Invisible place holder Figure 3-92. Configuration Scripts Menu ¥ IP address of the computer on which the TFTP server resides. [Any valid IP address] ¥ Config Filename Name of file containing this unit s configuration profile that will be transferred to the TFTP server. The configuration information is in plain-text ASCII format. [Any 40-character alphanumeric string] May require a sub-directory, for example: config\mercury-config.txt. (See Configuration Scripts Menu on Page 119 for more information.
Editing Configuration Files Once a Remote unit s operation is fine-tuned, use theConfiguration Scripts Menu on Page 119 to save a copy of the configuration onto a PC. Once the file is saved on the PC, you can use it as a source to generate modified copies adjusted to match other devices. Modify the configuration files using a text editor or an automated process. (These applications are not provided by GE MDS). We recommend that you review and update the following parameters for each individual unit.
Ping Utility Menu Invisible place holder Figure 3-93. Ping Utility Menu ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Address to send a Ping. [ Any valid IP address] Number of Ping packets to be sent. Packet Size Size of each Ping data packet (bytes). Ping Send Ping packets to address shown on screen. Address to Ping Count This screen is replaced with a detailed report of Ping activity (see example in Figure 3-94). Press any key after viewing the results to return to this menu. Invisible place holder Figure 3-94.
Authorization Codes Invisible place holder Figure 3-95. Authorization Codes Menu ¥ For entering an Authorization Key into the transceiver s non-volatile memory. ¥ Authorized Features List of the transceiver s authorized features. Each item shows enabled or disabled according to the settings allowed by the Authorization Key entered into the radio.
Invisible place holder Figure 3-96. Reset to Factory Defaults Action (Note challenge question at bottom of screen) 3.12.1Auto Firmware Upgrade Menu (AP Only)holder Invisible place Figure 3-97.Auto Firmware Upgrade Menu ¥ Causes all of the Remotes associated to this AP to read the AP s specified (byFirmware for Upgrade) firmware version (active or inactive), and download it via TFTP to the inactive image if the Remote does not already have that firmware version.
NOTE: To use the Auto Upgrade/Reboot feature, both the AP and Remotes must already be running version 2.1.0 or newer firmware. ¥ Specifies the firmware version that the Remotes should download, if they do not already have it. Firmware for Upgrade Radio Test Menu Using this menu, you can manually key the radio transmitter for performance checks and set several parameters that will be used when the Radio Mode is set to Test. Invisible place holder Figure 3-98.
¥ Sets/displays the transmitter s power setting. Make a numerical entry within the allowable range. [-30 to +30 dBm] ¥ Test Channel Sets/displays the radio s test channel number. Make a numerical entry within the allowable range. [0-13; 0] ¥ Test RF Bandwidth Sets/displays the transmitter s bandwidth for testing. Use the Spacebar to view selections. [1.75. 3.5 MHz; 1.75 MHz] ¥ Test Burst Percentage Sets/displays the percentage of Burst size to use for testing.
Figure 3-100. Spectrum Analyzer Display 3.13 PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION After checking basic radio operation, you can optimize the network s performance. The effectiveness of these techniques varies with the design of your system and the format of the data being sent. There are two major areas for possible improvement the radio and the data network. These sections provide a variety of items to check in both categories, and in many cases, ways to improve performance.
Table 3-11. Recommended Settings for Common Scenarios For Fixed Locations, where best combination of range and throughput is desired. Remote User discretion User discretion Transmit Power (AP)/ Max Transmit Power (RM) 30 30 dBm In most cases, power can be set to +30 dBm and left alone. Setting it lower helps control cell overlap. Receive Power -70 N/A dBm Sets AP receiver for medium gain. Typical range: -60, -80 dBm.
For Optimal Sensitivity (Trades off throughput for best possible sensitivity. AP more susceptible to interference) Radio Configuration Receive Power AP Remote Units Notes -80 N/A dBm Sets AP receiver for highest gain. When Heavy Interference Exists at AP (Trades off range for robustness in the face of interference) Radio Configuration Receive Power AP Remote Units -60 N/A dBm Notes Sets AP receiver for low gain, which forces Remote transmit power to be high.
Table 3-12. Mercury Remote Transceiver (Continued) (Performance Information>>Internal Radio Status Menu) Name Target Value Notes SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) Strong signal (bench setting): 25-28 dB A low SNR may be caused by noise or interfering signals. Operational: 3-30 dB Typ. System: 10-20 dB TX Freq. Offset 0-22,875 Hz Adjusts to accommodate what is expected by the AP. RX Freq. Offset 0-22,875 Hz Adjusts to accommodate what is expected by the AP.
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4 TROUBLESHOOTING & RADIO MEASUREMENTS 4 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................. 135 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.1.4 4.1.5 4.1.6 Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs ............................................135 Troubleshooting Using the Embedded Management System ...136 Using Logged Operation Events ...............................................139 Alarm Conditions ................................................................
