Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb JR2-24 User manual
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
2
Copyright
S
t
at
em
en
t
Rajant, the Rajant logo, BreadCrumb, Instamesh, BC|Commander, and Bring Your Network with You!
are registered trademarks of Rajant Corp. in the United States and certain other countries.
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Copyright © 2009–2013 Rajant Corp. All rights reserved.
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
3
Federal
CommunicationCommission
I
n
t
er
f
er
en
ce
S
t
at
em
en
t
(FCC ID: TV7METL2SHPN)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
●
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
●
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
●
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
●
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device 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 interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
IMPORTANT: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation.
63 cm minimum distance has to be maintained between the antenna and the occupational user and 142 cm to
general public. Under such configuration, the FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
population/uncontrolled environment can be satisfied.
The following antenna is approved for use with this product:
●
Omni Directional (fiberglass pole),6 dBi, 2.4GHz
Antenna Installation. WARNING: It is installer's responsibility to ensure that when using the authorized antennas
in the United States (or where FCC rules apply); only those antennas certified with the product are used. The use
of any antenna other than those certified with the product is expressly forbidden in accordance to FCC rules
CFR47 part 15.204. The installer should configure the output power level of antennas, according to country
regulations and per antenna type. Professional installation is required of equipment with connectors to ensure
compliance with health and safety issues.
(FCC ID: TV7METL5SHPN)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
4
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following
measures:
●
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
●
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
●
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
●
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device 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 interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
IMPORTANT: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation. 160 cm minimum distance has to be maintained
between the antenna and the occupational user and 350 cm to general public. Under such configuration, the FCC
radiation exposure limits set forth for a population/uncontrolled environment can be satisfied.
MODIFICATIONS
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications to this device that are not expressly
approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The correction of
interference caused by unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
The manufacturer and its authorized resellers or distributors are not liable for any damage or violation of
government regulations that may arise from failing to comply with these guidelines.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION ATTESTATION
Rajant Corporation addresses the following items to ensure that the above referenced equipment is professionally
installed:
The device will only be sold by Rajant Corporation or one of its authorized dealers. Rajant Corporation and its
authorized dealers will be under strict marketing control and will only market and sell the device to professionals.
Professional installation is required for this device and will be performed only by someone knowledgeable of its
use. Rajant Corporation will ensure that the device is only marketed and sold to professionals.
The device is not sold to the general public and is sold only for industrial or commercial use by professional
installers.
The following antenna is approved for use with this device
●
6 dBi 5.8GHz Omni directional
Antennas of same type and lower gain than those listed above may be used in compliance with certification.
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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GNU General Public
L
i
cen
se
S
t
at
em
en
t
Certain components of the Rajant BreadCrumb firmware are subject to the GNU General Public License
Version 2, or other so-called open source licenses ("Open Source Software"). In compliance with the
terms of certain Open Source Software licenses like the GNU General Public License Version 2
("GPLv2"), Rajant makes certain modifications to Open Source Software that Rajant uses, modifies and
distributes pursuant to such licenses available to customers in source code form upon request. You are
free to use, modify and distribute Open Source Software so long as you comply with the terms of the
relevant Open Source Software license. In particular, the GPLv2 is available in the appendix of this
manual or at www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html.
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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Table of C
o
n
t
en
t
s
Copyright
St
a
t
e
me
n
t
.....................................................................................................................2
F
e
d
e
ra
l
C
o
mmu
n
i
ca
t
i
on
Commission
I
n
t
e
rf
e
re
n
ce
St
a
t
e
me
n
t
.....................................................3
GNU
G
e
n
e
ra
l
P
ub
li
c
L
i
ce
n
s
e
St
a
t
e
me
n
t
......................................................................................5
Pre
f
a
ce
..........................................................................................................................................8
1
I
n
tr
o
du
c
ti
o
n
to
B
r
e
a
d
C
r
u
m
b
s
................................................................................................9
1.1 What
i
s
a
Bre
a
d
C
ru
mb
?
