G501 AP Hardware Installation Guide
About this Guide
This guide provides the information you need to install a GXC G501 Outdoor Access Point. It also includes a general description of the unit, guidelines for using it, and an overview of its capabilities.
In this guide, the G501 AP may also be referred to as an AP, eNodeB, or eNB.
General Active RF Installation Instructions
Safety Information
For the safety of installation personnel and for the protection of the equipment from damage, please read all safety warnings. If you have any questions concerning the warnings, before installing or powering on the AP contact GXC.
WARNING: Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to its power source.
WARNING: Equipment installation must comply with local and national electrical codes.
WARNING: This product relies on the existing building or structure for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that the protective device is rated no greater than 20A.
WARNING: Do not operate this wireless network device near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified and qualified for such use.
WARNING: In order to comply with the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, antennas should be located at a minimum of 83 centimeters (33 inches) or more from the body of all persons.
Introduction and Features
The GXC G501 is an outdoor 4x1W two-carrier Access Point (AP) that is compliant with Third-Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Time Division Duplexing (TDD) technology.
The G501 can be configured as a 2x1W single carrier AP, two 2x1W single carrier APs (Dual Carrier/Split Sector), or a 4x1W Carrier Aggregation (CA) AP.
GXC G501 High Power AP
Onyx Platform Features
The G501 AP is a part of the GXC Onyx Platform that ties together multiple hardware and software elements to bring a full solution to enterprise.
The Onyx Platform provides an enterprise network based on a Cellular Mesh architecture. This private network platform provides high levels of resiliency, flexible deployments, strong coverage in hard-to-reach areas, and a powerful distributed application platform. Mesh nodes are connected via integrated wireless backhaul without the need for fiber or Ethernet cables.
The Onyx Platform features:
Mesh-based RAN
Indoor and Outdoor APs
On-premises core network (available as a hardware appliance, machine image, or edge machine image)
A robust network management platform tied together with a single pane of glass controller presented as a web-portal
GXC Onyx Platform Architecture
GXC G501 Features
As a two-carrier AP, the G501 hardware unit contains two separate APs inside one shell. Having two carriers provides versatile options in how you operate the AP. The available operating modes are described in the next section.
The G501 AP’s primary cell (Pcell) is referred to as Cell 1. The secondary cell (Scell) is referred to as Cell 2. It has four antenna ports and supports either one 4-port or two 2-port Radio Frequency (RF) antenna installations. Each G501 comes pre-configured to simplify the installation.
The two-carrier G501 can operate in one of the following modes:
Single Carrier (SC) – SC describes a scenario where the operator wishes to use only one of the two available cells in the unit. This may be necessary for operators who have limited licensed spectrum or who are planning to use the second carrier later as their network grows. In SC mode, only the primary cell (Pcell), aka Cell 1, is used.
Dual Carrier (DC)/split mode – DC (split sector) mode enables the operator to run the AP as two independent carriers for split sector coverage.
Carrier Aggregation (CA) mode – CA provides the ability to aggregate channels from across the full CBRS range, even channels that are not adjacent. Using CA essentially doubles the downlink capacity when all users have Cat6/7 or later CPE.
Citizens Broadband Radio System (CBRS) Spectrum Access System (SAS) – CBRS SAS is a multi-vendor Spectrum Access System database where CBRS spectrum use is managed dynamically across operators. The CBRS band covers 3.55–3.70 GHz. Operators must sign up with a SAS provider, which handles the dynamic frequency assignment and release process. GXC provides FCC Part 96 certified APs, including the G501, and Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs) that operate within the Part 96 rules for CBRS.
In addition to the G501 AP’s two carriers and multiple operating modes, the following is a list of other key features. The GXC G501 Specification Sheet providing technical specifications is available from GXC.
