Microwave Data Systems MDS entraNET 900 Parts list manual

System Guide
Wireless IP/Ethernet Transceivers
Firmware Release 1.x
MDS entraNET
Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Access Point
Serial Remote Ethernet Remote
MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A (PRELIMINARY)
April 2003

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) i
Contents
1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW AND APPLICATIONS
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................3
1.1.1 Model Offerings ..........................................................................................................................4
1.2 APPLICATIONS....................................................................................................................5
1.2.1 Long Range Wireless LAN .........................................................................................................5
1.2.2 Multiple Protocols and/or Services .............................................................................................6
1.2.3 Upgrading Older Wireless Network with
Serial Interfaces .....................................................................................................................................7
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................8
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters ............................................................................8
1.3.2 Protected Network Operation through Multiple Access Points ...................................................8
1.3.3 Co-locating Multiple MDS entraNET 900 Networks ...................................................................9
1.4 MDS entraNET 900 SECURITY TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS............................................10
1.4.1 Intrusion Detection via SNMP Traps .........................................................................................11
1.5 ACCESSORIES..................................................................................................................11
2
EMBEDDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 17
2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................15
2.1.1 Menu Structure .........................................................................................................................16
2.1.2 Differences in the User Interfaces ............................................................................................18
2.1.3 Accessing the Embedded Management System ......................................................................19
2.1.4 Navigating the Menus ...............................................................................................................20
2.1.5 Logging In and Out of the Embedded Management System ...................................................21
2.2 BASIC DEVICE INFORMATION.........................................................................................23
2.2.1 Starting Information Screen ......................................................................................................23
2.2.2 Main Menu ................................................................................................................................24
2.2.3 Configuring Basic Device Parameters ......................................................................................25
2.3 CONFIGURING NETWORK PARAMETERS......................................................................26
2.3.1 Network Configuration Menu ....................................................................................................26
2.4 CONFIGURING RADIO PARAMETERS.............................................................................28
2.4.1 Radio Configuration Menu ........................................................................................................28
2.5 CONFIGURING THE SERIAL INTERFACES.....................................................................31

ii MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
2.5.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................31
2.5.2 Serial Data Port Configuration Menu ........................................................................................32
2.5.3 IP-to-Serial Application Example ..............................................................................................36
2.5.4 Point-to-Point Serial-to-Serial Application Example ..................................................................37
2.5.5 Point-to-Multipoint Serial-to-Serial Application Example ..........................................................39
2.5.6 Mixed Modes ............................................................................................................................40
2.6 SECURITY CONFIGURATION...........................................................................................42
2.6.1 Approved Remotes/Access Points List Menu ...........................................................................44
2.7 PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION ......................................................................................44
2.7.1 Performance Information Menu ................................................................................................45
2.7.2 Network Performance Notes ....................................................................................................54
2.8 MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................58
2.8.1 Reprogramming Menu ..............................................................................................................58
2.8.2 Configuration Scripts Menu
............................................................................................................................................................63
2.8.3 Authorization Keys Menu ..........................................................................................................71
2.8.4 Radio Test Menu .......................................................................................................................71
2.8.5 Ping Utility Menu .......................................................................................................................73
3 TABLETOP EVALUATION ANDTEST SETUP
3.1 OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................................77
3.2 STEP 1—INSTALL THE ANTENNA CABLING...................................................................77
3.3 STEP 2—MEASURE & CONNECT THE PRIMARY POWER ............................................78
3.4 STEP 3—CONNECT PC TO THE MDS entraNET 900......................................................78
3.5 STEP 4—REVIEW THE MDS entraNET 900’S CONFIGURATION ...................................79
3.5.1 Getting Started .........................................................................................................................79
3.5.2 Procedure .................................................................................................................................79
3.5.3 Basic Configuration Defaults ....................................................................................................79
3.6 STEP 5—CONNECT LAN AND/OR SERIAL EQUIPMENT...............................................81
3.7 STEP 6—CHECK FOR NORMAL OPERATION.................................................................82
4
TROUBLESHOOTING & RADIO MEASUREMENTS
4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................87

