Related Manuals for Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb Wireless Network
Summary of Contents for Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb Wireless Network
- Page 1 BreadCrumb® Wireless Network User Guide For the BreadCrumb® Wireless Network Release 8.4 Rajant Corporation...
- Page 2 BreadCrumb® Wireless Network User Guide: For the BreadCrumb® Wireless Network Release 8.4 by Rajant Corporation Copyright © 2005-2006 Rajant Corporation Revision History Revision 1.1 February 20, 2006 Revision 1.0 October 6, 2005...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Preface ...i Purpose and Scope ...i User Information ...i 1. Introduction...1 What is a BreadCrumb? ...1 Mobility through Meshing ...1 Mesh - A Definition...2 BreadCrumb Devices Mesh by Channel and ESSID...2 Example 1 ...2 Example 2 ...3 2. - Page 4 Convoy with UAV-Based Camera for Forward Observation...44 Encrypting a Video Feed...45 7. Troubleshooting ...47 Individual BreadCrumbs ...47 The BreadCrumb Wireless Network ...47 Sporadic Network Connectivity ...47 BreadCrumb Device Cannot Connect to BCWN ...48 BCAdmin ...49 Restoring Default Settings (Factory Reset)...49 8.
- Page 5 List of Tables 3-1. Available BreadCrumb Models ...8 4-1. Best-Case Distances by Radio Power...18 5-1. BCAdmin Line Colors Legend...24 5-2. BCAdmin Line Styles Legend ...25 7-1. Individual BreadCrumb Issues ...47 7-2. Sporadic Network Connectivity Issues ...47 7-3. BreadCrumb-BCWN Connectivity Issues...48 7-4.
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Page 6: Preface
Corporation’s BreadCrumb® Wireless Network devices ("BreadCrumb® devices") in tactical situations. This manual begins with an introduction to the BreadCrumb Wireless Network and a brief overview of the various BreadCrumb device models available. This is followed by a guide to BCAdmin™, the management application used to configure BreadCrumb devices before or during a deployment. -
Page 7: Introduction
802.11b access points. Their focus is on flexibility, adaptability, and simplicity. The BCWN (BreadCrumb Wireless Network) is intended for rapid deployment of a broadband wireless network into a situation or "hot zone." The BreadCrumb Wireless Network components utilize the 802.11b wireless networking standard to form a wireless mesh network. -
Page 8: Mesh - A Definition
Mobility through Meshing The key component to a BreadCrumb Wireless Network is a technique known as Meshing. While this is generally handled automatically by BreadCrumb devices, complex deployment scenarios require a basic understanding of how BreadCrumb devices establish and maintain a mesh. -
Page 9: Example 2
Chapter 1. Introduction Figure 1-1. Meshing Example 1 - Full Connectivity Example 2 Now suppose that you change the ESSID of BreadCrumb device C to "lonely". The network will adjust to this change, resulting in the following configuration: Note that BreadCrumb device C can no longer communicate with A or B, and vice versa. Figure 1-2. -
Page 10: Upgrading To Version 8.4
BCWN is operating at version 8.4 or higher, you may safely skip this chapter. New Features Fortress Technologies’ AES-256 encryption is enabled, allowing Fortress encryption to be used on • existing BreadCrumb devices under Rajant’s new licensing terms with Fortress Technologies (http://www.fortresstech.com). -
Page 11: Installing / Upgrading Bcadmin
Selection of a unique ESSID (network name) for the BreadCrumb network is recommended. A • BreadCrumb device equipped with tri-color LED incorrectly indicates a meshed connection (GREEN) when in the presence of an 802.11b access point with the same ESSID. Installing / Upgrading BCAdmin 1. -
Page 12: Flash Update Procedure For Version 2 And Version 3 Systems
Flash Update Procedure for Version 2 and Version 3 Systems Note: BreadCrumb Wireless Network-specific parameters, like name and location, are reset to their default values after the upgrade. The user should record these and other parameters to reload into the BreadCrumb devices after the software installation procedure is completed. - Page 13 Allow the BreadCrumb to operate FOR NO LESS THAN 5 MINUTES before rebooting or turning • OFF. Important: After a flash update, you should ensure that at least one client device has the new BCAdmin installed, is "permitted" in the device’s ACL list, and is designated as an administrator. Important settings that were lost in the flash may be re-keyed, but do not reboot the BreadCrumb device until it has run for at least five minutes after its initial power-up after flash.
