TP-LINK CPE510 (02) PDF DOCUMENT

The package for the TP-LINK CPE510 includes the following items:

• Pharos CPE device

• Passive PoE Adapter

• Power Cord

• Pole Mounting Straps

• Mounting Bracket

• Plastic Wall Anchors (Qty. 2)

• Self-tapping Screws (Qty. 2)

• Installation Guide

The LEDs on your TP-LINK CPE510 indicate its status. The following explains the meaning of the LEDs:

Signal Strength LEDs (Four LEDs):

• In AP/AP Router Mode: All four LEDs remain solid.

• In Client/Bridge/Repeater/AP Client Router Mode: The number of lit LEDs indicates the wireless signal strength. More lit LEDs mean a better signal.

LAN LED:

• On: A device is connected to the LAN port, but there is no activity.

• Flashing: A device is connected to the LAN port, and data is being actively transmitted or received.

POWER LED:

• On: The TP-LINK CPE510 is powered on.

TP-LINK CPE510 Panel Layout:

• Grounding Terminal: Used to connect a grounding wire for ESD and lightning protection.

• Shielded Ethernet Port LAN (Passive PoE IN): This is where you connect the Ethernet cable that provides both data and power from the Passive PoE adapter.

• RESET Button: A recessed button used to reset the device to factory default settings. To use it, press and hold the button for about 8 seconds while the device is powered on, until the wireless signal strength and LAN LEDs flash.

Passive PoE Adapter:

• Power LED: This LED is on when the adapter is powered and working normally.

• Remote Reset Button: This button allows you to reset the connected CPE remotely. Press and hold it for about 8 seconds until the CPE’s wireless signal and LAN LEDs flash.

• POE Port: Connects to the LAN port on the CPE device.

• LAN Port: Connects to your computer, router, or switch.

For optimal performance of your TP-LINK CPE510, consider the following during installation:

Mounting Height:

Ensure there is a clear line of sight between the wireless devices. An elevated location is recommended, as obstacles like trees, buildings, and large steel structures can weaken the wireless signal. You may need to calculate the minimum mounting height to avoid signal interference from obstacles.

Orientation:

Install the TP-LINK CPE510 with the front of the device facing the intended signal-receiving device. The horizontal beamwidth for the TP-LINK CPE510 is 45°. You can use maps, GPS, and local landmarks to help orient the device correctly within this beamwidth.

Follow these steps to connect the TP-LINK CPE510 and its power adapter:

1. Prepare an adequate length of shielded CAT5e (or above) Ethernet cable with a ground wire. The maximum recommended length is 60 meters.

2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the LAN port on the bottom of the TP-LINK CPE510.

3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the port labeled POE on the passive PoE adapter.

4. Connect a separate Ethernet cable from the port labeled LAN on the passive PoE adapter to your computer, router, or switch, depending on your network topology.

5. Plug the power cord into the passive PoE adapter and then into a wall outlet.

6. Once all connections are made, slide the cover back onto the bottom of the CPE to protect the port.

Mounting the CPE:

At your selected site, use the included pole mounting straps to securely fasten the TP-LINK CPE510 to a pole. Approximately align the CPE in the direction you have previously determined for the best signal.

Mounting the Power Adapter (Optional):

You can mount the passive PoE adapter to a wall for a more secure installation. It is recommended to install the adapter with the Ethernet ports facing upward.

1. Drill two holes on the wall and insert the provided plastic wall anchors into the holes.

2. Use the self-tapping screws to secure the mounting bracket to the wall. Ensure the shoulders at the corners of the bracket are on the outside and pointing upward.

3. Attach the passive PoE adapter to the mounting bracket by sliding it down in the direction of the arrows until it locks into place.

Proper grounding is extremely important for outdoor devices like the TP-LINK CPE510. There are two methods for grounding:

Method 1: Using Shielded Cable with PoE Adapter

This method uses a shielded CAT5e (or above) Ethernet cable that has a built-in ground wire. When you connect this cable between the CPE and the provided PoE adapter, and the PoE adapter is plugged into a properly grounded 3-wire power outlet, the ground connection is established. This helps eliminate ESD attacks.

Method 2: Using the Grounding Terminal

If you are using a standard, unshielded CAT5e cable, you must ground the CPE separately. Connect a dedicated grounding cable from the Grounding Terminal on the TP-LINK CPE510 to an external earth ground connection.

To access the PharOS web interface and begin configuration, follow these steps:

1. First, you need to manually set a static IP address on your computer. Configure your computer’s network adapter with an IP address in the same subnet as the CPE. For example, set the IP address to 192.168.0.10 and the Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0.

2. Open a web browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari is recommended) and type http://192.168.0.254 into the address bar. Press Enter.

3. On the login screen, enter “admin” for both the User Name and Password.

4. Read and agree to the terms of use, then click Login.

5. For security, you will be prompted to change the default User Name and Password. This is highly recommended to protect your CPE. After changing them, you will use these new credentials for all future logins.

To build a wireless bridge between two locations, you will configure one TP-LINK CPE510 as an Access Point (AP) and the other as a Client. The default IP address for the AP will be 192.168.0.254, and you will set the Client to a different IP like 192.168.0.2.

Configure the Access Point (AP)

1. Log in to the first CPE’s PharOS interface and go to the Quick Setup page.

2. For the Operation Mode, select Access Point and click Next.

3. For LAN Settings, you can keep the defaults. Click Next.

4. In Wireless AP Settings:

a. Create a new SSID (network name) for your wireless bridge.

b. For the Security method, select WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and create a strong PSK Password.

c. Enter the distance between the AP and the Client device in the Distance Setting field.

d. You may select the MAXtream checkbox for improved performance. Click Next.