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) iii
4.1.1 Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs ............................................................................................87
4.1.2 Troubleshooting Using the Embedded Management System ...................................................88
4.1.3 Using Logged Operation Events ...............................................................................................92
4.1.4 Alarm Conditions ......................................................................................................................92
4.1.5 Correcting Alarm Conditions ....................................................................................................93
4.1.6 Logged Non-Critical Events ......................................................................................................94
4.2 RADIO MEASUREMENTS.................................................................................................96
4.2.1 Antenna System SWR and Transmitter Power Output .............................................................96
4.2.2 Antenna Direction Optimization ................................................................................................97
5 PLANNING AN MDS i NET 900 NETWORK
5.1 INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................103
5.1.1 General Requirements ...........................................................................................................103
5.1.2 Site Selection .........................................................................................................................105
5.1.3 Terrain and Signal Strength ....................................................................................................105
5.1.4 Antenna & Feedline Selection ................................................................................................106
5.1.5 Conducting a Site Survey .......................................................................................................108
5.1.6 A Word About Radio Interference ...........................................................................................108
5.1.7 How Much Output Power Can be Used? ................................................................................110
5.2 dBm-WATTS-VOLTS CONVERSION CHART ..................................................................112
5
PLANNING AN MDS i NET 900 NETWORK
6.1 REMOTE TRANSCEIVER COMMAND REFERENCE.....................................................115
6.1.1 Command Description ............................................................................................................115
6.2 DATA INTERFACE CONNECTORS..................................................................................126
6.2.1 LAN Port .................................................................................................................................126
6.2.2 COM1 Port ..............................................................................................................................127
6.2.3 COM2 Port ..............................................................................................................................127
6.3 MDS entraNET 900 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................128
6 TECHNICAL REFERENCE
7 GLOSSARY OFTERMS & ABBREVIATIONS 133

iv MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Copyright Notice
This publication is protected by U.S.A. copyright law. Copyright 2003, Microwave Data Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved.
ISO 9001 Registration
Microwave Data Systems adheres to the internationally-accepted ISO 9001 quality system standard.
Related Documentation
Installer Guide —The associated MDS entra NET 900 Installer Guide, P/N 05-xxxxA01 (pending), is provided with
the transceiver and is limited to essential information for installers. It assumes a basic level of understanding of the
material in this manual, including antenna selection, the use of radio communication site survey tools and techniques,
and network design.
Related Materials on the Internet —Data sheets, frequently asked questions, case studies, application notes, firm-
ware upgrades and other valuable information are available on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.
About Microwave Data Systems Inc.
Almost two decades ago, MDS began building radios for business-critical applications. Since then, we’ve installed
more than 500,000 radios in over 110 countries. To succeed, we overcame impassable terrain, brutal operating condi-
tions and disparate, complex network configurations. We also became experts in wireless communication standards
and system applications worldwide. The result of our efforts is that today, thousands of utilities around the world rely
on MDS-based wireless networks to manage their most critical assets.
The majority of MDS radios deployed since 1985 are still installed and performing within our customers' wireless net-
works. That’s because we design and manufacture our products in-house, under an ISO 9001 registered quality system
which allows us to control and meet stringent global quality standards.
Thanks to our durable products and comprehensive solutions, MDS is the wireless leader in industrial automation—
including oil and gas production and transportation, water/wastewater treatment, supply and transportation, electric
transmission and distribution and many other utility applications. MDS is also at the forefront of wireless communi-
cations for private and public infrastructure and online transaction processing. Now is an exciting time for MDS and
our customers as we look forward to further demonstrating our abilities in new and emerging markets.
As your wireless needs change you can continue to expect more from MDS. We'll always put the performance of your
network above all. Visit us at www.microwavedata.com for more information.
Manual Revision and Accuracy
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, product improvements may result
in minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If you have additional questions or need an
exact specification for a product, please contact our Customer Service Team using the information at the back of this
guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on the MDS Web site at www.microwavedata.com.

