Network Diagram and Configuration

The WiFi Expansion Kit allows libraries to test multiple wireless expansion strategies, including mesh networking, point-to-point (PtP) long-distance links, outdoor coverage, and remote site connectivity. This page explains how all components work together, provides best-practice configuration steps, and includes diagrammatic layouts to make deployment easier.

1. System Architecture Overview

The kit contains four major subsystems:

A. Core Network & Management

• UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 – Manages and monitors all UniFi devices

• UniFi USW-Flex PoE Switches (x2) – Provide PoE+ to APs and NanoBeams

• PoE++ (60W) Adapters (x2) – Provide power to the Flex switches when AC power is available

B. Long-Distance Connectivity

• Ubiquiti NanoBeam 5AC Gen2 (x2) – Creates a high-speed point-to-point bridge between two locations

C. Local WiFi Expansion

• Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M Mesh Access Points (x4) – Provide local wireless service at the “remote” side of the PtP bridge

D. Portable Power & Mounting

• EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro – Powers remote-side equipment where AC power is unavailable

• Auray SS-25S Tripod Stands (x2) – Hold NanoBeams and switches

• Rockville Extension Poles (x2) – Provide extra height; the full assembly slides directly onto tripods

2. How the Whole System Works (High-Level)

[Library Building Network]  

        │

       ▼

[PoE Switch] → [NanoBeam A] ))) 5 GHz Wireless Bridge ((( [NanoBeam B] 

                                                                                                                 │

                                                                                                       [Flex Switch]

                                                               ┌─────────────────┴──────────────────┐

                                                               │                                              │                                                 │

                                                       [Mesh AP 1]                           [Mesh AP 2]                              [Mesh AP 3]

In short:
The NanoBeams create a wireless “backhaul,” delivering network connectivity to a remote area where the Flex switch powers multiple mesh APs, expanding WiFi coverage.

3. Configuration Scenarios

Below are the three standard configurations libraries will use when testing.

Scenario 1: Simple Point-to-Point Link (No APs)

Use when testing if remote connectivity is even possible.

[Library Router/Switch] → [NanoBeam A] )))) (((([NanoBeam B] → [Laptop / Test Device]

Use Case Examples

• Checking viability of outdoor WiFi in a park

• Verifying if line-of-sight exists between buildings

• Testing bandwidth for future projects

Scenario 2: Full Remote WiFi Coverage (Recommended)

Most common testing setup.

[Library LAN]

        │

[PoE Adapter → Flex Switch]   →   [Cloud Key Gen2] ← manages all APs, switches, NanoBeams

        │

[NanoBeam A]

        │

 ))))) 5 GHz Bridge (((((  

        │

[NanoBeam B]

       │

[Flex Switch (PoE) - Powered By EcoFlow Power Station]

           ┌───────┬────────┬────────┐

           │                   │                      │                      │

        [AP1]            [AP2]               [AP3]               [AP4]

Use Case Examples

• Pop-up outdoor WiFi in downtown areas

• Connectivity for events, festivals, or parking lots

• Temporary network during building construction or outages

4. Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

Step 1: Mounting the NanoBeams and Equipment

1. Expand the bases and poles of the Auray Tripods. Tighten the knobs to lock it in place (keep the base wide for best stability).

2. Slide the Rockville Extension Pole (with all gear already mounted) into the Auray tripod.

Ensure:

2. • Clear line-of-sight between units

   • No trees, walls, or metal objects in the path

   • Tripods are stable and weighted if windy

Step 2: Powering the System

Library Side

• Use AC power → PoE++ adapter → USW-Flex switch → Cloud Key Gen2

                                                                      │ →  (same Flex switch)

                              Use AC power → USW-Flex switch → PoE+ adapter → NanoBeam A

Remote Side (No Power Available. Replace Ecoflow with "AC power" if available.)

EcoFlow → PoE++ adapter → Flex Switch → NanoBeam B + Mesh APs

EcoFlow Runtime Estimates (varies by devices used):

• NanoBeam only: 6–9 hours

• NanoBeam + 2 APs: 4–6 hours

• Full setup (4 APs): 3–4 hours

Step 3: Connecting Cables

Use the included:

• 100 ft Cat6 cables for long distances

• 6 ft Cat6 cables for near-device connections

All APs must connect to the PoE-out ports on the Flex Switch.

Step 4: Aligning the NanoBeams

1. Point devices roughly at each other

2. Use the NanoBeam’s signal strength app/tools

3. Adjust angle slowly until:

   • Signal ≥ –60 dBm

   • Quality ≥ 80%

Mark the tripod feet with tape if testing multiple areas.

Step 5: Deploying Mesh APs

1. Connect APs to Flex switch

2. Place them:

   • Spread out

   • 20–100 ft apart

   • 8–12 ft high ideally

3. AP LEDs should turn solid white (ready) or blue (active clients)

Step 6: Optional – Cloud Key Setup

1. Connect Cloud Key to LAN

2. Visit: https://unifi.ui.com

3. Adopt:

   • Flex switches

   • APs

   • NanoBeams (if running in management mode)

4. Set SSID name & password

5. Enable “Wireless Uplink” if using APs wirelessly

5. Example Deployment Maps

Outdoor Festival Layout

         REMOTE EVENT AREA

      AP1      AP2      AP3      AP4

        \        |        |       /

         \       |        |      /

          [Flex Switch + EcoFlow]

                     │

                [NanoBeam B]

                     | ))))) ((((( |

                [NanoBeam A]

                     │

              [Library Network]

Parking Lot WiFi Extension

[Library LAN] → [NanoBeam A] )))) (((([NanoBeam B] → AP1 + AP2

Between Buildings

Building A → NanoBeam A )))) ((( NanoBeam B → Building B WiFi

6. Troubleshooting & Quick Indicators

Problem

Likely Cause

Fix

Slow connection

NanoBeam misaligned

Re-aim until signal improves

APs not powering

Wrong port

Use PoE-OUT ports only

No remote link

Obstructed line-of-sight

Move tripod or raise height

Devices cycling power

Insufficient EcoFlow battery

Recharge or reduce AP count

Interference spikes

Nearby WISPs, 5GHz congestion

Change NanoBeam channel