2011 Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd reserves the right to make changes to specifications and information in this manual without prior notice. Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in this manual.
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About This Manual This manual describes features and functions of the NS40 Intrinsically Safe Wireless Network Switch. It provides information about hardware installation, operation, configuration and how to troubleshoot any issues. You will find it easier to use the manual if you are familiar with networking systems and have an understanding of electronics in a network environment.
Chapter I.S. Wireless Network Switch Topics: The Mine Site Technologies Intrinsically Safe Wireless Network Switch (NS40) consists of a managed fibre optic Ethernet switch and • Hardware Overview two 802.11b/g wireless access points. It provides wired and wireless • System Layout Overview network access in hazardous coal mining environments.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch 1.1 Hardware Overview The features and functions of the NS40 are illustrated in Figure 1 and the accompanying table. Figure 1: NS40 hardware Description Function Composite fibre port. Power and / or fibre optic connectivity via composite cable, fibre optic cable or DC power cable.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch Description Function LED status Indication Wireless radio is enabled. Flashing Transmitting or receiving data. Composite fibre port link / The fibre port LEDs indicate the following: Activity LEDs. LED status Indication Fibre transceiver is disabled or has not established a link to the next device.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch Figure 2: An example of an Intrinsically Safe network The Intrinsically Safe design of the network requires each cell to be individually powered and that electrical power must not travel between them. Fibre optic cables is used to connect between cells to provide network connectivity as shown in Figure 2.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch 1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports Each side of an NS40 unit has two composite fibre port connectors with a crush protection cover. Each connector consists of two electrical contacts and a duplex LC single mode optic fibre (SMOF) receptacle as shown in Figure 3.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch Figure 4: Fibre orientation of Upstream and Downstream ports Due to the difference in the fibre orientation, MST composite cable and fibre optic cable can only be connected between ports on NS40 devices marked with a tick in the matrix below. Port 1 Port 2 Port 3...
Chapter Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Topics: This chapter describes mounting and installation of NS40s, antennas, and connection of cables. Fibre plug assembly and cable termination • Pre-Installation Planning are beyond the scope of this manual. • Mounting an I.S. Wireless Important: Network Switch •...
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches 2.1 Pre-Installation Planning A detailed design study of a mine must be conducted by an MST System Engineer to determine specific network requirements and design before installation. The following factors help determine network design: • Wireless coverage requirements of the mine •...
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Figure 5: NS40 mounting points 2.3 Cables An Intrinsically Safe network must only use approved cables for the interconnection of cells and devices. Please consult your MST System Engineer if you have any cabling queries. Important: Please ensure the power supply is turned off and de-energised before attaching or detaching any cables in a cell.
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Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Cable type Description and function Fibre optic A fibre optic cable pair in a single outer jacket. This cable transfers data to an NS40 or another network device. Multiple cable lengths can be joined by junction boxes (model no.
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Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Step Description Illustration Push down on the locking catch for the port and remove the cover. On the cable, push open the locking catch and remove the connector cover. Align the pins on the connector to the composite fibre port.
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Extending Cable Runs with Junction Boxes Power and data cable runs can be extended in a network using junction boxes JB10 and JB11. Junction boxes also provide an inductance barrier, limiting current and voltage to maintain Intrinsic Safety in a network.
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Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Step Description Illustration Unscrew antenna cover from the antenna port. Connect the coaxial cable connector to the antenna port and tighten the outer metal sleeve. slide connector cover over the connection. If the connector has no cover, use the following steps as described below.
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Step Description Illustration Wind the rubber tape at an angle back down towards the base of the connection and cut the tape. Cable tie and mount coaxial cables in locations that are free from obstructions. Important: Check that all unused antenna ports remain covered with the supplied...
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Antenna Type Illustration Description Yagi directional A Yagi antenna is a highly directional antenna providing antenna a very narrow but longer horizontal beamwidth. They are ideally suited for line of sight tunnel communications. Yagi antennas need to be aimed accurately and avoid obstacles in their RF beam path.
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches Scenario Antenna Illustration Placement Multiple antennas should be mounted to avoid crossing signal paths. 2.5 Before Powering Up the I.S. Network Switch After an NS40 is installed, use the following check list before supplying power to the NS40 (and cell). 1.
Chapter Understanding VLANs Topics: This chapter explains the principles behind Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). It is important to understand VLANs to properly • Understanding Trunk and configure an NS40. Access Ports A VLAN is a collection of nodes grouped according to their function •...
