FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

Product information document

Airspan Networks

FlexNET System Description

WiFi Hotzone products

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

Functional highlights

Airspan Networks develops and sells carrier grade, outdoor-proof WiFi-products. FlexNET
Hotzone products (ASN-820 and ASN-900) provide last mile WiFi connections to customers.
These IEEE 802.11a/b/g-standard based WiFi products offer several features that support
deployment of wireless broadband access services. WiFi compliant access services can be
built with FlexNET ASN-820 and ASN-900 Hotzone products. Wireless broadband services
with these standard products can also be deployed in enterprise and industrial networks.
FlexNET-Hotzone products include base stations, high-gain antennas, robust power supply
and advanced network management features. End-users connect to the ASN-820 and ASN-
900 base stations with standard WiFi-products such as PDAs, laptops and WiFi client
terminals including radio unit and a small sized panel antenna, which comprises low cost
customer premise equipment solution enabling wireless access. All FlexNET-Hotzone
products are designed for outdoor use.

The FlexNET Hotzone products support IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards and use frequency
ranges between 2.4-2.4835 GHz and 5.470-5.725 GHz (ETSI) or 5.725-5.850 GHz (UK &
FCC). Both products have two radio units, which can be configured independently. While
the ASN-820 is used with external antennas the ASN-900 also includes an integrated
narrow beam antenna for possible link connections. The ASN-900 can also be used without
the integrated antenna and use both radios to provide client access. Typical installation
scenario for the ASN-820 and ASN-900 is a WiFi-Hotzone network, which is built into
sectored radio cells. Breadth of the sectors depends on the antennas used. Airspan PlanAir
antennas are available for this.

Main features of the ASN-820 and ASN-900 support network level functionalities, where
standard IP protocols and IEEE 802.11a/b/g compliant radios are used. These network level
features are based on deployment with Airspan Networks ControlNET server, which
supports DHCP server and relay, centralised user management, connection handovers
between subnets and bandwidth management. DHCP server and bandwidth management
features support professional ISP (Internet service provider) features that can be offered
with FlexNET Hotzone products. These products have been developed based on experience
from several large-scale network deployments and WISP (Wireless ISP) service operating
experience. Major advantage of this kind of standard-based network is that there are no
requirements for proprietary software programs or vendor specific security solutions.
Enterprises and operators using the ASN-820 and ASN-900 products can customise their
access network services with different kinds of standardised network applications like WLAN
roaming, IP based VPN, instant access etc.
Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

While the ASN-820 is a pure Hotzone product, the ASN-900 can be used as a Hotzone and
link product simultaneously. As mentioned, both radios of the ASN-900 can also be
configured for client access purposes. It provides versatile possibilities for different
installations. Link features of this product are typically used in point-to-point installations
where two radios are connected between them to form a wireless bridge type connection.
Access features of these products are used in last mile installations, where end-users can
connect to the Internet using WiFi-Hotzone services carried out with the FlexNET Hotzone
products.

The ASN-900 WiFi Hotzone/link router provides unique combination of features that have so
far been available in dedicated link or access point products only. The ASN-900 comes with
an integrated 20 dBi narrow beam panel antenna which is designed to be used in point-to-
point connections. Other link features include robust data encryption solutions where AES
(advanced encryption standard) is used to protect the link connections, and advanced
tunnelling solution which enables two ASN-700/900 products to be used in wireless bridge
configuration. The AES encryption protects data traffic against eavesdropping, which is
particularly critical in transit and point-to-point connections where data traffic from different
sources are aggregated into backhaul traffic. The link features of ASN-900 are realized with
IEEE 802.11a radio, in order to meet the needs for higher throughput and data transfer
capacity. Link features can also be used in link-repeater configurations, where one ASN-900
can operate as a repeater unit between ASN-700 products that are dedicated 5 GHz link
products.

