The photo above shows the WiMAX radio deployed in an enclosure. Note from left to right: a) copper grounding cable on the inside of the enclosure b) Ethernet connection to the data source c) Heliax “pigtail” to the antenna (Heliax is a heavy duty, lightning resistant cable) d) 110v power via an APC UPS (note black box in top right hand corner of enclosure.
What are some strategies to ensure the antenna can be as high as possible to take advan-tage of line-of-sight topologies where ever possible while keeping the pigtail as short as possible? One approach is to co-locate the radio on or near the roof with the antenna in an enclosure. Considerations for enclosures include: a) security and b) weather resistance-how hot or cold can your radio gets and still function?
Sheet metal or fiberglass enclosures with a lock provide security. Next, it is necessary to determine how well suited the radio is for local atmospherics (hot or cold). Most Wi-MAX radios are rated as operating between -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees F at the upper end. If you will be operating in locations that will exceed those parameters you need an enclosure that will shield your radio form those extremes. As the radio will generate its own heat, surrounding it with insulation will ensure the temperature of the radio will not suffer from sub-zero temperatures.