Cooper Bussmann VERSION 1.6 BU-945U-E 802.11 DSSS User manual

Cooper Bussmann
BU-945U-E 802.11 DSSS
Wireless Ethernet & Device Server
User Manual
Version 1.6
3A1582Rev1.6
Read and
Retain
for Future
Reference

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Cooper Bussmann Wireless Ethernet & Device Server BU-945U-E 802.11 DSSS User Manual
Cooper Bussmann Application Engineering
• Phone 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. Central, M-F [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• E-mail: FuseT[email protected]
Thank you for your selection of the BU-945U-E Wireless Ethernet Modem. We trust it will give you many years of valuable service.
ATTENTION!
Incorrect termination of supply wires may cause internal damage and will void warranty. To ensure your BU-945U-E enjoys a long life.
Double check ALL connections with the user manual before turning the power on.
CAUTION:
To comply with FCC RF Exposure requirements in section 1.1310 of the FCC Rules, antennas used with this device must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 20cm from all persons to satisfy RF exposure compliance.
DO NOT:
• Operate the transmitter when someone is within 20cm of the antenna
• Operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are properly terminated.
• Operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere
All equipment must be properly grounded for safe operations. All equipment should be serviced only by a qualified technician.
FCC Notice:
This device complies with Part 15.247 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference and
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device must be operated as supplied by Cooper Bussmann. Any changes or modifications made to the device without the written consent of
Cooper Bussmann may void the user’s authority to operate the device.
End user products that have this device embedded must be installed by experienced radio and antenna personnel, or supplied with non-standard
antenna connectors, and antennas available from vendors specified by Cooper Bussmann. Please contact Cooper Bussmann for end user antenna
and connector recommendations.
Notices: Safety
Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency
electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment as a result of its actions in Docket 93-62 and OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01.
FCC Notice:
• Part 15 – This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part15 of the FCC rules
(Code of Federal Regulations 47CFR Part 15). Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
• Notice any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Cooper Bussmann could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This Device should only be connected to PCs that are covered by either FCC DoC or are FCC certified.
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Important Notice
Cooper Bussmann products are designed to be used in industrial environments, by experienced industrial engineering personnel with adequate
knowledge of safety design considerations.
Cooper Bussmann radio products are used on unprotected license-free radio bands with radio noise and interference. The products are designed
to operate in the presence of noise and interference, however in an extreme case, radio noise and interference could cause product operation
delays or operation failure. Like all industrial electronic products, Cooper Bussmann products can fail in a variety of modes due to misuse, age, or
malfunction. We recommend that users and designers design systems using design techniques intended to prevent personal injury or damage
during product operation, and provide failure tolerant systems to prevent personal injury or damage in the event of product failure. Designers must
warn users of the equipment or systems if adequate protection against failure has not been included in the system design. Designers must
include this Important Notice in operating procedures and system manuals.
These products should not be used in non-industrial applications, or life-support systems, without consulting Cooper Bussmann first.
1. A radio license is not required in some countries, provided the module is installed using the aerial and equipment configuration described in the
BU-945U-E Installation Guide. Check with your local distributor for further information on regulations.
2. Operation is authorized by the radio frequency regulatory authority in your country on a non-protection basis. Although all care is taken in the
design of these units, there is no responsibility taken for sources of external interference. Systems should be designed to be tolerant of these
operational delays.
3. To avoid the risk of electrocution, the aerial, aerial cable, serial cables and all terminals of the BU-945U-E module should be electrically
protected. To provide maximum surge and lightning
protection, the module should be connected to a suitable earth and the aerial, aerial cable, serial cables and the module should be installed as
recommended in the Installation Guide.
4. To avoid accidents during maintenance or adjustment of remotely controlled equipment, all equipment should be first disconnected from the
BU-945U-E module during these adjustments. Equipment should carry clear markings to indicate remote or automatic operation. E.g., "This
equipment is remotely controlled and may start without warning. Isolate at the switchboard before attempting adjustments."
5. The BU-945U-E module is not suitable for use in explosive environments without additional protection.
6. The BU-945U-E Operates using the same Radio frequencies and communication protocols as commercially available off-the shelf equipment.
If your system is not adequately secured, third parties may be able to gain access to your data or gain control of your equipment via the radio
link. Before deploying a system make sure you have considered the security aspects of your installation carefully.
GNU Free Documentation License:
© 2011 Cooper Bussmann.
Cooper Bussmann is using a part of Free Software code under the GNU General Public License in operating the “BU-945U-E” product. This
General Public License applies to most of the Free Software Foundation’s code and to any other program whose authors commit by using it. The
Free Software is copyrighted by Free Software Foundation, Inc. and the program is licensed “As is” without warranty of any kind. Users are free to
contact Cooper Bussmann for instructions on how to obtain the source code used in the “BU-945U-E.”
A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License."
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.1 NETWORK TOPOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.2 GETTING STARTED QUICKLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.2 ANTENNA INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Bench test and Demo System setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Plant and Factory Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Line-of-Sight Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Installation tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Omni-directional antennas (dipole and collinear) . . . . . . . . .11
Yagi directional antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2.3 POWER SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2.4 SERIAL CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
RS232 Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DB9 Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
RS485 Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
2.5 DISCRETE (DIGITAL) INPUT/OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
CHAPTER 3 - OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
3.1 START-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
“Access Point” Start-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
“Client” Start-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Link Establishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
How a Link connection is lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Roaming Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
LED Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
