Weidmuller WI-MOD-E-G User manual

Rev.2.16www.weidmuller.com  1
WI-MOD-E-G & WI-MOD-E-A
Wireless Ethernet Modem &
Device Server
User Manual
Read and Retain For Future Reference
Version 2.16

Weidmuller Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server WI-MOD-E-G/A User Manual
Rev.2.16 www.weidmuller.com2
WEIDMULLER
821 Southlake Boulevard | Richmond, Virginia | 23236
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.weidmuller.com
WEIDMULLER Support Help-line
USA 1-800-849-9343
Canada 1-800-268-4080
Mexico 01-222-2686267
Rest of the world [phone]
ATTENTION!
Incorrect termination of supply wires may cause internal damage and will void warranty.
To ensure your WI-MOD-E enjoys a long life, double check ALL your connections with the user manual
before turning the power on
CAUTION:
To comply with FCC RF Exposure requirements in section 1.1310 of the FCC Rules, antennas used with this device must
be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons to satisfy RF exposure compliance.
DO NOT:
Operate the transmitter when someone is within 20 cm of the antenna
Operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are properly terminated.
Operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere
All equipment must be properly grounded for safe operation. All equipment should be serviced only by a qualified
technician.

Weidmuller Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server WI-MOD-E-G/A User Manual
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FCC Notice:
This device complies with Part 15.247 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device must be operated as supplied by Weidmuller. Any changes or modifications made to the device without the
written consent of Weidmuller may void the user’s authority to operate the device.
This device must be installed by professional installers in compliance with 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart C Section 15.204 and
15.205, who will be responsible for maintaining EIRP no greater than 36 dBm in accordance with 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart
C Section 15.247 (b)(2)(4).
In accordance with 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart C Section 15.203 only the following antenna/coax cable combinations can be
used with each radio.
Manufacturer Model Number Coax Cable Net
WEIDMULLER WI-ANT-24GHZ-4DB OMNI NF WI-ACC-TYP400-10FT-NM-NM 3dBi Gain
WEIDMULLER WI-ANT-24GHZ-4DB OMNI NF WI-ACC-TYP400-40FT-NM-NM 2dBi Gain
WEIDMULLER WI-ANT-24GHZ-8DB OMNI NF WI-ACC-TYP400-55FT-NM-NM 4dBi Gain
WEIDMULLER WI-ANT-24GHZ-10DB YAGI NF WI-ACC-TYP400-75FT-NM-NM 5dBi Gain
Part 15 – This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part15 of the FCC rules (Code of Federal Regulations 47CFR Part 15). Operation is subject to the condition that
this device does not cause harmful interference.
Notice – Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
This Device should only be connected to PCs that are covered by either FCC DoC or are FCC certified.
Safety Notices:
Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety standard for human exposure
to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment as a result of its actions in Docket 93-62
and OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01.
UL Notice:
1. The Wireless Ethernet module is to be installed by trained personnel / licensed electricians only and installation
must be carried out in accordance with the instructions listed in the Installation Guide and applicable local
regulatory codes.
2. The units are intended for Restricted Access Locations.
3. The Wireless Ethernet module is intended to be installed in a final enclosure, rated IP54, before use outdoors.
4. The Equipment shall be powered using an external Listed Power Supply with LPS outputs or a Class 2 Power
Supply.
5. The Wireless Ethernet module must be properly grounded for surge protection before use.
6. If installed in a hazardous environment coaxial cable shall be installed in a metallic conduit