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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 is affected. When you find communication problems, it is good practice to begin by checking the simple causes.
resolving common system difficulties using the LEDs, and Table 4-2 on Page 137 provides other simple techniques. Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Using LEDs Symptom-Based Symptom Problem/Recommended System Checks PWR LED does not turn on a. Voltage too low Check for the proper supply voltage at the power connector. (10—30 Vdc) b. Indefinite Problem Cycle the power and wait (≈ 30 seconds) for the unit to reboot. Then, recheck for normal operation. LINK LED does not turn on a.
Table 4-2. Basic Troubleshooting Using the Management System Symptom Problem/Recommended System Checks Cannot access the MS through COM1 a. Connect to unit via Telnet or Web browser. b. Disable the serial mode for COM1 (Serial Gateway Configuration>>Com1 Serial Data Port>>Status>>Disabled). Or, if you know the unit s data configuration: a. Connect to COM 1 via a terminal set to VT100 and the port s data baud rate. b. Type +++. c.
connect to the Management System, see THE TRANSCEIVER on Page 23. STEP 3 CONNECT PC TO Starting Information Screen (See Starting Information Screen on Page 40) The Management System s home page provides some valuable bits of data. One of the most important is the Device Status field. This item tells you if the unit is operational. If the Device Status field says Associated, then look in the network areas beginning with network data statistics.
Packet Statistics Menu (See Packet Statistics Menu on Page 105) This screen provides detailed information on data exchanges between the unit being viewed and the network through the wireless and the Ethernet (data) layers.
permanent memory (Flash memory) until cleared by user request. Table 4-4 summarizes these classifications. Table 4-4.
Table 4-5. Alarm Conditions (Alphabetical Order) (Continued) Alarm Condition Reported Event Log Entry SNMP Trap EVENT_RSSI_CAL RSSI Not Calibrated rssiCal(9) EVENT_SYSTEM_ERROR* System Error Cleared; Please Reboot systemError(16) EVENT_TFTP_CONN TFTP connectivity achieved tftpConnection(73) EVENT_TFTP_ERR Attempted TFTP connection failed tftpConnFailed(79) * User can correct condition, clearing the alarm. 4.1.
4.1.6 Logged Events (See Event Log Menu on Page 104) The following events allow the transceiver to continue operation and do not make the PWR LED blink. Each is reported through an SNMP trap. The left hand column, Event Log Entry, is what shows in the Event Log. Table 4-7.
Table 4-7. Non-Critical Events Alphabetical Order (Continued) Event Log Entry Severity Description SNR Within threshold/Below threshold INFORM Self explanatory System Bootup (power on) INFORM Self explanatory Telnet Access Locked for 5 Min MAJOR Self explanatory Telnet User Logged Out/Logged In MAJOR Self explanatory User Selected Reboot MAJOR Self explanatory 4.2 RADIO (RF) MEASUREMENTS There are several measurements that should be performed during the initial installation.
Record the current transmitter power output level, then set it to 30 dBm for the duration of the test to provide an adequate signal level for the directional wattmeter. Procedure 1. Place a directional wattmeter between the TX antenna connector and the antenna system. 2. Place the transceiver into the Radio Test Mode using the menu sequence below: (Maintenance/Tools Menu>>Radio Test>>Radio Mode>>Test) 3. Set the transmit power to 30 dBm.
strength. The transceiver has a built-in received signal strength indicator (RSSI) that can tell you when the antenna is in a position that provides the optimum received signal. RSSI measurements and Wireless Packet Statistics are based on multiple samples over a period of several seconds. The average of these measurements is displayed by the Management System. The measurement and antenna alignment process usually takes 10 or more minutes at each radio unit.
7. If the RSSI peak results in an increase in the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error, the antenna may be aimed at an undesired signal source. Try a different antenna orientation. End of procedure. 146 Mercury Reference Manual 05-4446A01, Rev.
5 PLANNING A RADIO NETWORK 5 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 5.1 INSTALLATION PLANNING .................................................... 149 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.1.6 5.1.7 General Requirements ..............................................................149 Site Selection ............................................................................151 Terrain and Signal Strength .......................................................151 Antenna & Feedline Selection ..............
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5.1 INSTALLATION PLANNING This section provides tips for selecting an appropriate site, choosing an antenna system, and reducing the chance of harmful interference. 5.1.1 General Requirements There are three main requirements for installing a transceiver adequate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct interface between the transceiver and the data device. Figure 5-1 shows a typical Remote installation. NOTE: The transceiver s network port supports 10BaseT and 100BaseT connections.
