Foundry Networks IRONPOINT 250 - Manual (Page 19)

About the IronPoint 250
August 2007 © 2007 Foundry Networks, Inc. 2-3
Description of Hardware
Ethernet Port
The access point has one 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX RJ-45 Ethernet port that can be attached directly
to a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T wired network. The wired network must conform to the
IEEE 802.3-2005 specifications.
The Ethernet port supports automatic MDI/MDI-X operation, so you can use straight-through cables
for all network connections to PCs, switches, or hubs.
The access point appears as an Ethernet node and performs a bridging function by moving packets
from the wired network to remote workstations in the wireless infrastructure.
Note: The RJ-45 port supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af standard.
Refer to the description for the “Power Connector” for information on supplying power to the access
point’s network port from a network device, such as a switch, that provides Power over Ethernet
(PoE).
Antennas
The access point includes two integrated diversity antennas for wireless communications. A diversity
antenna system uses two identical antennas to receive and transmit signals, helping to avoid
multipath fading effects. When receiving, the access point checks both antennas and selects the one
with the strongest signal. When transmitting, it will continue to use the antenna previously selected
for receiving. The access point never transmits from both antennas at the same time.
The antennas transmit the outgoing signal as a toroidal sphere (doughnut shaped), with the
coverage extending most in a direction perpendicular to the antenna. The antenna should be
adjusted to an angle that provides appropriate coverage for the service area. For further information,
see “Installing the IronPoint Access Point” on page 4-1.
Optional External Antenna
The access point supports RP-SMA external antenna connectors for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
radios. External antennas offer a variety of options for extending the radio range and shaping the
coverage area. When an external antenna is connected, you must manually configure the software
to disable the two integrated antennas and uses only the external antenna.