Weidmuller Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server WI-MOD-E-G/A User Manual
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Important Notice
WEIDMULLER products are designed to be used in industrial environments, by experienced industrial engineering
personnel with adequate knowledge of safety design considerations.
WEIDMULLER radio products are used on unprotected license-free radio bands with radio noise and interference. The
products are designed to operate in the presence of noise and interference, however in an extreme case, radio noise and
interference could cause product operation delays or operation failure. Like all industrial electronic products,
WEIDMULLER products can fail in a variety of modes due to misuse, age, or malfunction. We recommend that users and
designers design systems using design techniques intended to prevent personal injury or damage during product
operation, and provide failure tolerant systems to prevent personal injury or damage in the event of product failure.
Designers must warn users of the equipment or systems if adequate protection against failure has not been included in
the system design. Designers must include this Important Notice in operating procedures and system manuals.
These products should not be used in non-industrial applications, or life-support systems, without consulting first.
1. A radio license is not required in some countries, provided the module is installed using the aerial and equipment
configuration described in the WI-MOD-E Installation Guide. Check with your local distributor for further
information on regulations.
2. Operation is authorized by the radio frequency regulatory authority in your country on a non-protection basis.
Although all care is taken in the design of these units, there is no responsibility taken for sources of external
interference. Systems should be designed to be tolerant of these operational delays.
3. To avoid the risk of electrocution, the aerial, aerial cable, serial cables and all terminals of the WI-MOD-E module
should be electrically protected. To provide maximum surge and lightning protection, the module should be
connected to a suitable earth and the aerial, aerial cable, serial cables and the module should be installed as
recommended in the Installation Guide.
4. To avoid accidents during maintenance or adjustment of remotely controlled equipment, all equipment should be
first disconnected from the WI-MOD-E module during these adjustments. Equipment should carry clear markings
to indicate remote or automatic operation. E.g. "This equipment is remotely controlled and may start without
warning. Isolate at the switchboard before attempting adjustments."
5. The WI-MOD-E module is not suitable for use in explosive environments without additional protection.
6. The WI-MOD-E Operates using the same Radio frequencies and communication protocols as commercially
available off-the shelf equipment. If your system is not adequately secured, third parties may be able to gain
access to your data or gain control of your equipment via the radio link. Before deploying a system make sure you
have considered the security aspects of your installation carefully.
Release Notice:
This is the October 2012 release of the WI-MOD-E Ethernet Modem User Manual version 2.16 which applies to version
2.16 Modem firmware.

Weidmuller Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server WI-MOD-E-G/A User Manual
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Limited Lifetime Warranty, Disclaimer and Limitation of Remedies
WEIDMULLER products are warranted free from manufacturing defects for the “serviceable lifetime” of the product. The
“serviceable lifetime” is limited to the availability of electronic components. If the serviceable life is reached in less than
three years following the original purchase from WEIDMULLER, WEIDMULLER will replace the product with an equivalent
product if an equivalent product is available.
This warranty does not extend to the following:
Failures caused by the operation of the equipment outside the particular product's specification, or
Use of the module not in accordance with this User Manual, or
Abuse, misuse, neglect or damage by external causes, or
Repairs, alterations, modifications undertaken other than by an authorized Service Agent.
WEIDMULLER liability under this warranty is limited to the replacement or repair of the product. This warranty is in lieu of
and exclusive of all other warranties. This warranty does not indemnify the purchaser of products for any consequential
claim for damages or loss of operations or profits and WEIDMULLER is not liable for any consequential damages or loss
of operations or profits resulting from the use of these products. WEIDMULLER is not liable for damages, losses, costs,
injury or harm incurred as a consequence of any representations, warranties or conditions made by WEIDMULLER or its
representatives or by any other party, except as expressed solely in this document.
GNU Free Documentation License:
Copyright (C) 2009 Weidmuller.
Weidmuller is using a part of Free Software code under the GNU General Public License in operating the “WI-MOD-E ”
product. This General Public License applies to most of the Free Software Foundation’s code and to any other program
whose authors commit by using it. The Free Software is copyrighted by Free Software Foundation, Inc. and the program
is licensed “As is” without warranty of any kind. Users are free to contact Weidmuller at the following Email Address:
[e-mail] for instructions on how to obtain the source code used in the “WI-MOD-E”.
A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".

