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GE MDS iNET Series User manual

05-2873A01, Rev. F MDS iNET Series Setup Guide 1
MDS iNET Series
Setup Guide
This guide provides installation instructions for MDS iNET Series
transceivers (Figure 1). It covers both MDS iNET-II and iNET
models. For detailed product information, refer to the
Technical Manual, part no. 05-2806A01. It contains important
notices on the safe and effective use of this product and
should be reviewed prior to any operation.
Electronic copies of all GE MDS manuals are available free of
charge at www.gemds.com. Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 1. MDS iNET Series Transceiver
MDSiNETtransceivers provide wirelessconnectivityforlocal area
networks (LANs) with easily installed hardware. The units come in
two primary models—Access Point (AP) and Remote.
An AP is a wireless “hub” that normally provides connectivity into a
wired Ethernet LAN/WAN. It serves as the network’s “master
station” providing synchronization data to all associated Remotes
within the network.
Three types of Remotes are available—the Ethernet Bridge, the
Serial Gateway, and the Dual Gateway which supports both
IP/Ethernet and serial services. Table 1 summarizes the different
interface abilities for each AP and Remote radio type.
A given transceiver may be configured to operate as an Access
Point or a Remote with certain restrictions. The following rules
apply to unit configuration:
1. A Serial or Ethernet Remote can be changed from one to the
other without an Authorization code.
2. If both the Serial and Ethernet Authorization Codes are entered,
the Remote becomes a Dual Gateway. Each code is associated
with the serial number of a particular radio.
3. A Dual Gateway Remote can be reconfigured as an Access
Point. by entering an Access Point Authorization Code from the
Factory.
4. An Access Point can be reconfigured as a Dual Gateway by
changing the device mode in the management interfaces.
2.0.1 Differences Between iNET-II and iNET
The iNET-II and iNET Transceivers, while similar in many
respects, do have important differences and are not over-the-air
compatible. Key differences are summarized in Table 2:
Table 2. Transceiver Differences (iNET vs. iNET-II)
2.1 SECURITY FEATURES
The transceiver is capable of dealing with many common security
issues. Table 3 profiles security risks and how the transceiver
provides a solution for minimizing vulnerability. In all cases, the
Security Configuration Menu should be reviewed and set to the
required parameters for your environment. Consult with your
network administrator if you are unsure of the required settings.
3.0.1 General Requirements
There are three main requirements for installing the transceiver:
1. Adequate and stable primary power
2. A good antenna system
3. The correct interface between the transceiver and connected
equipment
Figure 2 shows a typical installation for a Remote site. AP sites are
similar, but typically use an omnidirectional antenna to allow for
communication with widely distributed Remote stations.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Table 1. Transceiver Models and Interfaces
Model Type LAN1COM11COM2
Access Point2N/A Yes Yes Yes
Remote… Ethernet Bridge3, 4 Yes No No
Serial Gateway3, 4 No Yes Yes
Dual Gateway3Yes Yes Yes
NOTES
1. Provides PC access to the Menu System on all units.
2. Can be configured as an Access Point or Dual Gateway.
3. An Ethernet Bridge can be configured as a Serial Gateway and
vice versa.
4. Can be upgraded to Dual Gateway with an Authorization Key.
Characteristic iNET-II iNET
Data Rate 512 kbps/1 Mbps 256/512 kbps
FCC Certification Type DTS FHSS
Encryption AES-128 RC4-128
Channel size 600 kHz 316.5 kHz
Channel operation Channels Zones
Firmware Specific for iNET-II Specific for iNET
Table 3. Cyber Security Highlights
Security Level Specification
• MDS Cyber Security
Suite, Level 4: • AES-128 encryption (iNET-II only)
• 802.1Q VLAN
• Includes Level 3 features listed below
• MDS Cyber Security
Suite, Level 3: • RC4-128 encryption (iNET only)
• Automatic rotating key algorithm
• Authentication: 802.1x, RADIUS, EAP/TLS,
(PKI is a requirement of the TLS), PAP,
CHAP.