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Page 14: Models
Chapter 3. Models The following table summarizes the differences between the BreadCrumb models available. Each model is described in greater detail later in this chapter. Usage Weight/ size-sensitive deployments (UAVs, etc.) Dimensions 6" x 3.75" x 7.5" Weight 1.5lbs Number of 1 (2 Radios optional) -
Page 15: Breadcrumb Me
Port Forwarding Table 3-1. Available BreadCrumb Models Note: A BreadCrumb Wireless Network can include any combination of these models. BreadCrumb ME The BreadCrumb ME is the smallest and lightest BreadCrumb device offered, making it ideal for deployments with strict size and/or weight constraints. The BreadCrumb ME only contains one radio by default (a second radio is available as an option). -
Page 16: External Connectors
On UAVs • In portable sensor packages • Important: In a BCWN containing single-radio BreadCrumb devices, all BreadCrumb devices to which the single-radio BreadCrumb device communicates must have one radio on the same channel as the single-radio BreadCrumb device. External Connectors Figure 3-1. -
Page 17: Breadcrumb Se
External Connectors Figure 3-2. BreadCrumb WE - External Connectors BreadCrumb SE The BreadCrumb SE is the basic building block of most BCWN networks. Its two radios and ethernet interface enable the full suite of BreadCrumb features (with the exception of long range and integrated video encoder), while its size allows it to be easily transported to and placed wherever necessary. -
Page 18: Breadcrumb Xl
External Connectors Figure 3-3. BreadCrumb SE - External Connectors BreadCrumb XL The BreadCrumb XL is a long-range model, capable of 11Mb communications at distances of 7 miles (11.2km) or more, and lower-speed communications at even greater range. BreadCrumb XLs have been rapidly deployed: In Air Traffic Control towers •... -
Page 19: Breadcrumb Xlv
External Connectors Figure 3-4. BreadCrumb XL - External Connector BreadCrumb XLV The BreadCrumb XLV is identical to the BreadCrumb XL, with the exception that it also accepts unfiltered vehicle power (6-40VDC) as a power source. This allows long-range communication within and among vehicle convoys and bases, and enables the bridging of widely spread networks by vehicles. -
Page 20: Breadcrumb Xle
External Connectors Figure 3-5. BreadCrumb XLV - External Connectors BreadCrumb XLE The BreadCrumb XLE further builds upon the BreadCrumb XLV by including an MPEG video encoder and an external BNC video connector. A composite video source can be connected to the BreadCrumb XLE and its video stream will be available to other devices on the BCWN. -
Page 21: Breadcrumb Xle - External Connectors (Front)
Chapter 3. Models External Connectors Figure 3-6. BreadCrumb XLE - External Connectors (front) Figure 3-7. BreadCrumb XLE - External Connectors (back) -
Page 22: Deployment Considerations
Chapter 4. Deployment Considerations Addressing When routing to another network or when using its own embedded DHCP servers, the BreadCrumb Wireless Network requires that wireless devices use IPv4 addresses in the Class A network 10.0.0.0/8 (that is, any address that begins with "10."). If you are not connected to another network, or if you are bridging to one rather than routing to it, your wireless client devices may have any address whatsoever. -
Page 23: Channel Assignment For Single-Radio Breadcrumb Devices (Me And We)
This manifests as a data rate reduction between nodes. The goal in planning and deploying a BreadCrumb Wireless Network is to maximize both coverage and the data transfer rate between devices. These can be maximized by taking into consideration all of the contributing factors described in this section. -
Page 24: Distance
Unobstructed LOS is not necessary from every BreadCrumb device and wireless client to every other BreadCrumb device and wireless client. However, each device must have unobstructed LOS to the previous and subsequent device. Distance Many factors determine acceptable distances between BreadCrumb devices when deploying a BCWN. If many devices are placed too closely together, it is possible that interference will degrade the performance of the system. -
Page 25: Weather
Weather Precipitation and fog also act as obstructions blocking the propagation of the wireless network’s radio waves. Light fog or precipitation may result in a noticeable degradation of wireless network performance. Heavy precipitation or fog may result in severe performance degradation and possible loss of network connectivity. -
Page 26: Using Bcadmin
Chapter 5. Using BCAdmin™ Note: Some portions of this section assume a working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, including DHCP, NAT, and DNS. While the network lay person may be able to perform some BCWN management tasks, it is recommended that network configuration be performed by experienced network administrators. BCAdmin is an application allowing an administrator to perform several tasks on a BreadCrumb Wireless Network, including: Monitor its status... -
