Vaisala VaiNet AP10 User manual

M211860EN-E
User Guide
Vaisala VaiNet Wireless Access Point
AP10

PUBLISHED BY
Vaisala Oyj
Vanha Nurmijärventie 21, FI-01670 Vantaa, Finland
P.O. Box 26, FI-00421 Helsinki, Finland
[phone]
Visit our Internet pages at www.vaisala.com.
© Vaisala 2020
No part of this document may be
reproduced, published or publicly
displayed in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical (including
photocopying), nor may its contents be
modified, translated, adapted, sold or
disclosed to a third party without prior
written permission of the copyright holder.
Translated documents and translated
portions of multilingual documents are
based on the original English versions. In
ambiguous cases, the English versions are
applicable, not the translations.
The contents of this document are subject
to change without prior notice.
Local rules and regulations may vary and
they shall take precedence over the
information contained in this document.
Vaisala makes no representations on this
document’s compliance with the local
rules and regulations applicable at any
given time, and hereby disclaims any and
all responsibilities related thereto.
This document does not create any legally
binding obligations for Vaisala towards
customers or end users. All legally binding
obligations and agreements are included
exclusively in the applicable supply
contract or the General Conditions of Sale
and General Conditions of Service of
Vaisala.
This product contains software developed
by Vaisala or third parties. Use of the
software is governed by license terms and
conditions included in the applicable
supply contract or, in the absence of
separate license terms and conditions, by
the General License Conditions of Vaisala
Group.
This product may contain open source
software (OSS) components. In the event
this product contains OSS components,
then such OSS is governed by the terms
and conditions of the applicable OSS
licenses, and you are bound by the terms
and conditions of such licenses in
connection with your use and distribution
of the OSS in this product. Applicable OSS
licenses are included in the product itself
or provided to you on any other applicable
media, depending on each individual
product and the product items delivered
to you.

Table of contents
1. About this document.....................................................................................5
1.1 Version information.......................................................................................... 5
1.2 Related manuals................................................................................................5
1.3 Documentation conventions........................................................................... 6
1.4 Trademarks........................................................................................................ 6
2. Product overview............................................................................................ 7
2.1 Overview of AP10 Access Point.......................................................................7
2.2 AP10 parts..........................................................................................................8
2.3 VaiNet devices in viewLinc Monitoring System.............................................9
2.3.1 VaiNet protocol.......................................................................................... 9
2.3.2 Data transfer in a VaiNet network..........................................................10
2.4 Time synchronization....................................................................................... 11
2.5 Network security.............................................................................................. 11
2.6 Power supply.....................................................................................................11
2.7 Remote management..................................................................................... 12
2.8 ESD protection.................................................................................................13
3. Installation........................................................................................................14
3.1 AP10 installation location and range............................................................ 14
3.1.1 Mounting in Plenum Space..................................................................... 14
3.2 Setting up AP10............................................................................................... 15
3.3 Mounting AP10.................................................................................................18
4. Touchscreen interface................................................................................ 20
4.1 Accessing the touchscreen interface...........................................................20
4.2 Overview of touchscreen interface..............................................................20
5. Web interface................................................................................................. 23
5.1 Accessing the web interface......................................................................... 23
5.2 Overview of web interface............................................................................ 24
6. Maintenance....................................................................................................32
6.1 Cleaning AP10................................................................................................. 32
6.2 Updating AP10 firmware................................................................................32
7. Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 35
7.1 Problem situations..........................................................................................35
7.2 Verifying operation of AP10..........................................................................36
7.3 Performing a factory reset.............................................................................37
8. Technical data................................................................................................ 38
8.1 AP10 technical specification......................................................................... 38
8.2 AP10 accessories and spare parts................................................................40
8.3 AP10 dimensions............................................................................................. 41
Maintenance and calibration services........................................................ 43
Table of contents
1

Technical support............................................................................................43
Warranty............................................................................................................43
Recycling........................................................................................................... 43
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
2