• Local Device authentication using MAC
address “white lists” on the AP and Remote
• Management: SSL, SSH, HTTPS
• Failed login lockdown
• 900 MHz operation and proprietary data
framing
3.0 INSTALLATION
2 MDS iNET Series Setup Guide 05-2873A01, Rev. F
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 2. Typical Transceiver Installation
(COM2 port can also be used in serial applications)
3.1 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
It is recommended that the Access Point radio be installed first. In
thisway,theoperationofeach associated Remotecanbechecked
as it is placed on the air.
NOTE: Transceivers are shipped from the factory set to the
“Remote” mode unless marked differently.
3.1.1 Step 1—Mount the Transceiver
NOTE: To prevent moisture from entering the radio, it should not
be mounted with the connectors pointing up. Also, cables
should be routed in a manner that prevents moisture from
running along their surfaces and into the radio.
Attach the mounting brackets to the bottom of the radio with the
screws provided. Mount the radio to a stable surface with
appropriate fasteners (not supplied). Figure 3 shows the mounting
dimensions of the radio.
The screws holding the mounting brackets to
the radio are SAE 6-32 and must not extend
farther than 1/4 inch (6 mm) into the case or
internal damage may result.
The radio chassis should be bonded to a common station ground.
If the mounting surface is not grounded, a ground wire may be
attached to one of the screws on the radio’s enclosure.
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 3. Transceiver Mounting Dimensions
3.1.2 Step 2—Install the Antenna
The antenna should be mounted in the clear, with an unobstructed
path to all associated stations. To minimize RF interference, it
should be mounted at least nine inches (> 23 cm) from connected
device(s), sensors and other components of the system. The use
of low loss, high quality coaxial cable is recommended, and it
should be kept as short as possible to minimize loss.
3.1.3 Step 3—Measure & Connect Primary Power
The primary power at the power connector must be within 10.5–30
Vdc and be capable of continuously providing up to 580 mA of
current. A power connector with screw-terminals is provided with
each unit. Strip the wire leads to 6 mm (0.25") before inserting
themin theconnector.Besure to observeproperpolarityasshown
in Figure 4 with the positive lead (+) on the left side.
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 4. Power Connector
(Polarity: Left +, Right –)
The transceiver is designed for use in nega-
tive-ground power systems.
The power supply used with the transceiver should be equipped
with overload protection (NEC Class 2 rating), to protect against a
short circuit between its output terminals and the unit’s power
connector.
3.1.4 Step 4—Connect the Required Data Port(s)
Theports usedwilldiffer depending ontheapplicationfortheradio.
Figure 5 shows connection information for each port.
Invisibleplaceholder
Figure 5. Port Information
(All pinouts as viewed from outside the radio)
POWER SUPPLY
10.530 Vdc
(13.8 Vdc nominal @ 580 mA)
egative Ground Only
RTU/PLC
or other data
equipment
COMPUTER
With Terminal Program
LOW-LOSS FEEDLI E
A TE A
SYSTEM
Crossover
Cable
Straight-Thru
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE
2.75˝(7 cm)
7.25˝(18.4 cm)
Wire Ports
+–
Lead
Binding
Screws (2)
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE
12345678
96
5 1
Pin Functions
1.....Unused
2.....Receive Data (RXD)
3.....Transmit Data (TXD)
4.....Unused
5.....Signal Ground (G D)
6.....Unused
7.....Unused
8.....Unused
9.....Unused
RS/EIA -232
Pin Functions
1.....Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
2.....Receive Data (RXD)
3.....Transmit Data (TXD)
4.....Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
5.....Signal Ground (G D)
6.....Data Set Ready (DSR)
7.....Request-to-Send (RTS)
8.....Clear-to-Send (CTS)
9.....Unused
RS/EIA-232
69
15
Pin Functions
1.....Transmit Data (TX)
2.....Transmit Data (TX)
3.....Receive Data (RX)
4.....Unused
5.....Unused
6.....Receive Data (RX)
7.....Unused
8.....Unused
10BaseT Supported
COM2
 DTE Serial Data Equip.