.....................................................................................................9
1.2 The
Mesh N
e
tw
o
rk
...........................................................................................................10
1.2.1 Mesh –A D
e
f
i
n
i
t
i
on...................................................................................................10
1.2.2
BreadCrumb
Mesh
C
onn
e
ct
i
on
s
..............................................................................10
1.2.3
C
o
mp
a
t
i
b
ili
t
y
w
i
t
h
v10...............................................................................................10
2 D
e
s
c
r
i
p
ti
o
n
of a
B
r
e
a
d
C
r
u
m
b
J
R
2.......................................................................................11
2.1
R
a
d
i
o.................................................................................................................................11
2.2
Enc
l
o
su
re
..........................................................................................................................11
2.3
Antenna C
onn
e
ct
o
r
...........................................................................................................11
2.4 Power and
Et
h
e
rn
e
t
..........................................................................................................12
2.5
Status
L
ED
s
......................................................................................................................12
2.6 LED
C
on
f
i
gu
ra
t
i
on
/ Z
e
r
o
i
ze
Keys and
Restore
Factory D
e
f
a
u
l
t
s
B
u
tt
on........................13
2.6.1 LED
C
on
f
i
gu
rat
i
on....................................................................................................14
2.6.2
Z
e
r
o
i
ze
Keys and
Restore
Factory D
e
f
au
l
t
s
............................................................14
3 U
s
i
n
g
B
C
|
C
o
mm
a
nd
e
r
...........................................................................................................16
4
Deploying
a
B
r
e
a
d
C
r
u
m
b
Me
s
h
N
e
tw
o
r
k
............................................................................17
4.1 Ad
d
re
ss
i
ng........................................................................................................................17
4.1.1
BreadCrumb D
e
v
i
ce
Add
r
esse
s
...............................................................................17
4.1.2 DH
CP
........................................................................................................................17
4.2
C
h
a
nn
e
l
Ass
i
gn
me
n
t
s
.......................................................................................................17
4.3
Ph
ys
i
ca
l
Placement
and other
C
on
si
d
e
ra
t
i
on
s
................................................................18
4.3.1 L
i
n
e
-o
f-
S
i
gh
t
.............................................................................................................18
4.3.2 D
i
st
anc
e
....................................................................................................................18
4.3.3
W
e
a
t
h
e
r
....................................................................................................................19
4.3.4
I
n
t
e
rf
e
re
n
ce
...............................................................................................................19
4.3.5
P
l
a
ce
m
e
n
t of Mesh
C
o
m
pon
e
n
t
s
.............................................................................19
4.4 D
e
p
l
o
ym
e
n
t
G
u
i
d
e
li
n
e
s
and
M
e
t
hodo
l
og
y
.......................................................................20
4.4.1 D
e
p
l
o
yme
n
t
G
u
i
d
e
li
n
e
s
............................................................................................20
4.4.2 D
e
p
l
o
yme
n
t
Me
t
hodo
l
ogy.........................................................................................20
5 Firmware U
p
g
r
a
d
e
.................................................................................................................22
5.1 Over The
Air
F
i
rm
w
a
re
U
pg
ra
d
e
......................................................................................22
6
T
r
o
ub
l
e
s
h
oo
ti
n
g
.....................................................................................................................23
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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6.1
Sp
o
ra
d
i
c
Network
C
onn
e
ct
i
vi
ty
........................................................................................23
6.2
BreadCrumb
Device
Cannot Connect
to
Me
s
h................................................................24
6.3
BreadCrumb
Power and Start-Up
I
ssu
e
s
.........................................................................24
Appendix
A: Radio C
h
a
nn
e
l
s
and F
r
e
qu
e
n
c
i
e
s
....................................................................26
Appendix
B: Error and Warning C
o
d
e
s
..................................................................................30