Understanding VLANs 3.1 Understanding Trunk and Access Ports When VLANs are enabled, network switch ports are assigned to be either trunk ports or access ports. These two types of port allocations determine how data is transmitted and relayed. 3.1.1 Trunk Ports Trunk ports provide a connection for multiple VLANs between network devices and access points.
Understanding VLANs Figure 9: An example of Wireless MAC VLANs 3.3 Native VLAN Trunk ports on an NS40 support a native VLAN. The native VLAN capability allocates untagged frames received on trunk ports to be associated with the Infrastructure VLAN. This allows client devices such as PCs or laptops to access and manage an NS40.
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Understanding VLANs Figure 10: An example of the native VLAN capability I.S. Wireless Network Switch Revision A...
Chapter Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Topics: This chapter describes the process for configuring the NS40 using a web browser. All screenshots were generated from devices with • Logging onto the Web Browser firmware version 0.9.36. Interface The NS40 has a built-in web-server accessible by a PC to configure •...
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface 4.1 Logging onto the Web Browser Interface The web browser interface has a login page that requires administrator access. By default the password is 'admin'. Note: Login and configuration needs to be carried out for each CPU in every NS40 in a network. Each CPU in the NS40 is configured with a different IP address.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 11: Default configuration page The configuration page is divided into four section tabs across the top of the screen: • Overview — web pages to configure language and logout of the web browser. •...
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 12: Unsaved changes drop-down menu Clicking Unsaved Changes will display a drop-down menu. The drop-down menu actions are described in the table below. Action Description Save & Apply Saves changes and applies new settings to the device. Apply Applies changes to the device.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 13: Language configuration page 4.3.2 Logging out of the web browser interface Clicking Logout from the drop-down menu in the Overview tab as shown in Figure 14 will logout from the web browser interface. Figure 14: Logging out 4.4 Status tab The Status tab section contains web pages to configure system information, connected devices, wireless...
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 15: System Status page 4.4.2 Viewing Interfaces The Interfaces page shows details of the LAN and wireless radio on the NS40 as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16: Interfaces status page I.S. Wireless Network Switch Revision A...
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Field Description Status Indicates the operating status. Device Device name. MAC Address The LAN and radio are bridged and will have the same MAC address. Addresses Assigned IP address. Traffic The amount of data transmitted and received since the last startup of the network switch.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 18: Results of a sample wireless network scan 4.4.4 Viewing Routes The Routes status page displays information on local network routes. Figure 19: Routes status page Field Description Network Network type. Target Host IP address or network. Network Subnet mask of the network.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface this page. The system log page is useful for viewing general information, analysis of the switch and debugging messages. Figure 20: System log status page 4.4.6 Viewing Kernel Logs The Kernel Log page tracks and logs activity of the kernel as shown in Figure 21. Revision A I.S.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 21: Kernel Log page 4.5 System tab The System tab accesses web pages to configure time, password access, Location Based Services, saving and restoring device configuration, firmware upgrades and rebooting the device. 4.5.1 Changing System Settings The System configuration page configures general system settings as shown in Figure 22.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 22: Additional parameters can be displayed and configured from the Additional Field drop-down box and clicking Add. The system parameters are described in the table below. Field Description Hostname Name of the device. Timezone A drop-down box to select the country timezone.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 23: Administrator password webpage To create a new password: 1. Enter the administrator password in the Password and the Verify Password fields. 2. Click Submit. Administrators will have full access to the web browser interface. 4.5.3 Managing System Processes The Processes page displays and manages system processes in the NS40 as shown in Figure 24.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 24: System processes configuration page Each system process can be stopped by clicking the Hang Up, Terminate or Kill buttons. Stopping system processes is described in the table below. Process Description Hang up Hang up will either reset, reload or reinitialise the process.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 25: Location Based Services configuration page A description of the Location Based Services fields are shown in the following table. Section Field Description Location Enabled Check box that enables the location based services on the NS40. Based Services Logging Level The drop-down box selects the level of reporting details to the syslog server.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface The NS40 can have up to two MST Tracker Engines configured. The configuration parameters are described in the table below. Field Description Enabled Check box to enable the MST Tracker Engine. Server IP or Name IP address or server name of the MST tracker engine.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface A description of the configuration parameters are shown in the table below. Section Field Description General Current System Time Displays the current system time. Update Interval The frequency that an NS40 will synchronise with the NTP server. 