Comtech EF Data ROSS Installation And User Manual

Comtech EF Data ROSS Installation And User Manual

Roaming oceanic satellite server
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ROSS
Roaming Oceanic Satellite Server
Installation and Users Guide
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document supersedes all previously published information
regarding this product. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Part Number MN/13070
Revision 4

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Summary of Contents for Comtech EF Data ROSS

  • Page 1 ROSS Roaming Oceanic Satellite Server Installation and Users Guide IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document supersedes all previously published information regarding this product. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Part Number MN/13070 Revision 4...
  • Page 2 480.333.2200 (Main Comtech EF Data Number) 480.333.4357 (Customer Support Desk) 480.333.2161 FAX To return a Comtech EF Data product (in-warranty and out-of-warranty) for repair or replacement: • Contact the Comtech EF Data Customer Support Department. Be prepared to supply the Customer Support representative with the model number, serial number, and a description of the problem.
  • Page 3 MN/13070 About this Manual This manual describes the installation and operation for the Comtech EF Data Roaming Oceanic Satellite Server (ROSS). This is a technical document intended for earth station engineers, technicians, and operators responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ROSS.
  • Page 4 Comtech EF Data Corporation, would affect the reliability or detracts from the performance of any part of the product, or is damaged as the result of use in a way or with equipment that had not been previously approved by Comtech EF Data Corporation.
  • Page 5 The buyer shall pass on to any purchaser, lessee, or other user of Comtech EF Data Corporation’s products, the aforementioned warranty, and shall indemnify and hold harmless Comtech EF Data...
  • Page 6 Moved vendor specific ACU reference to appendices, documented Orbit ACU configuration, added section LCD front panel interface. Software Release 1.2.0.812 11-30-2009 Documented ROSS 1.2 features, service bound and multiband LNB support. Software Release 1.3.0.921 10-25-2010 SLM-5650A Support, and ROAM Protocol Emplemented...
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Modem Interaction with ROSS ........................ 23 ROSS Client Interface ..........................27 Connecting To ROSS via Serial Interface ....................28 Connecting to ROSS via LAN (Telnet) Connection ................29 Main Menu ............................... 31 Configuration Menu ..........................31 ACU Configuration ..........................31 Modem Configuration ..........................
  • Page 8 MN/13070 4.29 Operation Menu ............................46 4.29.1 About Menu (command) .......................... 47 ROSS Configuration Editor ........................48 Creating Service Areas ..........................48 ROSS Configuration Items ........................49 Edit Properties (IP Address) ........................50 Edit Insert (Service Area) ......................... 51 Enter Antenna Pointing Information ......................52 Import Modem Configuration File ......................
  • Page 9: Introduction

    CDM-IP modem that are required for service area handoff. Overview The ROSS is one of the key components in the Comtech EF Data mobile satellite solution system that provides the capability to automatically transfer remote sites from one satellite connection to another as the mobile vessel moves between multiple satellite coverage areas.
  • Page 10: Ross Control Function

    Figure 1: Typical Interconnect Diagram ROSS Control Function The ROSS hosts a set of configuration, database, and map files that are used for controlling satellite communications for the local remote terminal. This data provides the required reference points for managing satellite handoff operations and for enabling/disabling the remote modem transmitter.
  • Page 11: Configuration Files

    ROSS Configuration Files – A factory default configuration file and an active configuration file holds the parameter values of the ROSS unit, which include parameters such as unit IP address, ACU address, Modem address, VMS Multicast address and Network Identifier.
  • Page 12: Features

    The ROSS CPU relieves the satellite modem from having to perform the complex handoff task, thus eliminating any performance impact on the modem.
  • Page 13: Flexible Interface Platform

    1.11 Event Log The ROSS provides a system event log. The event log is a circular file capable of storing up to 511 events that may occur in the normal course of operation. Each event is identified with an event type/category and time stamp, which is viewable and retrievable through the client or ROSS Configuration Editor application.
  • Page 14 • 2x Network Interface – Ethernet 10/100/1000 BaseT, NIC 1, left port only used • 1x RS-232 – Local Console, User Interface • 2x USB – Re-Imaging or Upgrades Operating Environment (ROSS System): • Operating Temperature, 32° to 104°F, (0 to 40°C) • Non-Operating Temperature, -40° to 158°F, (-40 to +70°C) •...
  • Page 15: Installation Overview