Appendix
C: R
a
j
a
n
t End U
s
e
r
L
i
ce
n
s
e
A
g
r
ee
m
e
n
t
...............................................................33
Appendix
D: GNU General Public
L
i
ce
n
s
e
.............................................................................41
I
nd
ex
of Fi
g
u
r
es
F
i
gu
re
1:
BreadCrumb
JR2
Enc
l
o
su
r
e
F
ea
t
u
r
e
s
........................................................................11
I
nd
ex
of
T
ab
l
es
T
a
b
l
e
1:
Status
LED
C
od
e
s
.........................................................................................................13
T
a
b
l
e
2:
C
on
f
i
gu
r
e
d
and Alternate D
i
sp
l
a
y
States
of
the
Status
L
ED
........................................14
T
a
b
l
e
3: D
e
f
a
u
l
t
C
h
a
nn
e
l
Assi
gn
m
e
n
t
s
.......................................................................................18
T
a
b
l
e
4:
Sp
o
ra
d
i
c
Network
C
onn
e
ct
i
vi
ty
I
ssu
e
s
.........................................................................23
T
a
b
l
e
5:
BreadCrumb
to BCWN
C
onn
e
ct
i
v
i
ty
I
ssu
e
s
.................................................................24
T
a
b
l
e
6:
BreadCrumb
Power and Start-Up
I
ssu
e
s
.....................................................................24
T
a
b
l
e
7: 2.4 GHz N
-R
a
d
i
o
C
h
a
nn
e
l
s
and
F
re
qu
e
n
ci
e
s
..............................................................26
T
a
b
l
e
8: 5 GHz N
-R
a
d
i
o
C
h
a
nn
e
l
s
and
F
re
qu
e
n
ci
e
s
.................................................................28
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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N
o
t
e
P
r
ef
ace
Pu
r
p
o
s
e
and
S
c
o
p
e
This manual provides information and guidance to all personnel who are involved with and use Rajant
Corporation’s BreadCrumb JR2.
This manual begins with an introduction to the BreadCrumb Kinetic Mesh Network. It then
characterizes the features of the BreadCrumb JR2. Finally, it describes common deployment scenarios
and provides concise step-by-step instructions for each scenario.
Throughout this document, unless otherwise stated, the terms JR2 and BreadCrumb are
used to refer to Rajant BreadCrumb JR2.
Feedback
W
e
l
c
o
m
e
The user of this manual is encouraged to submit comments and recommended changes to improve this
manual and all Rajant products. Please send your feedback to support@rajant.com. Please be sure to
include the version number of the manual or product you are using as well as the relevant page numbers
if appropriate.
Related D
o
c
u
m
e
n
ta
ti
o
n
For additional information, refer to these documents:
●
BC|Commander® v11 User Guide: This document contains information on the
BC|Commander management application, which is used to configure BreadCrumbs before or
during a deployment.
●
BreadCrumb® Video Guide
●
Rajant Troubleshooting Range User Guide
●
RF Component Installation and Verification in BreadCrumb® Networks
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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1
I
n
t
roduc
ti
on
to
B
re
a
dC
rumbs
Rajant Corporation's (http://www.rajant.com) BreadCrumbs utilize the 802.11 wireless networking
standards to form a wireless mesh network. The network is mobile, self-integrating, self-meshing, self-
healing, and secure. The focus is on flexibility, adaptability, and simplicity.
The BreadCrumb Kinetic Mesh Network is intended for rapid deployment of a broadband wireless
network into a situation or “hot zone.”The network can be deployed as a stand-alone wireless network,
or bridged to another network (such as the Internet) utilizing available reach-back communication links
(such as a DSL, cable, or satellite modem).
BreadCrumbs provide high bandwidth for applications to stream video, audio as well as data over large
distances. The network traffic can be secured by using different security features available on the
BreadCrumb. This makes the network optimal for tactical deployments as well as emergency response
situations since it offers robustness, stability and ease of setup in mission critical activities.
1.1 What i
s
a
B
r
ead
C
r
u
m
b
?
A BreadCrumb is an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and Ethernet compatible networking device which has the
ability to connect to other BreadCrumbs or networking devices to form a BreadCrumb network. The
BreadCrumb is specifically designed for the following scenarios:
Temporary Wireless Networks
Networks that must be established quickly and with minimal effort for short-term use (e.g., a
network established to provide First Responder support at the site of a disaster).
Mobile Wireless Networks
Networks in which the network infrastructure itself is mobile, in addition to client devices (e.g., a
convoy viewing a video stream from a UAV).
Wireless Network Extension
Networks in which a wireless network must be quickly extended around or through obstacles that
block wireless communications (e.g., urban canyon networks, tunnels/caves, etc.)