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) v
OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTICES
CSA
US
Notice (Approval Pending)
This product is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D or non-hazardous locations only.
The transceiver has been recognized for use in these hazardous locations by the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). The CSA certification for the transceiver is as a Recognized Component for use in these hazardous locations,
in accordance with CSA STD C22.2 No. 213-M1987.
Conditions of Approval: The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in the hazardous locations
described above. It must either be mounted within another piece of equipment which is certified for hazardous loca-
tions, or installed within guidelines, or conditions of approval, as set forth by the approving agencies. These conditions
of approval are as follows:
The transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure which is suitable for the intended application. The
antenna feedline, DC power cable and interface cable must be routed through conduit in accordance with the National
Electrical Code.
Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver must be in accordance with the transceiver's instruction
manual, and the National Electrical Code. Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely
affect the safe use of the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval. A power connector with
screw-type retaining screws as supplied by MDS must be used.
Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to
be non-hazardous.
Refer to Articles 500 through 502 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for further
information on hazardous locations and approved Division 2 wiring methods.
FCC Part 15 Notice
The transceiver complies with Part 15 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 inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation. This device is specifically designed to be used under Section 15.247 of
the FCC Rules and Regulations. Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the express approval
of Microwave Data Systems may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Furthermore, this device is intended
to be used only when installed in accordance with the instruction manual. Failure to comply with these instructions
may also void the user’s authority to operate this device.
Professional installation required. The radio equipment described in this guide emits
radio frequency energy. Although the power level is low, the concentrated energy from a
directional antenna may pose a health hazard. Do not allow people to come closer than 23
cm (9 inches) to the antenna when the transmitter is operating in indoor or outdoor environ-
ments. More information on RF exposure is on the Internet at
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins
.
RF Exposure
EXPLOSION
HAZARD!

vi MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 1
1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
AND APPLICATIONS
1 Chapter Counter Reset Paragraph
Contents
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION .........................................................3
1.1.1 Model Offerings .............................................................................4
1.2 APPLICATIONS5
1.2.1 Wireless LAN ................................................................................5
1.2.2 Point-to-Point LAN Extension ........................................................6
1.2.3 Backhaul for Serial Radio Networks ..............................................6
1.2.4 Multiple Protocols and/or Services ................................................7
1.2.5 Wireless LAN with Extended Range .............................................8
1.2.6 Upgrading Older Wireless Network with
Serial Interfaces .......................................................................................8
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS.................................10
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters ............................10
1.3.2 Protected Network Operation through Multiple Access Points ....12
1.3.3 Collocating Multiple Wireless Networks ......................................13
1.4 SECURITY TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS.....................................14
1.4.1 Early Warning via SNMP Traps ...................................................15
1.5 ACCESSORIES.........................................................................15

2 MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 3
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This manual presents installation and operating instructions for the
MDS entraNET 900 system. It is for use by professional installers who
are expected to install, operate, and perform basic maintenance on the
system.
The MDS entraNET 900 system is an easy-to-install wireless solution
that supports long range Serial and Ethernet data transmission at speeds
up to 115.2 kbps. The system includes an Access Point transceiver (AP)
and two types of Remote transceivers—Serial or Ethernet. These units
serve a variety of network configurations. Figure 1-1 shows each model
of the entraNET family.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-1. MDS entraNET 900 Transceivers
Rugged Packaging
MDS entraNET units are housed in compact and rugged die-cast cases.
They need only be protected from direct exposure to the weather. The
transceivers are supplied with optional flat surface or 35 mm DIN rail
mounting brackets, depending on customer requirements.
Simple Installation
Basic installation typically employs an omni-directional antenna at the
Access Point location and a directional antenna at each associated
Remote.The antennais avital linkin thesystem andmust bechosen and
installed correctly. Refer to INSTALLATION on Page 103 for guidance
on choosing proper sites and antennas.
For basic services, you simply hook up an antenna, connect your
EthernetLAN to thetransceiver’s
LAN
port, apply primarypower, check
and set a few operating parameters as necessary and you are done. No
license is required for operation in the U.S.A., Canada, and many other
countries.
Secure Operation
Data network security is a vital issue in today's wireless world. The
MDS entraNET’s design provides multiple tools to help you build a net-
work that minimizes the risk of eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
Access Point
Serial Remote Ethernet Remote