 9,600 bps/8 1
 Full Handshaking
 RS/EIA-232
 Crossover to PLC/RTU
LAN
 10BaseT
 IP/Ethernet Port
 IP Address: 192.168.1.1
COM1
 DCE Console/Terminal
 19,200 bps/8 1
 o Handshaking
 RS/EIA-232
 Straight-through to PC
PRIMARY POWER
 10.530 Vdc
 egative Ground
 + Left  Right
ANTENNA
 50 Ohm Impedance
 T C connector
 +30 dBm/1W Out (Max.)
 30 dBm Input (Max.)
COM1:
DB-9 M / DCE
COM2:
DB-9F / DTE
LAN:
ETHERNET
05-2873A01, Rev. F MDS iNET Series Setup Guide 3
4.0.1 PC Connection and Login
Initial radioconfiguration is performed by connecting a computer to
the unit’s COM1 port via a serial connection. The LAN port may
also be used if the IP address of the unit is known. (If not, begin
with connection to the COM1 port as described here. Refer to the
Technical Manual for details.)
Perform the steps below to connect to the radio and access the
built-in menu system. It is recommended that the Access Point be
configured first, followed by each Remote unit.
a. Connect a computer’s serial communications port to the
radio’s COM1 Port.
NOTE: Not all PCs have a serial port. If one is not available, it will
be necessary to use a USB port with a USB-to-Serial
adapter.
b. Launch a terminal emulator program, such as HyperTer-
minal, on the computer. (HyperTerminal is included on
many PCs under Programs>>Accessories>>Commu-
nications.) Configure the terminal settings to: 19,200
bps/8N1/no handshaking/VT100.
c. Press the ENTER key a few times to receive the login
prompt (password:). Enter the password (default pass-
word: admin).
d. The radio’s menu system appears. The menu may now
be used to set key parameters of the radio.
Review the menu for appropriate selections and change
settings as required. Key considerations include Device
Mode, Network Name, IP Address, RF Output level, Data
Rate, and unit password. Security options should also be
reviewed and set as required. Additional detail on key
menu settings is provided below.
NOTE: When configuring a large number of radios, the use of
“Configuration Files” is recommended. See Technical
Manual for details.
4.0.2 Key Menu Settings
Thesettingslistedbelow mustbeknown/setbeforeplacingtheunit
into service:
•Device Mode—Access Point or Remote (default=Remote).
•Network Name—Common identifier used by all units that
are part of the same network. The Network Name must be
set to enable Remote units to associate with the Access
Point.
•IP Address—Must be a unique address to allow for IP
access through the LAN port or over-the-air. (Default is
192.168.1.1)
Other parameters commonly needing review or adjustment are:
•RF Output Power Level—Check and adjust as necessary
to comply with regulatory requirements. In general, the low-
est power necessary for reliable communications should be
be used. (Defaults: iNET=+30 dBm, iNET-II=+28 dBm.)
•Data Rate—AUTO selection(default) allows maximum data
rate for the current signal level. (The stronger the signal, the
higher the data rate.) iNET-II data rates are 512 kbps or 1
Mbps; iNET rates are 256 kbps or 512 kbps.
•Password—Used for remote access to menu system.
NOTES: The default unit password is admin. For web access, a
username is also required. The default username is iNET
oriNET-II in accordance with the radio model being used.
A unique IP address and subnet are required to access
the Menu System, either through the LAN port, or
remotely over-the-air.
