Dataradio ViPR User manual

V
Vi iP PR R™ ™
N
Na ar rr ro ow wb ba an nd d I IP P M Mo od de em m/ /R Ro ou ut te er r
User Manual
PN 001-5008-000 Rev 5
Revised July 2009

REVISION HISTORY
REV DATE REVISION DETAILS
0 Jan 11, 2008 Initial Release as 001-5008-000.
1 May 2008 Update Dual Port ViPR information.
2 September 2008
Added information about SNMP.
Updated Firmware Upgrade instructions.
3 December 2008
Added information about TCP Client Server Mode.
Added information about Saving/Restoring User
Configuration files.
4 April 2009
Added information about V1.5 ViPR code release.
Added information about TCP Proxy Feature.
Added note to RF Acknowledgment section.
Corrected ViPR Power Cable Part in Accessory Table.
Added specifications and part number for 900 MHz ViPR.
Updated RF Exposure Compliance requirements.
Added section 2.10, Choosing an IP Addressing Scheme
5 July 2009
Added information about V1.6 ViPR code release.
Added information about Listen Before Transmit Disable
feature.
Added section about RF MAC override feature.
Added section about the Periodic Reset feature.
Added screen shot and information for the “Add Static
Entry” function

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Because of the nature of wireless communication, transmission and reception of data can never
be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors), or be totally lost. Significant
delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the ViPR are used in a normal
manner with a well-constructed network. ViPR should not be used in situations where failure to
transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party,
including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. CalAmp accepts no
responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or
received using ViPR, or for the failure of ViPR to transmit or receive such data.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© Copyright 2007 CalAmp.
Products offered may contain software proprietary to CalAmp. The offer of supply of these
products and services does not include or infer any transfer of ownership. No part of the
documentation or information supplied may be divulged to any third party without the express
written consent of CalAmp.
RF EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
The ViPR radio is intended for use in the Industrial Monitoring and Control and
SCADA markets. The ViPR unit must be professionally installed and must ensure a minimum
separation distance listed in the table below between the radiating structure and any person.
An antenna mounted on a pole or tower is the typical installation and in rare instances, a 1/2-
wave whip antenna is used.
Antenna Gain
5 dBi 10 dBi 15 dBi
Min Safety Distance
(VHF @ max Power) 123cm 218.8cm 389cm
Min Safety Distance
(UHF @ max Power) 105.7cm 188cm 334.4cm
Min Safety Distance
(900 MHz @ max power) 63.8cm 115 cm 201.7 cm
Note: It is the responsibility of the user to guarantee compliance with the FCC MPE
regulations when operating this device in a way other than described above.
The ViPR radio uses a low power radio frequency transmitter. The concentrated energy from an
antenna may pose a health hazard. People should not be in front of the antenna when the
transmitter is operating.
The installer of this equipment must ensure the antenna is located or pointed such that it does
not emit an RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population. Recommended
safety guidelines for the human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy are
contained in the Canadian Safety Code 6 (available from Health Canada) and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Bulletin 65.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
(in the country where used) could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
RF Exposure

