GE MDS MDS iNET-II 900 Reference Manual
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GE MDS MDS iNET-II 900 Reference Manual

Wireless ip/ethernet transceivers
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GE MDS
MDS iNET Series
TM
MDS iNET-II 900
TM
MDS iNET 900
Wireless IP/Ethernet Transceiver
iNET-II 900 Firmware Release 2.3
iNET 900 Firmware Release 6.3
MDS 05-2806A01, Rev. H
NOVEMBER 2007

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Summary of Contents for GE MDS MDS iNET-II 900

  • Page 1 GE MDS MDS iNET Series MDS iNET-II 900 MDS iNET 900 Wireless IP/Ethernet Transceiver iNET-II 900 Firmware Release 2.3 iNET 900 Firmware Release 6.3 MDS 05-2806A01, Rev. H NOVEMBER 2007...

  • Page 2: Basic Configuration Defaults

    QUICK-ST INSTRUCTIONS QUICK-ST INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLATION SUMMARY Step 1 – Mount the Transceiver Step 2 –Install the Antenna ANTENNA SYSTEM Step 3 – Measure & Connect Primary Power (10.5–30 Vdc) Step 4 – Review the Tranceiver’s Configuration DATA TERMINAL Device Mode—Access Point, or Remote (Default) EQUIPMENT OR LAN/WAN Network Name—Unique name for each radio network.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION....................3 1.2.1 Model Offerings .......................... 5 1.2.2 Differences Between iNET and iNET-II Models ................6 1.2.3 GE MDS P21 Protected Network (Redundant) Configuration ............ 6 1.3 APPLICATIONS ........................7 1.3.1 Wireless LAN ..........................7 1.3.2 Point-to-Point LAN Extension ..................... 8 1.3.3 Backhaul for Serial Radio Networks ...................
  • Page 4 EMBEDDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ....19 2.1 INTRODUCTION ........................ 23 2.1.1 Differences in the User Interfaces ....................23 2.2 ACCESSING THE MENU SYSTEM ................... 25 2.2.1 Methods of Control ........................26 2.2.2 PC Connection & Log In Procedures ..................26 2.2.3 Navigating the Menus .......................31 Via Terminal Telnet or SSH Sessions Recommended for first-time log-in....................31 Navigating via Web Browser......................31...
  • Page 5 TCP vs. UDP..........................61 Serial Encapsulation ........................61 TCP Client vs. TCP Server ......................62 UDP Multicast ..........................62 PPP..............................63 Data Buffering ..........................63 Implementing Configuration Changes....................63 Serial Configuration Wizard ......................63 2.6.2 Serial Data Port Configuration Menu ..................63 2.6.3 Configuring for UDP Mode .......................64 2.6.4 Configuring for TCP Mode ......................68 2.6.5 Configuring for PPP Mode ......................70 2.6.6 IP-to-Serial Application Example ....................71 2.6.7 Point-to-Multipoint IP-to-Serial Application Example ..............72...

  • Page 6: Troubleshooting

    2.8.8 Serial Data Statistics Menu ......................99 2.9 MAINTENANCE........................99 2.9.1 Reprogramming Menu ......................100 Upgrading the Firmware ......................102 Error Messages During File Transfers ..................104 2.9.2 Configuration Scripts Menu ....................105 How Configuration Files Work .....................105 Sample of Configuration Script File .....................106 Editing Configuration Files ......................107 2.9.3 Authorization Keys Menu ......................108 2.9.4 Change the Type of Remote ....................108 2.9.5 Auto-Upgrade/Remote-Reboot Menu ..................108...

  • Page 7: Planning A Radio Network

    PLANNING A RADIO NETWORK ......127 4.1 INSTALLATION PLANNING ..................... 129 4.1.1 General Requirements ......................129 DIN Rail Mounting Option ......................131 4.1.2 Site Selection .........................131 4.1.3 Terrain and Signal Strength ....................132 4.1.4 Antenna & Feedline Selection ....................132 4.1.5 How Much Output Power Can be Used? ................135 4.1.6 Conducting a Site Survey .......................136 4.1.7 A Word About Radio Interference ...................136 4.1.8 Notes on Using 28 VDC Power Supplies ................138...
  • Page 8 Products Covered in this Manual This manual covers two members of the GE MDS iNET Transceiver Series, both of which are designed to be operated under the FCC s Part 15 license-free rules. The iNET radio is a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) transceiver that operates at data speeds of 256 and 512 kbps.
  • Page 9 We also became experts in wireless communication standards and system applications worldwide. The result of our efforts is that today, thousands of utilities around the world rely on GE MDS-based wireless networks to manage their most critical assets.
  • Page 10 These systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials found in this equipment in a sound way. Please contact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper disposal of this equipment.

  • Page 11: Product Overview And Applications

    1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ............3 1.2.1 Model Offerings ................5 1.2.2 Differences Between iNET and iNET-II Models ......6 1.2.3 GE MDS P21 Protected Network (Redundant) Configuration ..6 1.3 APPLICATIONS ................7 1.3.1 Wireless LAN ................7 1.3.2 Point-to-Point LAN Extension ............8 1.3.3 Backhaul for Serial Radio Networks ..........
  • Page 12 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 13: About This Manual

    NOTE: For information on the GE MDS iNET 900 ENI, which provides expanded gateway and protocol conversion capabili- ties not found in the GE MDS iNET 900 (DF1 to EIP, and MODBUS to MODBUS TCP conversions), refer to the GE MDS iNET/ENI Supplement (05-4131A01).
  • Page 14 U.S.A., Canada, and many other countries. Check requirements for your region before placing the transceiver in service. Data network security is a vital issue in today's wireless world. GE MDS Secure Operation iNET Series radios provide multiple tools to help you build a network that minimizes the risk of eavesdropping and unauthorized access.

  • Page 15: Model Offerings

    Com- mon attack events logged and reported by alarms. • High Speed—1 Mbps (iNET-II) is 100-times faster than 9.6 kbps radios. GE MDS iNET transceiver speed is 512 kbps. • Plug-and-Play Connectivity—Ethernet bridge configuration option requires minimal setup •...

  • Page 16: Differences Between Inet And Inet-Ii Models

    Zones Channels Firmware Specific for iNET Specific for iNET-II NOTE: The GE MDS iNET and GE MDS iNET-II transceivers are not over-the-air compatible. 1.2.3 GE MDS P21 Protected Network (Redundant) Configuration For mission-critical applications, GE MDS also offers the Protected Network Station.

  • Page 17: Applications

    Invisible place holder Figure 1-2. GE MDS P21 Protected Network Station (incorporates two Transceivers, with Automatic Switchover) 1.3 APPLICATIONS The following sections provide illustrations of typical transceiver instal- lations. This is meant as an overview only. It is recommended that a net- work manager be involved in all installation planning activities.

  • Page 18: Point-To-Point Lan Extension

    GE MDS serial-based radios, such as GE MDS x790/x710, GE MDS TransNET and others. In the case of radios using a single port for data and diagnostics, the capabilities are doubled. The data streams are delivered to an IP socket in an application, or in serial format using the Access Point.

  • Page 19: Multiple Protocols And/Or Services

    Invisible place holder Serial Device Diagnostics MDS 4710 Remote Data Remote Serial Serial MDS 4790 Device NETWORK ROUTER Master MDS 4710 Remote ROUTER Serial Device Diagnostics Access Point MDS 9710 Remote Data Remote Serial MDS 9790 Serial Master Device MDS 9710 Remote NMS Control SCADA Host Point...

  • Page 20: Wireless Lan With Mixed Services

    antenna, one feedline, one lightning protector and ancillary hardware. Other cost reductions come from the system as a whole, such as reduced management requirements. And above all, the radio offers potential for future applications that run over Ethernet and IP, such as video for remote surveillance.