Supports standard LTE TDD band 48 (3550 MHz–3700 MHz)
Complies with 3GPP Release 15 standards
Supports 5/10/15/20 MHz bandwidth per carrier
Provides excellent Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) coverage
Supports 96 concurrent users per carrier [x2 carriers (96+96) if operating in DC mode]
Supports TR-069 network management interface
Can be accessed via GUI-based local and remote Web management
Connects to any IP-based backhaul, including public transmission
Is lightweight and uses low power consumption to reduce OPEX
Can be used for Internet of Things (IoT) with all mainstream Evolved Packet Core (EPC) vendors
Ensures secure protection against illegal intrusion
Supports one 4-port antenna or two 2-port antennas
Integrated small cell form-factor for quick and easy installation
Configured out-of-the-box to work with GXC Onyx Platform (Some advanced configuration options may require manual configuration via the AP’s local device management portal.)
Supports Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) with dual carrier
Installation Preparation
The following topics cover the materials and tools needed to install the AP, the operation of the LEDs, the AP’s interfaces, and the recommended location and environment required for best performance of the AP.
Installation Preparation - Materials
Check the G501 package to ensure it contains the primary components shown in Figure: Packing List. In addition to industry-standard tools, you will need the materials described in Table: Materials. and the tools shown in Table: Installation Tools.
Packing List
Materials
Power Cable
< 16 AWG, e.g., 14 AWG, shorter than 330 feet (100 meters)
Power Plug
The plug that connects the power cable to the electrical supply
RF Antenna Cable
50-ohm feeder
RF Antenna
Omni or directional
Optical Fiber
Single-mode optical fiber
Ethernet Cable
Outdoor Cat6, shorter than 330 feet (100 meters)
Ground Cable
5 AWG (16 mm²) diameter yellow-green wire
Installation Tools
Level bar
Marker pen
Knife
Pliers
Wrench
Percussion drill and drill heads
Hammer
Phillips-head screwdriver
Cable vice (crimper)
Tape measure
0.05 cm (5 mm)
Cable vice (crimper)
Installation Preparation - Interfaces and LEDs
Figure: LEDs and Interfaces, Table: LEDs, and Table: Interfaces describe the AP’s LED status indicators and interfaces.
LEDs and Interfaces
LEDs
PWR
Green
Steady on
Power is on
PWR
Green
OFF
No power supply
CELL2
Green
Fast flash: 0.125s on, 0.125s off
CELL 2 inactive
CELL2
Green
Slow flash: 1s on, 1s off
CELL 2 activated
CELL1
Green
Fast flash: 0.125s on, 0.125s off
CELL 1 inactive
CELL1
Green
Slow flash: 1s on, 1s off
CELL 1 activated
ALM
Red
Steady on
Hardware (e.g., VSWR) alarm
ALM
Red
OFF
No alarm
Interfaces
PWR
Power supply: +48V (+42V to +60V) DC
OPT
Optical backhaul interface to connect to the external transmission network
ETH
RJ-45 interface, used for debugging or data backhaul
GPS
Port for optional external GPS antenna, N-female connector
ANT
Port for external RF antenna, N-female connector
Installation Preparation - Location and Environment
In addition to network planning, when determining where to place the G501 AP you need to consider factors such as climate, hydrology, geology, the possibility of earthquakes, reliable electric power, and transportation access. Avoid locating the unit in areas where there may be extreme temperatures, harmful gases, unstable voltages, volatile vibrations, loud noises, flames, explosives, or electromagnetic interference (e.g., large radar stations, transformer substations). Avoid areas prone to impounded water, soaking, leakage, or condensation. The following table lists the environmental specifications.
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature
-40°F to 131°F / -40°C to 55°C
Storage Temperature
-49°F to 158°F / -45°C to 70°C
Relative Humidity
5 % to 95 % RH
Atmospheric Pressure
70 kPa to 106 kPa
Safety voltage
42 V to 60 V
Grounding and Lightning Protection
You must protect the AP, antenna, and GPS against lightning. The G501 has a floating ground on the power system. The following guidelines concerning grounding must be followed.
The yellow-green ground wire must be at least 5 AWG (16mm2) in diameter.
Always place the grounding as near as possible to the equipment.
Connect to a reliable outdoor grounding point (earth) using one ground screw.
The connection of the grounding points and ground bar needs to be tight and reliable. Rustproofing the terminals, e.g., with antioxidant coating or grease, is required.