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1VIPR OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................................8
1.1General Description............................................................................................................................................8
1.2Operational Characteristics...............................................................................................................................8
1.3Physical Description ...........................................................................................................................................9
1.3.1Front Panel....................................................................................................................................................9
1.3.2LED Panel...................................................................................................................................................10
1.3.3Ethernet LAN Port......................................................................................................................................10
1.3.4SETUP and COM Ports ..............................................................................................................................11
1.3.5Power Connector ........................................................................................................................................11
1.3.6Antenna Connector .....................................................................................................................................12
1.3.7Chassis Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................12
1.4Part Numbers and Availability........................................................................................................................12
1.4.1ViPR Radio.................................................................................................................................................12
1.4.2Accessories and Options.............................................................................................................................12
1.5Product Warranty ............................................................................................................................................12
1.6RMA Request....................................................................................................................................................12
1.7Documentation and Downloads.......................................................................................................................12
2SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND NETWORK PLANNING.................................................................................12
2.1Single Coverage Area.......................................................................................................................................12
2.2Master/Remote..................................................................................................................................................12
2.3Point-to-Point....................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.1Point-to-Multipoint .....................................................................................................................................12
2.3.2Report by Exception ...................................................................................................................................12
2.4Extending the Coverage Area with a Relay Point..........................................................................................12
2.4.1Understanding RF Path Requirements........................................................................................................12
2.5Site Selection and Site Survey..........................................................................................................................12
2.5.1Site Selection ..............................................................................................................................................12
2.5.2Site Survey..................................................................................................................................................12
2.6Selecting Antenna and Feedline.......................................................................................................................12
2.6.1Antenna Gain ..............................................................................................................................................12
2.6.2Omni Directional Antenna..........................................................................................................................12
2.6.3Yagi Antenna ..............................................................................................................................................12
2.6.4Vertical Dipoles ..........................................................................................................................................12
2.6.5Feedline ......................................................................................................................................................12
2.6.6RF Exposure Compliance Requirements ....................................................................................................12
2.7Terrain and Signal Strength............................................................................................................................12
2.8Radio Interference............................................................................................................................................12
2.9IP Forwarding Modes.......................................................................................................................................12
2.9.1Bridge Mode ...............................................................................................................................................12
2.9.2Router Mode ...............................................................................................................................................12
2.10Choosing an IP Addressing Scheme................................................................................................................12
2.10.1Bridge Mode ...............................................................................................................................................12
2.10.2Router Mode ...............................................................................................................................................12
3DATARADIO VIPR QUICK START........................................................................................................................12
3.1Setup and Configuration..................................................................................................................................12
3.2Install the Antenna ...........................................................................................................................................12

3.3PC LAN Setup...................................................................................................................................................12
3.3.1Front Panel Connections.............................................................................................................................12
3.4Measure and Connect Primary Power............................................................................................................12
3.5Connect ViPR to Programming PC ................................................................................................................12
3.5.1Initial Installation Login .............................................................................................................................12
3.6Configure Your ViPR Using the Setup Wizard .............................................................................................12
3.7Check For Normal Operation..........................................................................................................................12
4VIPR WEB MANAGEMENT...................................................................................................................................12
4.1Navigating the Network Management System...............................................................................................12
4.2Main Menu........................................................................................................................................................12
4.2.1Network Management System Commands.................................................................................................12
5UNIT STATUS...........................................................................................................................................................12
5.1Unit Identification and Status..........................................................................................................................12
5.2Diagnostics.........................................................................................................................................................12
5.2.1Local Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................................12
5.2.2Online Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................12
6SETUP (BASIC)........................................................................................................................................................12
6.1General Setup....................................................................................................................................................12
6.2IP Settings..........................................................................................................................................................12
6.2.1Ethernet Interface........................................................................................................................................12
6.2.2RF Interface ................................................................................................................................................12
6.2.3Default Gateway .........................................................................................................................................12
6.3Channel Table...................................................................................................................................................12
6.4Serial Ports Setup .............................................................................................................................................12
6.4.1Basic Settings..............................................................................................................................................12
6.4.2IP Gateway Service.....................................................................................................................................12
6.4.3IP Gateway Transport .................................................................................................................................12
6.4.4RTS/CTS Mode Settings ............................................................................................................................12
7SETUP (ADVANCED)..............................................................................................................................................12
7.1RF Optimizations..............................................................................................................................................12
7.1.1MAC Advanced Settings ............................................................................................................................12
7.1.2Carrier Sense Level Threshold....................................................................................................................12
7.1.3Listen Before Transmit ...............................................................................................................................12
7.2IP Services.........................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.1SNMP .........................................................................................................................................................12
7.2.2NAT Overview ...........................................................................................................................................12
7.2.3NAT on ViPR .............................................................................................................................................12
7.2.4Ethernet Interface Private ...........................................................................................................................12
7.2.5RF Interface Private....................................................................................................................................12
7.2.6User NAT Entries .......................................................................................................................................12
7.2.7NAT Port Forwarding.................................................................................................................................12
7.3IP Addressing....................................................................................................................................................12
7.3.1Broadcast Mode ..........................................................................................................................................12
7.3.2Multicast Mode...........................................................................................................................................12
7.4IP Optimization.................................................................................................................................................12
7.5IP Routing (Table/Entries)...............................................................................................................................12
7.6Time Source.......................................................................................................................................................12
7.6.1SNTP ..........................................................................................................................................................12
7.6.2Time Zone...................................................................................................................................................12