    MN/13070 Installation Overview This section provides the steps necessary to install the ROSS unit as part of the remote terminal equipment in a Vipersat SOTM network. Any additional noncompliant third party equipment is not described in this document for clarity.
  • Page 16: Installing The Ross Unit

    ROSS and the MODEM (CDM-570L shown in figure 1) communicate via IP over Ethernet LAN. This is illustrated in figure 1, where the ROSS and MODEM are connected to an Ethernet switch. The ACU must supports IP over Ethernet and ROSS supports IP for selected ACU, the ACU should also be connected to the LAN.
  • Page 17: Quick Start Configuration Checklist

    ROSS MN/13070 Quick Start Configuration Checklist In order to provision and configure ROSS, the check list is provided. The checklist assumes that all the ACU hardware and wiring has been properly installed and configured. Step Description Build Service Area Information...
  • Page 18: Ross System Overview

    • Parked – No service area coverage configured Startup Startup is the first state the ROSS enters when the unit is powered or rebooted. During the startup phase, the unit boots up the base OS, after system initialization the ROSS server is automatically started by a watchdog script.
  • Page 19 ROSS MN/13070 If the check returns a difference and new service area is available the ROSS will initiate a handoff sending configuration files to modem and ACU for processing of the next operational location. Note both modem and ACU must have valid status polls or ROSS will not initiate any service area configurations.
  • Page 20: Ross Messages & Data

    7. Enter Normal operating state waiting for modem to receive transmit grant message from the hub Note during this process the ROSS may send a TEK message enabling carrier before the antenna has completed its tracking. In this state the ROSS relies on the hardwired transmit mute control line from the antenna controller to the modem.
  • Page 21 The file transfer uses the Comtech proprietary Streamload protocol for ROSS to push a new configuration updates. Upon complete reception the modem stores and processes the new changes issuing a firm reset to initialize the new changes. The new updates are accomplished without a reboot minimizing the transitioning time.
  • Page 22: Service Area Description

    SB(s) which are then grouped together with a unique number. The SA number is irrelevant to the user as it is assigned at the time of reception during uploads to ROSS. The number assignment is only relevant to ROSS as container grouped database information.
  • Page 23: Modem Interaction With Ross

    Each process deferrers in sequence based on the initialization execution point. Previously described the ROSS unit also has two types of execution points requiring long and short initializations, however during the operational mode the ROSS unit pushes configuration files to the modem which must be timed correctly for proper execution.
  • Page 24 5. Last the modem looks for demodulator lock following TEK enable and grant to burst transmit from hub STDMA controller. 6. During the modem boot cycle ROSS is in the background trying to query the modem for last set Satellite ID (service area). Once ROSS receives a valid response containing the SAT_ID_NUMBER, a compare is applied to current location determining if a configuration update is required.
  • Page 25 Note during the modem query the ROSS server is also polling the ACU for location and status. If the ACU has failed to respond during this initial sequence, ROSS will enter Parked mode waiting for valid responses before changing states.
  • Page 26 ACK flag to ‘1’ indicating to corresponding remote good burst. 4. No power adjustment is required. “SPH value remains at zero value” 5. VMS responds to registration request sending registration configuration to remote. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 26 of 87...
  • Page 27: Ross Client Interface

    This serial interface is used for local maintenance configuration management such as resetting login passwords or unit IP address. The ROSS client interface is accessed by Putty, an open source Windows application. Putty is a Win32 Telnet client configurable for either serial or LAN IP communications.
  • Page 28: Connecting To Ross Via Serial Interface

    It’s only necessary at this point to set a subset of communication parameters as the full configuration is handled by a separate Comtech application “ROSS Configuration Editor”. 1. Connect a RS-232, DB9-F-F crossover cable between PC and ROSS serial interface connections. Figure 3: Serial connection to access ROSS client interface...
  • Page 29: Connecting To Ross Via Lan (Telnet) Connection

