POP Module 4 - Alignment Process

Wireless Alignment and Optimization

Learn wireless fundamentals, sector antenna operation, LiteBeam alignment techniques, signal optimization tools, and troubleshooting connectivity issues

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Understand how wireless signals propagate in rural agricultural settings
Identify the role of the Rocket M2 sector antenna at the hub building
Perform precise LiteBeam alignment using signal strength feedback
Use alignment tools and mobile apps to optimize connectivity
Troubleshoot common connectivity issues including interference and weather impacts
Maintain stable, high-performance wireless links over time

LiteBeam Alignment Process

Step-by-step procedure for precise antenna alignment

 

Proper LiteBeam alignment is the most critical step for achieving optimal connectivity. Even small misalignments (a few degrees) can reduce signal strength by 10-20 dB, making the difference between excellent and unusable performance.
 

LiteBeam Antenna Alignment

POP Trailer Backhaul Configuration Guide

⏱️ Total Time: 40-65 minutes

Prerequisites Before Alignment

✓
Trailer properly deployed and stabilized
Mast extended to full height, jacks deployed, trailer level and stable
✓
Power system operational
Battery charged, network equipment powered on and booted (wait 5 minutes after power-on)
✓
Alignment tools ready
Laptop or tablet with WiFi, compass or GPS bearing app, binoculars (helpful), tools for adjusting mounting bracket
✓
Hub antenna location known
Exact bearing or visual identification of sector antenna on main building

Step 1: Initial Rough Alignment

5-10 minutes
  1. Visually locate hub building
    Stand at POP location and identify the building where the sector antenna is mounted. Use binoculars if needed to spot the antenna itself.
  2. Determine bearing to hub
    Use compass or smartphone compass app to measure bearing from POP to hub. Record this bearing for reference (e.g., "Hub at 245° / WSW").
  3. Loosen LiteBeam mounting bracket
    Locate the mounting bracket bolts on the LiteBeam. Loosen (do not remove) so antenna can be aimed but still has some friction to hold position.
  4. Point LiteBeam toward hub
    Physically aim the LiteBeam in the direction of the hub building. The front face of the LiteBeam (the flat side with the Ubiquiti logo) should point directly at the hub. Start with antenna level (not tilted up or down).
  5. Estimate elevation angle (if needed)
    If hub building is significantly higher or lower than POP, tilt antenna up or down slightly. For most deployments on relatively flat terrain, keep antenna level or within ±5° of level.
Rough Alignment Goal: At this stage, the LiteBeam should be pointed in approximately the right direction (within ±10°). This is sufficient to establish initial connectivity. Fine-tuning comes next.

Step 2: Connect to LiteBeam Interface

5 minutes
  1. Connect laptop/tablet to POP WiFi
    Connect to the POP's local WiFi network (SSID will be provided during deployment setup). Alternatively, connect directly to LiteBeam via ethernet cable if configured.
  2. Access LiteBeam management interface
    Open web browser and navigate to LiteBeam IP address (typically 192.168.1.20 or as configured). Log in with credentials provided by IT staff.
  3. Navigate to alignment tools
    In the LiteBeam interface, find the "Tools" or "Alignment" section. This will display real-time signal strength and quality metrics.
  4. Verify initial connection
    Check if LiteBeam has detected the hub's sector antenna. You should see signal strength readings (even if weak). If no signal detected, verify rough alignment and that hub equipment is powered on.

Step 3: Fine Alignment

20-40 minutes
Critical Step: This is the most critical and time-consuming step. Patience and small adjustments are key.
  1. Monitor signal strength display
    Keep the LiteBeam alignment interface visible on your device. Note the current signal strength in dBm (e.g., "-72 dBm"). This is your baseline.
  2. Make small horizontal adjustments
    Move antenna left or right by 1-2 degrees. Wait 3-5 seconds for signal reading to stabilize. If signal improves (less negative number), continue in that direction. If signal worsens, reverse direction.
  3. Find horizontal peak
    Continue making small adjustments left/right until you find the position with strongest signal. "Sweep" past the peak and back to confirm you've found the optimal position.
  4. Make small vertical adjustments
    Now adjust antenna up or down by 1-2 degrees. Use the same process: small movements, wait for stabilization, follow the direction of signal improvement.
  5. Find vertical peak
    Locate the vertical angle with strongest signal. For most deployments on flat terrain, optimal angle will be within ±3° of level.
  6. Iterate for maximum signal
    Go back to horizontal adjustments and fine-tune again. Vertical and horizontal alignment interact, so you may need to iterate 2-3 times to find the true peak signal.
  7. Verify target signal strength achieved
    Confirm signal strength is in target range: -50 to -65 dBm is excellent, -65 to -75 dBm is acceptable. If signal is weaker than -75 dBm, verify LOS and consider site adjustments.
  8. Lock mounting bracket
    Once optimal alignment is achieved, carefully tighten mounting bracket bolts. Tighten gradually and evenly to avoid shifting antenna position. Verify signal remains strong after tightening.

Alignment Tips for Success

• Be patient: Rushing leads to suboptimal alignment
• Small movements: 1-2° adjustments are better than large swings
• Wait for stabilization: Signal readings take 3-5 seconds to settle
• Mark your progress: Note signal strength at each position
• Two-person team: One person adjusts antenna, another monitors signal
• Avoid wind: Wind can move antenna during alignment—work on calm days if possible

Step 4: Verification and Testing

10 minutes
  1. Monitor signal for 5 minutes
    Leave alignment interface open and watch signal strength. It should remain stable (±2 dB variation is normal). Large fluctuations indicate instability.
  2. Test internet connectivity
    From device connected to POP WiFi, browse to a website or run a speed test. Verify internet access is working.
  3. Run throughput test
    Use speedtest.net or similar. Expected throughput depends on distance: 100-200 Mbps at <2 km, 50-100 Mbps at 2-4 km, 20-50 Mbps at 4-5 km.
  4. Document final alignment
    Record final signal strength, throughput, and any notes about alignment process. Take photo of antenna position for reference.

Signal Strength Reference

-50 to -65
Excellent
-65 to -75
Acceptable
Weaker than -75
Needs Review
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