Wired Network Extension
Networks in which two or more wired LANs at different locations must be connected wirelessly
(e.g., to securely connect combat service support computers with logistics bases)
Any Combination of the Above
Most BreadCrumb deployments include elements from more than one of the above scenarios.
In many cases, BreadCrumbs will perform all of these tasks as shipped with no configuration necessary
at all, providing an instant TAN (Tactical Area Network). Moreover, because BreadCrumbs use
industry-standard 802.11 communications, client devices such as laptops, or cell phones require no
special hardware, software, and little or no configuration to access a BreadCrumb network.
N
o
t
e
Although all BreadCrumbs can be access points, most access points do not provide
mesh capability. Traditional access points simply allow wireless devices within range to
connect to a wired network; they do not extend range through other access points.
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Version 11.4.0
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1.2 The Mesh N
et
w
o
r
k
The key component of a BreadCrumb Mesh network is the ability for BreadCrumbs to connect, or mesh
with each other. While this is generally handled automatically by BreadCrumbs, complex deployment
scenarios require a basic understanding of how BreadCrumbs establish and maintain a mesh.
1.2.1 Mesh –A D
e
fi
n
i
t
i
o
n
A mesh is a collection of BreadCrumbs (or other network devices), each of which is linked to one or
more other BreadCrumbs. Data can move between BreadCrumbs via these links, possibly passing
through several intermediate BreadCrumbs before arriving at its final destination.
The intelligence of a BreadCrumb network is in how it adapts rapidly to the creation or destruction of
the links in the mesh as devices are moved, switched OFF or ON, blocked by obstructions, interfered
with by other devices, or otherwise affected. This adaptation takes place automatically and immediately
as needed.
1.2.2
BreadCrumb Mesh
C
o
nn
e
ct
i
o
n
s
In order for two BreadCrumbs to establish a mesh link to each other, they must be set to the same radio
channel, and have the same Network ID. The Network ID is computed from the BreadCrumb's Network
Name, Network Key, and a collection of Crypto settings. The Network Name is simply a name for a
Mesh network. By default, BreadCrumbs use the Network Name "Rajant Mesh Network”. The
Network Key is a passphrase or key used to secure the network. The Crypto settings include a packet
cipher, MAC cipher, per-hop authentication, and a key sequence number. All of these settings on the
BreadCrumbs can be configured using BC|Commander v11. The Crypto settings can only be configured
if the application is logged into the BreadCrumbs using Crypto Officer credentials.
1.2.3
Compatibility
with
v10
It is possible to have a mesh with both v10 and v11 BreadCrumbs. This is useful while upgrading a
network from v10 to v11. The following settings must be configured on the v11 BreadCrumbs in order
to establish mesh links with v10 BreadCrumbs:
●
Access Point: Enable Access Point must be checked, and Access Point: ESSID must match the
primary ESSID of the v10 BreadCrumb on at least one radio of the same frequency. Version 10
firmware uses the BreadCrumb's primary ESSID instead of the Network Name.
●
Security: Version 10 Network Authentication Key and Security: Version 10 Network Encryption
Key must match the NAK and NEK of the v10 BreadCrumb. Both v10 and v11 have the same
default values.
●
InstaMesh: Enable v10 Compatibility must be checked.
N
o
t
e
Because the crypto settings between v10 and v11 are different, the v10 Compatibility
mode will only work if ALL crypto settings are disabled on both the v10 and v11
BreadCrumbs.
Rajant Corporation
03-100137-011
BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
11
W
ar
n
i
n
g
2 D
e
s
c
ri
pt
i
on
of a
BreadCrumb
J
R
2
The BreadCrumb JR2 is a portable, wireless device deployable in almost any environment. It is light in
weight, and offers one external antenna, and is designed to be completely mobile. The BreadCrumb JR2
must be powered by an external source.
2.1 R
ad
i
o
BreadCrumb JR2-24 comprises one 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n radio and BreadCrumb JR2-50 comprises one
5 GHz 802.11a/n radio. See Appendix A for a list of the channels and frequencies supported by the
JR2's radio.