  • Page 21: Replacing Legacy Wireless Products

    EIA-232 signaling and acts as a data-terminal equipment device (DTE). NOTE: Several previous GE MDS-brand products had non-standard signal lines on their interface connectors (to control sleep func- tions and alarm lines, for example). These special functions are not provided nor supported by the iNET Series.

  • Page 22: Network Design Considerations

    1.4 NETWORK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 1.4.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters What is a Repeater System? A repeater works by re-transmitting data from outlying remote sites to the Access Point and vice-versa. It introduces some additional end-to-end transmission delay but provides longer-range connectivity. In some geographical areas, obstacles can make communications diffi- cult.

  • Page 23: Option 2 Using The Ap As A Store-And-Forward Packet Repeater

    by the repeater station antennas. A detailed discussion on the effects of terrain is given in Section 4.1.2, Site Selection (beginning on Page 131). The following paragraphs contain specific requirements for repeater systems. Two antennas are required at this type of repeater station—one for each Antennas radio.

  • Page 24: Protected Network Operation Using Multiple Access Points

    1.4.2 Protected Network Operation using Multiple Access Points Although GE MDS transceivers have a very robust design and have undergone intensive testing before being shipped, it is possible for iso- lated failures to occur. In mission-critical applications, down time can...

  • Page 25: Can Radio Frequency Interference (Rfi) Disrupt My Wireless Network

    associating with undesired APs and preventing data exchange from occurring as planned. The use of a different Network Name does not guarantee an interfer- ence-free system. It does however, assure that only data destined for a unique network is passed through to that network. It may be desirable to co-locate Access Points at one location to take Co-Location for Multiple Networks...
  • Page 26 Table 1-3 profiles security risks and how the transceiver pro- vides a solution for minimizing vulnerability. Table 1-3. Security Risk Management Security Vulnerability GE MDS Cyber Security Solution Unauthorized access to the backbone • 802.1x authentication network through a foreign remote radio •...

  • Page 27: Accessories

    Table 1-3. Security Risk Management Security Vulnerability GE MDS Cyber Security Solution Unprotected access to configuration via • Implement SNMPv3 secure SNMPv1 operation Intrusion detection • Provides early warning via SNMP through critical event reports (unauthorized, logging attempts, etc.) •...
  • Page 28 “legacy” units. (Consult factory for other lengths and variations.) GE MDS PC-based network management system for 03-3938A01 NETview MS new-generation GE MDS transceivers. Allows Software radio control and diagnostics in a hierarchal map perspective. Bandpass Filter Antenna system filter that helps eliminate 20-2822A02 interference from nearby paging transmitters.

  • Page 29: Embedded Management System

    EMBEDDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 2.1 INTRODUCTION ............... 23 2.1.1 Differences in the User Interfaces ..........23 2.2 ACCESSING THE MENU SYSTEM .......... 25 2.2.1 Methods of Control ..............26 2.2.2 PC Connection & Log In Procedures ..........26 2.2.3 Navigating the Menus ..............31 Via Terminal Telnet or SSH Sessions Recommended for first-time log-in ...........31...
  • Page 30 At Every AP Radio ................60 2.6 CONFIGURING THE SERIAL PORTS ........60 2.6.1 Overview ..................60 Com1 Port—Dual Purpose Capability..........61 TCP vs. UDP ..................61 Serial Encapsulation.................61 TCP Client vs. TCP Server ...............62 UDP Multicast ...................62 PPP ....................63 Data Buffering...................63 Implementing Configuration Changes ..........63 Serial Configuration Wizard..............63 2.6.2 Serial Data Port Configuration Menu ..........63 2.6.3 Configuring for UDP Mode ............64...
  • Page 31 The Wireless Network Status Screen (Remotes Only).....95 2.8.5 Remote Listing Menu (Access Points Only) .......96 2.8.6 Endpoint Listing Menu (Access Points Only) ......97 2.8.7 Remote Performance Listing Menu (Access Points Only) ................98 2.8.8 Serial Data Statistics Menu ............99 2.9 MAINTENANCE................. 99 2.9.1 Reprogramming Menu ..............100 Upgrading the Firmware ..............102 Error Messages During File Transfers..........104...
  • Page 32 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 33: Introduction

    NETview MS™ software. Refer to GE MDS publication 05-2973A01 for more information on this tool. For support of other SNMP software, a set of MIB files is available for download from the GE MDS Web site at www.GEmds.com. A brief summary of SNMP commands can be found at SNMP Agent Configuration section on Page 47 of this manual.
  • Page 34 Figure 2-1. Embedded Management System—Top-level Flowchart iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 35: Accessing The Menu System

    Figure 2-2. View of MS with a text-based program— (Terminal Emulator shown—Telnet has similar menu structure) Invisible place holder Figure 2-3. View of the MS with a Browser (Selections at left provide links to the various menus) 2.2 ACCESSING THE MENU SYSTEM The radio has no external controls.

  • Page 36: Methods Of Control

    2.2.1 Methods of Control The unit’s configuration menus may be accessed in one of several ways: • Local Console—This is the primary method used for the exam- ples in this manual. Connect a PC directly to the port COM 1 using a serial communications cable and launch a terminal com- munications program such as HyperTerminal.
  • Page 37 Invisible place holder To COM1 or LAN Port (See Text) Serial or Ethernet Crossover Cable (See Text) Configuration PC Figure 2-4. PC Configuration Setup 1. Connect a serial communications cable between the PC and the Starting a Local Console Session unit’s port.
  • Page 38 3. Press the key to receive the prompt. ENTER login: 4. Enter the username (default username is , in accor- iNET iNET-II dance with radio model). Press ENTER 5. Enter your password (default password is ). (For security, your admin password keystrokes do not appear on the screen.) Press ENTER NOTE: Passwords are case sensitive.
  • Page 39 NOTE: When using Ethernet to access the unit, it may be necessary to change your computer’s IP access to be compatible with the radio IP address. You can identify or verify the unit’s IP address by using a Local Console session to communicate with the radio through its Port and viewing the Starting COM 1...
  • Page 40 3. Type in the unit’s IP address and press ENTER 4. A log-in screen is displayed (Figure 2-7) where you enter a user name and password to access the unit’s menu system. Note that the default entries are made in lower case. (Default username is iNET , in accordance with radio model;...

  • Page 41: Navigating The Menus

    2.2.3 Navigating the Menus Via Terminal Telnet or SSH Sessions Recommended for first-time log-in Local Console Telnet and SSH sessions use multi-layered text menu systems that are nearly identical. To move further down a menu tree, you type the letter assigned to an item of interest. This takes you to an associated screen where settings may be viewed, or changed.

  • Page 42: Basic Device Information

    NOTE: In the menu descriptions that follow, parameter options/range, and any default values are displayed at the end of the text between square brackets. Note that the default setting is always shown after a semicolon: [ available settings or range; default setting 2.3 BASIC DEVICE INFORMATION This section contains detailed menu screens and settings that you can...
  • Page 43 • Alarmed—A alarm event has been logged and not cleared. • Operational—Unit operating normally. At a Remote: • Scanning—The unit is looking for an Access Point beacon signal. • Exp(ecting) Sync(hronization)—The unit has found a valid beacon signal for its network. •...

  • Page 44: Main Menu

    —For operation in protected (redun- Redundancy Configuration dant) mode. The radio must be in a P21 enclosure for this oper- ation. See GE MDS publication 05-4161A01 for details, available under the Downloads tab at www.GEmds.com. iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 45: Configuring Basic Device Parameters

    2.3.3 Configuring Basic Device Parameters Device Information Below is the menu/screen that displays basic administrative data on the unit to which you are connected. It also provides access to some user- specific parameters such as device names. Figure 2-11. Device Information Menu •...

