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Planning for an AWICS system is important to ensure maximum benefits are realized. A small network is one in which there is a single connection point to the internet such as a cable modem or a DSL modem. Usually this component is connected to a single wireless router with a cabled PC that are connected to up to 4-8 RJ-45 ports for hardwired connections and the wireless port is used for all wireless connections. The wireless router may be configured for use with or without security enabled. For non-trivial data access, it is highly recommended to enable security at this point.

When connecting to a small network like this you only need a low cost wireless router. It should support 802.11 a, b or g. This connection will require a circulator to connect to the AWICS base unit also.

A large network is one that has a defined network infrastructure where a large number of users are needing to access data simultaneously. These networks can be configured to connect Access Point units to outside networks. Network administrators can determine if their networks require using Access Point units or if they can connect using a simple wireless router. AWICS allows connecting 1-N Access Points for any size network. Connecting AWICS to an Access Point unit does not require connecting a circulator. Each Access Point unit may be connected to 1-N number of base units/remote unit node pairs.


(Figure 1): Shows a 2 node AWICS system connected to a single access point. Note this system uses only two splitters. (second long fiber cable for node 2 not shown)		(Figure 2): Shows a single node AWICS system connected to a DSL modem and a using a wireless router instead of an access point. Note this system uses a circulator. To install a second node on this system simply requires using the same two splitters as Fig 1 installed between the circulator outputs and the base unit.

Access Point: Used to connect a network with an existing cabled infrastructure to an outside wireless network. Note that the access point has two antenna output connectors. (One Uplink, One Downlink)

Wireless Router: Used to connect a wireless network to a DSL or cable modem. The wireless router must be the type that has a removable antenna. Note that the wireless router is different from an access point in the antenna connection. On the wireless router the antenna is a single connection. You need to connect a circulator after any splitters in the system, but, before the base unit as shown in Figure 2. Please note that most wireless routers that have removable antennas use reverse polarity antenna connectors. Adapters may be required to connect to standard coaxes.

Base Unit: This unit converts RF energy from the network into light energy and sends it down the fiber to a remote receiving unit where it's converted back to a radio signal. The base unit can be powered by DC or AC. To operate with AC power a AC-DC converter such as a AWICS-XF must be used. This power supply comes with a AWICS-BU-XF.

Remote Unit - Indoor (DC) - This indoor remote unit is in a non watertight enclosure powered by DC. To use AC power, a AC-DC power transformer such as a AWICS-XF must be used. Transformer should be capable of providing 12VDC with up to 3 watts of power.

Splitter - Splits RF signal into multiple paths. A splitter is used to connect more than one node to the network.

Circulator: Used to convert the RF signal from a wireless router into a signal suitable for the AWICS base unit. View Pricing

Antenna 2.4GHz 3": Normal Wi-Fi antennas use reverse polarity antenna connectors. You may need an adapter to connect your antenna to the RF cables, circulators and splitters.