4.0.3 Menu Reset to Factory Defaults
This procedure may be useful when several menu parameters
havebeenchanged,andthereis no track ofchanges.Itcausesthe
transceiver to return to a known-operational state. It should be
used with care, as all parameters will be reset to default settings.
To reset all menu parameters back to the factory defaults,
including thepassword,selectResetto FactoryDefaultsfromthe
Maintenance/Tools Menu.
Forgotten Password?
If a password has been forgotten, a special Authorization Code
fromthefactorycan beenteredinplaceof the password atthetime
of login. As with the method above, this resets all parameters to
factory defaults.
The transceiver is designed to connect to both Ethernet and
serial-based data equipment. This section outlines connection
requirements and menu settings for proper operation.
Ethernet Example: Connect Ethernet-compatible data equipment
to the unit’s LAN port (10BaseT). Use a straight-through Ethernet
cable to connect the LAN port to a hub, or a crossover cable if the
unit is connected to another Ethernet host device (PLC,
Computer, etc) that does not have auto-MDIX capability.
IP-to-Serial Example: From the PC, establish a TCP connection
to the IP address of the iNET unit to which the serial device is
connected. A Telnet client application can be used to establish
this connection. Data may now be sent between the PC and the
RTU or other connected device. Configure the port as shown in
Table 4.
5.0.1 Operational Check
This step verifies wireless communication between an Access
Point and its associated Remotes.
NOTE: 30 seconds is typically required for the transceiver to
power up, and 20 seconds to associate with another unit.
At All Units...
Observe the transceiver’s LED panel for proper indications. In a
normally operating system, the radio will typically associate in less
than one minute from start-up. After association, the following LED
indications should be seen:
PWR— Lit continuously
LAN— On or flashing intermittently with LAN traffic
LINK— On or flashing intermittently with link signal
COM1/COM2—Flashing with serial traffic
At the Access Point...
a. If the Access Point unit is the first unit you are installing,
send a PING command to it through the LAN port. This
verifies basic LAN connectivity with the host.
4.0 INITIAL CONFIGURATION
5.0 CONNECTING DATA EQUIP.
Table 4. Serial Port Configuration
(IP-to-Serial Connection)
Transceiver Type Menu Item Setting
AP or Remote,
except for Ethernet
Remote, which
cannot be
configured in this
way.
IP Address 192.168.0.2
Status Enabled
IP Protocol TCP
Baud Rate 9,600 (Example)
Flow Control None
Local IP Port 30011
4 MDS iNET Series Setup Guide 05-2873A01, Rev. F
b. If a Remote has been installed, send a PING command to
it to verify connectivity. If unsuccessful, check for proper
Remote configuration, and association with the AP.
At Remote Units...
a. Look for the LINK LED to light and stay on. This indicates
the unit has successfully associated with the AP.
b. Check the Starting Information screen for the Device
Status. It will show one of the following conditions:
Scanning—The unit is looking for an Access Point beacon signal.
Exp(ecting) Sync(hronization)—The unit has found a valid
beacon signal for its network.
Hop Sync—The unithaschangeditsfrequencyhopping pattern to
match that of the Access Point.
Connected —The unit has a radio (RF) link with the Access Point,
but has not obtained cyber-security clearance to pass data.
Associated —This unit has successfully synchronized and
associated with an Access Point. This is the normal status.
Alarmed—The unit is has detected one or more alarms that have
not been cleared.
c. When the network is operating properly based on obser-
vation of the LEDs, connect a computer to the trans-
ceiver’s data port that will be used by the local terminal
equipment. Send the PING command to verify the com-
munications link integrity with the Access Point.
d. After the PING command is successful, connect the ter-
minal equipment to the radio’s data port and verify normal
operation.
If all checks are OK, you are finished with the installation.
Once the basic operation of the network has been verified,
performance can often be optimized using the suggestions below.
The effectiveness of these techniques will vary with the amount of
data being handled.