(11.43 cm) mounting location that provides easy access to the connectors on the end of the radio and an unobstructed view of the LED status indicators. 4.5 TOP VIEW 6.75 (17.15 cm) 1.4 (3.56 cm) FRONT VIEW Figure 5-2. Transceiver Dimensions 2.75 (7 cm) Invisible place holder 8 5/8 (21.8 cm) Figure 5-3. Mounting Bracket Dimensions (center to center) NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the radio, do not mount the radio with the cable connectors pointing up.
5.1.2 Site Selection Suitable sites should provide: ¥ Protection from direct weather exposure ¥ A source of adequate and stable primary power ¥ Suitable entrances for antenna, interface, or other required cabling ¥ An antenna location that provides a transmission path that is as unobstructed as possible in the direction of the associated station(s) With the exception of the transmission path, you can quickly determine these requirements.
Antennas The radio equipment can be installed with a number of antennas. The exact style used depends on the physical size and layout of a system. Contact your factory representative for specific recommendations on antenna types and hardware sources. In general, an omnidirectional antenna (Figure 5-4) is used at the Access Points. This provides equal signal coverage in all directions. NOTE: Antenna polarization is important. If the wrong polarization is used, a signal reduction of 20 dB or more will result.
Invisible place holder Figure 5-5. Typical Yagi Antenna (mounted to mast) Diversity Reception (RX2) Antenna Port Reserved for future functionality. Future releases of the product will allow you to connect a second antenna to the transceiver for space diversity reception. GPS Antennas A number of GPS antennas (both active and passive) are available for use with the transceivers. Consult your factory representative for more information.
cable at 3650 MHz. The choice of cable depends on the required length, cost considerations, and the acceptable amount of signal loss. Table 5-1. Length vs. Loss in Coaxial Cables at 3650 MHz Cable Type 10 Feet (3.05 m) 50 Feet (15.24 m) 100 Feet (30.48 m) 500 Feet (152.4 m) RG-214 .76 dB 3.8 dB 7.6 dB Unacceptable Loss LMR-400 0.39 dB 1.95 dB 3.90 dB Unacceptable Loss 1/2 inch HELIAX 0.23 dB 1.15 dB 2.29 dB 11.45 dB 7/8 inch HELIAX 0.13 dB 0.64 dB 1.28 dB 6.
strength, it might be necessary to mount the station antennas higher, use higher gain antennas, select a different site, or install a repeater station. To prepare the equipment for an on-the-air test, follow the general installation procedures given in this guide and become familiar with the operating instructions found in the CHAPTER-2 TABLETOP EVALUATION AND TEST SETUP on Page 19. 5.1.
If you are not familiar with these interference-control techniques, contact your factory representative for more information. Configuring Mercury 3650 for Shared Spectrum Use (Contention-Based Protocol) While the Mercury 3650 has been designed to reduce the effects of interferers outside of the RF channel, cases may arrive where interferers may cause undesired operation. In the case of WiMAX interferers, proper configuration of the radio may reduce these effects.
5.2 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART Table 5-4 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent voltage or wattage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 5-2. dBm-Watts-Volts conversion for 50 ohm systems 05-4446A01, Rev. C dBm V Po dBm V Po dBm mV +53 +50 +49 +48 +47 +46 +45 +44 +43 +42 +41 +40 +39 +38 +37 +36 +35 +34 +33 +32 +31 +30 +29 +28 +27 +26 +25 +24 +23 +22 +21 +20 +19 +18 +17 +16 +15 +14 +13 +12 +11 +10 +9 +8 +7 +6 +5 +4 +3 +2 +1 200W 100W 80W 64W 50W 40W 32W 25W 20W 16W 12.
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6 TECHNICAL REFERENCE 6 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 6.1 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS ........................................ 161 6.1.1 LAN Port ....................................................................................161 6.1.2 COM1 Port ................................................................................162 6.2 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................... 162 6.3 NOTES ON SNMP........................................................
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6.1 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS Two types of data interface connectors are provided on the front panel of the transceiver an RJ-45 LAN port, and a DB-9 serial port ( COM1), which uses the RS-232 (EIA-232) signaling standard. CAUTION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE POTENTIAL The transceiver meets U.S.A. s FCC Part 15, Class A limits when used with shielded data cables. 6.1.1 LAN Port Use the transceiver s LAN port to connect the radio to an Ethernet network.
6.1.2 COM1 Port The COM1 serial port is a DB-9 female connector. Connect a PC to the transceiver via this port with a DB-9M to DB-9F straight-through cable. These cables are available commercially, or may be constructed using the pinout information in Figure 6-2 and Table 6-2. 5 9 1 6 Figure 6-2. COM1 Port (DCE) (Viewed from the outside of the unit.) Table 6-2.