  • Page 46: Device Names Menu

    • US = mm-dd-yyyy Device Names Menu Figure 2-12. Device Names Menu • —Device Name, used by the transceiver as the Device Name “Realm” name for network login (web browser only) and menu headings. NOTE: Do not use a colon (:) or percent (%) symbol in the device name.

  • Page 47: Configuring Network Parameters

    2.4 CONFIGURING NETWORK PARAMETERS 2.4.1 Network Configuration Menu The Network Configuration Menu contains parameters related to the operation of TCP/IP and Ethernet protocols. There are some differences between AP and Remote type radios regarding these parameters and they are noted where appropriate. Invisible place holder Figure 2-13.
  • Page 48 LAN (VLAN) and IP address of the transceiver. Detailed explanations are provided in the section titled Network Inter- face Configuration Menu on Page 39. NOTE: In GE MDS iNET radios (where VLAN is not available) this option is shown as . Selecting this...

  • Page 49: Network Interface Configuration Menu

    • —Presents a menu for defining the sta- Ethernet Port Configuration tus of the Ethernet port (enabled or disabled), the Ethernet rate limit, link hardware watch (enabled/disabled), and the Ethernet link poll address. Detailed explanations of this menu are con- tained in Ethernet Port Configuration Menu on Page 45.

  • Page 50: Virtual Lan In Inet-Ii And Inet

    • —Defines if the radio handles Ethernet frames in VLAN Status “extended” 802.1Q mode or in “normal” mode in the Ethernet port. [ enabled, disabled; disabled • —Allows configuration of IP Addressing Configure Interface parameters. See Configuring the IP Address when VLAN Status is Enabled on Page 42, or Configuring the IP Address When VLAN Status is Disabled on Page 43.

  • Page 51: Configuring For Operation With Vlan

    NOTE: The Ethernet port in an iNET-II and iNET is 10BaseT. Some Ethernet switches allow a VLAN trunk port only on a 100BaseT interface and may not be able to communicate with the radio. Configuring for Operation with VLAN When VLAN Status is enabled the radio uses an 802.1Q frame structure. Invisible place holder Figure 2-16.

  • Page 52: Configuring The Ip Address When Vlan Status Is Enabled

    • —Defines the VLAN ID assigned to traffic directed Data VLAN ID to and from the Ethernet port and the terminal server process in the radio. This VLAN ID is used for filtering and for tagging purposes. [ 1-4094; 3 •...

  • Page 53: Configuring The Ip Address When Vlan Status Is Disabled

    The lower three lines of the screen show the current addressing config- ured at the transceiver. NOTE: Any change made to the above parameters results in the option appearing on screen. This allows all IP Commit Changes settings to be changed at the same time. Selecting option H from Figure 2-16 shows the screen below.
  • Page 54 configure the IP address and other parameters. When dynamic addressing is used, the radio uses a DHCP Client process to obtain an IP address from a DHCP Server, along with other parameters such as a subnet mask and a default gateway. Invisible place holder Figure 2-19.

  • Page 55: Ethernet Port Configuration Menu

    The lower three lines of the screen show the actual addressing at the transceiver, whether it was obtained from static configuration or from a DHCP server. NOTE: Any change made to the above parameters results in the option appearing on screen. This allows all IP Commit Changes settings to be changed at the same time.

  • Page 56: Dhcp Server Configuration

    • —Detects the lack of an Ether- (AP Only) Ethernet Link (H/W) Watch net connection to the LAN port at the electrical level (link integ- rity). The current AP will broadcast a beacon signal indicating its “NOT AVAILABLE” status so Remotes that hear it do not try to associate to it.

  • Page 57: Snmp Agent Configuration

    NOTE: There should be only one DHCP server active in a network (GE MDS iNET 900 or other DHCP server). If more than one DHCP server exists, network devices may randomly get their IP address from different servers every time they request one.
  • Page 58 • — MIB definitions for objects and events which inet_comm.mib are common to the entire iNET Series • —MIB definitions for objects and events for an inet_ap.mib Access Point transceiver • —Definitions for objects and events for a Remote inet_sta.mib radio •...

  • Page 59: Prioritized Ap Configuration Submenu

    • —Authentication password stored in V3 Authentication Password flash memory. This is used when the Agent is managing pass- words locally (or initially for all cases on reboot). This is the SNMPv3 password used for Authentication (currently, only MD5 is supported). This string can be up to 30 alpha-numeric characters.
  • Page 60 Invisible place holder Figure 2-23. Prioritized AP Configuration Submenu • —Shows status of the prioritization option. Prioritized AP enabled, disabled; disabled • —Number of seconds that a Remote waits to receive Scan Time beacons from an AP included in the Approved AP List. After this time, the list will be expanded to include the next entry and the cycle will be repeated until association is achieved.

  • Page 61: Radio Configuration

    again. This process will be repeated until the Remote associates to the first entry in the list (the Primary Access Point). 2.5 RADIO CONFIGURATION There are two primary data layers in the transceiver network—radio and data. Since the data layer is dependent on the radio layer working prop- erly, configuration of the radio items should be reviewed and set before proceeding.
  • Page 62 Figure 2-25. Radio Configuration Menu (From Remote Unit) • —Sets/displays RF power output level. Dis- RF Output Power played in dBm. Setting should reflect local regulatory limita- tions and losses in antenna transmission line. (See “How Much Output Power Can be Used?” on Page 135 for information on how to calculate this value.) 20–30;...
  • Page 63 TIP: If a packet is being transmitted and the dwell time expires, the packet will be completed before hopping to the next frequency. • —Amount of time between Beacon transmissions Beacon Period (in msec). Available Intervals: (104 ms), (52 ms), Normal Fast Faster...

  • Page 64: Channel Config Menu

    TIP: Lower the as the number of Remotes or RTS Threshold overall over-the-air traffic increases. Using RTS/CTS is a trade-off, giving up some throughput in order to prevent collisions in a busy over-the-air network. should be enabled and set with a value RTS Threshold smaller than the described above.

  • Page 65: Skip Zones Menu

    Invisible place holder Figure 2-26. Channel Config Submenu Key to channel indicators: (no) = Radio channel is not used (yes) = Radio channel is used (not available) = Radio channel is not available • —This command clears all entries in the Channel Clear All Config Menu, resetting the available channels to “no usage.”...

  • Page 66: Auto Data Rate Configuration Menu

    Figure 2-27. Skip Zone Options Submenu—GE MDS iNET Only (“Commit changes” displayed only on Access Point radios) Figure 2-27 displays the utilization of 10 zones, each having eight RF operating frequencies. Zones can be toggled between at Access Point units by first keying in the let-...
  • Page 67 Invisible place holder Figure 2-28. Auto Data Rate Submenu • A specified received signal strength ADR RSSI Threshold— value, which, if exceeded by the range of the set- RSSI Delta ting, causes a data rate change in the transceiver. [ -50 to -100;...

  • Page 68: Mobility Configuration Menu

    The SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) threshold and delta operate in the same manner described above, with the exception that the units are expressed in relative dB instead of dBm. In the example of Figure 2-28, a drop of 2 dB from a level of 26 dB would result in a data rate change from high speed to standard speed.

  • Page 69: Additional Considerations For Mobile Operation

    • Use middleware—The use of middleware in the mobile laptops is highly recommended for better operation of a mobile data system. GE MDS provides middleware from one of the vendors in this mar- ket. Contact your GE MDS representative for details.