3.2 SELECTING A CHANNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
802.11 (900 MHz) Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Radio Throughput . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Throughput and Repeaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
3.3 CONFIGURING THE UNIT FOR THE FIRST TIME . . . . . . . . .20
Default Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Accessing Configuration for the first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Method 1 - Set PC to same network as BU-945U-E . . . . . .21
Method 2 - Set BU-945U-E Network
address to match the local network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
3.4 QUICK START . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
3.5 NETWORK CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Network Settings Webpage Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
3.6 NORMAL OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Transparent Bridge Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Router Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
3.7 RADIO CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Channel Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
3.8 DHCP CLIENT CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
3.9 DHCP SERVER CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
3.10 DNS SERVER CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
3.11 SPANNING TREE ALGORITHM / REDUNDANCY . . . . . . . .31
3.12 MULTIPLE AP REPEATER MESH NETWORK . . . . . . . . . . .32
Example – Extending range using WDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Example - Roaming with WDS Access Points . . . . . . . . . . .35
Example – Adding Redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Example – WDS Routed Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
WDS Connections: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
3.13 ROUTING RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
3.14 WIRELESS MESSAGE FILTERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
MAC Address Filter Configuration: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
IP Address Filter Configuration: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
ARP Filter Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
3.15 SERIAL PORT CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
RS-232 PPP Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Serial Gateway (Server/Client/Multicast) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Serial Gateway (Modbus - Modbus RTU to TCP) . . . . . . . . .45
Modbus TCP to RTU Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Serial Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Multicast Pipe Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
3.16 DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
3.17 MODBUS I/O TRANSFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
3.18 MODULE INFORMATION CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Module Information Webpage Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
3.19 SYSTEM TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
3.20 REMOTE CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
3.21 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Setting a BU-945U-E to Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . .54
Extending a wired network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Connecting two separate networks together . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Extending range of a network with a Repeater hop . . . . . . .56
CHAPTER 4 - DIAGNOSTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
4.1 DIAGNOSTICS CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
4.2 DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AVAILABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Site Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
4.3 STATISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Network Traffic Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
4.4 INTERNAL DIAGNOSTIC MODBUS REGISTERS . . . . . . . . . .60
Connection Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Statistic Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
4.5 TESTING RADIO PATHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
4.6 UTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
“Ping” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
”Ipconfig” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
“Arp” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
”Route” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
CHAPTER 5 - SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
APPENDIX A - FIRMWARE UPGRADES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Web based Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
APPENDIX C - POWER CONVERSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Power Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
APPENDIX D - IPERF THROUGHPUT TEST - EXT . . . . . . . . . . .74
APPENDIX E - GNU FREE DOC License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Terms and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
NO WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
The BU-945U-E Industrial 802.11 Wireless Ethernet module provide wireless connections between Ethernet devices and/or Ethernet wired
networks (LAN’s) and complies with relevant IEEE 802.11 standard.
BU-945U-E 802.11 630mW max power
The BU-945U-E uses a 900 MHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless transceiver. There are four bands with each band utilizing
different frequencies and bandwidths dependent on the country and their radio regulations. See Section 3.2 “Selecting a Channel” for a more
detailed overview.
The BU-945U-E unit also provides two serial connections as well as the Ethernet connections. It is possible to use all three data connections
concurrently, allowing the BU-945U-E to act as a Device Server. Wireless connections can be made between serial devices and Ethernet devices.
The BU-945U-E provides connection functionality between serial “Modbus RTU” devices and Ethernet “Modbus TCP” devices. Appropriate driver
applications will be required in the host devices to handle other protocols.
The BU-945U-E has a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection which will operate at up to 100Mbit/sec. The module will transmit the Ethernet
messages on the wireless band at rates between 1 and 54 Mbit/sec & 6 and 54 Mbit/sec depending on model, band, encryption methods, and
radio paths.
1.1 Network Topology
The BU-945U-E is an Ethernet device, and must be configured as part
of an Ethernet network. Each BU-945U-E must be configured as an:
• “Access Point” or “Sta”, “Station”, Client”
Also needs to be configured as a:
• “Bridge” or “Router.”
You can also connect to the BU-945U-E via a RS232 or RS485 serial
port using serial server or PPP (point-to-point) protocol. PPP allows
the BU-945U-E to connect serial communications into the Ethernet
network.
Access Point vs Client
The Access Point unit acts as the “wireless master” unit. The Access Point accepts and authorizes links initiated but client units, and controls the
wireless communications.
Clients (Stations) are slave units and when connected to the Access Point becomes transparent ethernet link.
The first diagram shows a connection between two Ethernet devices using BU-945U-E ethernet modems. In this example one BU-945U-E is
configured as an Access Point and the other as a Client - the Access Point can be connected.
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The second diagram shows an existing LAN being extended using BU-945U-Es. In this example, the Access Point is configured at the LAN end -
although the wireless link will still work if the Client is at the LAN end.
An Access Point can connect to multiple Clients. In this case, the Access Point should be the “central” unit.
An Access Point could be used as a
“Repeater” unit to connect two BU-945U-E
Clients, which do not have direct reliable radio
paths.
There is no “Special” repeater module, any
BU-945U-E can be a repeater and at the same
time, can be connected to an Ethernet devices
or on a LAN
Multiple Access Points can be set-up in a
“mesh” network to provide multiple repeaters.

