Signal Hound SM200C User manual

10GbE Network Configuration Guide
for SM200C Operation.

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10GbE Network Configuration Guide
Published 4/10/2020
©2020, Signal Hound
1502 SE Commerce Ave, Suite 101
Battle Ground, WA
Phone [phone]
This information is being released into the public domain in accordance with the Export Administration
Regulations 15 CFR 734

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Contents
1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 SM200C 10GbE Network Compatibility Guide............................................................................................... 8
3 Windows 10 Setup............................................................................................................................................ 9
4 Ubuntu 18.04 Setup........................................................................................................................................ 15

Introduction
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1 Introduction
The purpose of this document is to
- Outline hardware requirements for 10GbE networks interfacing the SM200C.
- Provide recommendations for 10GbE networking components.
- Provide a brief overview of 10GbE networking for customers new to the interface.
10GbE Networking Overview
The SM200C operates over a single 10GbE link.Commands and data are sent using a proprietary
format over UDP at rates up to 6.4Gb/s. 10GbE is full duplex and can operate over a number of
physical channels. The two most common are copper and fiber cables. In addition to cabling there
are a number of interfaces and connector types used in 10GbE networking, the most common is
the SFP+ module. This connector form factor is what the SM200C uses and what we recommend
customers use for their networks.
Figure 1: SFP+ 10GBASE-SR (fiber optic) module
Standard 10GbE network copper cables are terminated with two SFP+ connectors and can be
seen in the picture below. Copper cables are ideal for local applications where cable distances
don’t need to exceed more than a few meters. Copper cables are less complex than fiber
alternatives but will have data reliability issues at longer lengths.

Introduction
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Figure 2: 10GbE copper cable. Terminated with two non detachable SFP+ modules.
Fiber cables are constructed from a length of fiber cabling and two detachable SFP+ transceiver
modules. Thetype offiber cabling and pairedSFP+ modulemust be compatible for the assembled
cable to work. The type of fiber cable used will depend on the SFP+ transceiver module. There
are a number of SFP+ fiber transceiver standards, some of the most common and the ones
recommended by Signal Hound are the 10GBASE-SR, LR, ER, and ZR. Each standard uses a
different light wavelength, fiber cable type, and has a different reach (maximum cable length).
Standard Name
Wavelength
Cable Type
Reach in km
10GBASE-SR
850nm
OM3/4 multi-mode*
0.3/0.4
10GBASE-LR
1310nm
OS2 single-mode
10
10GBASE-ER
1550nm
OS2 single-mode
40
10GBASE-ZR
1550nm
OS2 single-mode
80
Figure 3: *While compatible with several other fiber types, we recommend OM3/4.

Introduction
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The two types of optical fiber used for 10GbE networks are single-mode and multi-mode. Single
mode is commonlyused for long distance communications while multi-mode is used for distances
less than 0.3km. Single-mode cables are typically yellow while multi-mode cables are
orange/aqua. Long runs of single mode fiber can have increase data reliability issues causing
increased disconnection issues with the SM200C. If you experience this, we recommend moving
to a higher range module.
Figure 4: Multi-mode fiber cable with two SFP+ SR modules, one attached and one not.
The SM200C has an SFP+ interface on the front panel. A cable will be connected from the
SM200C to a PC. The two most common ways toconnect a 10GbE SFP+ cable to a PC is through
a PCIE 10GbE network interface card (NIC) or a Thunderbolt 3 to SFP+ adapter. We provide
recommendations for both in this document.

Introduction
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Figure 5: Left to right, Thunderbolt 3 to SFP+ adapter and 2xSFP+ 10GbE NIC adapter card.
The SM200C is a network device and thus has a network address that includes a media access
control (MAC) address, (internet protocol) IP address, and Port address.
The MAC address uniquely identifies a network device. No two network devices will have the
same MAC address. Customers cannot change the MAC address and should never need to know
the SM200CMAC address, although itis usedby your computer in theaddress resolution protocol
(ARP) table which correlates MAC address with IP addresses.
The IP address is a label assigned to each device on a given network. The IP address is the most
important address for interfacing the SM200C. Each SM200C is configured with a default IP
address of 192.168.2.10. This address can be changed using the API or with the network
configuration utility in Spike. When interfacing an SM200C, the IP address of the device must be
specified to establish communication.