  • Page 70: At Every Ap Radio

    At Every AP Radio Parameter settings that should be reviewed for AP radios providing ser- vice to mobile remotes: • ]—Disable radio compression. Data com- Compression disabled pression is best performed by the middleware running on the mobile laptop PC. Gains in efficiency are made because middle- ware compresses data at a higher stack level, and it aggregates multiple data frames and streams into a single packet.

  • Page 71: Com1 Port-Dual Purpose Capability

    NOTE: In the discussion that follows, will be treated COM1 COM2 alike unless noted. Com1 Port–Dual Purpose Capability The COM1 port is used as a local console connection point and to pass serial data with an external device. Setting the port status to COM1 Enable...

  • Page 72: Tcp Client Vs. Tcp Server

    One radio can perform serial data encapsulation (IP-to-Serial) and talk to a PC. Two radios (or one radio and a terminal server) can be used together to provide a serial-to-serial channel. TCP Client vs. TCP Server A TCP session has a server side and a client side. You can configure the transceiver to act as a server, a client, or both.

  • Page 73: Ppp

    The serial-to-serial example which follows shows how to provide mul- ticast services. (See “Point-to-Multipoint IP-to-Serial Application Example” on Page 73.) External devices can connect to the transceiver using PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). The transceiver works as a server and assigns an IP address to the device that connects through this interface. To gain access to the transceiver from a PC even if the network is down, a modem may be connected to one of the transceiver’s COM ports that has been configured with PPP.

  • Page 74: Configuring For Udp Mode

    Figure 2-30. Serial Configuration Wizard • —Tool for configuration of serial ports using a Begin Wizard step-by-step process. • —Displays all settable options. Depend- View Current Settings ing on the selected IP protocol. 2.6.3 Configuring for UDP Mode Invisible place holder Figure 2-31.
  • Page 75 • —Point to Multipoint [ ]. This is IP Protocol TCP, UDP PPP; TCP the type of IP port that will be offered by the transceiver’s serial device server. • (used instead of when Multicast IP Address Local IP Address using UDP Point-to-Multipoint.)—...
  • Page 76 TIP: To convert this delay into milliseconds, multiply the number of characters configured here by 10 (there are usu- ally 10 bits in each byte) and divide the result by the data rate of the serial port (in kbps). • (Custom Packet Mode only)—Maxi- Custom Data Buffer Size mum amount of characters, that the Remote end will buffer...
  • Page 77 • — For proper operation, all radios’ Packet Redundancy Mode Serial Packet Redundancy mode must match (Single Packet mode vs. Packet Repeat mode). This is because a transceiver, when in Packet Repeat mode, sends 12 extra characters (sequence numbers, etc.) to control the delivery of the repeated data.

  • Page 78: Configuring For Tcp Mode

    2.6.4 Configuring for TCP Mode Invisible place holder Figure 2-33. TCP Client Menu (Remote) • —Enable/Disable the serial data port. Status • —TCP Client. This is the type of IP port that will IP Protocol be offered by the transceiver’s serial device server. [ TCP, UDP, PPP;...
  • Page 79 • — If data buffering is Enabled, the radio will oper- Serial Mode ate in seamless mode. Data bytes will be sent over the air as quickly as possible, but the receiver will buffer the data until enough bytes have arrived to cover worst case gaps in trans- mission.

  • Page 80: Configuring For Ppp Mode

    • —Data rate (payload) for the port in Data Baud Rate bits-per-second. [ 1,200–115,200; 19200 • —Interface signaling parameters. Data bits, par- Configuration ity and stop bits 7N1, 7E1, 7O1, 8N1, 8E1, 8O1, 8N1, 7N2, 7E2, 7O2, 8N2, 8E2, 8O2; •...

  • Page 81: Ip-To-Serial Application Example

    • —Enable/Disable the serial data port. Status • —PPP. This is the type of IP port that will be offered IP Protocol by the transceiver’s serial device server. [ TCP, UDP, PPP; TCP • —IP address that will be assigned to the dialing Device IP Address device once the connection is established.

  • Page 82: Point-To-Multipoint Ip-To-Serial Application Example

    connection is closed, or the link is interrupted. In this mode, the trans- ceiver behaves the same, whether it is an Access Point or a Remote. (See Figure 2-36 and Table 2-1) NOTE: The TCP session has a timeout of 10 minutes (600 seconds). If inactive for that time, it will be closed.
  • Page 83 Invisible place holder 192.168.0.2 192.168.0.10 192.168.0.1 EIA-232 Remote 192.168.0.3 Ethernet EIA-232 Access Point T erminal Remote or Computer EIA-232 192.168.0.4 Remote Figure 2-37. Point-to-Multipoint Serial-to-Serial Application Diagram Invisible place holder Table 2-2. Serial Port Application Configuration Transceiver Location Menu Item Setting IP Protocol Remote IP Address...

  • Page 84: Point-To-Point Serial-To-Serial Application Example

    Figure 2-38. Remote Radio Serial Port Configuration 2.6.8 Point-to-Point Serial-to-Serial Application Example Once the transceivers are configured and the changes have been exe- cuted, they begin processing any data presented at the ports. Data presented at the Access Point’s port will be packetized and sent via UDP to the Remote.

  • Page 85: Combined Serial And Ip Application Example

    Table 2-3. Serial Port Application Configuration (Continued) Transceiver Location Menu Item Setting Remote IP 192.168.0.2 Address (IP address of the Remote radio) Remote IP Port 30011 Local IP Port 30011 Status Enabled Remote Unit (COM2) Data Baud Rate 9,600 (Example) Flow Control X-ON/X-OFF (Example) Serial Mode...
  • Page 86 Invisible place holder RTU–A EIA-232 iNET 900 Remote 1 iNET 900 Access Point RTU–B EIA-232 iNET 900 Remote 2 Ethernet Crosssover RTU–C EIA-232 Terminal EIA-232 or Computer iNET 900 Remote 3 RTU–D EIA-232 iNET 900 Remote 4 Figure 2-40. Mixed-Modes Application Diagram Table 2-4.

  • Page 87: Virtual Lan In Inet-Ii And Inet

    2.6.10 Virtual LAN in iNET-II and iNET The iNET-II and iNET radios support port-based VLAN at the Ethernet interface and over the air, as specified by the IEEE 802.1Q standard. A VLAN creates independent logical networks within a physical net- work.

  • Page 88: Configuring For Operation With Vlan

    Configuring for Operation with VLAN Figure 2-41. Network Interface Configuration Menu • —When , the transceiver uses an 802.1Q frame VLAN Status enabled structure. • —Defines the VLAN ID assigned to the traffic that is Data VLAN ID directed to and from the transceiver’s Ethernet port and the terminal server process.

  • Page 89: Device Security

    Figure 2-42. Security Configuration Menu (Access Point Version Shown) 2.7.1 Device Security This group of features controls how the radios can be accessed either locally or remotely for configuration and management. Invisible place holder Figure 2-43. Device Security Menu • —...

  • Page 90: Wireless Security

    TIP: For enhanced security, consider using misspelled words, a combi- nation of letters and numbers, and a combination of upper and lower case letters. Also, the more characters used (up to eight), the more secure the password will be. These strategies help protect against sophisticated hackers who may use a database of common words (for example, dictionary attacks) to determine a password.

  • Page 91: Local Authentication Approved Remotes/Access Points List Submenu

    Invisible place holder Figure 2-44. Wireless Security Menu • —Controls whether device authentication is Device Auth Method executed locally, via a central server, or not at all. Selecting uses the Approved Remotes List described later in this Local manual. [ None, Local, RADIUS;...