2.2 E
n
cl
o
su
r
e
The JR2 enclosure dimensions are 216 mm x 60 mm x 38 mm (8.49” x 2.36” x 1.50”). The weight of
BreadCrumb JR2 is 300 g ± 15 g (10.6 oz ± 0.53 oz) (weight depends on radio configuration).
The external features of the enclosure are shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1:
BreadCrumb
JR2
Enclosure
F
e
a
tu
r
e
s
2.3
Antenna C
o
nn
ect
o
r
BreadCrumb JR2 provides one Type N male antenna connector located on the top of the enclosure (see
Figure 1).
To avoid possible damage to the BreadCrumb radio, always connect or disconnect the
external antenna with the power to the BreadCrumb JR2 off.
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BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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2.4 Power and Et
h
er
n
et
BreadCrumb JR2 contains one 10/100 Ethernet port, which supports MDIX auto detection. Use the side
latches to open the Ethernet Port cover (see Figure 1), to reveal the Ethernet connector.
The Ethernet port also supports Passive Power over Ethernet (Passive PoE), and therefore acts as a dual
function Ethernet and DC power input port for the BreadCrumb JR2. An external inline injector is used
to merge DC power for the BreadCrumb JR2 with data from a LAN port or a wired client.
To ensure proper operation of the BreadCrumb JR2, the input voltage to the JR2 must be between 8 to
30 VDC. Maximum power consumption of the device is 11.5W at 24V. Using a higher output voltage
facilitates longer cable runs between the inline injector and the ETH0 port on the BreadCrumb JR2.
The BreadCrumb JR2 ships with Tycon Systems TP-POE-24, a 24V, 19W, 100MB Passive PoE injector.
W
ar
n
i
n
g
In order to avoid sparking and possible damage to the unit, be sure to connect the
powered Ethernet cable to the BreadCrumb JR2 before applying power to the power
supply.
2.5
S
t
at
u
s
L
ED
s
The Status LEDs (see Figure 1) are capable of displaying warning and error codes, and link state. The
LED Mode can be configured in BC|Commander to be On, Off, Alerts Only, or OFF (switchable).
When the LED Mode is On, the BreadCrumb LEDs will display the link state and, when the
BreadCrumb has warnings or errors, will alternate between displaying the link state and flashing the
error codes. When the LED Mode is Off, the BreadCrumb LEDs will not display the link state or any
warnings or errors. When the LED Mode is set to Alerts Only, the BreadCrumb LEDs will display
nothing or, when the BreadCrumb has warnings or errors, will alternate between displaying the link state
and flashing the error codes. The LEDs and their meanings are given in Table 2.
W
ar
n
i
n
g
The BreadCrumb JR2 Status LEDs may exhibit a short blink at startup. The LED must
be physically masked (such as adding tape to the LED lens) to guarantee that no light is
emitted at any time.
Rajant Corporation
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BreadCrumb® JR2 v11 User Guide
Version 11.4.0
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Table 1:
Status
LED
C
od
e
s
LED
Status
ERR
(solid –bright, then dimmer)
Powered on; start of boot process
Scrolling RDY-MESH-ERR
End of successful boot process
RDY
Ready to connect to Mesh peers
(unit may have Ethernet peers)
MSH (blinking)
At least one connected Mesh peer; all
peers are connected at less than 24 Mbps
MSH (solid)
At least one connected Mesh peer; one or more peers
are connected at 24 Mbps or faster
WRN
(with short and long pauses between blinks)
Warning
1
ERR
(with short and long pauses between blinks)
Error
1
WRN
(blinking at an increasing rate)
BreadCrumb is in the process of
installing firmware
All LEDs scrolling in succession
Successful firmware installation;
ready to reboot
All LEDs scroll up and down once,
then flash all at once; pattern repeats
Identify mode is ON
(LEDs S1 and S2 are only used in this mode)
2.6 LED C
o
n
fi
g
u
r
at
i
o
n
/ Zeroize Keys and R
est
o
r
e
F
act
o
r
y
D
ef
au
lt
s
B
u
tt
o
n
The LED Configuration / Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults Button is located under the
Ethernet Port Cover (see Figure 1). Use the side latches to open the cover to reveal a small hole labeled
“Reset” which contains the recessed button. Use a small non-conductive tool to apply gentle pressure to
the button.