    ROSS MN/13070 2. Apply input AC power to ROSS and push the front panel power button to boot ROSS. Boot up requires approximately 25 seconds. 3. On the PC launch the Putty application clicking on the desktop ICON or from sourced directory location.
  • Page 30 5. Click Open button to establish communications, at the login prompt enter “admin” and default password as “Comtech” or set password. There is a second method to configure the IP address of each ROSS unit, which is by a Comtech utility (LAN CFG – SetIP) that provides a unique Ethernet messaging exchange.
  • Page 31: Main Menu

    This section is a step-by-step procedure configuring all the necessary communication parameters for ROSS to gain access control to system components e.g. network, modem and ACU. These settings are typically configured once during installation deployment and remain static unless network configuration change.
  • Page 32: Modem Configuration

    3. Select Ok to enter changes, Cancel will disregard entries Modem Configuration This sets the IP address that ROSS will use to communicate with the locally attached Comtech modem. The modem IP address information is obtainable from the front panel of the modem, see specific users guide for menu operation.
  • Page 33: Network Configuration

    The Network ID that is assigned to the unit defines which network within the managing VMS that the ROSS information will belong. All ROSS units used in a specified network will have the same network ID. This parameter is used by the VMS to identify units common to a network and allows the VMS to manage multiple networks, each with its own unique network ID number.
  • Page 34: Shoreline Default (Threshold)

    200.0 kilometers from shore. If a vessel’s distance to the nearest shoreline is less than or equal to the threshold, and NOT inside an enabled coordinated area, ROSS will mute the satellite modem’s transmitter. The shoreline threshold can be disabled by setting to 0. The shoreline value is a decimal value representing kilometers.
  • Page 35: Unit Status Page

    If the reported position is within a coordinated area, the coordinated area ID will be displayed adjacent to the coordinates. ROSS polls the ACU for position on a 5 second interval. This value is updated by the Refresh command.
  • Page 36: Heading Position

    5 seconds. 4.21 ACU Status The ACU status is the number of failed or successful poll attempts from start of ROSS server or from last Reset. A percentage is calculated from the count differences between failed or succeeded attempts.
  • Page 37: Managing Vms

    4.25 Operations Menu The operations menu is used for performing common functions while the ROSS unit is operational. These operations include maintenance tasks such as viewing event logs, or enable/disable specific options that affect handoff, and most importantly, invoking a manual handoff 4.25.1...
  • Page 38 Stealth Mode When Stealth mode is enabled, the vessel position is omitted from the periodic status message (SUM/SLIP) sent to the managing VMS. The vessel position is still recorded in the ROSS’s internal tracking log. Stealth mode is disabled by default.
  • Page 39 After making a selection ROSS will override current location pushing selected SA configurations to the modem and ACU. Once completed, the manually requested SA description will be displayed at the top on the menu indicating selection completion.
  • Page 40 ROSS MN/13070 Force Manual Mode disables Automatic Handoff Mode. To restore Automatic Handoff mode, where ROSS performs a handoff based on vessel position and service area, use the Handoff Mode command described in section 4.25.1. 4.25.5 Event Log Upon boot the system records internal processes and events that are useful when troubleshooting failure conditions and improper operations.
  • Page 41 If stored history of tracking information is required for local or remote backups, the file can be downloaded either locally or over the air from the ROSS editor or at any desirable intervals using the supplied utility “GetLog.exe”, which is run from a command-line prompt with the capability of setting up windows scheduled interval downloads.
  • Page 42: Ross Front Panel Interface (Keypad/Lcd)

    ROSS MN/13070 4.25.7 Reset Unit The event that the operator determines that reset of ROSS application is require there are three separate reset functions available. Reinitialize all currently configured active settings Forces the ROSS server application to restart Execute a full system shutdown and restart of all Processes 4.26 ROSS Front Panel Interface (Keypad/LCD)
  • Page 43 Configuration Root Status Panel (Service Area is first item) Operation Root Menu About display Menus: Config, Status, Operation, About Each sub-menu may display commands or more sub-menus to show more categories. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 43 of 87...
  • Page 44: Configuration Menu