Optimize Received Signal Strength
At Remotes, check the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of
the AP using the menu system. In the absence of interference,
signal levels sufficient to provide reliable operation (with a nominal
15 dB fade margin) are: –84 dBm @ 256 kbps, –75 dBm@ 512
kbps –65 dBm @ 1 Mbps. If the signal levels are weaker than
these levels, repositioning of the station antenna may be required.
Follow the steps below to do this.
1. Verify the Remote is associated with an Access Point unit by
observing the LINK LED. It should be on or blinking.
2. View and record the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received
Error rates. This information will be used later.
Main Menu>Performance Information>Packet
Statistics>Wireless Packet Statistics
3. Read the RSSI level at the Remote.
Main Menu>Performance Information>RSSI by Zone
4. Optimize RSSI by slowly adjusting the direction of the
antenna. Watch the RSSI indication for several seconds after
each adjustment to ensure the RSSI accurately reflects any
change in the link signal strength. The less negative the num-
ber, the stronger the radio signal.
5. View the Wireless Packets Dropped and Received Error rates
at the point of maximum RSSI level. They should be the same
or lower than the previous reading.
Main Menu>Performance Information>Packet
Statistics>Wireless Packet Statistics
If the RSSI peak results in an increase in the Packets Dropped
and Received Error, the antenna may be aimed at an unde-
sired signal. Try a different antenna orientation.
Minimize Packet Retries
If the Wireless Packet Statisticsretry counter is unacceptablyhigh,
several techniques can be used to improve it. These include
identifying interference and taking corrective actions such as
skipping some radio frequencies from the hopping pattern,
increasing the gain of the Remote’s antenna, relocating the
Remote’s antenna, or installing a repeater station.
Blocking Zones with Interference (iNET)
Thetransceiveruseschannels in the 902–928 MHzspectrum,with
selectablehopping ofupto 80 channels. You mayblockupto three
zones within the frequency channel map to avoid interference.
This selection is available on units that have been properly
provisioned using the Channel Config(uration) submenu. See
Usage Key for the Channel Configuration Menu below.
Selecting Channels (iNET-II)
The iNET-II operates only in the CHANNELS mode, with
selectable hopping from 1 to 75 channels. This selection is
available on units that have been properly provisioned using the
Channel Config(uration) submenu.
Usage key for the Channel Configuration Menu
n(no) = Radio channel is not used
y(yes) = Radio channel is used
NA (not available) = Radio channel is not available
Other selections on the Channel Configuration Menu:
•Clear All—Clears all entries in the Channel Configuration
Menu, resetting the available channels to no usage. Chan-
nels that are not available will appear with a notation of NA.
These channels are not available because of pre-existing
conditions, and are not user-configurable.
•Enter Channels—Allows selection of the channels used for
frequency hopping operation. The selection of particular
channels will result in an indication of y. Be aware that these
channels do not become active until the Commit Changes
selection is invoked. Channels can be entered by numbers
(1, 2, 3, etc.), ranges (1-3, or the text all, odd, or even.
•CommitChanges—Rebootstheradioandloadstheactive
channels into the frequency list.
It is best to begin troubleshooting at the Access Point, because the
rest of the system depends on it for network synchronization and
configuration.
When difficulty is experienced, check that all units in the network
meet these basic requirements:
• Adequate and stable primary power
• An efficient and properly aligned antenna system
• Secure connections (RF, data & power)
• Proper configuration of the unit’s operating parameters,
especially Device Mode selection (Access Point/Remote),
Network Name, and IP Address
• The correct interface between the radio and the connected
data equipment (proper cable wiring, data format and timing)
Refer to the Technical Manual for additional troubleshooting
information, including a chart of common difficulties. If a problem
persists, factory technical assistance is available by contacting GE
MDS during business hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time).
Use one of the following methods to contact the factory:
Telephone: (585) 241-5510 FAX: (585) 242-8369
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.gemds.com
6.0 OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE
7.0 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

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