Weatherproofing RF and GPS Cabling
To protect the connection points from weather and climate, clean each connection point before installing cold shrink tubes, per the following instructions (Figure: Weatherproofing with Cold Shrink Tubes).
Insert the cable into the cold shrink tube.
Tighten the connector.
Push the cold shrink tube to the top joint and pull out the strip.
Ensure the cold shrink tube is tightly fitted with the connection.
Weatherproofing with Cold Shrink Tubes
For GPS antenna weatherproofing, use a cold shrink tube, heat shrink tubing or use all-weather electrical tape and mastic tape, per the following figure (Figure: Weatherproofing GPS Antenna with Tape).
Weatherproofing GPS Antenna with Tape
Installation
The following topics include the AP installation process overview, instructions for GPS antenna installation, instructions for wall and pole mounting, and instructions for cabling the unit.
Installation Process Overview
Table: Installation Overview provides an overview of the installation process.
Installation Overview
1
Install GPS antenna on the AP
2
Install the AP on a pole or wall
3
Connect GPS antenna cable, RF cable(s), Ethernet, and optical fiber
4
Connect power and grounding cables
5
Power on the AP to check the LED status
6
Enter basic configuration, then reboot, and check the unit’s status in GUI and OMC.
Install GPS Antenna
WARNING: Ensure the antennas are connected to the ANT ports before powering up the G501. The wireless signal transmission power can cause bodily injury and damage to the AP and RF power amplifier devices.
Read the following GPS antenna installation requirements before mounting it on the AP.
Make that the buildings in the vicinity do not block the antenna and the space above the antenna has 45 degrees of clearance.
The GPS antenna should be installed within 45 degrees to the lightning rod (Figure: GPS Installation Requirements).
Do not install the GPS antenna near other transmitting and receiving equipment, to avoid interference. Do not install it under a microwave antenna or high voltage cable. Avoid the direction of radiation from other transmitting antennas to the GPS antenna.
When two or more GPS antennas are installed, it is recommended to keep the spacing of more than 6.74 feet (2 meters) between antennas and install multiple GPS antennas in different locations to prevent simultaneous interference.
GPS antenna feeders cannot be grounded together with ground conductors of interfering equipment such as air conditioners, motors, and pump motors, etc. to prevent external interference from being introduced into the antenna system.
GPS Installation Requirements
GPS Antenna Installation
Install G501 AP on a Pole
The AP’s mounting bracket is assembled in manufacturing before packing. The only action required by the installer is to attach the assembly to the pole.
G501 Pole Mounting Bracket
Check to make sure that the diameter of the pole is in the range of 1.6–3.9 inches (40–100 mm). The position of the AP on the pole should be at least 47 inches (120 cm) in height. Follow the steps below to install the unit on a pole.
Unscrew the four hex nuts of the assembled pole bracket. Slide the two omega clamps to the left and then turn them up or down (Figure: Omega Clamps).
Omega Clamps
Place the bracket on the pole with the screw holes and arrow facing up, considering the height requirements described above. Turn the two omega clamps to the proper position as shown in Figure: Attach Bracket to Pole and slide the clamps onto the bolts as shown in Figure: Pole Bracket Alignment Holes and Slots.
Fasten the four hex nuts with a pair of adjustable wrenches.
Attach Bracket to Pole
Using the two pins and two hooks on the bracket on the back of the AP for alignment, attach the unit to the mounting bracket on the pole. Adjust the position of the AP until its mounting bracket is firmly attached to the pole mounting bracket. Ensure that the hooks and pins of the AP’s bracket are properly inserted into the slots and holes in the pole bracket (Figure: Pole Bracket Alignment Holes and Slots).
Pole Bracket Alignment Holes and Slots
Tighten the screw on the top of the bracket using a Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver to complete the installation (Figure: Completed Pole Attachment).
Completed Pole Attachment
Install G501 on a Wall
CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the wall can bear at least four times the weight of the G501 AP.
To install the unit on the wall:
Take apart the assembled pole mounting bracket to remove the omega clamps and four bolts. The pole mounting bracket with the omega clamps and bolts removed serves as the wall mounting bracket.
