MDS iNET Series™ Wireless IP/Ethernet Transceiver iNET-II Firmware Release 1 iNET Firmware Release 6 MDS 05-2873A01, Rev. E MAY 2006 Installation & Start-Up Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Refer to the Installation Reference Chart at the middle of this manual for essential installation and configuration details.
Contents OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES ...................................2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION .....................................................4 MDS CYBER SECURITY SUITE.............................................5 INSTALLATION PLANNING ....................................................6 INSTALLATION STEPS .......................................................... 6 Step 1—Mount the Transceiver ...................................................7 Step 2—Install the Antenna ..........................
Manual Revision and Accuracy While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, product improvements may result in minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If you have questions or need an exact specification for a product, please contact our Technical Services Team using the information at the back of this guide. Microwave Data Systems reserves its right to correct any errors or omissions.
When installed in a Class I, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C or D hazardous location, observe the following notice: WARNING EXPLOSION HAZARD Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous. 6. Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods. Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The MDS iNET-II and iNET transceivers are designed to provide wireless local area network (LAN) service with plug-and-play hardware. The transceivers come in two primary models—Access Point and Remote. Three types of Remote Gateways are available—the Ethernet Bridge, the Serial Gateway, and the Dual Gateway supporting both IP/Ethernet and serial services. Table 1 summaries the different interface abilities for each type of radio.
Differences Between iNET and iNET-II The iNET and iNET-II Transceivers, while similar in many respects, do have some important differences. The main differences are summarized in Table 2: Table 2. Transceiver Differences (iNET vs. iNET-II) Characteristic iNET iNET-II Data Rate 256/512 kbps 512 kbps/1 Mbps FCC Certification Type FHSS DTS Encryption RC4-128 AES-128 Channel size 316.
Table 3. Cyber Security Highlights Security Level Specification • MDS Cyber Security Suite, Level 1: • AES-128 encryption (iNET-II only) • Includes Level 2 features below • MDS Cyber Security Suite, Level 2: • RC4-128 encryption (iNET only) • Automatic rotating key algorithm • Authentication: 802.
It is highly recommended that the Access Point unit be installed first. With this plan, you can quickly check the operation of each associated Remote as it is placed on the air. NOTE: Transceivers are shipped from the factory set to the “Remote” mode unless they are marked differently. Step 1—Mount the Transceiver Mount the radio to a stable surface. (Fasteners/anchors or screws are not normally supplied.
Step 2—Install the Antenna To minimize radio frequency interference, the antenna should be mounted at least nine inches (> 23 cm) from the connected device(s), sensors and other components of the system. Additional information on antenna selection and installation is provided in the MDS iNET Series User’s Guide. Step 3—Measure & Connect Primary Power The primary power at the transceiver’s power connector must be within 10.5–30 Vdc and be capable of continuously providing up to 580 mA.
• Device Mode—Access Point, or Remote (default). • Network Name—Common identifier used by all of the units, which are part of the same network (required). The Network Name must be programmed to enable Remote units to associate with the Access Point unit. Other parameters that commonly need review or adjustment are: • IP Address—Must be a unique address to allow for IP access through the LAN port or over-the-air. (Default = 192.168.1.
c. Press the ENTER key. A login screen will be displayed that requires a password (default = admin) to access the Menu System. A password is required to make changes to all parameters. d. Program the radio’s Network Name. e. Review other settings and make changes if necessary, such as the unit password, IP address and security. Repeat the above steps for each unit in the network. NOTE: The Menu System’s “configuration files” will aid in uniformly configuring multiple units.
Step 6—Check for Normal Operation In this step you will verify the proper operation of wireless communications between an Access Point and the associated Remotes. At All Units... Observe the transceiver’s LED panel (See Reference Chart) for the proper indications. In a normally operating system, the radio will usually become associated in less than one minute from start-up. At the Access Point Unit... a.
c. When the network is operating properly based on observation of the unit’s LEDs, connect a computer to the transceiver’s data port that will be used by the local terminal equipment. Send the PING command to verify the communications link integrity with the Access Point. d. After the PING command is successful, connect the terminal equipment to the radio’s data port and verify normal operation. If all checks are OK, you are finished with the installation at this site.
These include identifying interference and taking corrective steps such as skipping some radio frequencies from the hopping pattern, increasing the gain of the Remote unit’s antenna system, relocating the Remote’s antenna, or installing a repeater system. Blocking Out Zones The transceiver uses channels in the 902–928 MHz spectrum, with selectable hopping from 1 to 80 channels. This selection is available only on iNET-II or specially provisioned iNET units using the Channel Config(uration) Submenu.
AIMING DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS In general, signal levels stronger than –80 dBm will provide reliable communication in the network. Directional antennas usually require some fine-tuning of their bearing to optimize the received signal strength. The unit has a built-in received signal strength indicator (RSSI) that can be used as an aid to optimizing the received signal level. The measurement and antenna alignment process usually takes less than 10 minutes at each unit.
TRANSMITTER POWER AND ANTENNA SWR TEST The following procedure may be used to measure the transmitter’s RF power output and SWR “match” of the antenna system. A directional wattmeter is required for the test, such as a Bird Model 43, with an appropriate element installed. Before you start, keep in mind that using the Test Mode will disrupt network operation. Procedure 1. Connect a directional wattmeter between the ANTENNA port and the antenna system. 2. Place the transceiver into the Radio Test Mode.
TROUBLESHOOTING It is best to begin troubleshooting at the Access Point, because the rest of the system depends on it for network synchronization and configuration. If the Access Point has problems, the operation of the entire network will be affected.
Table 5. Troubleshooting Using LEDs (Continued) Symptom Problem/Recommended Checks LINK LED does not light. a. Network Name of Remote not identical to desired Access Point—Verify that the system has a unique Network Name. b. Not yet associated with an Access Point with the same Network Name. Check the “Status” of the unit’s process of associating with the Access Point. Use the Menu System. c. Poor Antenna System—Check the antenna, feedline and connectors.
Table 6. Troubleshooting with the Menu 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... c. Connect to COM 1 via a terminal set to VT100 and the port’s data baud rate. d. Type “+++ [ENTER]” e. Change the terminal’s baud rate to match the transceiver’s Console Baud Rate. f.
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Temperature Range: Humidity: Primary Power: External Power Supply Options: Supply Current (typical): Transmit: Receive: Size (Excluding mtg. hardware): Weight: Case: –30° C to +60° C (–22° F to 140° F) 95% at +40° C (104° F); non-condensing 10.5–30 Vdc (13.8 Vdc, Nominal) 48 Vdc; 110–120/210–220 Vac (@ 1 Watt RF Output) 8 Watts (580 mA @ 13.8 Vdc) 2.8 Watts (203 mA @ 13.8 Vdc) 1.5" x 6" x 4" (H x W x D) 3.8 x 15.2 x 10.2 cm 0.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Technical assistance for MDS products is available from our Technical Support Department during business hours (8:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Eastern Time). When calling, please give the complete model number of the radio, along with a description of the trouble symptom(s) that you are experiencing. In many cases, problems can be resolved over the telephone, without the need for returning the unit to the factory. Phone: 585 241-5510 E-Mail: TechSupport@microwavedata.
Installation Guide
Microwave Data Systems Inc. 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.microwavedata.com A product of Microwave Data Systems Inc.
