diff --git a/arednGettingStarted/selecting_devices.rst b/arednGettingStarted/selecting_devices.rst index a06f7a2..4226ca9 100644 --- a/arednGettingStarted/selecting_devices.rst +++ b/arednGettingStarted/selecting_devices.rst @@ -7,15 +7,15 @@ The amateur radio community has recognized the benefits of using inexpensive com When selecting a device for your AREDN |trade| hardware there are several things to consider in your decision. * Radios should be purchased for the specific frequency band on which they will operate. Currently AREDN |trade| supports devices which operate in several bands. Check the AREDN |trade| `website `_ for the latest information. -* Many devices come with an integrated dual-polarity :abbr:`MIMO (Multiple Input-Multiple Output)` antenna which helps to mitigate multipath propagation issues. +* Many devices have an integrated dual-polarity :abbr:`MIMO (Multiple Input-Multiple Output)` antenna which helps to leverage multipath propagation. AREDN |trade| has always supported and recommended using MIMO hardware, since these devices typically outperform single chain radios when used as mesh nodes. * Radios can be purchased separately from the antenna, so it is possible to have more than one antenna option for a radio in order to optimize AREDN |trade| nodes for varying deployment conditions. * Costs of devices range from $50 to several hundred dollars for a complete node, so there are many options even for the budget-conscious operator. -* Some older or lower cost devices have a limited amount of onboard memory, but firmware images continue grow in size and functionality. Consider purchasing a device with more memory over one with less memory. +* Some older or lower cost devices have a limited amount of onboard memory, but firmware images continue to grow in size and functionality. Consider purchasing a device with more memory over one with less memory. * Check the maximum power output of the device, since some devices have lower power capabilities. -One of the best sources of detailed device information is a manufacturer's datasheet, usually available for download from the manufacturer's website. Currently AREDN |trade| supports over fifty device models from manufacturers including GL-iNet, Mikrotik, TP-LINK, and Ubiquiti Networks. +One of the best sources of detailed hardware information is a manufacturer's datasheet, usually available for download from the manufacturer's website. Currently AREDN |trade| supports dozens of device models from manufacturers including GL-iNet, Mikrotik, TP-LINK, and Ubiquiti Networks. -If you are just getting started with AREDN |trade| you can easily begin with one of the low-cost devices that comes with an integrated antenna and a :abbr:`PoE (Power over Ethernet)` unit. If you are expanding your AREDN |trade| network with more sophisticated equipment, you may choose a standalone radio attached to any of several kinds of high-gain antennas. +If you are just getting started with AREDN |trade| you can easily begin with one of the low-cost devices that comes with an integrated antenna and a :abbr:`PoE (Power over Ethernet)` unit. If you are expanding your AREDN |trade| network with more sophisticated equipment, you may choose a standalone radio attached to a high-gain antenna. .. note:: See the **Network Design Guide** for more information about constructing robust mesh networks.