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Bridge vs. Router
Each BU-945U-E is configured with an IP address for the Ethernet side, and another for the wireless side.
A Bridge connects devices within the same Ethernet network - for example, extending an existing Ethernet LAN. For a Bridge, the IP address for
the wireless side is the same as the Ethernet side.
A Router connects devices on different LANs.
The IP addresses for the Ethernet and wireless sides are different. In this example, the wireless link is part of LAN A, with the Client unit acting as
a Router between LAN A and LAN B.
Alternately, the Access Point could be configured as a Router - the wireless link is then part of LAN B.
If more than two routers are required within the same radio network, then routing rules may need to be configured (refer section 3.12 “ Routing
Rules” for further details). There is no limit to the number of Bridges in the same network - although there is a limit of 128 Client units linked to
any one Access Point.

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1.2 Getting Started Quickly
Most applications for the BU-945U-E require little configuration. The BU-945U-E has many sophisticated features, however if you don’t require
these features, this section will allow you to configure the units quickly.
First, read Chapter 2, “Installation.” The BU-945U-E requires an antenna and a power supply.
• Power the BU-945U-E and make an Ethernet connection to your PC (for further information on how to do this, refer to section
3.3 “Configuring the Unit for the first time”)
• Set the BU-945U-E address settings as per section 3.3 “ Configuring the Unit for the first time”
• Save the configuration - the BU-945U-E is now ready to use.
Before installing the BU-945U-E, bench test the system. It is a lot easier to locate problems when the equipment is all together.
There are other configuration settings, which may or may not improve the operation of the system. For details on these settings, refer to section
3.1 “Start-up.”

