The first AyrMesh Hub you install in your network is called the "Gateway" - this is the Hub that is connected to your router. See the installation instructions (which are included with the Hub), slideshow or our YouTube video to see how it all gets set up. All you need to get started is an AyrMesh Hub and, usually, a long Ethernet (Cat 5 or Cat 6) cable to run from your router to the Hub.

The briefest directions for installing the AyrMesh Gateway Hub are:

1. Using your home computer, go to Ayrmesh.com and sign up for an AyrMesh Portal account. Don't change any of the settings yet.
   
2. After taking your Hub out of the box, assemble the hub by screwing the antenna on to the top of the radio (remove the little black cap).
3. Push the bottom of the cover open with your thumbs.
4. Plug one end of your long Ethernet cable (or one of the included short cables) into the port in the Hub. Push the cover back on.
   
5. Plug the other end of this cable into the "POE" port on the power supply.
6. Plug one of the short Ethernet cables into the "LAN" port of the power supply and plug the other end into one of the "LAN" ports on your router.
   
7. Plug the power supply into the wall. The light on the power supply and the bottom two lights on the Hub should be lit - the other "signal" lights are only active on a Remote Hub.
   
8. Test the AyrMesh Hub by connecting to it, via Wi-Fi, with a computer or Internet-enabled device. Remember: the default network name is "AyrMesh" and the default encryption password or passkey is "Ayrmesh1" (unless you changed them on ayrmesh.com).
9. Check and make sure the Hub is "checking in" to ayrmesh.com by logging in, going to "Manage Network" and then "Check AyrMesh Hubs." (may take 15 minutes or so).
   
10. Mount the AyrMesh Hub using the included hardware; the higher and clearer of obstructions the better.

Make sure you buy an Ethernet ("Cat 5" or "Cat 6") cable to run from the power supply to your Hub and that it is long enough! 50-100' is usually enough to reach to the roof, but some installations may require 150' or even 200'. Long Ethernet cables are available from many sources - we have provided some pointers on the Ayrstone Web Store under "Non-Ayrstone Products - Cables & Other." Ethernet cables and tools are now commonly available in home improvement stores and electronics outlets.

The AyrMesh Gateway Hub connects directly to the Internet with an Ethernet cable. The equipment providing your Internet connection may include a router that the AyrMesh Hub can plug in to, but, in many cases, you'll want a separate router between your Internet Service Provider's equipment and the AyrMesh Hub. For more information, see this article about how to build the AyrMesh network.

Vital to the range of your AyrMesh network is the location of your Gateway Hub - for maximum range (up to half a mile to laptops and other devices, up to a mile to other AyrMesh Hubs), the AyrMesh Gateway Hub should be mounted as high as possible and clear of signal obstructions. The AyrMesh hub design allows mounting inside or outside, so it can be mounted in the house or in the attic, but we recommend mounting it outside, preferably on a pole or mast on top of the building. Allow enough height to clear the roof and any surrounding obstacles. Even if you plan to use only a single AyrMesh Hub, mounting it as high as possible will provide the best possible range.

For more detailed instructions, check out our installation slideshow, which can also be downloaded as a PDF file. Better yet, go to YouTube, and watch our video called Installing the AyrMesh Hub as a Gateway.