    Unit Configuration Top Level Interface Configuration Menu VMS Configuration Menu Shoreline Override dialog System Configuration Top Level ACU Configuration Top Level ACU Type Information ACU Communication Information Modem Configuration Top Level (IP address) Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 44 of 87...
  • Page 45: Status Menu

    Transmit Status Last Position Longitude - reported by ACU Last Position Latitude - reported by ACU Current Heading - reported by ACU Handoff Mode Automatic or Manual Stealth Mode Enabled or Disabled Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 45 of 87...
  • Page 46: Operation Menu

    “Up” and “Down” keys display the previous or next Service Area entry. Each Service Area entry has the following data items. Select the “Enter” key will invoke a manual Handoff Command. If successful, Automatic Handoff mode is disabled. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 46 of 87...
  • Page 47: About Menu (Command)

    Service Area description or label text 4.29.1 About Menu (command) The About menu command displays information about the current ROSS software version and build date. The version shows the software levels major, minor, maintenance and build level. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products...
  • Page 48: Ross Configuration Editor

    MN/13070 ROSS Configuration Editor To complete the configuration of ROSS it is required to generate a unique service area (SA) with all its associated files. The ROSS Configuration Editor will help gathers different elements and consolidates them into a single structure which is uploaded to the ROSS file manger. The ROSS Configuration Editor also provides the capability for file uploads and downloads either through local LAN or over the air interface.
  • Page 49: Ross Configuration Items

    (click select) the row as shown. All created SA groups are uploaded and also stored locally for retrieval further editing. When saving the newly or edited file, assign a logical name for easy association to editing ROSS unit. ROSS Configuration Items There are four important data items that the RCE can edit.
  • Page 50: Edit Properties (Ip Address)

    TDM’s from the same hub. This is only one example out of many combinations. Edit Properties (IP Address) The first step in configuring the SA files is to establish IP communication to the ROSS unit for editing, if this is not possible at this time, the configuration of service areas can be accomplished without having connectivity to the ROSS unit.
  • Page 51: Edit Insert (Service Area)

    ROSS MN/13070 1. Select Edit from the RCE menu, scroll down and pick properties (Ctrl+P), properties dialog window will popup requesting ROSS Unit IP Address. 2. Enter the IP address and click OK. Edit Insert (Service Area) The first stage of creating a service area is inserting the antenna pointing information. This is the enumerated index for the SA, but you will notice that no SA number is visible at this time.
  • Page 52: Enter Antenna Pointing Information

    (W) or east (E) suffix. Check with your service provider for information on your satellite position(s). See figure 7 below for an example of satellite orbital positions. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 52 of 87...
  • Page 53 5. Description - is only used as an assigned identification per service area configuration. This assigned value is displayed within the ROSS view of service area menu. 6. Optional Settings – This field contains optional parameters values that are linked to the ACU to provide additional RF controls.
  • Page 54: Import Modem Configuration File

    3. Select Files of Type to be “All file types (*.*) to locate the modem file. This will load the generic modem file to the selected SA. 4. Repeat this process for subsequent SA’s. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 54 of 87...
  • Page 55: Edit Modem Configuration File

    SA. The library must be named ParamEdit.dll and be visible in the RCE path. It is recommended that the ParamEdit.dll reside in the same working directory as the RCE executable. Contact Comtech EF Data technical support at supportcvni@comtechefdata.com to obtain the latest ParamEdit.dll library.
  • Page 56: Edit Service Bounds

    ROSS to push groups of files when crossing into or out of these boundaries. Example, the selected SA shown below has antenna pointing information and fixed configured modem parameters.
  • Page 57: Service Bounds Configuration

    Service Bounds Configuration ROSS SB editor is a text-based file that conforms to the following format, Label (ID of Service Bound), Points (the number of points within the polygon) and Center Lon/Lat (displays the center of the polygon). The Bounds button provide the entries of the polygon longitude, latitude as derived from your generate SB polygon data or as manually entered.
  • Page 58: Service Bounds Configuration