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CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION
2.1 General
The BU-945U-E modules are housed in a rugged aluminum case, suitable for DIN-rail mounting. Terminals will accept wires up to
2.5 mm2(12 gauge) in size.
All connections to the module must be SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage). Normal 110-250V mains supply must not be connected to any terminal of
the BU-945U-E module. Refer to Section 2.3 Power Supply.
Before installing a new system, it is preferable to bench test the complete system. Configuration problems are easier to recognize when the
system units are adjacent. Following installation, the most common problem is poor communications caused by incorrectly installed antennas, or
radio interference on the same channel, or the radio path being inadequate. If the radio path is a problem (i.e., path too long, or obstructed), a
higher performance antennas or a higher mounting point for the antenna may rectify the problem. Alternately, use an intermediate BU-945U-E
Module as a repeater.
The BU-945U-E Installation Guide provides an installation drawing appropriate to most applications. Further information is detailed below.
Each BU-945U-E module should be effectively earthed via the "GND" terminal on the back of the module - this is to ensure that the surge
protection circuits inside are effective.
2.2 Antenna Installation
The BU-945U-E module will operate reliably over large distances however the achievable distances will vary with the application, radio model, type
and location of antennas, the degree of radio interference, and obstructions (such as buildings or trees) to the radio path.
The maximum range achievable depends on the radio model, the regulated RF power permitted in your country, and whether you use separate
transmit and receive antennas.
• A BU-945U-E (900MHz) with a single antenna, 6.2 miles can be achieved in USA, Canada (4W ERP) and 10km in Australia, New Zealand
(1W ERP).
To achieve the maximum transmission distance, the antennas should be raised above intermediate obstructions so the radio path is true “line of
sight.” The modules will operate reliably with some obstruction of the radio path, although the reliable distance will be reduced. Obstructions
which are close to either antenna will have more of a blocking affect than obstructions in the middle of the radio path.
The BU-945U-E modules provide a diagnostic feature which displays the radio signal strength of transmissions (refer Chapter 4 “Diagnostics”).
Line-of-sight paths are only necessary to obtain the maximum range. Obstructions will reduce the range, however may not prevent a reliable path.
A larger amount of obstruction can be tolerated for shorter distances. For short distances, it is possible to mount the antennas inside buildings. An
obstructed path requires testing to determine if the path will be reliable - refer the section 6 of this manual.
Where it is not possible to achieve reliable communications between two BU-945U-E modules, then a third BU-945U-E module may be used to
receive the message and re-transmit it. This module is referred to as a repeater. This module may also have a host device connected to it.
The BU-945U-E unit has two antenna connections at the top of the module, allowing two antennas to be fitted to the unit. The left connector
(looking at the front) labeled “RX” is connected only to the internal wireless receiver. The right connector labeled TX/RX is connected to both the
transmitter and receiver.
Note: Each antenna port has the option to enable /disable the Receive and Transmit functionality by selecting Receive and
Transmit Diversity on the radio page. When only one antenna is used, it must be connected to the TX/RX connector.

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Bench test and Demo System Setup
Care must be taken with placement of antenna in relation to the radios and the other antennas. Strong radio signals can saturate the receiver,
hindering the overall radio communications.
When setting up a Bench test/Demo or a short range system the following considerations should be taken into account for optimum radio
performance and reduced signal saturation.
• If using Demo Omni antennas (BU-DG-900-1 and BU-WH-900) it is recommended that only the Access Point be fitted with an antenna.
• If using Demo Omni antennas on each end, 20dB coax attenuator must be connected in-line with the coax cable.
• If using Demo Omni antennas, modules and antennas must be kept a suitable distance from each other. Check the receive signal strength on
the “Connectivity page” of the module and ensure the level is not greater than -45dB
Demo Whip antennas should not be used in the final installation as the maximum performance of the modem cannot be guaranteed.
If using a BU-DG-900-1 antenna, it is better to keep the antennas at least 3ft (1m) away from the module so as to limit RF saturation.
Plant and Factory Installations
Most installations in industrial plants and factories use single omni-directional antennas. Installations can suffer from “multi-path fading” effects
where multiple reflected radio signals adversely affect the signal strength. This can be checked by moving the antenna a short distance
(10cm or 4 inches) - if the signal increases significantly then there are multi-path effects.
In a “static” installation, where the radio path is not changing, moving an antenna to the position of maximum signal solves this problem. However
where the radio path changes because the BU-945U-E is mounted on moving equipment, or if there is moving equipment in the area, then the
solution is to use two antennas. Because the two connectors are separated, the RF signal at each connector will be different in the presence of
multi-path fading. The BU-945U-E unit will automatically select the higher RF signal.
Generally directional antennas are not normally used in plant and factory installations unless required for increased signal level.
Line-of-sight installations
In longer line-of-sight installations, the range may be increased by using a high gain antenna on the TX/RX connector. However, the gain should
not cause the effective radiated power (ERP) to exceed the permitted value. A second higher gain antenna can be connected to the RX connector
without affecting ERP - this will increase the operating range provided any interference in the direction of the link is low.
Antennas
Antennas can be either connected directly to the module connectors or connected via 50 ohm coaxial cable (e.g., RG58 Cellfoil or RG213)
terminated with a male SMA coaxial connector. The higher the antenna is mounted, the greater the transmission range will be, however as the
length of coaxial cable increases so do cable losses.
The net gain of an antenna/cable configuration is the gain of the antenna (in dBi) less the loss in the coaxial cable (in dB). The BU-945U-E
maximum net gain for US and Canada is 10dB (4W ERP) and 0dB for Australia and NZ (1 W ERP). There is no gain restriction for antennas
connected to the RX connector unless “TX Diversity” is enabled on the Radio page.
The gains and losses of typical antennas are
Antenna BU-945U-E Gain (dBi)
Omni Dipole 0 dB
Omni Collinear 5 or 8 dBi
Yagi Directional 10 – 15 dBi
Cable Loss dB per 30 m / 100 ft
RG58 Cellfoil -9 dB
RG213 -7.4 dB
LDF4-50 -2 dB