5. Review your settings on the Finish page and click Finish to complete the AP configuration.

Configure the Client

1. Log in to the second CPE’s PharOS interface and go to the Quick Setup page.

2. For the Operation Mode, select Client and click Next.

3. In LAN Settings, change the IP Address to an unused address on the same subnet as the AP (e.g., 192.168.0.2). Click Next.

4. In Wireless Client Settings:

a. Click Survey to scan for available networks. Select the SSID of your Access Point from the list and click Connect.

b. The Security option should match the AP. Enter the same PSK password you created for the Access Point. The distance value should also match. Click Next.

5. Review your settings on the Finish page and click Finish to complete the Client configuration.

Antenna alignment helps you optimize the wireless signal for the best performance. Use the built-in Antenna Alignment tool in the PharOS software.

1. Log in to the PharOS web interface.

2. From the drop-down list in the upper-right corner of the page, click Antenna Alignment.

3. A new window will open showing the current signal strength.

4. To get audible feedback, check the box next to Alignment Beep. This will enable a beeping sound.

5. Physically adjust the antenna’s orientation. As you move the antenna, listen to the beep. The frequency of the beep helps you estimate the signal strength received by the antenna.

6. Continue adjusting the antenna until the sound frequency is the lowest. A lower sound frequency indicates a stronger signal strength. Once you have found the optimal position, secure the antenna in place.

HARDWARE FEATURES

WIRELESS FEATURES

Note:

1. Estimation is based on copper grounding cable and shielded CAT5e cable with ground wire.

2. Beamwidth values may vary throughout operating frequency.

3. Please use the included PoE adapter.

With the TP-LINK CPE510 powered on, you can reset it using one of two methods:

Method 1: Via the RESET Button on the CPE

Locate the recessed RESET button on the panel of the CPE. Press and hold the button with a pin for about 8 seconds until the CPE’s wireless signal strength LEDs and LAN LED flash. This will restore the device to its factory settings.

Method 2: Via the Remote Reset Button on the Passive PoE Adapter

Locate the Remote Reset button on the Passive PoE adapter. Press and hold this button for about 8 seconds until the CPE’s LEDs for wireless signal strength and LAN flash. This will also reset the device to its factory defaults.

To maximize the received signal strength, you need to minimize the effect of out-of-phase signals caused by obstacles in the path between the transmitter and receiver. The Fresnel Zone is a common method to calculate the required clearance.

The goal is to ensure the main line of sight is clear of the Fresnel Zone, which is an elliptical area around the direct path. The minimum mounting height (H) of the CPE must be greater than the height of an obstacle (h) plus a certain percentage of the Fresnel Zone radius (r).

The formula for the minimum mounting height is:

H > h + r * (1 – 40%) or H > h + 0.6 * r

The Fresnel zone radius (r) is calculated as:

r = √((d1 * d2 * c) / ( (d1 + d2) * f ))

Where:

• r = Fresnel zone radius in meters

• c = 3×10⁸ m/s (speed of light)

• f = operating frequency of the devices in Hz

• d1 & d2 = the distances from the obstacle to each of the devices in meters

For example, assume d1 is 2 km, d2 is 8 km, and f is 2.4 GHz. The radius r would be 14.142 m. Considering a toleration of 40%, the allowable radius would be 8.485 m. If an obstacle at this point (h) is 10 m tall, the minimum mounting height (H) would need to be 18.485 m (10 m + 8.485 m). You should perform this calculation for all major obstacles and use the highest calculated value as your final minimum mounting height.

Pharos MAXtream is a proprietary protocol developed by TP-Link based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology. It is designed to optimize performance in outdoor wireless networks.

The main advantages of MAXtream technology are:

• It eliminates hidden node collisions and improves channel efficiency.

• It provides lower latency, higher throughput, larger network capacity, and more stability.

• It improves the Quality of Service (QoS) for video, voice, and sound data streams.

MAXtream works by dividing transmission timing into different time slots, allowing Pharos devices to transmit one after another in rapid succession. Each device uses its own time slot, which greatly reduces the chance of data collisions.

Please note that Pharos MAXtream is a non-standard Wi-Fi protocol. It is only compatible with TP-Link’s Pharos series products. You will not be able to connect standard Wi-Fi devices (like laptops or phones) to a TP-LINK CPE510 Access Point that has MAXtream enabled.

The Spectrum Analysis tool helps you identify the wireless channels with the least radio noise, allowing you to choose the best channel for your devices.

1. Log in to the PharOS web interface. Please note that all wireless connections will be lost during spectrum analysis.

2. Click on the Tools drop-down list in the upper-right corner and select Spectrum Analysis.

3. A pop-up window will remind you that wireless connections will be lost. Click Yes to proceed.

4. In the Spectrum Analysis window, select the desired Frequency Range you wish to analyze from the top-left corner, and then click Start.

5. The Pharos device will begin analyzing the power of frequencies in the selected range and display the results as a series of curves on a graph.

6. Observe the curves for a period of time to get a good reading of the radio environment. The graph shows peak, current, and average noise levels.

7. When you have enough data, click Stop.

8. To choose the best channel, look for a frequency range on the graph where the average curve is relatively low and continuous. This indicates less radio noise. You should avoid channels where the spectrum shows large spikes or high average noise levels.

Please read and follow the safety information below when operating the device to ensure safe use and prevent accidents or damage.

• Keep the device away from fire or hot environments. DO NOT immerse in water or any other liquid.

• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please contact us.

• Do not use a damaged charger or USB cable to charge the device.

• Do not use any other chargers than those recommended.

• Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.

• The adapter shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

• The adapter should be used indoors where the ambient temperature is lower than or equal to 40 °C.

• Use only power supplies which are provided by the manufacturer and in the original packing of this product. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.