  • Page 92: Radius Configuration

    This section covers the authentication settings needed for the iNET radios to access the RADIUS server, which is used for Device Level Security and for Wireless Access Security. GE MDS does not provide the RADIUS server software. iNET Series Reference Manual...

  • Page 93: Operation Of Device Authentication

    Operation of Device Authentication Device authentication forces the radio to authenticate before allowing user traffic to traverse the wireless network. When Device Security is configured to use RADIUS as the Authentication Method, Remote radios need three types of certificates: public (client), private, and root (Certificate Authority).

  • Page 94: Radius Configuration

    2.7.4 RADIUS Configuration Invisible place holder Figure 2-46. RADIUS Configuration Menu • —Used to set/display address of the Server Server IP Address where the RADIUS application resides. • —1812 is the standard port for authentication (RFC Server IP port 2865, June 2000), but this setting may be changed if necessary to any number between 1 and 65535.

  • Page 95: Performance Verification

    Invisible place holder Figure 2-47. Manage Certificates Menu (NOTE: The appearance of this screen differs from the others because a different terminal program was used; Menu content is the same regardless of program.) • —the IP address of the Server where the Server IP Address RADIUS application resides.
  • Page 96 There are two major areas for possible improvement—the radio and the data network. The following sections will provide you with a variety of items to check and on many occasions, ways to correct or improve their performance. The menu/screen shown in Figure 2-48 is one of two primary sources of information on the radio layer and radio network performance.

  • Page 97: Rssi By Zone Menu (Remotes Only)

    • —Multiple radio and network operating statis- Packet Statistics tics. (See “Packet Statistics Menu” on Page 91) • —Current associ- (Displayed only at Remotes) Wireless Network Status ation state and MAC address of the Access Point. (See “Wireless Network Status (Remotes Only)” on Page 94) •...

  • Page 98: Event Log Menu

    Figure 2-49. RSSI by Zone Menu TIP: Under normal circumstances, the signal levels in each zone should be within a few decibels of each other. If you see one that is signif- icantly lower or higher, it may be a sign of radio frequency inter- ference from another signal source on the 900 MHz band.
  • Page 99 obtains the time and date from a Time Server. This server can generally be provided by a standard Windows PC server SNTP application. In the absence of the SNTP services, the user must manually enter it at the Access Point. (See “Device Information” on Page 35 for SNTP server identification.) The manually set time and date clock is dependent on the unit’s primary power.

  • Page 100: View Current Alarms

    • —Name to be given to the Event (Telnet/Terminal only) Filename Log file sent to the TFTP server for archiving. Any 40-char alphanumeric string; Blank NOTE: You may want to change the filename to reflect the type of log you intend to archive and/or its date. •...

  • Page 101: View Event Log

    View Event Log See Table 3-4 on Page 119 for event classifications. Figure 2-52. Sample Event Log Screen 2.8.3 Packet Statistics Menu An iNET radio maintains running counters of different categories of events in the Ethernet protocol. The Packet Statistics refer to each Ethernet interface from the perspective of the radio.

  • Page 102: Ethernet Packet Statistics

    • —Over-the-air data packets sent by this Remote. Packets sent • —Over-the-air data bytes received by this Remote. Bytes received • —Over-the-air data bytes sent by this Remote. Bytes sent • —To-be-transmitted packets dropped as a result Packets dropped of a lack of buffers in the RF outbound queue. •...

  • Page 103: Packets Received By Zone

    Invisible place holder Figure 2-54. Sample Packet Statistics Menu The VLAN Packet Statistics Menu (Figure 2-55) groups the statistics of both wired and wireless interfaces. The numbers have different meaning depending on whether the Ethernet port is defined as an Access Port or as a Trunk Port.

  • Page 104: Wireless Network Status (Remotes Only)

    Invisible place holder Figure 2-56. Packets Received By Zone Menu 2.8.4 Wireless Network Status (Remotes Only) The Wireless Network Status screen provides information on a key operating process of the transceiver—the association of the Remote with the Access Point. The following is a description of how this process takes place and as monitored on the Figure 2-57.

  • Page 105: The Wireless Network Status Screen (Remotes Only)

    The Wireless Network Status Screen (Remotes Only) Figure 2-57. Wireless Network Status Screen • —Current state of the wireless network com- Connection Status munication. • Scanning—The unit is looking for an Access Point beacon signal. • Exp(ecting) Sync(hronization)—The unit has found a valid beacon signal for its network.

  • Page 106: Remote Listing Menu (Access Points Only)

    2.8.5 Remote Listing Menu (Access Points Only) Figure 2-58. Remote Listing Menu (List of transceivers associated with this AP) • —Hardware address of the Remote transceiver. MAC Address • —IP Address of the Remote transceiver. IP Address • —Current association state of the Remote transceiver. State •...

  • Page 107: Endpoint Listing Menu (Access Points Only)

    2.8.6 Endpoint Listing Menu (Access Points Only) This list shows all of the non-iNET 900 Ethernet devices that are known to the transceiver and is equivalent to the ARP table of IP devices. Figure 2-59. Endpoint Listing Menu (Lists all equipment attached to REMOTE transceivers in the network) •...

  • Page 108: Remote Performance Listing Menu (Access Points Only)

    2.8.7 Remote Performance Listing Menu (Access Points Only) Figure 2-60. Remote Performance Listing Menu for iNET AP (iNET-II will show RxRate as 512 kbps or 1024 kbps) This screen provides a unit-by-unit summary of all Remote units cur- rently associated with this Access Point. The parameters are displayed in a column format with each line corresponding to one Remote.

  • Page 109: Serial Data Statistics Menu

    2.8.8 Serial Data Statistics Menu This screen provides a summary of port activity for both serial data ports. These values will be reset to zero after a reboot cycle. Figure 2-61. Serial Data Statistics Screen (Both COM1 and COM2 will be shown) •...

  • Page 110: Reprogramming Menu

    From time-to-time GE MDS offers upgrades to the transceiver firm- ware. Loading new firmware into the unit will not alter any privileges provided by Authorization Keys and does not require the transceiver be iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev.
  • Page 111 Firmware images are available free-of-charge at: www.GEmds.com/service/technical/support NOTE: GE MDS iNET firmware may not be installed in GE MDS iNET-II radios, or vice-versa. NOTE: When upgrading to firmware 6.0.0 or later, the unit creates internal files following the first reboot. This one-time process delays the response of the HTTP interface for 5-10 minutes.

  • Page 112: Upgrading The Firmware

    Upgrading the Firmware Firmware images are available free-of-charge at: www.GEmds.com/service/technical/support NOTE: GE MDS iNET firmware may not be installed in GE MDS iNET-II radios, or vice-versa. To install firmware by TFTP, you will need: • A PC with a TFTP server running.
  • Page 113 Invisible place holder LOCAL WINDOWS PC WITH iNET FILES MDS iNET 900 PORT IP ADDRESS: 172.0.0.B IP ADDRESS: 172.0.0.A INITIATE UPLOAD FROM HERE Figure 2-64. Firmware Upgrade Setup—Option 1 (TFTP Server and Firmware File on Same CPU) Invisible place holder REMOTE PC W/FIRMWARE FILES HUB/LAN/WAN/MAN...

  • Page 114: Error Messages During File Transfers

    1. Launch a TFTP server on a PC connected either directly or via a LAN to the Ethernet port ( ) of the radio. Point the server towards the directory containing the firmware image file. 2. Connect to the Management System by whichever means is conve- nient: Browser or Telnet via the , or Terminal emulator via the port.

  • Page 115: Configuration Scripts Menu

    Table 2-6. Common Errors During TFTP Transfer (Continued) Error Message Likely Cause/Corrective Action Bad CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check reporting a corrupted file. Attempt to re-load, or use a different file. Version String Mismatch Invalid file detected. Attempt to re-load, or use a different file.