¥ Sensitivity and Data Rate (see chart below): 3.5 MHz Channel Modulation (CP=1/16) Sensitivity Signaling Rate 1.75 MHz Channel Max. User Throughput (Aggregate)* Sensitivity Signaling Rate Max. User Throughput (Aggregate)* 64 QAM 3/4 FEC -77 dBm 12.7 Mbps 7.2 Mbps -80 dBm 6.35 Mbps 3.6 Mbps 16 QAM 3/4 FEC -86 dBm 8.4 Mbps 4.8 Mbps -89.5 dBm 4.2 Mbps 2.4 Mbps QPSK 3/4 FEC -92 dBm 4.2 Mbps 2.4 Mbps -95 dBm 2.1 Mbps 1.2 Mbps BPSK 1/2 FEC -95 dBm 1.
Electrical ¥ Input Power: 10-30 Vdc ¥ Current Consumption (nominal): Mode Power 13.8 Vdc 24 Vdc AP Transmit 25 W 1.8 A 1.0 A AP Receive 8W 579 mA 333 mA RM Transmit 25W 1.8 mA 1.0 A RM Receive 6.5W 471 mA 270 mA Mechanical ¥ Case: Die Cast Aluminum ¥ Dimensions: 5.715 H x 20 W x 12.382 D cm. (2.25 H x 7.875 W x 4.875 D in.) ¥ Weight: 1kg (2.2 lb.
6.3 NOTES ON SNMP 6.3.1 Overview The firmware release described in this manual contains changes to the transceiver s SNMP Agent, several new MIB variables, and new Agent configuration options. This guide reviews the changes and shows how to properly configure the Agent to take advantage of these new features. SNMPv3 Support The updated SNMP Agent now supports SNMP version 3 (SNMPv3).
Admin accounts: context_a/Viewer accounts: context_v. All accounts share the same default passwords: Authentication default password: MDSAuthPwd/Privacy default password: MDSPrivPwd. Passwords can be changed either locally (via the console) or from an SNMP Manager, depending on how the Agent is configured. If passwords are configured and managed locally, they are non-volatile and will survive a power-cycle.
¥ Passwords are currently managed locally. The local passwords are Fairport (Auth) and Churchville (Priv). Configuration is changed to handle the passwords from the Manager. The same passwords will continue to be used, but now the Manager can change them. ¥ Passwords are currently managed locally. The local passwords are Fairport (Auth) and Churchville (Priv). Passwords are changed to Brighton (Auth) and Perinton (Priv).
Table 6-3.
7 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 7 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph If you are new to wireless IP/Ethernet systems, some of the terms used in this manual might be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of your radio network. Some of these terms do not appear in the manual, but are often encountered in the wireless industry, and are therefore provided for completeness.
from the number and order of bits in a data string. This value is compared with a locally-generated value and a match indicates that the message is unchanged, and therefore valid. Data Circuit-terminating Equipment See DCE. Data Communications Equipment See DCE. Datagram A data string consisting of an IP header and the IP message within. Data Terminal Equipment See DTE. dBd Decibels (dipole antenna). dBi Decibels referenced to an ideal isotropic radiator in free space.
Digital Signal Processing See DSP. DSP Digital Signal Processing. DSP circuitry is responsible for the most critical real-time tasks; primarily modulation, demodulation, and servicing of the data port. DTE Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device.
communications device. When the buffer approaches overflow, the radio drops the clear-to-send (CTS) line, that instructs the connected device to delay further transmission until CTS again returns to the high state. Host Computer The computer installed at the master station site, that controls the collection of data from one or more remote sites.
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association. National body that established a protocol for interfacing GPS data between electronic equipment. Network Name User-selectable alphanumeric string that is used to identify a group of radio units that form a communications network. The Access Point and all Remotes within a given system should have the same network address. Network-Wide Diagnostics An advanced method of controlling and interrogating GE MDS radios in a radio network.
PLC Programmable Logic Controller. A dedicated microprocessor configured for a specific application with discrete inputs and outputs. It can serve as a host or as an RTU. PuTTY A free implementation of Telnet and SSH for Win32 and Unix platforms. It is written and maintained primarily by Simon Tatham. Refer to http://www.pobox.com/~anakin/ for more information. RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial In User Service.
Standing-Wave Ratio See SWR. SWR Standing-Wave Ratio. A parameter related to the ratio between forward transmitter power and the reflected power from the antenna system. As a general guideline, reflected power should not exceed 10% of the forward power (≈ 2:1 SWR). TCP Transmission Control Protocol TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol Trap Manager Software that collects SNMP traps for display or logging of events. UDP User Datagram Protocol UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair VLAN Virtual Local Area Network.
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IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY... GE MDS products are designed for long life and trouble-free operation. However, this equipment, as with all electronic equipment, may have an occasional component failure. The following information will assist you in the event that servicing becomes necessary. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Technical assistance for GE MDS products is available from our Technical Support Department during business hours (8:00 A.M.—5:30 P.M. Eastern Time).
GE MDS, LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.GEmds.
