Where No wireless client access is needed:
Mesh applications often require a string-of-pearls formation where the end-to-end path is non line-of-site (NLOS). Additionally, there may be points along the path where
only backhaul is needed - no client Access Point. The
base two radio 4250
supports this requirement. All MD4000 mesh nodes support two
Ethernet ports so wired IP based devices (e.g. video
cameras) may be connected to the 4250 mesh nodes.
One Access Point Configuration: If wireless client
access is needed, the MD 4350 has one 2.4GHz Access
Point (AP) as the third radio in slot 2, in addition to the
5.8GHz wireless backhaul up link and downlink radios is
slots 0,1 respectively (see above).
Two Access Points Configuration: High client
density or congested areas require more focused RF
reception. The 4458 houses two
access points to provide twice the radio power. Using
sectored antennas, the two AP radios could even be on the
same channel and not interfere with each other.
Three Access Points Configuration: The
4458 may also serve as an edge node:
with one uplink and three AP radios [More].
Choice of Backhaul: 5.8GHz vs 2.4GHz. The two
radio product configuration comes in two flavors. 4250
uses radios configured to operate in the 5GHz spectrum. 4220
uses radios configured to operate in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.
When deciding whether to use 2.4GHz based products (4220) vs
the 5.8GHz (4250) product, RF pollution must be considered.
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g clients are 2.4GHz and will interfere with a 2.4GHz node-to-node
(backhaul) link. In addition, 802.11b clients - if attached
to the 2.4GHz backhaul downlink will slow the performance of
of the node-to-node link.
4220 mesh nodes thus should be limited in servicing few child nodes. On the positive side, 2.4 GHZ has about twice the range at 5GHz, so
4220 are preferable where range supersedes backhaul capacity. 4220 are also
used when the nodes are edge based - that is no child nodes connected to
them. [Image]
In all other situations, 5GHz mesh nodes (4455, 4458, 4452, 4454, 4350, 4250) are suggested.