Page 27: Topology Area
Figure 5-1. BCAdmin Screen at Startup (No Network) The large area on the left is the Topology Area, showing the current shape of the network at any given time. The Info Area to the right shows detailed information for BreadCrumb devices, client devices, and wireless links. -
Page 28: Anatomy Of The Breadcrumb Box
Tip: BCAdmin makes an effort to layout the Topology Area in an easily readable way, with a minimum of line intersections and superimposed boxes. Sometimes, however, the screen can get cluttered. BCAdmin provides two features to help cope with this, which may be used in combination: A Play/Pause button in the toolbar below the File menu allows you to enable/disable continuous •... -
Page 29: Anatomy Of The Client Box
Individual BreadCrumbs. This allows the administrator to distinguish between multiple BreadCrumb devices in a BCWN. If the BreadCrumb device has no name assigned, its ID is used. The ID is a unique, alphanumeric, non-editable string used internally by the BreadCrumb device. 2. -
Page 30: Anatomy Of A Connection Line
Figure 5-3. The Client Box 1. Client MAC Address/Nickname The MAC address or administrator-set nickname of the client device. Tip: An administrator can set nicknames for each client device. These nicknames are then displayed in the Topology Area instead of the MAC address. To set a nickname, right-click on the client device and choose Set Client Nickname. -
Page 31: Asymmetric Connections
802.11b Channel Table 5-1. BCAdmin Line Colors Legend Link Speed (Mbps) Table 5-2. BCAdmin Line Styles Legend Asymmetric Connections For a variety of environmental reasons (antenna placement, radio reflections, interference, etc.), asymmetric connections are sometimes formed between BreadCrumb devices. An asymmetric connection is a connection between two BreadCrumb devices in which each BreadCrumb device is transmitting at a different speed. -
Page 32: Info Area
Chapter 5. Using BCAdmin™ Figure 5-5. Redundant Connection Example Info Area The Info Area shows detailed information specific to the currently selected BreadCrumb device, if any. To select a BreadCrumb device in the Topology Area, single-click it with your mouse. The selected BreadCrumb device will be highlighted with a dashed border. -
Page 33: Configuring Individual Breadcrumbs
The bottom portion of the Info Area contains three tabs, each of which contains a list of connections (if any). The BreadCrumbs tab shows connections to other BreadCrumb devices, the Clients tab shows connections with client devices, and the Pending Peers tab shows connections with other BreadCrumb devices that have not yet reported to BCAdmin (e.g., have just been turned on and are not yet fully booted, or are only reachable via an extremely poor link). -
Page 34: General Settings
configured, with configuration options grouped by tabs into multiple categories. Each tab and its settings are described in this section. General Settings The "General" tab contains controls for configuring several simple system-wide settings: Figure 5-8. BreadCrumb Properties - General Tab The available settings are: 1. - Page 35 4. Color This field controls the color of the BreadCrumb box as drawn by BCAdmin. This can be used to reflect the actual color of the BreadCrumb or to represent any other information administrators see fit. 5. ESSID The ESSID is the name of the network provided by the BreadCrumb device’s internal Access Point(s) and used for meshing purposes.
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Page 36: Radio Settings
Radio Settings The "Radios" tab contains controls for configuring each of the BreadCrumb device’s 802.11b radio radios: Figure 5-9. BreadCrumb Properties - Radios Tab The available settings for each radio are: 1. Channel Channel selection may be automatic as described in the Section called Channel Assignments in Chapter 4, or radios may be fixed to specific channels. -
Page 37: Reachback Settings
Note: BCAdmin will not allow you disable all of the checkboxes on this tab. Reachback Settings The "Reachback" tab contains controls for configuring the BreadCrumb device’s interconnection with other networks, both wired and wireless: Figure 5-10. BreadCrumb Properties - Reachback Tab The available settings are: 1. - Page 38 Note: The type of ethernet cable required depends upon the device to which you are connecting. If the BreadCrumb device’s ethernet port is to be connected to a hub or a switch, a conventional ethernet patch cable ("straight-through") should be used. If the BreadCrumb device’s ethernet port is to be connected directly to a device such as laptop or camera, a crossover cable should be used.