List of figures
Figure 1 AP10 in the viewLinc Monitoring System....................................................7
Figure 2 Front......................................................................................................................8
Figure 3 Connector panel................................................................................................ 8
Figure 4 Rear....................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 5 AP10 remote management using viewLinc Enterprise Server............ 12
Figure 6 AP10 properties in viewLinc..........................................................................13
Figure 7 AP10 mounting methods............................................................................... 18
Figure 8 AP10 screw mounting dimensions.............................................................. 19
Figure 9 Touch interface home screen...................................................................... 20
Figure 10 Touch interface data logger information screen..................................... 21
Figure 11 Touch interface settings menu.................................................................... 22
Figure 12 Web interface system summary page.......................................................24
Figure 13 Web interface data loggers page............................................................... 25
Figure 14 Web interface network settings..................................................................26
Figure 15 Web interface DNS, NTP, and VaiNet settings page............................. 26
Figure 16 Web interface viewLinc settings page...................................................... 27
Figure 17 Web interface installation mode settings page......................................27
Figure 18 Web interface security settings page........................................................28
Figure 19 Web interface display and LED settings page........................................ 28
Figure 20 Web interface backup and restore page.................................................. 29
Figure 21 Web interface firmware update page....................................................... 30
Figure 22 Web interface restart and reset page....................................................... 30
Figure 23 Web interface support page.........................................................................31
Figure 24 Firmware Update page in web interface.................................................. 33
Figure 25 AP10 access point dimensions..................................................................... 41
List of figures
3

List of tables
Table 1 Document versions (English)............................................................................5
Table 2 Related manuals................................................................................................... 5
Table 3 AP10 power supply specifications...................................................................11
Table 4 Troubleshooting table.......................................................................................35
Table 5 Wireless................................................................................................................ 38
Table 6 General..................................................................................................................38
Table 7 Operating environment....................................................................................39
Table 8 Inputs and outputs............................................................................................ 39
Table 9 Mechanical specifications................................................................................40
Table 10 Spare parts..........................................................................................................40
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
4

1. About this document
1.1 Version information
Table 1 Document versions (English)
Document code Date Description
M211860EN-E October 2020 Updated sections:
•Network security (page 11)
•Setting up AP10 (page 15)
•Mounting AP10 (page 18)
•AP10 technical specification (page 38)
M211860EN-D April 2020 Updated technical data chapter.
Regulatory compliance statements are now provided in a
separate document AP10 and RFL100 Regulatory
Compliances (M212235EN).
M211860EN-C February 2019 Updated regulatory compliance information and sections
Overview of web interface (page 24) and Updating AP10
firmware (page 32).
1.2 Related manuals
Table 2 Related manuals
Document code Name
M212235EN AP10 and RFL100 Regulatory Compliances
M211821EN AP10 Access Point Quick Guide
M211822EN RFL100 Data Logger Quick Guide
M211861EN RFL100 Data Logger User Guide
M211820EN viewLinc 5.0 Monitoring System Setup Guide
M212316EN viewLinc 5.1 Monitoring System Setup Guide
M211975EN viewLinc Enterprise Server 5.0 User Guide
M212315EN viewLinc Enterprise Server 5.1 User Guide
Chapter 1 – About this document
5

1.3 Documentation conventions
Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and
follow instructions carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or even death.
WARNING!
Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and
follow instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or
important data could be lost.
CAUTION!
Note highlights important information on using the product.
Tip gives information for using the product more eciently.
Lists tools needed to perform the task.
Indicates that you need to take some notes during the task.
1.4 Trademarks
Vaisalaâis a registered trademark of Vaisala Oyj.
The LoRa™name and associated logo are trademarks of Semtech Corporation or its
subsidiaries.
All other product or company names that may be mentioned in this publication are trade
names, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
6

2. Product overview
2.1 Overview of AP10 Access Point
Vaisala VaiNet Access Point AP10 is a wireless access point that collects data from VaiNet
wireless data loggers and transfers it to the viewLinc Enterprise Server using a wired Ethernet
connection. AP10 implements Vaisala's proprietary VaiNet protocol. It can connect up to 32
RFL100 Data Loggers to the Vaisala viewLinc Monitoring System. The wireless connection
operates on 868 MHz, 915 MHz, or 920 MHz frequency band depending on the model. For
more information on viewLinc system installation, see the viewLinc Setup Guide and viewLinc
User Guide for your viewLinc Enterprise Server version.
viewLinc
Enterprise Server
AP10
Access Point
RFL100
Data Loggers
VaiNet wireless
>100 m (328 ft) range
NTP Server
Wired
network
Figure 1 AP10 in the viewLinc Monitoring System
AP10 can be powered from the Ethernet connector using Power over Ethernet (PoE) or from
the power supply connector using the included AC/DC adapter. If both power sources are
connected, the AC/DC adapter is utilized to power the device. AP10 is IP22 rated, and is
suitable for indoor industrial applications.
AP10 has two user interfaces:
• Touch interface on the front panel. Use this interface to set up the device during
installation and to locally check the connection status.
• Web interface via the Ethernet connection. This interface provides advanced
configuration features and can be accessed remotely.
More information
‣Overview of touchscreen interface (page 20)
‣Overview of web interface (page 24)
‣AP10 technical specification (page 38)
Chapter 2 – Product overview
7