    Service Bound in the list. 5.10 Service Bounds Configuration Service Bounds have the following enhancements: • Id – assigned by ROSS editor to ensure unique references, displayed in ROSS console handoff dialog • Label – user entered text to annotate the Service Bound •...
  • Page 59 Each service bound entry can be modified by clicking the “Bounds” button that will open a new editor. The Service Bounds editor is show below. Points that comprise the polygonal service bound can be edited in place by selecting the value in the row. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 59 of 87...
  • Page 60: Service Bound Advanced Switching

    Advanced Switching configuration stored in VMS’s database for the roaming modulator. The modem is reverted and switched back up using the new Advanced Switching configuration provided by the Service Bound configuration in ROSS. 5.12 Edit Coordinated Areas Editing coordinated areas is very similar to SB editing and all the same tools will work to create these control boundaries.
  • Page 61: Coordinated Area Configuration

    ID value be changed to match the sequence, or format, of the existing IDs. This ID will be displayed in the ROSS console Status page’s Position field if the position is inside the matching coordinated area. Coordinated area IDs can be any non-zero integral number.
  • Page 62: Shoreline Override

    When creating coordinated areas that are nested, or overlap one another, the order of declaration is critical. ROSS performs a sequential search to check vessel position against the coordinated area polygons. The first coordinated polygon that contains the position is used to test transmission mode.
  • Page 63: Edit Rf Converter Profile

    VMS to match those of the actual LNB on the vessel. This ensures that VMS performs correct frequency calculations in the event that the antenna subsystem has switched multiple Local Oscillator bands, typically Ku-Band operations. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 63 of 87...
  • Page 64 In the same manner, the up converter profile can also be altered to adjust frequency allocation restrictions. This is useful when the ROSS unit performs a handoff from one satellite operating in one band to another satellite operating in another band or even within the same satellite.
  • Page 65 Down converter configuration for multiband LNB control. Converter Type must also match that of the shipboard equipment installed. Refer to VMS Users Guide for additional information on configuring converter operations. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 65 of 87...
  • Page 66 LO frequency value is updated in the RF Converter Profile previously described. Consult the LNB and/or ACU vendor specific documentation for the settings needed to select a specific LNB band and polarization. Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 66 of 87...
  • Page 67: Tools Download

    This is useful for editing existing ROSS database information. 5.20 Tools Upload The upload will push newly created or edited service area files to select ROSS IP Addresses. After creation or downloaded editing, select upload to send modified data information.
  • Page 68: Tools Download Event Log

    When download event log is selected the RCE will establish an IP connection to the ROSS unit coping and transforming the system event log file to text format. During the download process a Windows file manager will prompt the use to select a location for local disk storage.
  • Page 69: Tools Clear Event Log

    Telnet Command Line Interface and provides the control to clear the stored events. The ROSS editor also provides a tool to clear the stored events remotely. By selecting the Clear Event Log the editor will send a command to the addressed ROSS unit clearing all stored system events.
  • Page 70: Clear Tracking Log

    Telnet Command Line Interface and provides controls to only view the stored events. The ROSS editor provides a method to clear the stored tracking events remotely. By selecting the Clear Tracking Log the editor will send a command to the addressed ROSS unit clearing all stored tracking events.
  • Page 71: Import & Export Of Coordinated Area Maps

    If it becomes necessary to generate hundreds of CAM’s within a network in maybe useful to copy the same CAM information to all or a select few ROSS units as most will probably operate within the same region with the same configuration. The RCE provides the ability to import and export coordinated areas by selecting the SA from the list for import.
  • Page 72: Uploading Application Code

    Selecting the Upload Application Code from the Tools menu allows a new image of ROSS system firmware to be uploaded to a ROSS unit. This command will call the Windows file manager prompting the user to locate the image (SW13069D.app) from saved location. After selection the RCE with send the file over a TCP connection using the set RCE IP address.
  • Page 73: Retrieving Event And Tracking Logs

    Retrieving Event and Tracking Logs Description GetLog is a windows console application that retrieves events stored in the ROSS event log and tracking log. GetLog can be run directly from the command line console or as a scheduled task using the windows task scheduler.
  • Page 74 ROSS MN/13070 The ROSS log retrieval process can be automated by using the Windows Task Scheduler. The Windows Task Scheduler will execute GETLOG on a scheduled basis. To create a scheduled GetLog task, use the Scheduled Task Wizard. Follow the steps below: a.
  • Page 75: Appendix A: Documents And Glossary