A common misconception related with the WiFi technology is that WiFi products offer only
10-50 m access distances from the access point to the end users. In properly designed and
built networks longer distances can be used. Citywide WiFi-Hotzone networks can be built
with average 200-500 m long cell ranges. Longer distances and higher signal to noise ratios
are achieved with directional antennas and careful network planning. The FlexNET ASN-820
and ASN-900 products have been developed for extended, large-scale sectored WiFi-
Hotzone networks.

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

Unique features

Next an overview of the FlexNET Hotzone products and their unique features is provided.
The ASN-820 and ASN-900 enable the use of IEEE 802.11a/b/g radios in large-scale WiFi
Hotzone networks, which rely on highly integrated product design. The ASN-820 and ASN-
900 products include two independently configurable IEEE 802.11a/b/g radios, 2 WAN
interfaces (10/100 Ethernet), 2 N connectors for external antennas and a connector for
power supply with an option for RS-485 remote connection.

Figure 1. Mechanical interfaces of the ASN-820 and ASN-900 products (ASN-820 does not
include the integrated antenna)

Product chassis include electronics and radio components for two IEEE 802.11a/b/g radios.
The FlexNET Hotzone products support IP routing that makes the products wireless outdoor
routers. Combination of two IEEE 802.11a/b/g radios with a Hotzone router makes it
possible to use both radio channels and IP addresses in the network plan and deployment.
Each radio module takes care of one sector; therefore typical problems like hidden node
can be avoided in the WiFi-Hotzone network. Versatile installation possibilities and WEB-
user interface give operators flexible configuration possibilities to deploy the FlexNET
Hotzone products.

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

FlexNET ASN-820 and ASN-900 support the following standard networking features:

• WiFi compliant access point with DHCP server and relay support enables granting of
dynamic IP addresses for users
• Two Ethernet 10/100 Interfaces can be used to connect other FlexNET-products
together, making stepwise and modular base station site deployment possible
• Bandwidth management offers flexible subscription speeds for differentiated services
• Airspan Networks RoamNET protocol supports connection handovers between subnets
making uninterruptible connections possible in large scale network, RoamNET mobility
management protocol is used with ControlNET server for WiFi Hotzones

Airspan FlexNET WiFi-Hotzone solutions are based on IP routing, where base stations
distribute IP addresses to users. Technically this kind of access network is a routed WiFi
network. The ASN-820 and ASN-900 products are wireless routers. Routed network
topology has many advantages in large-scale deployments like WiFi-Hotzones. Compared to
a bridged WiFi network a routed network offers system level advantages in terms of less
overhead traffic, better scalability, improved management and security.

Additional unique advantage of the FlexNET products is that they are outdoor-proof. No
special separate equipment like outdoor chassis, warmer etc. is needed for installation.
Outdoor proof product saves time and money in sourcing and installations. All necessary
tests and certifications for outdoor use have been done. Integrated product design also
minimizes radio interferences between WiFi-transceivers. Sufficient isolation between
transceivers should be taken in account in multiple radio systems. This allows the use of
smaller frequency difference, which increases the spectrum efficiency.

The FlexNET Hotzone products provide class-leading features supporting advanced network
edge services with WiFi compliant access services. WiFi compatible radios provide access
services for both fixed wireless and nomadic end users moving with their WiFi terminals.
Several reference deliveries with ASN-900 based complementary WiFi Hotzone/link
solutions have already been accomplished. Airspan’s WiFi Hotzone concept is based on
ASN-820 and ASN-900 as Hotzone endpoint products.

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

Applications

The FlexNET Hotzone products offer versatile configuration options to optimise capacity and
coverage. One of the two main applications for FlexNET Hotzone products is WiFi Hotzone
endpoint sites. Both products can be used to provide access network for clients. The ASN-
900 can also act as a link router to link this particular Hotzone router to other network
infrastructure. Second main application for FlexNET Hotzone products is in enterprise
networks, where different kinds of network solutions for industrial, vertical and public office
applications can be realized. Some particular types of enterprise networks benefiting from
robust outdoor-fit products are ports, logistical terminals and warehouse solutions. Basic
idea in Airspan WiFi-Hotzone network topology based on ASN-820 and ASN-900 products is
presented in Figure 2.