600 seconds is the default setting.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface 1. Click Factory Defaults. A dialog window will appear to confirm to reset the device. 2. Click OK. The device will reset. Backup Device Settings Configuration settings in the NS40 can be saved and used to restore to the device. To backup device settings, click Backup Settings.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface 4.6 Network Tab The network tab accesses web pages to configure the LAN interface, wireless network, Wireless MAC VLANs, Spanning Tree, VLANs and static routes. 4.6.1 Configuring LAN Interface Settings The LAN Interface page shown in Figure 29 configures the LAN settings of the device. Figure 29: LAN Interface configuration page To edit LAN settings, click the selected field in the dialog box.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Field Description Recommended Settings The DNS servers used by the managment Settings are dependent on the local domain name servers CPU when looking up host names. registration. Maximum transmission size (MTU) is The MTU in the device is automatically the largest packet size (in bytes) a configured based on the protocol configuration.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Field Description Recommended Settings Enable Check box to enable or disable wireless radio. n/a. Channel A drop-down box to select the channel the wireless radio It is recommended wireless will operate on the NS40. radios in proximity of each other have a different wireless channel.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface 3. Select Allow List on the drop-down box. 4. Enter the MAC address to allow network access in the MAC List field. To add MAC addresses, click on the icon for MAC address fields. 5.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Field Description • WPA2 provides a higher level of security than WPA. • WPA2-PSK does not require an authentication server. • WPA2-EAP requires a RADIUS authentication server. Hide SSID Enables or disables visibility of the wireless network. Isolate Clients When enabled, client devices are prevented from accessing other client devices on the same wireless network.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 31: Spanning Tree configuration page A description of the STP parameters are described in the table below. Section Field Description Default Settings Switch Enable STP on this Check box to enable STP on the network switch. bridge STP Bridge Priority The priority of the switch.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Section Field Description Default Settings STP Max Age The amount of time a bridge will wait for a BDPU before it becomes a root bridge. STP Forwarding The amount of time spent in the listening and learning state Delay before entering the forwarding state.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface To configure the composite fibre port(s): 1. Select the Enable check box to enable the fibre port. 2. In the Mode field, select trunk port or access port from the drop-down box. 3. If the fibre port is selected as a trunk port, it will be a member of all enabled VLANs. If it is selected as an access port, select a VLAN membership.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 33: VLAN list page Note: The Infrastructure VLAN cannot be disabled because the management CPU is on this VLAN. This enables client devices to access and manage the network switch. Up to 16 VLANs can be created. To create a VLAN: 1.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface 2. By default the Enable check box is selected. 3. Enter the VLAN ID number. The VLAN ID is tagged to frames sent to and from trunk ports. 4. Select the VLAN Priority from the drop-down menu. Priority ranges from 0-7 (7 being the highest priority) that is assigned to frames tagged with the VLAN ID.
Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 34: Static Routes configuration page To add a static route: 1. Click Add Entry. A LAN entry is displayed. 2. Enter the network IP address in the Target field. 3. Enter the Subnet mask in the Netmask field. 4.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Figure 35: Wireless MAC VLAN Bridge page Up to five Wireless MAC VLANs can be used in the NS40. The VLAN Bridge Filter parameters are described in the table below. Field Description Enabled Check box to enable the VLAN bridge filter. If it is disabled the radio is bridged to the Infrastructure VLAN.
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Configuration using the Web Browser Interface Field Description Default VLAN Any client devices with MAC addresses that do not match the defined Wireless MAC VLANs will have traffic directed to the default VLAN. The drop-down box provides a selection of the default VLAN. Creating Wireless MAC VLANs To create a Wireless MAC VLANs: 1.
Appendix Troubleshooting Guide This appendix will help diagnose and solve any issues with NS40 installation and operation. Problem Possible Causes Solution The status light on Insufficient power supplied Configuration and power to the cell will need to be revised. Please the NS40 is not to the NS40.
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Troubleshooting Guide Problem Possible Causes Solution Client device(s) may be Check client devices are not continually sending multi-cast data continually sending frames. multi-cast data frames using up network bandwidth. PC cannot access The port on the NS40 is Check the port activity light on the NS40 is on. Connect to the web device when disabled.
Acronym Meaning Alternating Current Direct Current I.S. Intrinsically Safe MAC address Media Access Control address Mine Site Technologies Power Supply Unit Radio Frequency Spanning Tree Protocol Uninterruptible Power Supply VLAN Virtual Local Area Network Wired Equivalent Privacy Wi-Fi Protected Access Revision A I.S.
Appendix Composite Cable Testing This appendix describes fibre optic cable continuity and testing in the composite cable. Fibre optic cable testing includes visual inspection and power loss testing. C.1 Visual Inspection of the Fibre Optic Cable Fibre optic cable can be inspected by visually tracing and inspecting the connector. Visual Tracing Checking for continuity diagnoses whether the fibre optic cable is damaged or broken.