  • Page 116: Sample Of Configuration Script File

    Figure 2-66. Configuration Scripts Menu • —IP address of the computer on which the TFTP Host Address TFTP server resides. [ Any valid IP address • —Name of file containing this unit’s configuration pro- Filename file that will be transferred to the TFTP server. The configura- tion information will be in a plain-text ASCII format.

  • Page 117: Editing Configuration Files

    The configuration files can be modified using a text editor or an automated process. (These applications not provided by GE MDS). We recommend that you review and update the following parameters for each individual unit. Other parameters may also be changed as neces- sary.

  • Page 118: Authorization Keys Menu

    Auth Key turn a Serial Gateway Remote into an Ethernet Bridge Remote, or vice-versa. 2.9.5 Auto-Upgrade/Remote-Reboot Menu NOTE: This menu is only available when GE MDS NETview MS key is enabled. iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 119: Firmware Upgrade (With Ap Acting As A Tftp Server)

    Invisible place holder Figure 2-68. Auto-Upgrade / Remote Reboot Menu • —Causes all of the Remotes associated to this AP Auto Upgrade to read the AP’s newest firmware version (active or inactive) and upload it via TFTP to the inactive image, but only if it is newer than the Remote’s current firmware.

  • Page 120: Radio Test Menu

    NOTE: The filename is case sensitive. 3. Perform the firmware download. 2.9.6 Radio Test Menu Using this menu, you can manually key the radio transmitter to make measurements of antenna performance. (See “Antenna Aiming” on Page 141 for details.) Figure 2-69. Radio Test Menu Shown with Test Mode set to ON Use of the Test Mode will disrupt traffic through the radio.

  • Page 121: Ping Utility Menu

    This RSSI measurement is updated more frequently than the RSSI by Zone display of the Performance Information menu. Note that for the GE MDS iNET, the RSSI is an average of the RSSI samples. The RSSI value is reset every time the radio returns to scanning mode.
  • Page 122 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 123: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING 3 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 3.1 Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs ........... 115 3.2 Troubleshooting Using the Embedded Management System . 116 3.2.1 Starting Information Screen ............117 3.2.2 Packet Statistics Menu .............. 118 3.2.3 Serial Port Statistics Menu ............119 3.2.4 Diagnostic Tools ................
  • Page 124 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 125: Interpreting The Front Panel Leds

    If problems cannot be resolved using the guidance provided here, Factory Assistance review the GE 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 our Technical Services Department.

  • Page 126: Troubleshooting Using The Embedded Management System

    resolving common system difficulties using the LEDs, and Table 3-2 provides other simple techniques. Table 3-1. Troubleshooting Using LEDs—Symptom-Based Symptom Problem/Recommended System Checks PWR LED does not a. Voltage too low—Check for the proper supply voltage at turn on the power connector. (10–30 Vdc) b.
  • Page 127 Table 3-2. Basic Troubleshooting Using the Management System Symptom Problem/Recommended System Checks Remote does not a. Verify the AP has sufficiently large number in the “Max associate; stays in Remotes” parameter of the Network Configuration Menu. HOPSYNC b. Verify the correct MAC address is listed in the “Approved Remotes List”...

  • Page 128: Starting Information Screen

    The following is a summary of how several screens in the Management System can be used as diagnostic tools. 3.2.1 Starting Information Screen Starting Information Screen on Page 32 (See The Management System’s “homepage” provides some valuable bits of data. One of the most important is the “Device Status” field. This item will tell you if the unit is showing signs of life.

  • Page 129: Packet Statistics Menu

    3.2.2 Packet Statistics Menu Packet Statistics Menu on Page 91 (See This screen provides detailed information on data exchanges between the unit being viewed and the network through the wireless and the Ethernet (data) layers. These include: Wireless Packet Statistics •...

  • Page 130: Diagnostic Tools

    • Bytes In On Port xxx • Bytes In On Socket xxx • Bytes Out On Port xxx • Bytes Out On Socket xxx 3.2.4 Diagnostic Tools MAINTENANCE on Page 99 (See The radio’s Maintenance menu contains two tools that are especially useful to network technicians—the Radio Test Menu and the Ping Utility.

  • Page 131: Correcting Alarm Conditions

    Table 3-5. Alarm Conditions (Alphabetical Order) Alarm Condition Reported Event Log Entry SNMP Trap EVENT_50_LIMIT Crossed 50% of Eth rateLimit50(20) Port Rate Limit EVENT_75_LIMIT Crossed 75% of Eth rateLimit75(21) Port Rate Limit EVENT_100_LIMIT Crossed 100% of Eth rateLimit100(22) Port Rate Limit EVENT_ADC ADC output Railed adcInput(3)
  • Page 132 Table 3-5. Alarm Conditions (Alphabetical Order) (Continued) Alarm Condition Reported Event Log Entry SNMP Trap EVENT_REMOTE Remote Added/ eventRemote(66) Removed (AP only) EVENT_REPETITIVE The previous event is occurring repetitively EVENT_ROUTE_ADD Manual entry added to routeAdded(68) Routing table EVENT_ROUTE_DEL Manual entry deleted routeDeleted(69) from Routing table RSSI Exceeds...

  • Page 133: Logged Events

    Table 3-6. Correcting Alarm Conditions—Alphabetical Order Event Log Entry Generating Condition Clearing Condition or Action General System Internal checks suggest unit Reboot the transceiver Error is not functioning properly Initialization Error Unit fails to complete boot Contact factory Technical cycle Services for assistance Invalid IP Address The IP address is either...
  • Page 134 Table 3-7. Non-Critical Events—Alphabetical Order Event Log Entry Severity Description Association Attempt MAJOR Self explanatory Success/Failed Association Lost - AP Hop MINOR Self explanatory Parameter Changed Association Lost - AP's MAJOR Self explanatory Ethernet Link Down Association Lost - Local IP MAJOR Self explanatory Address Changed...
  • Page 135 Table 3-7. Non-Critical Events—Alphabetical Order (Continued) Event Log Entry Severity Description HTTP User Logged MAJOR httpLogin(49) Out/Logged In Log Cleared INFORMATIONAL Self explanatory MAC Param Changed Caused by remotes running in auto data rate mode. Every time the link conditions cause a data rate change, the remote’s MAC changes to the new rate and forwards a signal to the AP.
  • Page 136 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 137: Planning A Radio Network

    PLANNING A RADIO NETWORK 4 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 4.1 INSTALLATION PLANNING ............ 129 4.1.1 General Requirements ..............129 DIN Rail Mounting Option...............131 4.1.2 Site Selection ................131 4.1.3 Terrain and Signal Strength ............132 4.1.4 Antenna & Feedline Selection ...........132 4.1.5 How Much Output Power Can be Used? ........135 4.1.6 Conducting a Site Survey ............136 4.1.7 A Word About Radio Interference ..........136 4.1.8 Notes on Using 28 VDC Power Supplies ........138...
  • Page 138 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 139: Installation Planning

    4.1 INSTALLATION PLANNING This section provides tips for selecting an appropriate site, choosing an antenna system, and reducing the chance of harmful interference. 4.1.1 General Requirements There are three main requirements for installing a transceiver—ade- quate and stable primary power, a good antenna system, and the correct interface between the transceiver and the data device.
  • Page 140 location that provides easy access to the connectors on the end of the radio and an unobstructed view of the LED status indicators. 6.75˝ (17.15 cm) FRONT BOTTOM THREADED 4.85˝ (12.32 cm) HOLES FOR MOUNTING SCREWS (4) #6-32 X 1/4˝ LONG SIDE Not to scale 1.4˝...