    ECM – Entry Channel Mode ESV – Earth Station on-board Vessel PCU – Pedestal Control Unit RCE - ROSS Configure Editor ROSS – Roaming Oceanic Satellite Server SB – Service Boundary SA – Service Area SCPC – Single Channel Per Circuit SLIP –...
  • Page 76: Appendix B: Sea Tel Dac-2202

    If any of the sent commands return as mismatched the ROSS process will attempt up to three retries, if all attempts fail ROSS will report a service handoff failure. If validations are failing because of known mismatch incompatibilities, this check can be disabled by appending the ACU Configuration with pipe ( | ) character followed by “novalidate”.
  • Page 77 ROSS MN/13070 Comtech EF Data CDM-570L, Sea Tel DAC-2202, and ROSS Hardwire Interconnect Wiring: The CDM570L is connected to the DAC 2202 ACU through the Terminal Mounting Strip (TMS) using the Comtech Modem Interface cable assembly 126877-B. The cable assembly is designed to work with older and newer versions of the TMS, however when using the newer version of the TMS the +12/24V pull-up connection is not required as there is a voltage pull-up jumper instead.
  • Page 78 L-Band Receive Antenna Interconnect L-Band Transmit SLM-5650A Auxiliary 110/220 VAC (J9) LAN 10/100BaseT ROSS 110/220 VAC LAN 10/100BaseT Ethernet Switch Figure 12, ROSS to Sea Tel DAC-2202 to SLM-5650A Interconnect Diagram Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 78 of 87...
  • Page 79 To comply with FCC CFR part 25.222(a6)(a7), cease carrier transmission through pointing error or blockage, this hardware level (TTL) interface is connected to the ROSS unit through hardwire connections. The ACU shorts pin SW2 to GND (on TB2-Terminal Mounting Strip) when antenna is outside the configured pointing limit of 0.5 degree from satellite peak or limit stop...
  • Page 80 Auto SAT load after SEARCH failure Enable External Modem Lock Input (logic low = lock) Auto SAT load on “hot” RESET and ACU Power-Up Figure 12, Comtech 570 Modem Interface Cable Assembly Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 80 of 87...
  • Page 81 ROSS MN/13070 Figure 12, Comtech 5650A Modem Interface Cable Assembly Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 81 of 87...
  • Page 82: Appendix C: Orbit Technologies Orsat Al-7200 Controller

    If problems like this persist, correct hardware issues. Service Area Parameters When ROSS is used with the Orbit AL-71xx antenna system, the Service Area parameters Polarization, Frequency, and Bandwidth are interpreted as the receiver settings.
  • Page 83 ROSS MN/13070 Comtech EF Data/Orbit Hardware Control Wiring: The cable assembly in figure 13 below interconnects the hardware control lines between the Orbit OrSat AL-71xx. Consult the Orbit documentation for more detailed information about the installation and configuration of the Orbit antenna system.
  • Page 84: Appendix D: Roam Protocol

    MN/13070 Appendix D: ROAM Protocol The ROAM protocol is simple, efficient, and flexible open standard. The protocol messages are limited to a minimum control set required by ROSS to perform satellite handoffs and monitor status. ROSS ACU Configuration For the roam ACU type, the configuration options are port, IP address, and port number. The port type is “udp”...
  • Page 85: Appendix E: Lan Configuration Setip

    ROSS IP addresses. This small Windows application broadcasts a proprietary packet which all ROSS unit’s listen for and respond with MAC, IP and version information. This simplifies and eliminates need to modify the IP address of the PC especially if the ROSS units IP address is known.
  • Page 86 Configure the new IP address, Subnet mask and default gateway, click OK. The program will send the changes to the selected ROSS. The ROSS unit upon reception will update the address but not store the address to flash (persistent memory).
  • Page 87 ROSS MN/13070 2114 85281 WEST TH STREET EMPE RIZONA 480 • 333 • 2200 PHONE 480 • 333 • 2161 Comtech EF Data, Vipersat Products Page 87 of 87...

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