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The net gain of the antenna/cable configuration is determined by adding the antenna gain and the cable loss.
For example, an 8dBi antenna (5.8dBd) with 10 meters of Cellfoil (3dBd) has a net gain of 2.8dB (5.8dB – 3dB).
Installation tips
Connections between the antenna and coaxial cable should be
carefully taped to prevent ingress of moisture. Moisture ingress in the
coaxial cable is a common cause for problems with radio systems, as
it greatly increases the radio losses. We recommend that the
connection be taped, firstly with a layer of PVC Tape, then with a
vulcanizing tape such as “3M 23 tape”, and finally with another layer
of PVC UV Stabilized insulating tape. The first layer of tape allows the
joint to be easily inspected when trouble shooting as the vulcanizing
seal can be easily removed.
Where antennas are mounted on elevated masts, the masts should be
effectively earthed to avoid lightning surges. For high lightning risk
areas, approved Cooper Bussmann surge suppression devices such
as the “BU-CSD-SMA-2500” or “BU-CSD-N-6000” should be fitted
between the module and the antenna. If using non Cooper Bussmann
surge suppression devices then the devices must have a 'TURN ON'
voltage of less than 90V If the antenna is not already shielded from
lightning strike by an adjacent earthed structure, a lightning rod may
be installed above the antenna to provide shielding.
Omni-directional Antennas
An omni-directional antenna transmits radio power in all directions and is easy to install and use. The Dipole antenna with its integral 15ft (5m) of
coax cable and does not require any additional hardware, however a coax cable and mounting kit is required with the Collinear antenna.
All omni-directional antennas should be mounted vertically, preferably 1 wavelength away (see drawing below for distances) from a wall or mast
and at least 3ft (1m) from the radio module to obtain maximum range.

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Directional Antennas
Directional antennas can be a:
• Yagi antenna with a main beam and orthogonal elements
• Directional radome, which is cylindrical in shape
• Parabolic antenna
A directional antenna provides high gain in the forward direction, but lower gain in other directions. This may be used to compensate for coaxial
cable loss for installations with marginal radio path.
Yagi antennas should be installed with the main beam horizontal, pointing in the forward direction. If the Yagi is transmitting to a vertically
mounted omni-directional antenna, then the Yagi elements should be vertical. If the Yagi is transmitting to another Yagi, then the elements at each
end of the wireless link need to in the same plane (horizontal or vertical).
Directional radomes should be installed with the central beam horizontal and must be pointed exactly in the direction of transmission to benefit
from the gain of the antenna. Parabolic antennas should be mounted as per the manufacturer’s instructions, with the parabolic grid at the “back”
and the radiating element pointing in the direction of the transmission.
Ensure that the antenna mounting bracket is well connected to “ground/earth.”
2.3 Power Supply
The BU-945U-E module can be powered from a 9-30Vdc power supply. The power supply should be rated at 1 Amp minimum. The positive side
of the supply must not be connected to earth. The supply negative is connected to the unit case internally. The DC supply may be a floating supply
or negatively grounded.
The power requirements of the BU-945U-E unit are shown in the following table
12Vdc 24Vdc
Quiescent 300mA 160mA
TX @100mW 370mA 190mA
TX @ 400mW 410mA 210mA
A Ground Terminal is provided on the back of the module. This
Terminal should be connected to the Main Ground point of the
installation in order to provide efficient surge protection for the module
(refer to the Installation Diagram)
2.4 Serial Connections
RS232 Serial Port
The serial port is a 9 pin DB9 female and provides for connection to a
host device as well as a PC terminal for configuration, field testing
and for factory testing. Communication is via standard RS232 signals.
The BU-945U-E is configured as DCE equipment with the pinouts
detailed below.
Hardware handshaking using the CTS/RTS lines is provided. The
CTS/RTS lines may be used to reflect the status of the local unit’s
input buffer. The BU-945U-E does not support XON/XOFF.
Example cable drawings for connection to a DTE host (a PC) or
another DCE hosts (or modem) are detailed to the right.

