhaustive trea-
tise, this section is intended as a good source of guidelines and methodology for the successful deploy-
ment of a mesh in the field.
4.4.1 Deployment Guidelines
Follow these guidelines when deploying the mesh:
1. Placement of BreadCrumbs
a. Directly on the ground, the maximum distance between two successive BreadCrumbs is approx-
imately 300 feet.
b. Directly on the ground, the maximum distance between a wireless client and the nearest
BreadCrumb is approximately 300 feet.
c. Elevate a BreadCrumb above the surrounding terrain whenever possible.
d. Rajant recommends elevating a BreadCrumb a minimum of 6 feet for maximum range.
e. Elevating a BreadCrumb as little as 14 inches has proven to increase the range approximately
600 feet.
2. Distance
a. BreadCrumbs that cannot be elevated can be no more than approximately 300 feet apart.
b. Any wireless client can be no more than approximately 300 feet from a BreadCrumb.
3. Line of sight
a. Obstructions to LOS block/absorb/deflect radio waves in a wireless network, resulting in poor
network performance or total loss of network connectivity.
b. When placing a BreadCrumb, scan the area for LOS obstructions. Envision the BreadCrumb’s ra-
dio waves as a light beam. Look for obstructions that would result in shadows in the light beam.
These obstructions will most likely weaken or block the BreadCrumb’s radio waves.
4. Weather
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