Place the mounting bracket on the wall with the arrow facing upward, as shown in Figure: Mark and Drill Holes. Mark the drilling locations using a pencil or marker.
Mark and Drill Holes
Drill two holes in the wall to match the diameter of the expansion bolts.
Check the up/down direction of the installation bracket and attach it to the wall using the expansion bolts (Figure: Attach Bracket to Wall with Expansion Bolts).
Attach Bracket to Wall with Expansion Bolts
Using the two pins and two hooks on the bracket on the back of the AP for alignment, attach the AP to the mounting bracket on the wall. Adjust the position of the AP until its mounting bracket is firmly attached to the wall mounting bracket. Ensure that the hooks and pins of the AP’s bracket are properly inserted into the slots and holes in the wall bracket.
Wall Bracket Alignment Holes and Slots
Tighten the bolt on the top of the bracket using a Phillips-head (cross) screwdriver to complete the installation (Figure: Attach G501 to Wall Bracket).
Attach G501 to Wall Bracket
Connect Cables
The following topics cover cable layout requirements, GPS cable connections RF cable connections, WAN cable connections, and ground cable connections. Instructions for opening and closing the wiring cavity are also provided.
Cable Layout Requirements
Cable layout requirements vary based on the type of cable. The following topics provide general requirements for all cable types, and optical cable specific and grounding cable specific requirements.
General Requirements
Bending radius of antenna feeder cable: 7/8 in > 9.84 in (250 mm), 4/5 in > 14.96 in (380 mm)
Bending radius of jumper cable: 1/4 in > 1.38 in (35 mm), 1/2 in (super soft) > 1.97 in (50 mm), 1/2 in (ordinary) > 5 in (127 mm)
Bending radius of power cable and grounding cable: > triple the diameter of the cable.
The minimum bend radius of the optical fiber is 20 times the diameter of the optical fiber.
Bind the cables according to the type of cable; intertwining and crossing are forbidden.
An identification label should be attached after the cable is laid.
Optical Fiber Cable Requirements
Avoid circling and twisting when running the optical fiber cables.
Avoid binding optical fibers on a turn.
Avoid pulling and weighing down the optical fiber.
The redundant optical fiber must wind around the dedicated device.
Grounding Cable Requirements
The grounding cable must connect to the grounding point.
The grounding cable must be separated from the signal cables to avoid signal interference.
Connect GPS Antenna Cable
Connect GPS Antenna Cable
WARNING: Ensure the antennas are connected to the ANT ports before powering up the AP. The wireless signal transmission power can cause bodily injury and damage to the AP and RF power amplifier devices.
Remove the protective cap from the GPS Type N connector port.
Insert the GPS jumper into a cold shrink tube.
Connect one end of the GPS jumper to the GPS interface (Type N connector) on the AP.
Push the cold shrink tube to the top joint and pull out the strip.
Connect the other end of the GPS jumper to the GPS antenna mounted on the top of the unit, which also needs weatherproof protection using a cold shrink tube or all-weather electrical tape and mastic tape.
Connect RF Cable(s)
Remove the protective caps from the ANT0, ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3 ports that you will be using.
Insert the RF cables into cold shrink tubes.
Connect RF cables to the ANT0, ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3 interfaces that you will be using on the AP and tighten them with a wrench to 12-15 in-lbs or 1.4-1.7 NM torque.
Push the cold shrink tube to the top joint and pull out the strip (Figure: Weatherproofing with Cold Shrink Tubes).
Connect the other end of the RF cables to the external antennas, which also need weatherproof protection.
Connect WAN Cable and Power
The Ethernet cable, Optical fiber cable, and power cable connectors are located in the AP’s wiring cavity.
Open the Wiring Cavity
Unscrew the captive 5mm hex head screw on the cover of the AP’s wiring cavity using a 5mm Allen wrench (Figure: Wiring Cavity Hex Screw).
Wiring Cavity Hex Screw
Lift the cover to access the wiring cavity.
Remove the rubber plugs from the cable glands to prepare for insertion of the power and WAN interface cables as shown in Figure: Cable Glands with Plugs Removed. Do not detach the plugs from the glands in case they are needed in the future.