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DB9 Connector Pinouts
Pin Name Direction Function
1 DCD Out Data carrier detect
2 RD Out Transmit Data – Serial Data Output (from DCE to DTE)
3 TD In Receive Data – Serial Data Input (from DTE to DCE)
4 DTR In Data Terminal Ready
5 SG - - Signal Ground
6 DSR Out Data Set Ready - always high when unit is powered on.
7 RTS In Request to Send
8 CTS Out Clear to send
9 RI - - Ring indicator
RS485 Serial Port
The RS485 port provides for communication between the BU-945U-E unit and its host device using a multi-drop cable. Up to 32 devices may be
connected in each multi-drop network.
As the RS485 communication medium is shared, only one of the units on the RS485 cable may send data at any one time. Thus, communication
protocols based on the RS-485 standard require some type of arbitration.
RS485 is a balanced, differential standard but it is recommended that shielded, twisted pair cable be used to interconnect modules to reduce
potential RFI. It is important to maintain the polarity of the two RS485 wires. An RS485 network should be wired as indicated in the diagram below
and terminated at each end of the network with a 120-ohm resistor. On-board 120-ohm resistors are provided and may be engaged by operating
the single DIP switch in the end plate next to the RS485 terminals. The DIP switch should be in the “1” or “on” position to connect the resistor. If
the module is not at one end of the RS485 cable, the switch should be off.

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Shorter runs of 485 cables may not require the termination resistors to be enabled.

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2.5 Discrete (Digital) Input/Output
The BU-945U-E has one on-board discrete/digital I/O channel. This channel can act as either a discrete input or discrete output. It can be
monitored, or set remotely, or alternatively used to output a communications alarm status.
If used as an “input”, the I/O channel is suitable for voltage free contacts (such as mechanical switches) or NPN transistor devices (such as
electronic proximity switches). PNP transistor devices are not suitable. Contact wetting current of approximately 5mA is provided to maintain
reliable operation of driving relays.
The digital input is connected between the "DIO" terminal and common “COM.” The I/O circuit includes a LED indicator which is lit GREEN when
the digital input is active, that is, when the input circuit is closed. Provided the resistance of the switching device is less than 200 ohms, the
device will be able to activate the digital input.
The I/O channel may also be used as a discrete output. The digital outputs are transistor switched DC signals, FET output to common rated at
30Vdc 500 mA.
The output circuit is connected to the "DIO" terminal. The digital output circuit includes a LED indicator which is lit RED when
the digital output is active.

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CHAPTER 3 - OPERATION
3.1 Start-up
“Access Point” Start-up
When an Access Point (AP) unit starts up it will immediately begin transmitting periodic messages, called beacons on the configured channel.
Beacons include information that a Client may examine in order to identify if the Access Point is suitable for link establishment. Clients will only
attempt to establish a link with an Access Point whose beacon indicates a matching SSID. Access Points do not initiate link establishment.
“Client” Start-Up
When a Client powers up, it scans for beacons from Access Points. While a link is not established, the Client cyclically scans all available channels
for a suitable Access Point. The Client will attempt to establish a link with an Access Point only if it has matching SSID, Encryption method, etc.
and other compatible capabilities as indicated by the beacon. If more than one suitable Access Point is discovered, the client will attempt to
establish a link with the Access Point that has the strongest radio signal.
Link Establishment
Once a Client identifies a suitable Access Point for link establishment it attempts to establish a link using a two step process – “Authentication”
and “Association.” During Authentication the Client and Access Point check if their configurations permit them to establish a link. Once the Client
has been authenticated, it will then request an Association to establish a link.
Status of the wireless link is indicated via the TX/LINK LED. For an Access Point, the TX/LINK LED will be OFF while no links have been
established. Once one or more links have been established, the TX/LINK LED is on GREEN. For a Client, the Link LED will reflect the connection
status to an Access Point. Link status is also displayed on the “Connectivity” page of the web interface.
After the link is established, data may be transferred in both directions. The Access Point will act as a master-unit and will control the flow of data
to the Clients linked to it. Clients can only transmit data to the AP to which they are connected. When a Client transfers data to another Client, it
first transmits the data to the AP, which then forwards the data to the destined Client.
Presence of a “link” does not mean that the connected unit is authorized to communicate over radio. If the encryption keys
are incorrect between units in the same system, or a dissimilar encryption scheme is configured, the LINK led will light,
however data cannot be passed over the wireless network. A maximum of 127 Clients may be linked to an Access Point.
How a Link Connection is Lost
The Access Point refreshes the link status with a Client every time a message is received from that Client. If nothing is received from a Client for a
period of 120 seconds, the Access Point sends a “link-check” message. If there is no response to the link-check a De-authenticate message is
sent and the link is dropped.
A Client monitors beacon messages from an Access Point to determine whether the link is still present. If the Client can no longer receive beacons
from the Access Point it assumes the AP is out-of-range and the link is dropped. Whenever a Client is not connected to an AP, it will cyclically
scan all available channels for a suitable AP.
Roaming Clients
Clients can roam within a system however if the link to the Access Point fails or the radio signal level becomes too weak it will scan for beacons
and connect to an Access Point (provided the SSID and any Encryption methods, keys, etc. are compatible). If there are multiple Access Points it
will select the connection with the best signal level. This functionality permits a client to have mobility whilst maintaining a link with the
most suitable AP.