  • Page 141: Din Rail Mounting Option

    (Attach to DIN Rail. Removal is performed by the end opposite the connectors.) pulling down on the release tab. Figure 4-4. DIN Rail Mounting of GE MDS Equipment 4.1.2 Site Selection Suitable sites should provide: • Protection from direct weather exposure •...

  • Page 142: Terrain And Signal Strength

    • Suitable entrances for antenna, interface or other required cabling • Antenna location that provides as unobstructed a transmission path as possible in the direction of the associated station These requirements can be quickly determined in most cases. A possible exception is the last item—verifying that an unobstructed transmission path exists.
  • Page 143 factory representative for specific recommendations on antenna types and hardware sources. In general, an omnidirectional antenna (Figure 4-5) is used at the Access Point station site. This provides equal coverage to all of the Remote Gateway sites. NOTE: Antenna polarization is important. If the wrong polarization is used, a signal reduction of 20 dB or more will result.
  • Page 144 4.00 dB The tables below outline the minimum lengths of RG-214 coaxial cable that must be used with common GE MDS omnidirectional antennas in order to maintain compliance with FCC maximum limit of +36 dBi. If other coaxial cable is used, the appropriate changes in loss figures must be made.

  • Page 145: How Much Output Power Can Be Used

    RF output power may only be adjusted by the manufacturer or its sub-contracted Professional Installer. The GE MDS iNET-II Transceiver is factory set to +29 dBm power output to maintain compliance with the FCC’s Digital Transmission System (DTS) Part 15 rules. These rules limit power to a maximum of 8 dBm/3 kHz, thus the iNET-II Trans- ceiver is factory set to +29 dBm.

  • Page 146: Conducting A Site Survey

    4.1.6 Conducting a Site Survey If you are in doubt about the suitability of the radio sites in your system, it is best to evaluate them before a permanent installation is underway. This can be done with an on-the-air test (preferred method); or indi- rectly, using path-study software.
  • Page 147 Although these antennas may be more costly than omnidirectional types, they confine the transmission and reception pattern to a com- paratively narrow lobe, that minimizes interference to (and from) stations located outside the pattern. • If interference is suspected from a nearby licensed system (such as a paging transmitter), it may be helpful to use horizontal polarization of all antennas in the network.

  • Page 148: Notes On Using 28 Vdc Power Supplies

    2. Subtract the antenna system gain from 36 dBm (the maximum allowable EIRP). The result indicates the maximum transmitter power (in dBm) allowed under the rules. In the example above, this is 28 dBm. 3. If the maximum transmitter power allowed is less than 30 dBm, set the power to the desired level using the Management System.

  • Page 149: Radio (Rf) Measurements

    Therefore, use a power supply that is rated appropriately for the radio if possible—avoid using power supplies that far exceed the radio's current requirements. Please direct any questions you may have about interfacing to GE MDS radios to the Technical Services Department via e-mail or telephone: E-mail: TechSupport@GEmds.com Tel.

  • Page 150: Antenna System Swr And Transmitter Power Output

    4.2.1 Antenna System SWR and Transmitter Power Output Introduction A proper impedance match between the transceiver and the antenna system is important. It ensures the maximum signal transfer between the radio and antenna. The impedance match can be checked indirectly by measuring the SWR (standing-wave ratio) of the antenna system.

  • Page 151: Antenna Aiming

    Use the PC’s spacebar to key and unkey the transmitter ON and OFF. (Enable/Disable) 5. Measure the forward and reflected power into the antenna system and calculate the SWR and power output level. The output should agree with the programmed value. (Main Menu>>Radio Configuration>>RF Power Output) 6.
  • Page 152 Statistics) This information will be used later. 3. Clear the Wireless Packets Statistics history. (Main Menu>>Performance Information>>Packet Statistics>>Wireless Packet Statistics>>Clear Wireless Stats) 4. Read the RSSI level at the Remote. (Main Menu>>Performance Information>>RSSI by Zone) 5. Optimize RSSI (less negative is better) by slowly adjusting the direction of the antenna.

  • Page 153: Dbm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart

    4.3 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART Table 4-4 is provided as a convenience for determining the equivalent voltage or wattage of an RF power expressed in dBm. Table 4-4. dBm-Watts-Volts conversion—for 50 ohm systems dBm V dBm V dBm mV dBm μV 100.0 200W .225 1.0mW...

  • Page 154: Performance Notes

    4.4 PERFORMANCE NOTES The following is a list of points that are useful for understanding the per- formance of the radio in your installation. 4.4.1 Wireless Bridge The transceiver acts as a bridge. If any radio in your network is con- nected to a large LAN, such as may be found in a large office complex, there may be undesired multicast/broadcast traffic over the air.

  • Page 155: Data Latency Tcp Versus Udp Mode

    4.4.3 Data Latency—TCP versus UDP Mode The latency of data passing through a network will depend on user data message length, the overall level of traffic on the network, and the quality of the radio path. Under ideal conditions—low traffic and good RF signal path—the latency for units operating in the TCP mode, will typically be around 5 ms in each direction.

  • Page 156: Maximizing Throughput

    4.4.8 Maximizing Throughput Here are some suggestion on things to try that may maximize throughput: 1. AP Only: Increment the to the maximum of 262.1 ms. Dwell Time This lowers the overhead since it will stay longer on a channel. The down side is that if a particular channel is interfered with it will take longer to hop to another channel.

  • Page 157: Placing An Inet Radio Behind A Firewall

    4.4.9 Placing an iNET Radio Behind a Firewall iNET-II and iNET radios use the port numbers listed below. If you place the radio behind a firewall, make sure these port numbers are included in the allowed list: • SSH: <- Management •...

  • Page 158: Snmpv3 Accounts

    SNMPv3 Accounts The following default accounts are available for the SNMP Agent: —Read/write account using Authentication and Encryp- enc_mdsadmin tion —Read/write account using Authentication auth_mdsadmin —Read only account using Authentication and Encryp- enc_mdsviewer tion —Read only account using Authentication auth_mdsviewer —Read only account with no Authentication or Encryp- def_mdsviewer tion...

  • Page 159: Password-Mode Management Changes

    In either case, the SNMP Manager needs to know the initial passwords that are being used in order to talk to the Agent. If the Agent’s passwords are configured via the Manager, then they can be changed from the Man- ager.
  • Page 160 Table 4-5. SNMP Traps (Sorted by Code) SNMP Trap Severity Description systemBoot(32) INFORMATIONAL SNR Within threshold/Below threshold systemReboot(33) MAJOR Telnet User Logged Out/Logged In startScan(34) INFORMATIONAL Reprogramming Started rxBeaconErrored(35) INFORMATIONAL Received Beacon - Netname Does Not Match rxBeaconWrongNetworkName (36) INFORMATIONAL Received Beacon - AP is Blacklisted rxBeaconFromBlacklistAP(37) MAJOR...
  • Page 161 Table 4-5. SNMP Traps (Sorted by Code) (Continued) SNMP Trap Severity Description routeDeleted(69) INFORMATIONAL Radio attempted but failed to delete a route from its internal routing table sinRemSwitch(70) INFORMATIONAL Remote mode was switched (serial to ethernet, ethernet to serial) ChanCnt(71) INFORMATIONAL Number of channels defined does not match (Channel 130 only)
  • Page 162 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 163: Technical Reference

    TECHNICAL REFERENCE 5 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph Contents 5.1 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS ........155 5.1.1 LAN Port ..................155 5.1.2 COM1 Port ................156 5.1.3 COM2 Port ................156 5.2 FUSE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE ........157 5.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..........158 5.4 CHANNEL HOP TABLE............161 05-2806A01, Rev.
  • Page 164 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 165: Data Interface Connectors

    5.1 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS Three data interface connectors are provided on the face of the trans- ceiver. The first, the LAN Port, is an RJ-45 connector. The other two use two DB-9 interface connectors that use the RS-232 (EIA-232) signaling standard.