Cable Glands with Plugs Removed
Connect the Optical Fiber
If using optical fiber for the WAN connection:
Route the optical fiber cable through the right-side wire groove and flexible rubber gland into the wiring cavity.
Connect the cable to one of the SFP Transceiver modules (included in the Accessory Kit) and plug the module into the OPT interface in the wiring cavity.
Connect the Ethernet Cable
If using Ethernet cable for the WAN connection:
Run the CAT6 Ethernet cable through the right-side wire groove and flexible rubber gland into the wiring cavity.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the ETH interface in the wiring cavity (Figure: Wiring Cavity with Ethernet and Power Cables).
Connect the Power
Because the length of cable needed for power varies from site to site, the two ends of the power adaptor are bare terminal ends. You will need to make the power cable according to the actual measurements at the installation site and assemble the power plug and power terminal on the two ends of the power adaptor.
AC/DC AP Power Supply
Strip 0.47 in (12 mm) insulating layer with a wire stripper. The power cord length should be kept below 330 ft (100 m). The connection steps for the power cable are as follows.
Assemble the power plug. The power plug will be installed on the end of the input direction (power source). Refer to the labels on the power plug for connecting the live wire, neutral wire, and ground wire to the corresponding terminals separately, and tighten the screws.
Connect the output of the AC adaptor to the lightning protection box.
Run the power cable through the left side wire groove and flexible rubber gland.
Assemble the power terminal. The power terminal will be installed on the end of the output cable. Refer to Figure: Power Terminal to connect the live wire and neutral wire.
Power Terminal
Connect the power cable to the PWR interface in the wiring cavity (Figure: Wiring Cavity with Ethernet and Power Cables).
Wiring Cavity with Ethernet and Power Cables
The input of the power adaptor connects to the outlet.
If the outlet is indoors, place the power adaptor indoors.
If the outlet is outdoors, place the power adaptor in a waterproof box.
Close the Wiring Cavity
After the cable connections are complete, close the wiring cavity.
Tighten the captive hex head screw using a 5mm Allen wrench.
Connect the Ground Cable
Prepare the grounding cable according to the actual measurements and requirements of the specific installation site. The AP has two grounding screws located on the bottom of the unit (Figure: Grounding Screws) Follow the steps below the figure to connect the ground cable.
Grounding Screws
Unscrew one grounding screw, connect one end of the ground cable to the grounding screw, and retighten the screw.
Repeat step 1 for the second grounding screw.
Once the AP is installed at the outdoor location, the other end of the ground cable needs to connect to a good earth grounding point (Figure: Connecting Cables and Grounding Screws).
Connecting Cables and Grounding Screws
Before the AP is installed at its final destination, perform the steps in the Power on to Check LED Status and Configure Basic Parameters sections. Upon successful testing, the G501 will be ready for installation at the cell site. Seal and weatherproof all the connection points, and rustproof where needed.
Power on to Check LED Status
WARNING: Ensure the antennas are connected to the ANT ports before powering up the AP. The wireless signal transmission power can cause bodily injury and damage to the AP and RF power amplifier devices.
Power on the AP, and check that the LED indicators are lighting as expected: Power is steady green, CELL1 and CELL2 are slow flash green, and there are no alarms (Figure: Check LEDs), per Table: LEDs.
Check LEDs
Configure Basic Parameters
When first installing and testing the AP, GXC recommends configuring the primary cell (Pcell)/Cell 1 carrier settings (without enabling CA, DC, or SAS) for simple verification that the new AP is operational. Once it is confirmed to be operational, you can then refer to the appropriate configuration guide(s) for the operating mode you plan to use.
Add and Manage G501 AP in the Onyx Portal
For information on adding and managing the G501 APs in the Onyx Portal interface, refer to 4G Onyx Portal Operations Guide > Manage Access Points.
Appendix: Regulatory Compliance
FCC and ISEDC Compliance information is provided in the following topics.
FCC Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
WARNING: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated at a minimum distance of 33 inches (83 cm) between the radiator and your body.
ISEDC Compliance
This device complies with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 33 inches (83 cm) from all persons and must not be collocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter, End-Users must be provided with transmitter operation conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
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