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LED Indication
The following table details the status of the indicating LEDs on the front panel under normal operating conditions.
LED Indicator Condition Meaning
OK GREEN Normal Operation
OK Flashing RED/GREEN Module Boot Sequence
Radio RX GREEN flash Radio receiving data (Good Signal Strength)
Radio RX RED flash Radio receiving data (Low Signal strength)
TX/LINK GREEN Radio Connection Established
TX/LINK RED Flash Radio Transmitting
RS-232 GREEN flash Data sent from RS-232 Serial Port
RS-232 RED flash Data received to RS-232 Serial Port
LAN ON Link Established on Ethernet port
LAN Flash Activity on Ethernet port.
RS-485 GREEN flash Data sent from RS-485 Serial Port
RS-485 RED flash Data received to RS-485 Serial Port
DIO GREEN Digital Input is grounded.
DIO RED Digital Output is active
DIO Off Digital Output OFF and Input is open circuit.
The Ethernet RJ45 port incorporates two indication LEDs. The LINK LED comes on when there is a connection on the Ethernet port, and will blink
off briefly when activity is detected on the Ethernet Port. The 100MB LED indicates that the connection is at 100 MBit/Sec. The 100MB LED will
be off for 10MB/Sec connection.
Other conditions indicating a fault are described in Chapter Four - DIAGNOSTICS.
3.2 Selecting a Channel
802.11 (900 MHz) Channels
The BU-945U-E conforms to the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN specification and supports various channels depending on regulations within the
country of use.
If operating in the US, Canada, the frequency range is 902 to 928MHz and the available channels are:
• 9 x non overlapping 1.25MHz channels
• 9 x partially overlapping 2.5MHz channels
• 4 x non overlapping 5MHz channels
• 4 x overlapping 10MHz channels
• 2 x overlapping 20MHz channels.
If operating in Australia the frequency range is 915-928MHz and the available channels are:
• 4 x non overlapping 1.25MHz channels
• 4 x partially overlapping 2.5MHz channels
• 3 x overlapping 5MHz channels
• 1 x 10MHz channel

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If operating in New Zealand the frequency range is 921-928MHz and the available channels are:
• 2 x non overlapping 1.25MHz channels
• 1 x 2.5MHz channel
• 1 x 5MHz channel
If operating in Hong Kong the frequency range is 922-925MHz and the available channels are:
• 2 x non overlapping 1.25MHz channels
• 1 x 2.5MHz channel
Regions will only show the available channels for that location. See below for a diagram of the frequency ranges and channels.
Each Country/Region has a different frequency regulation with multiple band widths and numerous channels available. The main reason for having
different channels and bandwidths is to allow multiple radios to operate in close proximity with minimal interference.
As you can see from the Channels Diagram and the Data Throughput Table (below) the greater the band width the greater the overall data
throughput.
If selecting the high band width, i.e., 20MHz you will be limited to one channel which may be more susceptible to outside interference because it
spans the available 900MHz frequency range, in some regions this high band width option may not even be available.
If selecting the lower bands, i.e., 1.25MHz you have more channels available and each channel is non-overlapping (Adjacent channels do not
cross over), however the Data throughput will be considerably lower.
If you require a high data throughput then the higher band width will need to be selected and care with antenna placement, etc. will also need to
be taken into account.
Selecting a 20 MHz channel will give the maximum TCP/IP throughput of around 22 Mbps however if the band width is reduced (10MHz, 5MHz,
etc.) the maximum data throughput will also be reduced
For an indication of the data throughput levels used with different channel bandwidths see the following “BU-945U-E Radio Data Throughput”
table.