Weidmuller Wireless Ethernet Modem & Device Server WI-MOD-E-G/A User Manual
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION.........................................8
1.0 -NETWORK TOPOLOGY................................................8
Access Point vs Client .................................................9
Bridge vs Router........................................................10
1.1 -GETTING STARTED QUICKLY ....................................11
CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION.........................................12
2.0 -GENERAL ................................................................12
2.1 -ANTENNA INSTALLATION ..........................................12
Antenna Diversity.......................................................13
Example...................................................................................13
Line-of-sight installations ...........................................13
Installation tips...........................................................14
Dipole and Collinear antennas...................................14
Directional antennas..................................................14
2.2 -POWER SUPPLY.......................................................15
2.3 -SERIAL CONNECTIONS .............................................15
RS232 Serial Port......................................................15
DB9 Connector Pinouts .............................................15
RS485 Serial Port......................................................16
2.4 -DISCRETE (DIGITAL)INPUT/OUTPUT .........................17
CHAPTER 3 - OPERATION..............................................18
3.0 -START-UP................................................................18
“Access Point” Start-up (WI-MOD-E-G).....................18
“Access Point” Start-up (WI-MOD-E-A).....................18
“Client” Start-up..........................................................18
Link Establishment.....................................................18
How a Link connection is lost ....................................19
Roaming Clients.........................................................19
LED Indication............................................................19
3.1 -SELECTING A CHANNEL............................................20
802.11b/g (2.4GHz) ...................................................20
802.11a (5GHz) .........................................................21
Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) ........................22
3.2 -CONFIGURING THE UNIT FOR THE FIRST TIME.............22
Default Configuration.................................................22
Accessing Configuration for the first time..................22
Method 1 - Set PC to same network as WI-MOD-E..23
Method2‐SetWI‐MOD‐ENetworkaddresstomatchthelocal
network...................................................................................24
3.3 -QUICK START CONFIGURATION ................................26
3.4 -NETWORK CONFIGURATION......................................27
Network Settings Webpage Fields.............................28
3.5 -SPANNING TREE ALGORITHM ...................................29
3.6 -COMPATIBILITY........................................................31
3 Address (Layer 3 Bridge) & 4 Address Mode.........31
WhatAddressesareinawirelessEthernetdataframe?.........31
PacketsbetweenAPandClient...............................................31
WI-MOD-E-100 Compatibility ....................................31
3.7 -SECURITY MENU......................................................32
WEP (64 bit) & (128 bit).............................................32
EncryptionKeys1to4.............................................................32
Default WEP Key.......................................................32
AuthenticationMode=Open/Shared......................................32
WPA / WPA2..............................................................33
WPA Enterprise - Authenticator (AP) Configuration..33
SupplicantRe‐authenticatePeriod:.........................................33
EnableDebug:..........................................................................33
WPA Enterprise - Supplicant (Client) Configuration..33
TrustedCAcertificateupload..................................................33
CertificateVerificationresult:..................................................33
TrustedCACertificateContents:..............................................33
3.8 -DISPLAYS THE CONTENTS OF THE CA
CERTIFICATE.NORMAL OPERATION..................................34
Bridge Operation (Transparent Network)..................34
Router Operation (Routed Network)..........................34
3.9 -RADIO CONFIGURATION...........................................34
Channel Selection .....................................................36
WI‐MOD‐E‐Gmodem(2.4GHz802.11b/g)..............................36
WI‐MOD‐E‐Amodem(5GHz802.11a).....................................36
3.10 -ADVANCED RADIO CONFIGURATION .......................37
Fixed Noise Floor ......................................................38
3.11 -SERIAL PORT CONFIGURATION ..............................39
RS-232 PPP Server...................................................39
Serial Gateway (Server/Client/Multicast)...................40
Serial Gateway (Modbus RTU to TCP).....................40
Modbus TCP to RTU Gateway..................................41
3.12 -SERIAL MENU........................................................42
RS-232 / RS485 Serial Port Configuration (Common to
all)..............................................................................42
RS232 PPP Server (Only RS232).............................42
RS-232 / RS485 Serial Gateway Mode.....................42
RS-232 / RS485 Modbus TCP/RTU Converter.........43
3.13 -MULTICAST PIPE MANAGER ...................................44
Multicast Pipe Manager.............................................44
3.14 -DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT .........................................45
3.15 -MODBUS I/O TRANSFER ........................................45
Modbus TCP Configuration on I/O Transfer Menu:...48
Modbus TCP Client Mappings on I/O Transfer Menu:
...................................................................................48
3.16 -ROAMING..............................................................49
3.17 -REPEATERS (WDS)...............................................51
ImportantNotes:.....................................................................51
WDS Connections:....................................................52
Example 1 – Extending range using WDS................53
Example 2 - Roaming with WDS Access Points.......54
Example 3 – Adding Redundancy.............................55
Example 4 – WDS Routed Network..........................56
3.18 -ROUTING...............................................................58
3.19 -FILTERING.............................................................60
MAC Address Filter Configuration:............................61
IP Address Filter Configuration: ................................62
ARP Filter Configuration............................................62
3.20 -DHCP CLIENT CONFIGURATION.............................63
3.21 -DHCP SERVER CONFIGURATION ...........................63
3.22 -DNS SERVER CONFIGURATION..............................63
3.23 -VLAN...................................................................64
What is VLAN............................................................64
Operation...................................................................64
VLAN Group..............................................................65
Interface Membership................................................66
Examples...................................................................66
Example1‐BasicVLAN............................................................66