Warning Use of excessive force when pressing the reset button can damage the unit.
The LED Configuration / Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults Button has two modes of
operation. The modes are set by the length of time the button is pressed. The modes are:
●
LED Configuration
1 For a list of error and warning codes refer to Appendix B at the end of this document.
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●
Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults
2.6.1 LED
C
o
n
fi
g
u
r
at
i
o
n
This mode is used to control the display states of the Status LED. The LED Configuration function is
accessed by pressing the button and releasing it after a two second hold. The display state of the Status
LED, or LED Mode, is configured from BC|Commander (please refer to the BC|Commander User Guide
for a more detailed description of the LED Mode setting). The user can toggle between the configured
state and an alternate state of the Status LED by pressing the button and activating the LED
Configuration function.
Table 2 lists the possible configured and corresponding alternate display states of the Status LED.
Table 2:
Configured
and
AlternateDisplay States
of the
Status
LED
Configured State
Alternate State
On
Off
Off
N/A
Alerts Only
On
Off (switchable)
On
State changes can ONLY occur between a configured state and its alternate state. For example, it is
possible to toggle between Alerts Only and On, but not between Alerts Only and Off. Changing from
Alerts Only to Off would require changing the LED Mode setting in BC|Commander.
The default LED Mode for the JR2 is On.
N
o
t
e
There are two different configurable Off states: Off (switchable), which toggles to On,
and Off, which has no alternate state. If the LED Mode is set to Off, the LED
Configuration Button will NOT turn it On.
2.6.2
ZeroizeKeys
and
Restore
F
a
ct
o
r
y
D
e
f
a
u
l
t
s
This mode is is used to erase the security protocol keys of a BreadCrumb JR2 and to restore its software
configuration to the factory default state. To operate this switch follow these procedures:
●
Ensure that the BreadCrumb is powered on, has fully booted-up and its RDY LED is lit (steady or
blinking) (see Table 1).
●
Press and hold the switch for approximately 10 seconds until the WRN LED starts to blink (see
Table 1). This indicates that the Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults operation has been
initiated and is in progress.
●
Release the switch. The ERR LED should blink error code 32. See Appendix B for a description
of the blinking sequence. The BreadCrumb will then reboot using the factory default
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configuration.
W
ar
n
i
n
g
Do NOT turn off power or reboot a BreadCrumb that is being zeroized. An interruption
to power during the zeroization process may result in the BreadCrumb being unable to
boot properly.
T
i
p
The process of zeroizing keys and restoring factory defaults can also be performed
remotely from within the BC|Commander management software or with a properly
prepared USB drive. For details on this alternative method, refer to the BC|Commander
User Guide.
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3 U
s
i
ng
B
C
|
C
omma
nde
r
BC|Commander is Rajant’s BreadCrumb administration software package used for monitoring the status
of BreadCrumbs and mesh links. BC|Commander is also used for configuring BreadCrumbs, upgrading
BreadCrumb firmware, and graphically displaying the network topology.
BC|Commander can be run on any computer that has access to the BreadCrumb network. Versions of
the software package are available for Microsoft Windows® or Linux.
BC|Commander includes an option called v10 Compatibility Mode. This allows a user to run a mixture
of BreadCrumbs with firmware version 10 and firmware version 11 within the same mesh network.
This is very useful when BreadCrumbs in a very large network are being upgraded from version 10 to
version 11 firmware.
Rajant periodically releases updated BC|Commander software. The updated software must be obtained
from Rajant. Refer to Rajant’s most recent BC|Commander v11 User Guide for instructions on how to
install the latest version of BC|Commander on your computer and how to use
BC|Commander with Rajant’s BreadCrumbs.
I
m
p
o
r
t
an
tIt is recommended that the BC|Commander version used be equal to or greater than the
firmware version running on any administered BreadCrumbs in order to administer all
BreadCrumb firmware features covered in Rajant’s BC|Commander v11 User Guide.
N
o
t
e
Some portions of the BC|Commander v11 User Guide assume a working knowledge of
TCP/IP networking, including DHCP, NAT and DNS. While the network lay person
may be able to perform some mesh network management tasks, it is recommended that
network configuration be performed by experienced network administrators.