- Page 39 d. Gateway (Ingress) In Gateway (Ingress) Mode, as in Gateway mode, the reachback interface is configured to exist on a different network than the BreadCrumb device’s other interfaces. NAT, however, is configured in the direction opposite to that of Gateway Mode. Inbound traffic from the reachback network appears to originate from the BreadCrumb, and outbound traffic from the BCWN must be sent through a forwarded port (see the Section called Forwarding Settings for details)
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Page 40: Forwarding Settings
a. IP Address b. Subnet Mask c. Default Gateway d. DNS Server You may need to contact your network administrator in order to determine the correct settings. Forwarding Settings The "Forwarding" tab contains controls for configuring inbound NAT translation for BreadCrumb devices configured as gateways. -
Page 41: Example: Port Forwarding Configuration For A Web Server
BCWN. Security Several levels of security are available for the BreadCrumb Wireless Network, which may be used individually or in combination with one another. We are constantly adding security features, so please contact your Rajant Account Representative if you have specific needs not included in this section. -
Page 42: Wep
WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol) was the first scheme to provide security for 802.11 communications. Although since its release it has been determined to contain serious weaknesses, WEP remains an effective means to prevent casual eavesdropping. WEP settings are made network-wide; all BreadCrumb devices and wireless clients must agree on a WEP key in order to establish and maintain communications. -
Page 43: Access Control List Window
listed in the "Permitted Devices" ACL. In Allow by Default mode, client devices and BreadCrumb devices are permitted on the network unless they are listed in the "Forbidden Devices" ACL. To edit the ACLs, click the ACL button in the toolbar. A window resembling the following will appear: Figure 5-13. -
Page 44: Aes-256 Encryption With Airfortress
AES-256 Encryption with AirFortress Fortress Technologies provides FIPS 140-2-certified encryption via its AirFortress secure client software. This can be installed on any number of client devices without any modifications whatsoever to the BCWN configuration. However, in order for client devices to receive IPv4 addresses from the BreadCrumb devices’... -
Page 45: Setting The Access Id
Setting the Access ID The Access ID is a shared credential used by the AirFortress client to negotiate encryption keys. All devices that are to communicate with one another must share a common Access ID. To set the Access ID on a BreadCrumb device, the BCAdmin workstation must be connected to the BreadCrumb device via the BreadCrumb device’s ethernet port. -
Page 46: Encrypting Wired Traffic
Enabling/Disabling AirFortress Encryption AirFortress encryption is enabled and disabled on a BreadCrumb device using a checkbox on the General tab of the BreadCrumb Properties window. Unlike the Access ID, this setting may be changed when communicating wirelessly with the BreadCrumb device. Important: Enabling and disabling AirFortress encryption in a BreadCrumb device has an immediate effect. -
Page 47: Secnet11 Key Filling
SecNet11 Key Filling The SecNet11 Plus PC cards included in SecNet11-enabled BreadCrumb devices are user-accessible and do not impose any changes upon existing SecNet11 key fill procedures. BCAdmin Preferences Settings specific to BCAdmin are available through the View menu, under Preferences. The Preferences window is shown below: Figure 5-15. -
Page 48: Mapping With Fugawi Tracker
2. GPS staleness warning threshold (minutes) For GPS-enabled BreadCrumb devices, position information shown in BCAdmin is marked as "stale" if it has not been updated for this period of time (for example, if the BreadCrumb device’s GPS receiver is no longer able to determine its location). 3. -
Page 49: Configuration Examples
Chapter 6. Configuration Examples Connecting Remote Wired LANs Unencrypted Point-to-Multipoint To connect two or more wired LANs that are physically remote from one another, the simplest configuration is as follows: 1. Attach a BreadCrumb device to each LAN using the BreadCrumb devices’ ethernet interfaces. 2. -
Page 50: Convoy With Uav-Based Camera For Forward Observation
The configuration steps for such a network are: 1. Attach a BreadCrumb device to each of the two LANs using the BreadCrumbs’ ethernet interfaces. 2. Configure the Network A BreadCrumb device as follows: a. Reachback Interface: Ethernet b. Reachback Mode: Gateway c. -
Page 51: Encrypting A Video Feed
2. Optionally encrypt the video signal as described below in the Section called Encrypting a Video Feed. 3. Install a BreadCrumb XLV in each convoy vehicle that is to receive the video signal. 4. For long convoys, or for convoys that will be passing through environments such as urban canyons that inhibit line-of-sight radio signals, install additional BreadCrumb XLVs in intermediate convoy vehicles to bridge gaps between the vehicles viewing the video feed. - Page 52 b. TCP: Checked c. UDP: Unchecked d. IP Address: 192.168.3.2 (i.e., the camera’s address) e. To Ports: 80-80 f. Enable: Checked 5. Enable AirFortress on the BreadCrumb device. 6. Access the camera by directing a web browser to one of the BreadCrumb device’s IPv4 addresses (as reported by BCAdmin).