2.2 AP10 parts
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 2 Front
1Antenna. Can be rotated and tilted.
2Screw holes for mounting (4 pcs),
Ø 3.2 mm
3Ventilation hole (do not cover)
4Touchscreen
5Status LED:
Green Normal operation
Blue Installation mode active
Red Error - check status
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 3 Connector panel
1Power supply connector
(10 ... 30 VDC)
2Service port (micro-USB)
3USB port for hardware expansion
(USB type A)
4Reset button. Push to restart, push
and hold to revert AP10 to factory
settings.
5RJ-45 Ethernet port. Can be powered
by Power over Ethernet (PoE).
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
8

1
22
3
Figure 4 Rear
1Product label
2Holes for mounting with tie wraps
3Housing screws (do not remove)
2.3 VaiNet devices in viewLinc Monitoring System
VaiNet access points create links between Ethernet and Vaisala devices using the VaiNet
protocol. Wireless device registration is handled by viewLinc Enterprise Server. Whenever a
new data logger is added to the system, it is automatically identified by an access point, which
forwards the data logger’s information to the server. Once accepted in the system, data
loggers will stay synchronized, even in situations where other nearby VaiNet networks overlap.
Redundancy is achieved by allowing load distribution between VaiNet access points which
share multiple data loggers in range.
VaiNet access points transfer measurement data from the data loggers to viewLinc Enterprise
Server. Both access point and viewLinc Enterprise Server verify that the data has been
received correctly. Once the data has been verified, it is stored to the secure database where it
is protected from tampering and loss.
If data flow is interrupted by a network outage, the data transfer will resume when the outage
is resolved. Local memory of the data logger is used to store the data while waiting for a
connection to viewLinc Enterprise Server. RFL100 Data Logger has enough local memory for
30 days of measurement.
2.3.1 VaiNet protocol
Vaisala’s VaiNet wireless protocol is based on LoRa™ technology. This technology has been
licensed by Vaisala for monitoring purposes, and further enhanced additional protocol layers
to produce a robust and reliable wireless signal for environmental monitoring. The protocol is
proprietary, and cannot be used with 802.11 Wi-Fi devices. VaiNet wireless devices always
require a VaiNet wireless access point.
VaiNet radio communication uses a modulated, low-power signal at sub-GHz frequencies to
provide better signal propagation in environmental monitoring applications. VaiNet provides
all the benefits of spread spectrum wireless technology including resistance to interference,
interception and multipath fading (reflections). Using the chirp signal to spread the RF energy
over a wider band allows for reliable communications even when signal levels are below the
background noise floor. It also reduces disruptions from overlapping signals on same
frequencies.
Chapter 2 – Product overview
9

VaiNet wireless devices are not limited to using a single access point. If multiple access points
are available, VaiNet devices can switch access points to maintain their connection to the
viewLinc Monitoring System. The strength of the wireless signal is used to determine the
optimum network data path.
Wireless transmissions between VaiNet devices are encrypted to protect against
eavesdropping, data tampering, and transfer errors.
2.3.2 Data transfer in a VaiNet network
VaiNet protocol and VaiNet devices are designed for power-ecient operation. To save energy,
VaiNet network transfers data at set intervals, which may be apparent to the user as longer
data transfer times before the data is available in the viewLinc Enterprise Server.
Intermittent radio connections
Access points take turns communicating in a two-minute cycle, and connected data loggers
send their measurement data to their connected access point every 4 minutes. This introduces
the following scenarios:
• Data loggers that are not currently connected (new devices, or devices that have fallen
out of radio contact) scan for available access points for a complete cycle before they can
decide what is the optimal access point for them. Connection attempts typically take at
least a couple of minutes. Additionally, some joining scenarios may take multiple
attempts. For example, when filling a single access point up to its full capacity of 32 data
loggers, it may take an hour for the last data logger to successfully connect to the access
point.
• Access points request missing data and issue management commands to data loggers
within their communication window. Transferring a full month's worth of measurement
data from 32 data loggers using 1 access point takes several hours.
Data logger scanning interval
Scanning for available access points consumes power. To prevent repeated scanning from
draining their batteries, RFL100 data loggers shut down their radio temporarily if they cannot
connect to an access point. They will resume scanning after a waiting interval that gets
progressively longer if they keep failing to find an access point. The maximum interval is 8
hours and 30 minutes.
This means that when access points become available after an outage, it may take several
hours for data loggers to discover them. This is why you should always keep your access points
powered up, and why you should start your network installation by installing the viewLinc
Enterprise Server and access points first.
You can manually wake up the radio of an RFL100 data logger by pressing its Info
button. The button is located next to the service port under the silicone plug.
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
10

