User Manual

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 87

4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING

Successful troubleshooting of a wireless system is not difficult, but

requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the

Access Point unit, as the rest of the system depends on the Access Point

for synchronization data. If the Access Point has problems, the operation

of the entire wireless network will be affected.

When communication problems are found, it is good practice to begin

by checking the simple things. Applying basic troubleshooting tech-

niques in a logical progression can identify many problems.

Multiple

Communication

Layers

It is important to remember the operation of the network is built upon a

radio communications link. On top of that are two data levels— wireless

MAC, and the data layer. It is essential that the wireless aspect of the

Access Point and the Remotes units to be associated are operating prop-

erly before data-layer traffic will function.

Unit Configuration There are over 50 user-configurable parameters in the entraNET Man-

agement System. Do not overlook the possibility that human-error may

be the cause of the problem. With so many possible things to look at and

change, a parameter may be incorrectly set, and then what was changed

is forgotten.

To help you avoid these problems, we recommend creating an archive

of the transceiver’s profile when your installation is complete in a Con-

figuration File. This file can be reloaded into the transceiver to restore

the unit to the factory defaults or your unique profile. For details on cre-

ating and archiving Configuration Files,

See “Using Conﬁguration Scripts” on Page 64.

Factory Assistance If problems cannot be resolved using the guidance provided here,

review the MDS Web site’s technical support area for recent soft-

ware/firmware updates, general troubleshooting help, and service infor-

mation. Additional help is available through the MDS Technical

Support Department. (See “TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE” on the inside

of the rear cover.)

4.1.1 Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs

An important set of troubleshooting tools are the LED status indicators

on the front panel of case. They should be the first thing to check when-

ever a problem is suspected. Table 3-3 on Page 82 describes the func-

tion of each status LED. Table 4-1 below provides suggestions for