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Radio Throughput
Below is a table showing the maximum TCP/IP throughput based on channel selection and receiver signal level.
There are five channel bandwidths (20, 10, 5, 2.5, & 1.25MHz). These throughput estimations are based on perfect radio conditions, i.e., little to
no outside radio interference present while data is being passed
BU-945U-E Radio Data Throughput
Data Rate in Mbps
900Mhz Signal Strength 20MHz 10MHz 5MHz 2.5MHz 1.25MHz
-72dBm 22.0 11.0 5.5 2.8 1.4
-75dBm 20.0 10.0 5.0 2.5 1.3
-81dBm 17.0 8.5 4.3 2.1 1.1
-84dBm 11.0 5.5 2.8 1.4 0.7
-88dBm 9.0 4.5 2.3 1.1 0.6
-91dBm 6.0 3.0 1.5 0.75 0.38
-90dBm 5.5 2.8 1.4 0.69 0.34
-91dBm 4.5 2.3 1.1 0.56 0.28
-92dBm 3.0 1.5 0.75 0.38 0.19
-91dBm 2.0 1.0 0.5 0.25 0.13
-93dBm 1.0 0.50 0.25 0.13 0.06
-95dBm 0.5 0.25 0.13 0.06 0.03
Throughput and Repeaters
It should also be noted that if using repeaters to extend the range there will be a reduction in throughput for each repeater hop. The following
table shows the drop in throughput for each hop and for each of the channel widths.
Data Throughput Based on Repeater Hops
Signal/Channel 20 MHz 10 MHz 5MHz 2.5MHz 1.25MHz
Hops 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
-72 22 11 5.5 2.8 11. 5.5 2.8 1.4 5.5 2.8 1.4 .7 2.8 1.4 .69 .34 1.4 .69 .34 .177
-75 20 10 5. 2.5 10. 5. 2.5 1.3 5. 2.5 1.3 .6 2.5 1.3 .63 .31 1.3 .63 .31 .166
-81 17 8.5 4.3 2.1 8.5 4.3 2.1 1.1 4.3 2.1 1.1 .5 2.1 1.1 .53 .27 1.1 .53 .27 .135
-84 11 5.5 2.8 1.4 5.5 2.8 1.4 .7 2.8 1.4 .69 .34 1.4 .69 .34 .17 .69 .34 .17 .094
-88 9 4.5 2.3 1.1 4.5 2.3 1.1 .6 2.3 1.1 .56 .28 1.1 .56 .28 .14 .56 .28 .14 .078
-91 6 3 1.5 .75 3. 1.5 .75 .38 1.5 .75 .38 .19 .75 .38 .19 .09 .38 .19 .09 .059
-91 4.5 2.25 1.1 .56 2.3 1.1 .56 .28 1.1 .56 .28 .14 .56 .28 .14 .07 .28 .14 .07 .044
-92 3 1.5 .8 .38 1.5 .75 .38 .19 .8 .38 .19 .03 .38 .19 .09 .05 .19 .09 .05 .029
-93 1. .5 .25 .13 0.5 .25 .13 .06 .3 .13 .06 .03 .13 .06 .03 .02 .06 .03 .02 .013

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3.3 Configuring the Unit for the First Time
The BU-945U-E has a built-in web server, containing web pages for analyzing and modifying the module’s configuration. The configuration can be
accessed using Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 7 or greater. This program is shipped with Microsoft Windows or may be obtained freely via
the Microsoft® website. If using other browsers they must be fully compliant with IE7 SSL security.
NOTE: Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6 will not load web pages due to a compatibility issue between IE6 and
SSL-security web sites.
Default Configuration
The default factory configuration of the BU-945U-E is:
• Client/Bridge/
• IP address192.168.0.1XX, where XX is the last two digits of the serial number (the default IP address is shown on the printed label on the back
of the module)
• netmask 255.255.255.0
• Username is “user” and the default password is “user”
The BU-945U-E will temporarily load some factory-default settings if powered up with the Factory Default switch (on the end-plate of the module)
in SETUP position. When in SETUP mode, wireless operation is disabled. The previous configuration remains stored in non-volatile memory
and will only change if a configuration parameter is modified and the change saved.
Do not forget to set the switch back to the RUN position and cycle power at the conclusion of configuration for
resumption of normal operation.
Accessing Configuration for the First Time
Because the Default IP address is in the range 192.168.0.XXX it may
not connect to you network or PC so there are two methods for
accessing the configuration for the first time.
Method 1 - Change your computer settings so that the configuring PC
is on the same network as the BU-945U-E with factory default set-
tings. This is the preferred method and is much less complicated
than the second method. You will need a “straight-through” Ethernet
cable between the PC Ethernet port and the BU-945U-E. The factory
default Ethernet address for the BU-945U-E is 192.168.0.1XX where
XX are the last two digits of the serial number (check the label on the
back of the module).
Method 2 - Requires temporarily changing the IP address in the
BU-945U-E via an RS232 connection such that it is accessible on
your network without having to change your PC network settings.
When connected you can change the modem network settings to
match that of your network.