2.4 Time synchronization
AP10 requires accurate time to operate its VaiNet wireless connection, and to maintain correct
time on the connected data loggers. To achieve the accurate time, AP10 synchronizes with
Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers. The hostnames of the default NTP servers are:
0.pool.ntp.org
1.pool.ntp.org
2.pool.ntp.org
3.pool.ntp.org
Reaching the default NTP servers requires an internet connection. To allow the AP10 to
operate without an internet connection, replace one of the default NTP server addresses with
the address of your local NTP server.
AP10 has a supercapacitor as a backup power source for its realtime clock. If AP10 is left
without power for more than a day, the realtime clock will lose its time. If this happens AP10
will have to synchronize its clock with the NTP servers before it can operate its radio. This is
typically the case when an AP10 is installed - it needs to synchronize its clock before it can
start to connect VaiNet data loggers. Synchronization is also needed due to clock drift if the
NTP servers cannot be reached for more than three weeks.
Synchronizing with the NTP servers typically takes several minutes, during which
time the access point will show the NTP connection error. If you have just turned
on your access point or changed its NTP server configuration, it is normal to see
the error for up to 15 minutes.
2.5 Network security
AP10 Access Point is intended to be connected to a secure internal network, not directly to the
internet.
Starting from firmware version 2.0.0, AP10 has a feature that can allow Vaisala to connect
remotely to the access point using a secure SSH connection on TCP port 22. This remote
connection capability is disabled by default. If needed for installation or support, you can
configure the AP10 to allow remote connections using the web interface.
2.6 Power supply
A DC power supply (Vaisala item 244784SP) is included with every AP10 Access Point.
Table 3 AP10 power supply specifications
Property Specification
Operating voltage 10 ... 30 VDC
Chapter 2 – Product overview
11

Property Specification
Output power min. 13 W
Output current min. 1.3 A
Output connector Locking type female coaxial connector with
positive 2.0 mm center pin
Operating temperature range -20 ... +60 °C (-4 ... +140 °F)
Operating humidity range 0 ... 95 %RH, non-condensing
Certifications and approvals • Certified to IEC 60950-1 or IEC 62368-1
• Approved for use in your country
2.7 Remote management
AP10 has a web interface for remote management. Additionally, some settings can be
remotely managed using viewLinc Enterprise Server software. Remote management
operations can be performed directly from the Sites Manager > Hosts and Devices tree.
Figure 5 AP10 remote management using viewLinc Enterprise Server
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
12

Figure 6 AP10 properties in viewLinc
Select Sites Manager > Show hosts to see the IP addresses of all connected hosts.
Select the IP address of any AP10 to open its web interface in your browser.
2.8 ESD protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause immediate or latent damage to electronic circuits.
Vaisala products are adequately protected against ESD for their intended use. However, it is
possible to damage the product by delivering an electrostatic discharge when touching,
removing or inserting any objects inside the equipment housing.
Avoid touching component contacts or connectors when working with the device.
Chapter 2 – Product overview
13