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4
Deploying
a
BreadCrumb
M
e
s
h
N
e
t
w
ork
There are many factors which need to be taken into account when deploying a BreadCrumb mesh
network. Section 4.1 describes the addressing scheme of the mesh. Section 4.2 discusses channel
assignments. Section 4.3 details some of the most commonly occurring environmental factors that will
have a major impact on the performance of the mesh. Finally, section 4.4 details guidelines and
methodology needed to follow when deploying the mesh.
4.1 A
dd
r
ess
i
n
g
When in gateway mode or when using its own embedded DHCP servers, the BreadCrumb mesh requires
that wireless devices use IPv4 addresses in the Class A network 10.0.0.0/8 (that is, any address that
begins with ‘10.’). If you are not connected to another network, or if you are bridging to one rather than
routing to it, your wireless client devices may have any address whatsoever.
N
o
t
e
Any computers running the BC|Commander management application must have an
address in the same range as the BreadCrumbs they manage. Refer to the
BC|Commander v11 User Guide document for the details of the BreadCrumb IP address
configuration.
4.1.1
BreadCrumbDevice
A
dd
r
esse
s
Each BreadCrumb radio has one IPv4 address in the Class A network 10.0.0.0/8. Rajant ensures during
manufacturing that the default addresses are not duplicated between any two BreadCrumb devices.
Addresses assigned to BreadCrumb devices can be viewed using BC|Commander. They can be
configured manually, or set to DHCP.
4.1.2 D
H
C
P
Each BreadCrumb device includes an embedded DHCP server. You may safely enable the DHCP
servers of multiple BreadCrumb devices simultaneously. Address conflicts among DHCP clients are
prevented by using the unique BreadCrumb device addresses assigned at the factory as a base.
A BreadCrumb device determines its DHCP range as follows:
●
Start with the first three bytes of the BreadCrumb's IPv4 address.
●
Add a low-byte range of 10 to 210.
4.2
Channel A
ssi
g
n
m
en
t
s
BreadCrumb radios have default channels assigned, based on the frequency of the radio. See Table 3 for
a list of available radios and their default channel assignments.
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Table 3: Default
Channel
A
ss
i
g
n
m
e
n
ts
Radio Card Frequency
Default Channel
900 MHz
5
2.4 GHz
11
4.9 GHz
20
5 GHz
153
In some cases, it may be necessary to manually set the radios to specific channels to provide critical
links within a mesh. This can be especially important when using single-radio BreadCrumb devices.
Refer to the BC|Commander v11 User Guide for the details of BreadCrumb channel configuration.
4.3
Physical Placement
and other C
o
n
si
d
erat
i
o
n
s
Commonly occurring environmental factors have a significant impact on performance and behavior of
the BreadCrumb Wireless Network. Line-of-sight (LOS) obstructions, distance, weather, and device
placement should all be considered when deploying a wireless network.
IEEE 802.11 wireless operation degrades gradually as distance increases between nodes or as
interference becomes prominent. This manifests as a data rate reduction between nodes.
The goal in planning and deploying a BreadCrumb mesh network is to maximize both coverage and the
data transfer rate between devices. These can be maximized by taking into consideration all of the
contributing factors described in this section.
4.3.1 Li
n
e
-
o
f-
S
i
g
h
t
Unobstructed line-of-sight (LOS) is critical for optimal performance of the mesh. Partial LOS
obstruction results in noticeable network performance degradation. Total LOS obstruction can result in
complete loss of network connectivity.
Elevating the device and external antenna will assist in providing better LOS. This can allow the radio
waves to propagate over some possible obstructions.
Unobstructed LOS is not necessary from every BreadCrumb device and wireless client to every other
BreadCrumb device and wireless client. However, each device must have unobstructed LOS to the
previous and subsequent device.
Client connectivity will degrade and drop if LOS to a BreadCrumb device can not be maintained.
4.3.2 Di
s
t
an
ce
Many factors determine acceptable distances between BreadCrumb devices when deploying a mesh:
●
If many devices are placed too closely together, it is possible that interference will degrade the
performance of the system.
