Under the normal Part-15 rules, the only devices allowed to have a "non
unique" connector are devices labeled for and sold only to "professional
installers".
The problem is, there isn't really a good explanation of what a part-15
professional installer is.
What I've been told by the FCC is that the intent is that any device where
it's easy to mix and match parts (remember that you could only use
specifically certified antennas before 2005) was to only be sold to a pro
installer. Literally, it was illegal for a vendor to sell us an ap without
also including the cable and antenna for it.
To be a pro installer we're supposed to have been manufacturer trained on a
specific piece of gear (I was trained on p-com and wmux gear in the bad ol'
wpcs days). The reasoning was that it's possible to use a certified
combination of radio, cable, and antenna, and STILL exceed the EIRP limits.
So we're supposed to have been trained on the device so we'd not
accidentally assemble and configure an illegal version of a legal kit.
The new rules specifically say that these rules do NOT apply to a device
designed for a professional installer. If you're not sure that your device
is for a pro installer, look in the manual. If it's got an n connector on
it, it should also say that it's only available to professional installers.
That rule has been TOTALLY ignored by everyone. We are, as users of this
gear day in and day out, assumed to be professional installers so we don't
have to buy devices with only unique connectors or buy only in kits (like a
Linksys dsl router etc.).
Again, I'd LOVE to see a real mix and match capability where we could use
anyone's radio with anyone's amp and antenna. But they clearly aren't yet
ready to go there.
Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly, I've asked for some time with
the head of OET (the FCC folks that write these rules). I'll pass along
what he says once I'm able to talk to him about it.
Hope that helps,
Marlon
(509) 982-2181
(408) 907-6910 (Vonage) Consulting services
42846865 (icq) WISP Operator since 1999!
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.odessaoffice.com/wireless
www.odessaoffice.com/marlon/cam
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lonnie Nunweiler" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "WISPA General List" <wireless@wispa.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 9:02 AM
Subject: Re: [WISPA] Modifications of Parts 2 and 15 of the,Commission's
Rules for unlicensed devices and, equipment approval
I saw nothing about an N connector being disallowed. It simply says
that the connector(s) must be unique, and my contention is that an N
connector is just as unique as a U.FL or RP-SMA. Once something
becomes an Industry Standard it sort of loses its uniqueness.
Since every system must have an antenna and for maintenance purposes
that antenna must be removable. Just try and unsolder an antenna lead
while hanging off a tower. I doubt that is their intention and thus
they would certainly allow a removable antenna.
I do agree that they are worried about the consumer gear and having
Joe Schmoe hook up a larger antenna to his Dlink, LinkSys or Zcom
consumer router.
For the ISP market the rules must have a bit more common sense, and I
did see that in the document. I felt it was a very positive step and
one that will help the Industry in general.
On 4/26/07, Marlon K. Schafer (509) 982-2181 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I certainly DO want to mix and match. Hell, it's going on all over
anywhere, they're gonna have to legalize it sooner or later anyway. The
mix
and match "thing" is way beyond anyone's ability to enforce it anymore.
However, it's still the law and shouldn't be done.....
This is the specific clause that applies to us:
The "professional installation" provision of Section 15.203 may not be
applied to modules.
If it's got an N connector on it, as does most of our gear, it's for
professional installation only.
This new ruling is clearly aimed at the Dells, HPs, Toshibas etc. of the
world. Not at us. If you can find a source at the FCC that'll say
otherwise I'd LOVE to hear from them. 90% of the networks out there have
changed something that will take them out of compliance, this rule would
bring almost all of them back into compliance.
Marlon
(509) 982-2181
(408) 907-6910 (Vonage) Consulting services
42846865 (icq) WISP Operator since
1999!
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.odessaoffice.com/wireless
www.odessaoffice.com/marlon/cam
--
Lonnie Nunweiler
Valemount Networks Corporation
http://www.star-os.com/
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