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The Multinode/Wireless System Gateway
Multinode description
The Multinode is a wireless RF transmitter-receiver and router that is used to create the
wireless communications network. Communication occurs by establishing radio links
between the multinode and other wireless devices that are configured to operate as part of
the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). It routes network traffic between devices,
such as wireless field devices, other multinodes and wireless system gateways.
The multinode is enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure and is mounted on a pole, a wall
or near rooftop locations where it can transmit, receive and route control messages
between field devices and the WSG. Figure 2 shows the physical features of the
multinode. The multinode and the WSG are physically the same, and contain the same
internal components. The operating mode selection during configuration enables the
multinode to operate as a WSG or a multinode.
Operating modes
Multinodes can be configured to operate as either a Wireless System Gateway- in which
the multinode acts as a device connecting the wireless network with the wired control
system; or as a Multinode- which is an access point that communicates with the wireless
field devices and the WSGs in the wireless network. Note that a WSG may also be
configured to act as an access point within the wireless network. Multinodes also can be
configured to provide mesh communications where multinodes communicate with other
multinodes and WSGs to form a mesh network. The WSGs and multinodes use IEEE
802.11a/b/g communications protocol to communicate and complete the wireless
network. Multinodes may also be connected to WSGs through a wired Ethernet link.
System security
OneWireless system uses both encryption keys and secure key deployment to secure the
wireless network. Security of the multinodes operating in a mesh network use key
encryption. During multinode configuration an encryption key is created which is then
copied to the configuration of other multinodes that will operate in the same network.
Every wireless communication is encrypted using a strong security key, (see
Encryption
for more information).
Security between multinodes and field I/O devices is achieved through secure key
deployment. Security keys are generated by the key server and then are deployed to
individual field I/O devices via an authentication device. Security keys are dynamic and
change automatically by the system following initial deployment providing a greater
level of security for the wireless network.
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OneWireless Multinode User's Guide
Data
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