4 MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Some are inherent in the radio's operation, such as the use of
spread-spectrum transmission; other techniques include data encryp-
tion, enabling/disabling remote access channels, and password protec-
tion.
Remember, security is not a one-step process that can be simply turned
on and forgotten. It must be practiced and enforced at multiple levels,
24 hours-a-day and 7 days-a-week. Section 1.4 on Page 10 contains
additional information about entraNET’s security tools.
Robust Radio
Operation
The transceivers are designed for frequency-hopping spread-spectrum
operation in the license-free 900 MHz band. They can provide reliable
communications up to distances of 30 miles (50 km) or more under
favorable conditions. The units employ digital signal processing (DSP)
techniques for high performance operation, even in the presence of
weak signals or interference.
Flexible Services
Users with a mixture of equipment having Ethernet and serial data inter-
faces can choose a combination of both types of remotes on the same
cell or Access Point. This flexibility allows the transceiver to provide
services in data networks that are on a path from legacy
serial/EIA-232-based hardware to the faster and more easily interfaced
Ethernet world.
Flexible
Management
Configuration, commissioning, troubleshooting and other maintenance
activities can be done locally or remotely. Four different modes of
access are available: local RS-232 console, local or remote IP access
through Telnet, web browser access, and via SNMP. The text-based
interfaces (RS-232 console and Telnet) are implemented in the form of
easy-to-follow menus, and the terminal server configuration includes a
“wizard” to help you set up the units correctly.
Transceiver
Features
The MDS entraNET 900’s design makes the installation and configura-
tion easy, while allowing for changes in the future.
• Long Range—30 miles (50 km) over favorable terrain, with suf-
ficient antenna height in a point-to-multipoint configuration
• Industrial-Grade Product—Extended temperature range for
trouble-free operation in extreme environments
• Robust Radio Communications—Designed to operate in
high-interference environments
• Robust Network Security—Prevents common attack schemes
and hardware from gaining access or control of network. Com-
mon attack events are logged and reported by alarms.
• Fast, 115.2 kbps data speed—Much faster than 9.6 kbps radios
• Plug-and-Play Connectivity—Ethernet bridge configuration
option requires very little setup
• Serial Ports—Gateway for serial interface based equipment to
IP/Ethernet networks with embedded terminal server

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 5
1.1.1 Model Offerings
The MDS entraNET 900 comes in two primary models—an Access
Point and a Remote. In addition, two types of Remotes are available—
an Ethernet Remote, and a Serial Remote. Table 1-1 summaries the dif-
ferent interface abilities for each type.
An Ethernet remote will serve only one MAC address, even if a bridge
or hub is used.
1.2 APPLICATIONS
The following sections give descriptions of typical entraNET installa-
tions. Most installations will require planning by a network manager.
1.2.1 Long Range Wireless LAN
The wireless LAN is the most common application of the entraNET 900
system. It consists of a central control station (Access Point) and one or
more associated Remote units, as shown in Figure 1-2 on Page 6. A
LAN provides communications between a central WAN/LAN and
remote Ethernet segments. The operation of the radio system is trans-
parent to the computer equipment it is connected to.
The Access Point is positioned at a location from which it can commu-
nicate with all of the Remote units in the system. Commonly, this is a
relatively high location on top of a building or communications tower.
Messages are exchanged at the Ethernet level. This includes all types of
IP traffic.
A Remote transceiver can only talk over-the-air to an Access Point (AP)
unit. Peer-to-peer communications between Remotes can only take
place indirectly through the AP. An AP can only talk over-the-air to
Remote units, however two APs can communicate with each other
through their Ethernet connectors utilizing a common LAN/WAN.
Table 1-1. MDS entraNET 900 Models and Data Interface Services
Model ETH
1
COM1
1
COM2
Access Point Yes Yes Yes
Ethernet Remote Yes Yes No
Serial Remote No -- Yes
NOTES
1.Providesaccesstothe embedded Management Systemonly.No data transfer
capability.

6 MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-2. Typical wireless LAN
1.2.2 Multiple Protocols and/or Services
Prior to the introduction of the entraNET 900, two radios were often
required to service two different types of devices (typically connected to
different SCADA hosts). An entraNET 900 provides this functionality
through a single AP radio. Each of the two groups of remote radios can
be connected via IP to different SCADA hosts, transporting different (or
the same) protocols. Both data streams are completely independent and
the transceiver provides seamless simultaneous operation as shown in
Figure 1-3 on Page 6.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-3. Multiple Protocol Network
By using a single AP the cost of infrastructure deployment is cut in half,
with only one antenna, one feedline, and one lightning protector
required. Other cost reductions come from the system as a whole,
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Acess Point
iNET 900
Remote
iNET 900
Remote LAN
LAN
WAN/LAN
LAN
LAN
PC Running
NetView SCADA Host
Total Flow
Access Point
Serial emote
Serial Remote
SCADA Host
Modbus/IP
Ethernet
Remote
Access Point
RTU
EIA-232
EIA-232
TCP/IP
ROUTER
HUB Serial
Device
HUB
HUB
HUB
WAN
Ethernet
Device