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●
Devices placed too far away or in RF “shadows” may experience total loss of connection.
●
RF transmit power and receive sensitivity are important in determining the distances over which
the device will be effective.
●
When placing a BreadCrumb device, check the connection status to the nearest available device
using either the BreadCrumb device’s status LED (described in section 2.5 Status LEDs), or the
BC|Commander management application. If the connection is poor or non-existent, attempt to
relocate the BreadCrumb device closer to another device until an acceptable connection is
obtained. If a poor connection or no connection is made at even relatively close distances, you
should refer to Chapter 6 Troubleshooting.
●
When the connection quality is found to be acceptable from BC|Commander, the distance of the
BreadCrumb device from the network can be increased until an optimal balance between
distance, connectivity and tactical placement is achieved.
4.3.3
W
eat
h
er
Precipitation and fog also act as obstructions blocking the propagation of the wireless network’s radio
waves.
Light fog or precipitation may result in noticeable degradation of wireless network performance. Heavy
precipitation or fog may result in severe performance degradation and possible loss of network
connectivity.
If the performance of a well functioning network is degraded by worsening weather conditions, it may
be advisable to add BreadCrumb devices into the network to act as short haul repeaters to counteract the
effects of the weather. An alternative is to move the devices closer together.
4.3.4
I
n
t
er
f
er
e
n
ce
RF interference can degrade network performance and can come from many different sources,
including:
●
Other BreadCrumb devices that are placed too closely together.
●
Other RF devices such as microwave devices, cordless phone base stations, radio transmitters,
other wireless networks, jamming devices, etc.
●
Metal surfaces such as fences and building can cause radio waves to be reflected, causing
multipath interference.
Caution Plan the BreadCrumb Wireless Network to minimize the effects of RF interference.
4.3.5
Placement
of Mesh
C
o
m
po
n
en
t
s
The placement of BreadCrumb devices has a major impact on maximum effective range, and therefore
network performance. The components must be elevated above the surrounding terrain to allow for
adequate wave propagation. A device placed directly on the ground has a significantly reduced effective
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range. Elevating a device above the ground dramatically increases the maximum effective range.
Rajant recommends elevating the components a minimum of 6 ft. above the surrounding surface.
4.4
Deployment Guidelines
and
M
et
h
o
d
o
l
og
y
This section addresses the actual on-site deployment of the mesh. While by no means an exhaustive
treatise, it is intended as a good source of guidelines and methodology for the successful deployment of
a mesh in the field.
4.4.1
Deployment
G
u
i
d
el
i
n
e
s
Follow these guidelines when deploying the mesh:
1. Placement of BreadCrumbs
(a) Elevate the BreadCrumbs whenever possible.
i. Directly on the ground, the maximum distance between any two BreadCrumbs is
approximately 300 ft. Also, the maximum distance between a wireless client and the
nearest BreadCrumb is approximately 300 ft.
ii. Rajant recommends elevating each BreadCrumb a minimum of 6 ft. above the
surrounding terrain for maximum range. Elevating the BreadCrumbs, as little as 14
inches, has proven to increase the range out to approximately 600 ft.
2. Distance
(a) If you cannot elevate the BreadCrumbs, they can only be approximately 300 ft. apart. Also,
any wireless clients can be no farther than approximately 300 ft. from a BreadCrumb.
3. Line of sight
(a) Obstructions to line-of-sight block/absorb/deflect the wireless network’s radio waves,
resulting in poor network performance or total loss of network connectivity.
(b) When placing the BreadCrumbs, scan the area for LOS obstructions. Envision the
BreadCrumb’s radio waves as a light beam. Look for obstructions that would result in
shadows in the light beam, they will most likely weaken or block the BreadCrumb’s radio
waves.
4. Weather
(a) Light precipitation will reduce the range and performance of the BreadCrumb and wireless
clients.
(b) Heavy precipitation or fog will most likely result in extremely reduced range and frequent or
total loss of network connectivity.
4.4.2
Deployment
M
et
h
odo
l
og
y
The steps detailed in this section should assist you in successfully deploying the mesh.
1. Scan the terrain on which the mesh will be deployed.
(a) Determine the initial distances between BreadCrumb devices.
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