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Page 53: Troubleshooting
When the BreadCrumb is powered on, its LED blinks red, and devices cannot communicate with the BreadCrumb. Table 7-1. Individual BreadCrumb Issues The BreadCrumb Wireless Network Sporadic Network Connectivity Problem As a BreadCrumb device’s battery approaches exhaustion, network connectivity will become sporadic for the BreadCrumb device and its associated wireless clients. -
Page 54: Breadcrumb Device Cannot Connect To Bcwn
Problem A wireless client cannot join the network. Table 7-2. Sporadic Network Connectivity Issues BreadCrumb Device Cannot Connect to BCWN Problem Discharged batteries can cause the BreadCrumb device to appear to power up, but not be able to establish connectivity to the BCWN. On rare occasions, the PCMCIA cards within a BreadCrumb device can work loose, resulting in the BreadCrumb device’s not being able to... -
Page 55: Bcadmin
Table 7-3. BreadCrumb-BCWN Connectivity Issues BCAdmin Problem The screen is red and empty. The screen is black and empty. BreadCrumb boxes are turning red on the screen. I clicked BreadCrumb Properties from the BreadCrumb box’s popup menu, but nothing happened. Table 7-4. -
Page 56: Factory Reset Button
1. Open the BreadCrumb device. 2. Locate the radio lights and the small, black reset button on the side of the main circuit board as depicted in the following figure: Figure 7-1. Factory Reset Button 3. PRESS AND IMMEDIATELY RELEASE the reset button. 4. -
Page 57: Case Study: Military Exercise In Thailand
Chapter 8. Case Study: Military Exercise in Thailand Rajant BreadCrumb devices were used by the Thai Military as an integral part of a Joint Air Land Sea Amphibious Assault Exercise last week in Pattaya, Thailand. The beach assault took place at a Thai Naval Base and Thai media from a major news channel was present to document the exercise. -
Page 58: Bcadmin Screen During Exercise Showing Breadcrumb Network
Chapter 8. Case Study: Military Exercise in Thailand Figure 8-2. BCAdmin screen during exercise showing BreadCrumb network Figure 8-3. View of beach from command center Rajant also teamed up with the Naval Postgraduate School, Mercury Data Systems, Redline Communications and the Thai Military to set up a demonstration border security network in Lop Buri, Thailand. - Page 59 Chapter 8. Case Study: Military Exercise in Thailand the fifth and final BreadCrumb was placed in a moving vehicle at the foot of the mountain providing NetMeeting capabilities with military personnel back at the base. Figure 8-4. Balloon with Camera and BreadCrumb Figure 8-5.
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Page 60: Glossary
AP functionality. 802.11b A wireless networking standard providing raw data rates of up to 11Mbps BCAdmin The BreadCrumb Wireless Network management application BCWN BreadCrumb Wireless Network BreadCrumb / BreadCrumb Device Any of the family of BreadCrumb products offered by Rajant corporation. - Page 61 DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol; the means by which some networking devices obtain an address automatically from a network Digital Subscriber Line ESSID Extended Service Set Identifier; a set of Access Points or BreadCrumbs that appear as a single network. Also referred to as a "network name." Local Area Network Media Access Control MAC Address...
- Page 62 reachback A connection to another network, such as the Internet, an office network, or a TOC Tactical Area Network Tactical Operations Center Unmanned Aerial Vehicle...
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Page 63: Status Indicator Led
Appendix A. Status Indicator LED Beginning in June, 2005, each BreadCrumb includes a multi-color LED to indicate the BreadCrumb state. Use the following table to interpret the LED output: Color Blue Green Green Table A-1. LED Status Indications Blinking/Solid Solid Blinking Solid Blinking... -
Page 64: Radio Frequencies
Appendix B. Radio Frequencies The BCWN uses the 11 802.11b channels allocated for use in the U.S. These channels and their frequencies are listed in the following table: 802.11b Channel Table B-1. 802.11b Channel Frequency Table Frequency (GHz) 2.412 2.417 2.422 2.427 2.432... -
Page 65: Customer Service
Appendix C. Customer Service Please contact Rajant Support at +1 610-873-6788 to assist you through any issues you encounter regarding this release. Please forward all feedback regarding the BreadCrumb system functionality to < >. Other than speaking with a Rajant representative, this is the best way to support@rajant.com communicate with us any operational issues you may find.