ASN-700
ASN-800
ASN-820
5
4
ASN-900 ASN-900

ASN-700 2 ASN-800
ASN-820

1 7
ControlNET server & RoamNET

6
ASN-900

@
8
System example ASN-900

Figure 2. ASN-820 and ASN-900 products in a WiFi Hotzone network

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

Usually, one radio unit of the ASN-900 is used for 5 GHz backhaul, and the other radio is
used for Hotzone access services with IEEE 802.11a/b/g radio. As Figure 2 shows, second
radio can also serve two sectors if a splitter (power divider) is used. A splitter makes it
possible to share one radio with two sectors. It is also possible to use omni-antennas for
access services but usually it is more efficient and spectrum effective to deploy wireless
broadband networks with sector and directional antennas that limit radio signals to targeted
coverage areas.

Need for sectors and the number of base stations at installation site depend on the need for
capacity. One ASN-820 can be used to cover 360-degrees with four sectors if power
splitters are used.

ASN-900 is also a stand-alone WiFi infrastructure product, which can support wireless
point-to-point, link-repeater mode deployments (link-to-link). This kind of flexibility is
beneficial, as it may be necessary for operators to change topology of their link and
Hotzone networks from time to time, based on the changing needs for backhaul and
Hotzone services. Much of the flexibility of ASN-900 is based on the dual-band radio
features supported by our product. However, it is not possible to implement all features
equally effective in one unit. This is why we chose to integrate the 5 GHz link antenna to
this product as a base line solution. Many industry observers have noted that a cost
effective deployment and build-out of WiFi-Hotzone networks is based on the appropriate
use of link and backhaul connections. These needs are directly supported in the ASN-900
where both link and access features are a part of the product design. Some additional
examples on installation possibilities are shown in Figure 3 on next page.

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

Integrated 5
GHz link and
one 2,4 GHz
client access
sector with an
external
antenna
ASN-900
ASN- ASN-900
Link
900repeater Integrated 5 GHz link and
two 2,4 GHz client access
sectors with external
antennas
Figure 3. Various installation scenarios for ASN-900

The FlexNET Hotzone products come with an external power supply unit. Additional
accessories and installation components are offered as a part of Airspan’s product line.

Summary

Airspan’s FlexNET WiFi-Hotzone products offer high capacity WiFi access services and
flexible interconnection technologies to deploy WiFi in outdoor environments. Different
services can be realized by using WiFi-Hotzone products, ControlNET server and external
services like VPN in this kind of networks. Many operators deploy WiFi in phased steps in
order to minimize big investments. Airspan’s WiFi products offer initially high capacity and
base for future updates and upgrades as the system evolves and network is extended. More
information on these and other kinds of applications, meeting the requirements of outdoor
WiFi Hotzone networks are described in other white papers and technical documents from
Airspan Networks.

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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 FlexNET System Description: WiFi Hotzone products

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING

ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTY WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF ANY
SPECIFICATION OR SAMPLE. Airspan Networks disclaims all liability relating to the use of
information in this white paper. No license, express or implied, by estoppels or otherwise,
to any intellectual property rights is granted herein, except that a license is granted to copy
and reproduce this document for internal use only.

Copyright © 2006, Airspan Networks Inc.

All rights reserved.

Contact information:

Airspan Networks (Finland) Oy. Formerly Radionet Ltd.

Valkjärventie 7 C
02130 Espoo
Finland

Tel. +358-9-4392 1070

Fax +358-9-4126 762

E-mail: amaunuksela@airspan.com

WWW: www.airspan.com
WWW: www.radionet.com

Copyright © Airspan Networks. 2006

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