Volo FM1200 always dropping out

[alex hedley]

Hi, we have purchased 5 x Volo FM1200 units to use in a MESH network on an Airport. We have tried several frequencies & they keep dropping the link randomly. We believe there may be some interference issues. Does anyone have any suggestions to make them more stable?

Regards,

Alex.   

[marce1000]

               - You may try  the latest firmware , if applicable : https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286328525/type/286328673/release/7.9.0

 M.

[alex hedley]

Thanks @marce1000  we are running 7.9.0

[Rich R]

- Don't the logs show any reason for disconnection?
- What channels are you using?  Plenty of radar around airports so using DFS channels is likely to be problematic.

[alex hedley]

Hi @Rich R, we have not checked the Logs - good tip!  We have tried many channels with varying issues on each, we found 5800Mhz @ 10Mhz bandwidth was fairly stable but started to drop out again after a while then got progressively worse. I suspect this may be a radar issue as there is a radar source on in the centre of the airfield. Any idea's on a good frequency to use?

[Rich R]

It depends on country so without knowing your country hard to give a precise answer.  You can check with your local regulatory authority or search for details.  For UK/ETSI this provides a neat summary:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54949307e4b041d6f14f98df/t/5c4e385d352f531fd27f7779/1548630109352/5+GHz+Channel+Allocations+.pdf
For US: 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161, and 165 but 165 is not recommended due to overlap with UNII-4 band channels.
But it also depends on internal/external - 36, 40, 44, 48 are generally internal use only.
But as per that summary 149-165 can be used outdoors without DFS with specified Tx power control limiting the EIRP in some domains.  Power limit varies by domains where that's allowed.
This provides a global summary but a little less readable than the pdf:
https://kernel.googlesource.com/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/sforshee/wireless-regdb/+/refs/heads/master/db.txt
But always check with your local regulator for the latest regulations.

If you're still struggling open a TAC case for assistance.

[alex hedley]

Thanks @Rich R The country is Tajikistan, not sure what the code is for them? How do I raise a TAC case, I'm new to Cisco tech support!

[marce1000]

 - FYI : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/instructions-guides/220312-open-a-tac-support-case-for-fast-dedica.html

 M.

[Rich R]

Normally you can check https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/assets/prod/wireless/wireless-compliance-tool/index.html but Tajikistan isn't in the country list there! 
Sometimes https://cae-cnc-prd.cisco.com/pdtcnc/#/ can also be useful but looks like Cisco haven't added the FM products yet!  You could use the Send Feedback to Corporate Compliance link on that page.

For TAC:
https://mycase.cloudapps.cisco.com/case
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html
but it looks like they might still be supporting the Fluidmesh products separately so you could also try Cisco Technical Support for Wireless Backhaul Products:

• Telephone Number: +1.617.209.6080
• Support Email: support@fluidmesh.com

[JPavonM]

Best ask local regulatory agency as @Rich R told you.
Some piece of advices:
(https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/2566af1c-3d99-41b1-82aa-8f570d7dd679/RSCOM15-13%20CEPT%20Report%2057%20 and https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2019/Documents/PFA-WRC19-E.pdf):

https://docdb.cept.org/download/4385

[marce1000]

@JPavonM  The second URL does not work (incorrect formatting)

 M.

[Rich R]

https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/conferences/wrc/2019/Documents/PFA-WRC19-E.pdf
Just remove the 2 extra characters which got added to the link after pdf

[JPavonM]

@marce1000  this is now fixed, thanks.

[alex hedley]

Thanks for all of your help and great info everybody, I will contact support should I need further assistance.

[alex hedley]

Hi all, 

There is a section in the Volo manual specifically about operating the units in proximity to military radar systems – Page 68 in the manual. This does included an option for dynamic frequency selection it appears (hopping). Does anyone know about this? Thanks.