7.7Alarm Reporting...............................................................................................................................................12
7.7.1Forward Power Alarm & Notification ........................................................................................................12
7.7.2Reverse Power Alarm & Notification.........................................................................................................12
7.7.3PA Power Alarm & Notification.................................................................................................................12
7.8User Settings......................................................................................................................................................12
8SECURITY.................................................................................................................................................................12
8.1User ID and Password......................................................................................................................................12
8.2Encryption.........................................................................................................................................................12
9STATISTICS..............................................................................................................................................................12
9.1Ethernet (LAN).................................................................................................................................................12
9.2Serial..................................................................................................................................................................12
9.3RF.......................................................................................................................................................................12
9.4Airlink Error Detection....................................................................................................................................12
10MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................................12
10.1Ping Test............................................................................................................................................................12
10.2Unit Configuration Control.............................................................................................................................12
10.2.1User Configuration Settings........................................................................................................................12
10.3Package Control................................................................................................................................................12
10.4Net Tests............................................................................................................................................................12
10.4.1Net Test Setup.............................................................................................................................................12
10.4.2Net Test Results..........................................................................................................................................12
10.5RF Tests.............................................................................................................................................................12
10.6Feature Options ................................................................................................................................................12
11NEIGHBOR MANAGEMENT.............................................................................................................................12
11.1User Interface....................................................................................................................................................12
11.2Neighbor Discovery (Modes)............................................................................................................................12
11.2.1Manual-SCAN ............................................................................................................................................12
11.2.2Auto-SCAN ................................................................................................................................................12
11.2.3Disabled ......................................................................................................................................................12
11.3Local Status.......................................................................................................................................................12
11.3.1Neighbor Discovery States .........................................................................................................................12
11.3.2Neighboring ViPRs Found..........................................................................................................................12
11.3.3Discovery Duration.....................................................................................................................................12
11.4Discovered ViPR Neighbors.............................................................................................................................12
11.4.1Information on Neighboring ViPRs............................................................................................................12
11.4.2Neighbor Table Entry Type ........................................................................................................................12
11.4.3Route to Neighboring ViPRs ......................................................................................................................12
11.5Control Operations...........................................................................................................................................12
11.6Primary and Backup Route Selection.............................................................................................................12
11.7Network Status..................................................................................................................................................12
11.8Maintenance......................................................................................................................................................12
11.9Recommended Neighbor Discovery Modes of Operations............................................................................12
12NETWORK OPTIMIZATION ..............................................................................................................................12
12.1Maximizing TCP/IP Throughput....................................................................................................................12
12.2Maximizing Throughput with a Weak RF Link ............................................................................................12

12.2.1Use Router Mode with RF Acknowledgements Enabled............................................................................12
12.2.2Reduce RF Network Bit Rate .....................................................................................................................12
12.2.3Increase OIP and MAC Retries Limit.........................................................................................................12
13UPGRADING YOUR FIRMWARE......................................................................................................................12
13.1Software Release History .................................................................................................................................12
13.2Upgrade Modem Firmware Procedure...........................................................................................................12
13.3Upgrade Radio Firmware................................................................................................................................12
13.4Verify File Integrity..........................................................................................................................................12
VIPR SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................................................12
PRODUCT WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................................................12
DEFINITIONS..................................................................................................................................................................12

001-5008-000 rev5_2.doc Page 8
1VIPR OVERVIEW
This document provides information required for the operation and verification of the
Dataradio ViPR Narrowband IP Modem/Router. The information in this manual makes the
assumption the user’s PC has an NIC (Network Interface Card) with TCP/IP implemented.
Setup requires the knowledge and authorization to modify the TCP/IP settings for the NIC.
Changing or installing new IP addresses in a network can cause serious network problems.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Network Administrator for your system.
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ViPR provides any IP-enabled device with connectivity to transmit narrowband data. This
DSP-based radio was designed for SCADA, telemetry and industrial applications in the 136-
174 MHz, 215-240 MHz VHF, 406.1-512 MHz UHF, and 928-960 MHz frequency ranges.
ViPR supports serial and Ethernet/IP Remote Terminal Units (RTU) and programmable logic
controllers (PLC). It is standard IEEE 802.3 compliant. ViPR supports any protocol running
over IPv4 (including ICMP, IPinIP, IPSec, RSVP, TCP and UDP protocols). It provides MAC
layer bridging and HTTP, ARP, and static routing packet forwarding.
1.2 OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ViPR product has the following operational characteristics:
Frequency range of 136-174 MHz, 215-240 MHz, 406.1-470 MHz, 450-512 MHz, or
928-960 MHz.
User-selectable data rates
Built-in transceiver adjustable from 1 to 10 watts (8 watts max for 900MHz)
Used as an access point or an end point with each configurable in (a) Bridge mode for
quick setup of units on same network or (b) Router mode for advanced networks
Embedded web server to access status and/or setup information
Remote access for over-the-air system firmware upgrades
Wide input power range of 10 to 30 volts DC
AES 128-bit data encryption (Applies to Serial and IP connections)
Superior data compression (zlib compression algorithm applies to Serial and IP
connections)
Native UDP and TCP/IP support
Online and Offline Diagnostics
Supports up to 32 different frequency channel pairs
Industrial operating temperature range of -30 to +60 C
Rugged die-cast aluminum and steel case