  • Page 166: Com1 Port

    5.1.2 COM1 Port To connect a PC to the transceiver’s port use a DB-9M to DB-9F COM1 “straight-through” cable. These cables are available commercially, or may be constructed using the pinout information in Figure 5-2 and Table 5-2. Figure 5-2. COM1 Port (DCE) (Viewed from the outside of the unit.

  • Page 167: Fuse Replacement Procedure

    6. Using an Ohmmeter, or other continuity tester, verify the fuse is blown. 7. Install a new fuse by reversing the process. Littelfuse P/N: 0454002; 452 Series, 2 Amp SMF Slo-Blo GE MDS P/N: 29-1784A03 05-2806A01, Rev. H iNET Series Reference Manual...

  • Page 168: Technical Specifications

    8. Install the covers and check the transceiver for proper operation. Figure 5-4. Internal Fuse and Holder Assembly Location Invisible place holder 5.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Temperature Range: –30° C to +60° C (–22° F to 140° F) Humidity: 95% at +40° C (104° F); non-condensing Primary Power: 10–30 Vdc (13.8 Vdc Nominal) External Power Supply Options:...
  • Page 169 MANAGEMENT • HTTP, HTTPS (Embedded Web server) • Telnet, SSH, COM1 serial port (Text-based menu) • SNMP v1/v2/v3 • SYSLOG • GE MDS NETview MS™ DATA CHARACTERISTICS PORTS: Ethernet: Interface Connectors: RJ-45 Standard Data Rate:...
  • Page 170 GE MDS iNET-II: 600 kHz RECEIVER: Type: Double conversion superheterodyne GE MDS iNET: –92 dBm @ 512 kbps < 1x10 - Sensitivity: GE MDS iNET: –99 dBm @ 256 kbps < 1x10 - GE MDS iNET-II: –92 dBm @ 1 Mbps < 1x10 - GE MDS iNET-II: –97 dBm @ 512 kbps <...

  • Page 171: Channel Hop Table

    5.4 CHANNEL HOP TABLE The GE MDS iNET transceiver’s hop table consists of 80 channels, numbered 0 to 79 as listed in Table 5-4. Center frequencies are calcu- lated as follows (where Fn is the center frequency of channel n): Fn = 902.5 MHz + n*316.5 kHz...
  • Page 172 Table 5-4. Channel Hop Table Zone Channel Frequency 902.5000 (iNET FHSS lowest channel) 902.8165 (iNET-II DTS lowest channel) 903.1330 903.4495 903.7660 904.0825 904.3990 904.7155 905.0320 905.3485 905.6650 905.9815 906.2980 906.6145 906.9310 907.2475 907.5640 907.8805 908.1970 908.5135 908.8300 909.1465 909.4630 909.7795 910.0960 910.4125 910.7290...
  • Page 173 Table 5-4. Channel Hop Table (Continued) Zone Channel Frequency 915.1600 915.4765 915.7930 916.1095 916.4260 916.7425 917.0590 917.3755 917.6920 918.0085 918.3250 918.6415 918.9580 919.2745 919.5910 919.9075 920.2240 920.5405 920.8570 921.1735 921.4900 921.8065 922.1230 922.4395 922.7560 923.0725 923.3890 923.7055 924.0220 924.3385 924.6550 924.9715 925.2880 925.6045...
  • Page 174 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...

  • Page 175: Glossary Of Terms And Abbreviations

    GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 6 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph If you are new to wireless IP/Ethernet systems, some of the terms used in this guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of your radio network.
  • Page 176 from the number and order of bits in a data string. This value is com- pared with a locally-generated value and a match indicates that the mes- sage is unchanged, and therefore valid. Datagram—A data string consisting of an IP header and the IP message within.
  • Page 177 Endpoint—IP address of data equipment connected to the ports of the radio. Equalization—The process of reducing the effects of amplitude, fre- quency or phase distortion with compensating networks. Fade Margin—The greatest tolerable reduction in average received signal strength that will be anticipated under most conditions. Provides an allowance for reduced signal strength due to multipath, slight antenna movement or changing atmospheric losses.
  • Page 178 access point, the new access point tells the old access point, using IAPP, that the station has left and is now located on the new access point. ICMP—Internet Control Message Protocol IGMP (Internet Gateway Management Protocol)—Ethernet level protocol used by routers and similar devices to manage the distribution of multicast addresses in a network.
  • Page 179 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. NTP—Network Time Protocol Packet—The basic unit of data carried on a link layer. On an IP net- work, this refers to an entire IP datagram or a fragment thereof.
  • Page 180 assuming the right information is entered, can immediately reconnect to the access point without user intervention. 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.
  • Page 181 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 log- ging of events.
  • Page 182 iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. H...
  • Page 183 INDEX Numerics 100BaseT 129 Backhaul 10BaseT 129 for Serial Radio Networks 8 802.11b 10 Network 9 bandpass filter 137 Beacon Access Point (AP), defined 165 Period 53, 145, 146 accessories 17 signal 94 Active Scanning, defined 165, 169 Begin Wizard 64 Actual Data Rate 86 Bit, defined 165 Add Associated Remotes 82...
  • Page 184 cost of deployment 9 Listing 87 Count 111 Listing Menu 97 CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), defined 165 ENI, MDS iNET 900 3 CSMA Equalization, defined 167 CA, defined 165 Ethernet CD, defined 165 Link (H/W) Watch 46 Current Link Poll Address 46 Alarms 89 Packet Statistics 92 AP IP Address 95...
  • Page 185 IETF standard RFC1213 47 MAC Address 96, 97, 144 IGMP 62 Management System defined 168 user interfaces 23 Image MD5, defined 168 Copy 102 MDS iNET 900 ENI 3 file, defined 168 MDS Security Suite 15 Verify 102 measurements iNET II, differences of 3, 51, 52, 57, 59, 98, 132, 135, 141 radio 139 Installation antenna &...
  • Page 186 Packet Radio defined 169 Frequency Interference 15, 136 Redundancy Mode 65, 67 Remote, defined 170 Size 111 Test 110 Statistics 87, 91, 119 range, transmission 10 Packets Read Community String 48 Dropped 92, 119 Reboot Packets-per-Second 145 Device 102 Received 91, 92 on Upgrade 109 Received by Zone 93 Receive errors 92, 119...
  • Page 187 Standing Wave Ratio 171 Save Changes 82 Starting SCADA 9, 10, 62 Address 47 defined 170 Information Screen 34 Scanning 118 State 96 Active, defined 169 Status 32, 64, 66, 68, 69, 71 Passive, defined 169 STP, defined 170 Seamless Inter-Frame Delay 65, 67, 69, 70, 71 SWR 140, 171 Secondary performance optimization 140...
  • Page 188 Authentication Password 49 Privacy Password 49 via Remote 97 View Approved Remotes 82 Current Alarms 90 Current Settings 64 Event Log 91 Log 89 VLAN 38, 39, 40, 77 Configuring for operation with 41 Configuring IP Address with VLAN disabled 43 Configuring IP Address with VLAN enabled 42 volts-dBm-watts conversion 143 watts-dBm-volts conversion 143...
  • Page 189 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 infor- mation will assist you in the event that servicing becomes necessary.
  • Page 190 GE MDS, LLC 175 Science Parkway Rochester, NY 14620 General Business: +1 585 242-9600 FAX: +1 585 242-9620 Web: www.GEmds.com...

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