User's Manual

Introduction 2
Installation Guide v2.3 – 5/10
Confidential and Proprietary ©2010, Awarepoint Corporation
Figure 1 - System Diagram
The Tag is a wireless device that is attached to equipment so that the equipment may
be located by the Awarepoint system. Although Tags attach to the asset in a variety of
ways, they are most commonly attached by zip-ties or high strength double-sided tape.
The Tags broadcast short messages periodically. If the Tag is moving, the default
update rate is seconds. If it is stationary, the default update rate is 10 minutes. These
values may be changed in the System Manager application.
The Sensors receive the messages broadcast by Tags. The Sensor measures the
signal strength received from the pulse (message), and transmits this data (Tag ID and
signal strength emitted from the Tag) to the Bridge. If the Bridge is not within direct
range of the Sensor, the Sensor sends the data to another Sensor and so forth until it
reaches the Bridge. In this manner, the Sensors form the Awarenet wireless mesh
network. This network is “self-healing” so if a Sensor is removed or otherwise
compromised, other Sensors will route around it. Sensors also periodically broadcast
messages to each other. These Sensor messages are used to calibrate the positioning
engine.
The Bridge connects the Awarenet wireless mesh network with the Awarepoint
Appliance via the facility’s Local Area Network (LAN). The Bridge contains a wireless
network interface similar to what is inside the Sensor as well as a wired Ethernet
interface. The B1 Bridge is configured with a serial interface. The B2 Bridge is
equipped with an LCD menu interface for configuration (do not use the serial interface
on the B2 Bridge).
Tags, Sensors, and Bridges also periodically check the Awarepoint Appliance for
updated configuration information or firmware updates. All three products can remotely
update their firmware.