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 7
including reduced management requirements via the MDS NETview
MS application. Finally, entraNET offers a nearly unlimited potential
for future applications that run over IP and Ethernet.
1.2.3 Upgrading Older Wireless Network with
Serial Interfaces
Millions of wireless data products have been sold in the last two decades
for licensed and license-free operation, many of them manufactured by
MicrowaveData Systems.Thereare severalwaysthat thesesystems can
benefit from the more flexible MDS entraNET 900 equipment—more
flexible serial and Ethernet interfaces, and higher data throughput.
MDS entraNET 900 units are well suited to replace leased or dial-up
lines, or existing 900 MHz data transceivers by taking advantage of the
transceiver’s serial and Ethernet interfaces.
Replacing Legacy Wireless Products
In most cases, legacy radio transceivers supporting serial-interface
equipment can be replaced with MDS entraNET 900 units with little or
no special configuration. This equipment can be connected to MDS
entraNET 900 units through the
COM1
or
COM2
port with a DB-25 to
DB-9 cable wired for EIA-232 signaling. The
COM2
port supports all
standard EIA-232 signaling and acts as a data-terminal equipment
device (DTE).
Several previous MDS-brand products had non-standard signal lines on
their interface connectors; for example, to control the unit sleep func-
tion. These special functions are not provided nor supported by the
MDS entraNET 900 unit at this time. Always consult the legacy equip-
ment manual(s) for interface pinout information prior to making con-
nections.
Supplement legacy wireless network with IP services
The MDS entraNET 900 Dual Gateway model can support up to two
serial devices and one Ethernet connection at the same time. The serial
interfaces (COM1 and COM2) operate in two different modes: Connec-
tionless serial-to-serial (UDP) and connection-oriented IP-to-serial
(TCP).
In the UDP (connectionless serial-to-serial) mode, the transceiver sup-
ports point-to-multipoint serial-port to serial-port connectivity. In the
TCP (connection-oriented IP-to-serial) mode, the transceiver supports
point-to-point Ethernet/IP to serial port connectivity.
For further details on Serial Gateway interface modes, see “CONFIG-
URING THE SERIAL INTERFACES” on Page 32.

8 MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters
What is a Repeater System?
A repeater works by re-transmitting data from outlying remote sites to
the Access Point and vice-versa. As with any other store-and-forward
device, it introduces additional end-to-end transmission delay but pro-
vides longer-range connectivity.
In some geographical areas obstacles can make communications diffi-
cult. These obstacles commonly are large buildings, hills or dense
foliage. These obstacles can often be overcome with a repeater station.
The geographic location of a repeater station is especially important. A
site must be chosen that allows good communication from the repeater
to both the Access Point and outlying remote sites. This location is often
on top of a hill, or other elevated terrain from which both sites can be
“seen” by the repeater station antennas. A detailed discussion on the
effects of terrain is given in Section 5.1.2, Site Selection (beginning on
Page 105).
Using a Remote as a Store-and-Forward Repeater
A wireless network can be extended through the use of an alternate
arrangement using the Access Point as a repeater to re-transmit the sig-
nals of all stations in the network. The repeater is a standard transceiver
configured as an Access Point. (See Figure 1-4.)
Invisible place holder
Figure 1-4. Typical network with store-and-forward repeater
1.3.2 Protected Network Operation through Multiple
Access Points
Although MDS entraNET 900 units have a very robust design and have
undergone intensive testing before shipment it is possible for isolated
failures to occur. Down time can be further reduced by using some, or
all, of the following configurations.
Remote
Remote
Access Point
LAN/WAN
STORE & FORWARD
REPEATER
LAN
POINT-TO-POINTLINK