001-5008-000 rev5_2.doc Page 9
These features provide system benefits that give users:
Rugged Packaging. ViPR is housed in a compact and rugged cast aluminum case. Built
for industrial applications in a variety of environments, ViPR operates over an extended
temperature range and provides worry-free operation in the roughest environments.
Simple Installation. Basic installation typically utilizes an omni-directional antenna at the
master station or Relay Point and a directional antenna at each remote site not a Relay
Point. See Section 2 for information on Site and Antenna Selection. For basic service, just
hook up an antenna, connect your Ethernet LAN to the ViPR’s LAN port, apply primary
power, check and set a few operating parameters and you are done.
Flexible Management. Configuration, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting
can be done locally or remotely. There are no physical switches or adjustments; all
operating parameters are set via a web browser. The Dual-Port ViPR provides a receive
antenna connector allowing for unique customer applications requiring additional receive
filtering, external PA(s), and other options.
Long Range. Narrowband configurations allow better coverage over harsh terrain.
1.3 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
ViPR consists of two logic PCBs, one that includes the modem circuitry and the other the
radio module. Both are installed in a cast aluminum case. The unit is not hermetically
sealed and should be mounted in a suitable enclosure when dust, moisture, and/or a
corrosive atmosphere are anticipated.
The ViPR is designed for easy installation and configuration; the ViPR features no external or
internal switches or adjustments. All operating parameters are set via an internal web
browser.
1.3.1 Front Panel
Figure 1.1 ViPR Front Panel (Dual-port model shown)

001-5008-000 rev5_2.doc Page 10
As shown in Figure 1.1, the front panel has the following connections:
(1) RJ-45 LAN 10 BaseT Ethernet connection with Auto-MDIX
(1) 50-ohm TNC female Antenna connector
(1) 50-ohm SMA female receive antenna connector (Dual-Port models only)
(1) Right-angle power connector (10-30 VDC)
(2) DE-9F RS-232 ports
For Dual-port ViPR connections, see Section 1.3.6.
1.3.2 LED Panel
The LED panel has five Tri-Color LEDs. The functionality of each LED is shown in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 ViPR LED Functionality
LED Color Definition
Power Green
Red
ViPR ready, normal operations
ViPR hardware fault
Status Green
Blinking Green
Red
Amber (Solid or Blinking)
ViPR no faults, normal operations
ViPR scanning for neighbors
ViPR has a fault condition, check unit status
ViPR detects high background noise
ACT Blinking Green
Off
Ethernet activity detected on PHY link (RJ45)
No Ethernet activity on PHY link (RJ45)
Lnk Green
Off
Ethernet connection established (RJ45)
No Ethernet connection (RJ45)
Rx/Tx Green
Red
Receiving data
Transmitting data
1.3.3 Ethernet LAN Port
The Ethernet LAN port is an RJ-45 receptacle with a 10 BaseT Ethernet connection and
Auto-MDIX feature. Table 1.2 shows pin-out descriptions for the RJ-45 port.
Table 1.2 Pin-out for IEEE-802.3 RJ-45 Receptacle Contacts
Contact 10 Base-T Signal
1 TXP(1)
2 TXN(1)
3 RXP(1)
4 SPARE
5 SPARE
6 RXN(1)
7 SPARE
8 SPARE
SHELL Shield
(1) The name shows the default function. Given the Auto-MDIX capability of
the Ethernet transceiver, TX and RX function could be swapped.