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Composite Cable Testing Component Power loss Connector 0.5 dBi Single-mode fibre 0.5 dBi / km @ 1300nm 0.4 dBi / km @ 1550nm I.S. Wireless Network Switch Revision A...
Appendix Connecting a PC to an I.S. Wireless Network Switch This Appendix specifies how to set up and connect a PC (with a Windows XP operating system) to the ImPact NS40. In an existing network, a PC can be connected by an Ethernet cable to the surface network switch. The network switch either incorporates or is connected to a media converter which converts Ethernet cabling to fibre optic cabling to the NS40s.
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Connecting a PC to an I.S. Wireless Network Switch 3. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties. The Local Area Connection Properties window will open. 4. On the General tab, scroll down to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click Properties. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box is displayed.
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Connecting a PC to an I.S. Wireless Network Switch 5. Click the Use the following IP address option button. 6. In IP address field enter a fixed (static) IP address within range of the NS40 IP address (for example 192.168.1.100). 7.
Appendix Discovering Devices on the Network The Ubicom Device Manager is a PC software application used to detect devices and configure their IP addresses. It is used when firmware upgrades on NS40 units have reset default IP settings. The tool should be run on a PC connected on the same network segment as the device.
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Discovering Devices on the Network 6. Select the Use the following IP address option button and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask and Default settings. 7. Click OK to close the dialog box and save changes. The Device Manager will rescan devices on the network.
Appendix I.S. Wireless Network Switch Reset and Reboot This appendix describes rebooting the NS40 and resetting to factory default settings. It can also be carried out using the web browser interface. Important: The NS40 is designed to meet Intrinsic Safety requirements. Opening the NS40 in hazardous environments is a breach of Intrinsic Safety and will void the warranty.
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I.S. Wireless Network Switch Reset and Reboot Step Procedure Picture Remove lid and place upside down, locating the RESET and RESTORE buttons on the PCB. To reboot the NS40, press RESET whilst it is powered. Repeat the process for the other CPU.
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I.S. Wireless Network Switch Reset and Reboot Step Procedure Picture To turn the Management port on and off, press RESTORE whilst the NS40 is powered. Put the lid back on the NS40, applying Loctite 222 thread lock to all screw threads before reattaching nuts and securing the retention arms.
Appendix I.S. Wireless Network Switch Specifications General Dimensions 410mm x 380mm x 80mm Enclosure Ingress IP65 (Powdercoated stainless steel enclosure) Protection (IP) rating Operating Temperature 0ºC to 40ºC Maximum Operating 90% Humidity Power Maximum supply voltage 15.1VDC Maximum input current 1.5A DC Protection Ex ia Group 1...
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I.S. Wireless Network Switch Specifications AeroScout Compatible Wi-Fi security 64/128-bit WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA- Enterprise, WPA2- Enterprise, Radius with 802.1x , MAC Address Filtering Block SSID Broadcast Radio data rate 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 11, 9, 6, 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps, Auto Fall-Back Compatibility Fully inter-operable with 802.11b/g compliant products Frequency band...
Appendix Maintenance Checklist It is recommended that a visual inspection of all NS40s, antennas, cables and connectors are carried out at regular intervals. A maintenance checklist is provided below. Category Inspection action Structural Inspect the outer case for any structural damage. Check the case is firmly closed.
Appendix MSHA and IEC Approvals Table 1: I.S. Wireless Network Switch Mining Safety and Health Certification: Ex ia — 23-A100003-0 (Group 1 for coal mining Administration (MSHA) environment) International Certification: Ex ia — IECEx TSA 10.0022X Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC Entities Input Parameters Ui = 15.1V Ii = 1.5A Ci = 5uF Li = 0uH...
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MSHA and IEC Approvals Symbol Term Definition U¡ Maximum input Maximum voltage (peak AC or DC) that can be applied to the connection voltage facilities of the apparatus without invalidating the type of protection. I¡ Maximum input Maximum current (peak AC or DC) that can be applied to the connection current facilities of the apparatus without invalidating the type of protection.
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1. GRANT OF LICENSE The MST firmware is licensed as follows: (a) Installation and Use Mine Site Technologies grants you the right to install and use copies of the MST firmware on associated MST hardware. (b) Backup Copies You may also make copies of the MST firmware if necessary for backup and archival purposes.
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MST firmware, even if Mine Site Technologies has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Mine Site Technologies be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Mine Site...
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Warranty and License Agreement privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information. Revision A I.S. Wireless Network Switch...
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