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 9
In a point-to-multipoint scenario, the Access Point services multiple
remotes. A problem in the Access Point will have an effect on all
remotes, since none will have access to the network. When operation of
the network does not tolerate any down time, it is possible to set up a
protected configuration for the Access Point to greatly reduce the possi-
bility of this happening.
Two or more Access Points can be configured with the same Network
Name and kept active simultaneously, each with its own independent
antenna. In this scenario, Remotes will associate with either one of the
available Access Points. In case of a failure of one of the AP’s, the
Remotes will quickly associate with another of the remaining Access
Points re-establishing connectivity to the end devices.
Access Points are unaware of the existence of another co-located AP.
This is because the hopping algorithm uses both the Network Name and
the Wireless MAC address of the AP to generate the hopping pattern.
For this reason, multiple AP’s can coexist—even if they use the same
network name. The co-located AP’s will be using different hopping pat-
terns and frequencies the great majority of the time. Although some col-
lisionswill occur,thewireless-MAC isbuiltto tolerateandrecover from
such occurrences with minimal degradation.
1.3.3 Co-locating Multiple Networks
Many wireless networks can operate in relatively close physical prox-
imity to one another providing reasonable measures are taken to assure
the radio signal of one Access Point is not directed at the antenna of the
second Access Point.
The Network Name and the association process
The Network Name is the foundation for building individual
MDS entraNET 900 networks. It is part of a beacon signal broadcast by
the Access Point (AP) to any Remote units with the same Network
Name. Remotes that join the network are referred to as being “associ-
ated” with the Access Point unit.
Multiple APs with the same Network Name should be avoided unless a
redundant system is being deployed. Using the same Network Name in
multiple APs may result in Remotes associating with undesired APs and
preventing data exchange from occurring.
The use of a different Network Name does not guarantee an interfer-
ence-free system. It does however, assure that only data destined for a
unique network is passed through to that network.
Co-Location for
Redundancy You can co-locate Access Points at one location for load-sharing or
redundancy,provided theyhave thesame NetworkName. Providesome
vertical separation between the antennas to minimize RFI between
them.

10 MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Co-Location for
Multiple Networks It may be desirable to co-locate Access Points at one location to take
advantage of an excellent or premium location that can serve two inde-
pendent networks. Each network should have unique Network Name
and each AP unit’s antenna should be provided as much vertical separa-
tion as is practical to minimize RFI.
NOTE: All radios are shipped with the Network Name as
“Not Programmed.” The Network Name must be programmed
in order to pass data and begin normal operations.
Can radio-frequency interference (RFI) disrupt my Network?
When multiple MDS entraNET 900 networks operate in close physical
proximity to other wireless networks, individual units may not operate
reliably under weak signal conditions and may be influenced by strong
radiosignalsin adjacentbands.Thisradio frequencyinterferencecannot
be predicted and can only be determined by experimentation. If you
need to co-locate two transceivers, start by using the largest possible
vertical antenna separation between the two AP antennas on the same
support structure. If that does not work, consult with MDS technical
support personnel about other techniques for controlling radio fre-
quency interference between the radios. (See “A Word About Radio
Interference” on Page 108 for more details.)
1.4 SECURITYTECHNIQUES &TOOLS
Today the operation and management of an enterprise is becoming
increasing dependent on electronic information flow. An accompanying
concern becomes the security of the communication infrastructure and
the security of the data itself.
The MDS entraNET 900 is capable of dealing with many common secu-
rity issues. Table 1-2profiles security risks and how the MDS entraNET
900 provides a solution for minimizing vulnerability.
Table 1-2. Security Risk Management
Security Risk The MDS entraNET 900 Solution
Unauthorized access to the backbone
network through a foreign remote radio √Approved Remotes List
Only those remotes included in the
AP list will associate
“Rogue”AP, where a foreign AP takes
control of some or all remote radios and
thus remote devices
√Approved AP List
A remote will only associate to
those AP included in its local
authorized list of AP
Dictionary attacks, where a hacker runs a
program that sequentially tries to break a
password.
√Failed-loginlockdown
After 3 tries, a transceiver ignores
login requests for 5 minutes.
Critical event reports (traps) are
generated as well.

MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 11
1.4.1 Intrusion Detection via SNMP Traps
In addition to the operative tools and techniques, the MDS entraNET
900 can provide SNMP-based network management systems with traps
(alarms) that represent potentially suspicious activities or events. These
include:
• Unauthorized AP MAC address detected at Remote
• Unauthorized Remote MAC address detected at AP
• Login attempt limit exceeded
(Accessed via: Telnet, HTTP, or local)
• Successful login/logout
(Accessed via: Telnet, HTTP, or local)
1.5 ACCESSORIES
The transceiver can be used with one or more of the accessories listed in
Table 1-3. Contact the factory for ordering details.
Denial of service, where Remote radios
could be reconfigured with bad
parameters bringing the network down.
√Remote login
√Local console login
√Disabled HTTP & Telnet to allow
only local management services
Airsnort and other war-driving hackers in
parking lots, etc. √900 MHz FHSS does not talk over
the air with standard 802.11b cards
√The transceiver cannot be put in a
promiscuous mode
√Proprietary data framing
Eavesdropping, intercepting messages √128-bit encryption
Key cracking √Automatic Rotating Key algorithm
Replaying messages √128-bit encryption with rotating
keys
Unprotected access to configuration via
SNMPv1 √Enable/disable SNMPv1 operation
Potential, ongoing attacks √Provides early warning via SNMP
through critical event reports
(unauthorized, logging attempts,
etc.)
Table 1-2. Security Risk Management
Security Risk The MDS entraNET 900 Solution

12 MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A
Table 1-3. Accessories
Accessory Description MDS Part No.
AC Power
Adapter Kit A small power supply module designed for continuous service. UL approved. Input:
120/220; Output: 13.8 Vdc @ 2.5 A
01-3682A02
Omni-
Directional
Antennas
Rugged antennas well suited for use at Access
Point installations. Consult with your factory
Sales Representative for details
Call factory
Yagi Antenna
(Directional) Ruggedantennaswell suitedforuse atRemote installations. Consult with your factory Sales
Representative for details.
Call factory
TNC Male-to-N
FemaleAdapter One-piece RF adaptor plug. 97-1677A161
TNC Male-to-N
FemaleAdapter
Cable
Short length of coaxial cable used to connect
the radio’s TNC antenna connector to a Type N
commonly used on large diameter coaxial
cables.
97-1677A159
(3 ft./1m)
97-1677A160
(6 ft./1.8m)
Ethernet RJ-45
Crossover
Cable (CAT5)
Cable assembly used to cross-connect the
Ethernet ports of two transceivers used in a
repeater configuration.
(Cable length ≈3 ft./1M)
97-1870A21
2-Pin Power
Plug Mates with power connector on transceiver. Screw terminals provided for wires, threaded
locking screws to prevent accidental
disconnect.
73-1194A39
Ethernet RJ-45
Straight-thru
Cable (CAT5)
Cable assembly used to connect an Ethernet
device to the transceiver. Both ends of the
cable are wired identically.
(Cable length ≈3 ft./1M)
97-1870A20
EIA-232
Shielded Data
Cable
Shielded cable terminated with a DB-25 male
connector on one end, and a DB-9 female on
the other end. Two lengths available (see part
numbers at right).
97-3035L06
(6 ft./1.8m)
97-3035L15
(15 ft./4.6m)
EIA-232
Shielded Data
Cable
Shielded cable terminated with a DB-9 male
connector on one end, and a DB-9 female on
the other end, 6 ft./1.8m long.
97-1971A03
Fuse Small, board-mounted fuse used to protect
against over-current conditions. 29-1784A03
Flat-Surface
Mounting
Brackets &
Screws
Brackets:2˝x 3˝platesdesignedto bescrewed
ontothebottom oftheunit forsurface-mounting
the radio.
82-1753-A01
Screws: 6-32/1/4˝with locking adhesive.
(Industry Standard MS 51957-26) 70-2620-A01
DIN Rail
Mounting
Bracket
Bracket used to mount the transceiver to
standard 35 mm DIN rails commonly found in
equipment cabinets and panels.
03-4022A02
COM2Interface
Adapter DB-25(F) to DB-9(M) shielded cable assembly (6 ft./1.8 m) for connection of equipment or
other EIA-232 serial devices previously
connectedto“legacy”units.(Consultfactory for
other lengths and variations.)
97-3035A06