3. Installation
3.1 AP10 installation location and range
In a typical indoor space, the wireless range of AP10 is at least 100 m (328 ft). In an open space
with line-of-sight and no interfering structures, the range can be over 500 m (1640 ft). Up to 8
access points can be placed within range of each other, even side-by-side, as long as they each
have their own VaiNet channel.
Walls and ceilings are good locations for AP10. Line of sight is not required. If possible, place
AP10 in the same floor as the data loggers. Point the antenna up or down for best wireless
performance.
Avoid placing AP10 close to large metal surfaces, as they may reduce the range of the radio
signal.
3.1.1 Mounting in Plenum Space
Plenum space is a separate air circulation space that is used by the building's heating and air
conditioning systems. For example, the space between the structural floor and the dropped
ceiling is typically used as an air-handling space. Due to fire safety considerations, the
materials placed in plenum space may be restricted by local legislation.
If you need to mount the access point in a plenum space but its materials do not meet your
local requirements, you can mount the access point inside a commercially available enclosure
that is meant for this purpose. For example, model 1075CP ceiling enclosure from Oberon
Wireless is suitable.
When selecting a plenum mounting enclosure, note the following requirements:
• The inside dimensions of the enclosure must be large enough for the access point. There
should be enough space to rotate the antenna if desired, and to easily connect the
cabling.
• The enclosure must not completely block the radio transmissions of the access point.
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
14

3.2 Setting up AP10
2
3
1
1Touchscreen.
2Ethernet cable. Use a shielded cable to
meet the rated EMC performance of
the device.
3Cable from DC power supply.
• AP10 requires a network connection to your viewLinc Enterprise Server and a
Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. AP10 can also use its default NTP servers
if Internet is accessible from the network.
• It is usually easiest to configure the access point before mounting it.
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to Ethernet port of AP10. If possible, connect to the same
network where the viewLinc Enterprise Server is, so that you can verify the connection
when doing the setup.
Chapter 3 – Installation
15

2. If the Ethernet cable does not provide power, connect the DC power supply:
a. Connect the plug to the power supply connector of AP10. Make sure the plug is
oriented correctly and goes in all the way. Rotate the plug to lock it in, otherwise it
will not stay reliably connected.


b. The power supply comes with multiple adapters for wall sockets. Connect the adapter
you need, and plug in the power supply to a wall socket.
3. A setup wizard starts when AP10 is first powered up. Use the touch interface to complete
the wizard:
a. Select a language for the touchscreen display.
b. Configure the network settings so that AP10 can join the network:
• Select Dynamic IP address (DHCP) if you are connecting the access point to a
network that assigns network configuration settings automatically.
• Select Static IP address to configure network settings manually. Using the
information supplied by your IT administrator, enter the IP address, Subnet mask,
and Default gateway.
DHCP is the most common way to assign network settings. Do not use a
static address unless your IT administrator has instructed you to do so.
c. Configure the Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers that the access point will attempt
to synchronize with. If you have a local NTP server in the network, replace one of the
default NTP server hostnames with its IP address or hostname.
d. Select a VaiNet channel (1 ... 8). Each access point in range of each other must have a
unique channel assigned to it.
e. Enter the IP address or hostname of the viewLinc Enterprise Server. Leave the TCP
port at default 12600 unless you know it has been changed.
f. Enable Installation Mode to start connecting data loggers to your system.
g. Wait for the display to change to the home screen.
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
16

4. If the setup wizard has already been completed previously, press the symbol to open
the Settings screen and check all of the settings listed in step 3. There are also some
optional settings for display and LED, and for locking the touchscreen using a password.
The default password is ap123456.
5. After configuring all of the settings, verify the status of the access point from the home
screen. The access point should be connected to the network and the viewLinc Enterprise
Server, and the Installation Mode should be enabled so that new data loggers can be
connected.
The access point will not turn on its radio if it does not have
accurate time. This means that data loggers cannot connect to the access
point until it has synchronized its time with a Network Time Protocol (NTP)
server. To accomplish this, the access point must have a network
connection to one of the configured NTP servers. Connecting to the default
NTP servers requires Internet access, and network firewall must allow the
access point to connect to UDP port 123.
An NTP connection error continues to be shown while AP10 is
synchronizing time with the listed NTP servers. It may take up to 15 minutes
for it to disappear even when the NTP servers are reachable. Wait patiently.
CAUTION!
Chapter 3 – Installation
17

3.3 Mounting AP10
• AP10 Access Point, set up and configured
• Content of AP10 delivery package
• Crosshead screwdriver (if screw mounting is used)
B
A
Figure 7 AP10 mounting methods
AMounting with cable ties (2 pcs)
BMounting with screws (4 pcs)
AP10 User Guide M211860EN-E
18