SM200C 10GbE Network Compatibility Guide
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The port address is another important number used in networking. The default port number is
51665. Its purpose is to ensure the data is delieved to the right application on the two network
devices (in this case, your PC and the SM200C).
The SM200C uses the UDP protocol to transmit information over the network. One of the main
factors in determining network speed is the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size. MTU refers
to the largest packet that can be sent of the network. MTU often defaults to 1500 bytes, and must
be set to 9000 bytes (also referred to as jumbo packets) for correct SM200C operation. This
document outlines how to do this. There are operating system specific settings that must also be
configured and they are detailed in the OS setup sections below.
2 SM200C 10GbE Network Compatibility Guide
This section outlines the hardware requirementsfor networking the SM200C and includes several
recommendations for many hardware components.
Adapters and Cables
Signal Hound recommends fiber cables with SFP+ fiber adapters. The SM200C will work with
single and multi-mode fiber cables with appropriate transceiver modules.
The SM200C has also been tested with passive copper cables up to 2 meters. Longer passive
cables may have increased data reliability issues.
Tested Transceivers and Cables
•FS SFP-10GSR-85
•FS SFP-10GLR-31
•FS SFP-10GZR-55
•FS-OM3 50/125 multi-mode fiber patch cables
•FS 9/125 single mode fiber path cable
•10GTek CAB-10GSFP-P2M (passive copper cable 2-meters)
Recommended 10GbE Network Interface Cards
•X722-DA2/4
•X520*DA2
oZR modules may have issues with this card on Windows 10.
•X710-DA2/4
Recommended Thunderbolt To 10GbE Adapters
•QNAP Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE Adapter (QNA Series) (Recommended)

Windows 10 Setup
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•Sonnet Solo10G SFP+ (Thunderbolt 3 Edition)
Operating Systems
Signal Hound recommends the following operating systems.
•Windows 10
•Linux Ubuntu 18.04
•CentOS 7
Processor Requirements
All measurement capabilities other than the 200MS/s I/Q streaming of the SM200C have modest
processor requirements. Typical i5/i7 processors will have the necessary performance. For
200MS/s I/Q streaming, single threaded CPU performance is critical. Signal Hound recommends
CPUs that can sustain 4GHz single threaded performance and 8th generation or newer Intel
processors.
The use of Thunderbolt 3 to SFP+ adapters has shown to reduce processor requirements and, in
many cases, standard laptop processors can be sufficient.
3 Windows 10 Setup
This section guides you in setting up your Windows 10 machine for SM200C operation.
These instructions assumes you have already installed a 10GbE NIC or are using a thunderbolt
to SFP+ adapter. If using an adapter, you have already installed the proper drivers and enabled
the thunderbolt device.
The SM200C should be powered up and connected to the network interface via provided fiber
cable and SFP+ connectors.
This section will step you through the three main steps in configuring the 10GbE network
interface.
•Specifying a fixed IP for the network interface.
•Increasing the MTU size, (enable jumbo packets)
•Verifying remaining network parameters.
The default IP address for the SM200C is 192.168.2.10 and uses port 51665. These instructions
assume you have not modified the default network configuration of the SM200C.

Windows 10 Setup
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Configuration Steps
First, you must navigate to the network settings. Start by going to the system settings and select
“Network and Internet”.

Windows 10 Setup
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Once in the Network and Internet settings, select “Change adapter options”
You should now see the “Network Connections” dialog. You should see your 10GbE network
interfaces listed here.
When an SM200C is connected powered on and connected, one of the 10GbE interfaces will
report “Unidentified network”. Right click that interface and select properties to configure the
interface.

Windows 10 Setup
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First, we must configure the network adapter settings. In the network interface properties press
the “Configure” button. This will bring up the 10GbE adapter settings.

Windows 10 Setup
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In the adapter properties dialog, select the “Advanced” tab and configure the adapter with the
following settings. If any are missing, move on. When finished press OK.
Flow Control –Rx & Tx Enabled
Interrupt Moderation –Enabled
Interrupt Moderation Rate –Adaptive
Jumbo Packet –9014 Bytes
Receive Buffers –4096
Transmit Buffers –4096
Any checksum offloads –Enabled
And Large Send/Receive offloads –Enabled
Speed & Duplex –10Gbps Full Duplex

Windows 10 Setup
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The next step is to setup the TCP/IPv4 IP address and subnet mask. Re-enter the interface
properties menu and select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) line and press properties to
bring up the IPv4 properties dialog. In this dialog, select “Use the following IP address” and
manually fill out the highlighted lines with the corresponding values. Select OK when done.
At this point the interface should be properly configured and the SM200C can be connected in
Spike. Usethe File->Manage EthernetDevices menu in Spike,add a newdevice using the default
network parameters, and connect to the device using the File->Connect menu.
Troubleshooting
If you are having difficulties connecting to the SM200C in Windows 10, quickly verify proper setup
with the following steps.
- Verify the SM200Cis connected to thecorrect network interface, the SM200C power cable
is plugged inand the LED is onthe SM200C is solid green. TheLED should be solid green
~12 seconds after power is applied if a valid network connection is detected.

Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
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- In the Network Connections dialog, you should see “Unidentified Network” listed next to
the network interface that the SM200C is connected to.
- Verify that the network interface that the SM200C is connected to has been configured
properly and no settings were reverted.
4 Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
This section guides you in setting up an Ubuntu 18.04 machine for SM200C operation.
These instructions assumes you have already installed a 10GbE NIC or are using a thunderbolt
to SFP+ adapter. If using an adapter, you have already installed the proper drivers and enabled
the thunderbolt device.
The SM200C should be powered up and connected to the network interface via provided fiber
cable and SFP+ connectors.
This section will step you through
•Specifying a fixed IP for the network interface.
•Increasing the MTU size, (enable jumbo packets)
•Setting socket buffer sizes and rx/tx ring parameters.
The default IP address for the SM200C is 192.168.2.10 and uses port 51665. These instruction
assume you have not modified the default network configuration of the SM200C.
The steps outlined in the Configuration Steps section will allows you to permanently set the
network configuration, meaning the configuration is not lost after a network interface restart. For
a more temporary approach, see the network configuration commands.
Configuration Steps
With the SM200C connected to a valid 10GbE network interface, navigate to the Network
Settings.

Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
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Find the 10GbE network interface in the list, and create a new profile using the ‘+’ button located
to the right of the interface name. Please note the interface name (enp3s0f0 in the picture above)
as it will be used in the commands documented here.
In the new profile, under the IPv4 tab, set a manual IPv4 address of 192.168.2.2 and netmask of
255.255.255.0.

Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
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Set the MTU size to 9000 bytes in the Identity tab. Also set a profile name here (if desired).

Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
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Hit apply when finished, and verify the new profile is selected. The profile will have a checkmark
next to its name when selected.
Next is to configure the read and write socket buffer sizes. The SM200C can keep up to 32MB of
UDP traffic in flight at any given time. We will configure the maximum buffer sizes to 50MB. To do
this, edit the /etc/sysctl.conf file and add the following lines at the end of the file,
net.core.rmem_default=10000000
net.core.rmem_max=50000000
net.core.rmem_default=10000000
net.core.rmem_max=50000000
These settings will take effect the next time the network interface/PC is restarted.
The rx/tx ring parameters must also be updated. Signal Hound recommends setting the rx/tx ring
entries to 4096. This can be performed permanently by modifying the /etc/network/interfaces file
by appending the following line

Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
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pre-up /sbin/ethtool -G enp3s0f0 rx 4096 tx 4096
This modification will run the proper ethtool command to modify the ring parameters the next time
the network interface is restarted.
Restart the computer for all settings to take effect. The SM200C should now be able to be
interfaced.
4.1.1Network Configuration commands
The following commands can be used from the terminal to configure the network interface. The
changes that occur for all of the following commands is temporary and will not persist through a
network interface restart. See the main configuration steps for permanent methods. Also included
are commands that can be used to verify the network settings are configured properly.
These commands can be used in a configuration script that is ran on program startup or run
manually as needed. For all commands, replace iface-name with the name of the network
interface the SM200C is connected to.
Set the MTU size.
$ sudo ip link set iface-name mtu 9000
View the current MTU sizes.
$ ip link show | grep “mtu”
Set the socket buffer sizes.
$ sudo sysctl -w net.core.rmem_default=10000000
$ sudo sysctl -w net.core.rmem_max=50000000
$ sudo sysctl -w net.core.wmem_default=10000000
$ sudo sysctl -w net.core.wmem_max=50000000
Read socket buffer sizes
$ cat /proc/sys/net/core/rmem_default
$ cat /proc/sys/net/core/rmem_max
$ cat /proc/sys/net/core/wmem_default

Ubuntu 18.04 Setup
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$ cat /proc/sys/net/core/wmem_max
Set rx/tx ring parameters for a network interface
$ sudo ethtool -G iface-name rx 4096 tx 4096
List rx/tx ring parameters for network interface
$ ethtool -G iface-name
Troubleshooting
If you are having difficulties connecting to the SM200C in Ubuntu 18.04, quickly verify proper
setup with the following steps.
- Verify the SM200Cis connected to thecorrect network interface, theSM200C power cable
is plugged inand the LED is onthe SM200C issolid green. TheLED should be solid green
~12 seconds after power is applied if a valid network connection is detected.
- Verify the correct profile is selected in the Network Settings for the given network interface.
- Use the commands in the Network Configuration commands section to view and verify all
network parameters have been properly set.