With the upcoming compatibility firmware of the ePMP 3k SM’s with ePMP4k AP’s, I wanted to revist a question I asked a year ago regarding the 4500c and dual horn antenna compatibilty.
The discussion led to the possibility of splitting a 4500c radio between 2 of the epmp3k RFE dual horn antennas.
Has anyone been able to successfully deploy a 4500c in such a configuration?
RFE has done this at WISPAmerica.
The physics are still the same and will work as long as care of installation is maintained to keep the separation between antennas correct.
The question is how to setup the sector for future mu-mimo. Cambium has not given details yet on how they intend to split the AP for mu-mimo but considering how the e3k was implemented, I assume it will be similar in that it will be left/right 4x4 or even quad 2x2.
Cambium has also enabled omni/split sector mode so it is also possible to use a 4500c as 4x 2x2 90deg sectors. This makes it possible to utilize one radio to cover a low population area with 2x2 coverage or back to back with 4x4 coverage.
BUMP
Appears the latest 5.9.0 firmware supports Split Sector 4x4 mode. Has anyone tested it out in the field yet??
@Colby_Baxter aren’t you running some 4500c split configuration?
Yes, im running 2-RFE 90 degree 4x4 horns. I dont have it in split sector anymore, however it is supported. Mine is deployed with all horns pointed the same direction covering 90 degrees. If you do the split sector, make sure its wired up properly. Its antenna 1-0/1/4/5 antenna 2-2/3/6/7.
There are still a couple things that are being worked on, but so far it seems to work really well. Im still experiencing a random AP lockup that requires a reboot to restablish the SMs, but i think my case is kinda rare and is being worked on internally by Fedor and Chinmay.
The only “negative” i can say in regards to the setup is there is something wrong with the signal levels. Ive got several other 90 degree horns out with other equipment and around 6-7 miles im usually around a 68-70 signal wise. With this setup around 4-4.5 miles will yield the same signal levels. Much beyond 5.5-6 isnt possible.
Besides that, id say go for it! It works pretty good and the development of the product is definitely headed in the right direction. Most of my “complaints” are just being nit-picky trying to make sure the full picture is understood. Theres nothing that is a show stopper, put it out and enjoy