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Example2–MultipleWirelessInterfaces...............................67
3.24 -MODULE INFORMATION ..........................................71
Module Information Webpage Fields.........................71
3.25 -CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES...................................71
Factory Default Settings ............................................71
Extending a wired network.........................................71
AccessPointConfiguration......................................................71
Client1Configuration..............................................................72
Client 2 Configuration ................................................72
Connecting separate networks..................................72
LANAConfiguration................................................................72
LANBConfiguration................................................................72
Extending range using Repeaters .............................73
CHAPTER 4 - DIAGNOSTICS..........................................74
4.0 -DIAGNOSTICS CHART...............................................74
Boot Status LED Indication during Start-up...............74
4.1 -CONNECTIVITY.........................................................74
Connected Devices....................................................75
Site Survey.................................................................75
4.2 -CHANNEL SURVEY (UTILISATION) .............................76
Channel Utilisation on a Live System:.......................76
Using Channel Utilisation for Channel Selection or RF
Path Testing:..............................................................76
Diagnosing Low Throughput:.....................................76
Solutions for High Channel Utilisation: ......................76
4.3 -CUSTOM SURVEY.....................................................78
Example One.............................................................78
Example Two.............................................................79
4.4 -THROUGHPUT TEST .................................................80
Internal Throughput Test ...........................................80
Throughput and Repeaters........................................81
4.5 -STATISTICS..............................................................83
Wireless Statistics......................................................83
AccessPoint:............................................................................83
Client:......................................................................................83
Network Traffic Analysis ............................................84
4.6 -SYSTEM TOOLS .......................................................84
4.7 -TESTING RADIO PATHS ............................................85
Connection and Signal Strength................................85
Iperf Throughput Test ................................................85
Internal Radio Test.....................................................85
Radio Path Test Settings...........................................85
RSSI...........................................................................86
Throughput.................................................................86
4.8 -REMOTE CONFIGURATION ........................................87
4.9 -INTERNAL DIAGNOSTICS MODBUS REGISTERS...........88
Connection Information..............................................88
Statistic Registers......................................................89
4.10 -UTILITIES...............................................................90
“Ping” .........................................................................90
”Ipconfig”....................................................................91
“Arp”...........................................................................91
”Route”.......................................................................92
CHAPTER 5 - Specifications.............................................93
APPENDIX A -FIRMWARE UPGRADE.......................95
Web based Upgrade..................................................95
APPENDIX B -GLOSSARY..........................................96
APPENDIX C -CHANNELS .......................................101
802.11b/g.................................................................101
802.11b/g Turbo......................................................101
802.11a – Maximum Radio Transmitter Power.......102
802.11a Turbo - Maximum Radio Transmitter Power
.................................................................................102
802.11a & TX Power ..............................................103
dB to mWatt Conversion..........................................103
APPENDIX D -External Iperf Test..............................104
Materials................................................................................104
Installation.............................................................................104
IperfApplications...................................................................104
JPerfApplication....................................................................106
APPENDIX E -GNU Free Doc License......................107

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CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
The WI-MOD-E Industrial 802.11 Wireless Ethernet module provide wireless connections between Ethernet devices
and/or Ethernet wired networks (LAN’s). They each comply with their relevant IEEE 802.11 standard.
The WI-MOD-E is available in a range of different models with different RF power and frequency options suitable for your
country’s local radio regulations.
WI-MOD-E-G 802.11 b/g 400mW max power
WI-MOD-E-A 802.11 a 400mW max power
The above models have the same functionality but use a different radio to communicate. The different radios do not
communicate with each other, e.g. a WI-MOD-E-G will not communicate with a WI-MOD-E-A. Only modules of the same
type are able to communicate wirelessly to each other.
Throughout this manual, any reference to “WI-MOD-E” refers to one of the above models.
The WI-MOD-E-G model uses a 2.4GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless transceiver. Users pick a 20
MHz channel with 5 MHz channel spacing from the available 13 starting with the first channel centered on 2.412 GHz.
Some limitations depending on country see APPENDIX C - for channel selections.
Note that regulations in North America permit 11 x 2.4GHz channels and Europe permits 13 x 2.4GHz
channels.
The WI-MOD-E-A uses a 5 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless transceiver and users must select
appropriate channel, transmit power, etc allowable in that country.
Please check with your representative for the permitted channel usage in your country. See Appendix C for channels
selections.
The WI-MOD-E unit also provides two serial connections as well as the Ethernet connections. It is possible to use all three
data connections concurrently, allowing the WI-MOD-E to act as a Device Server. Wireless connections can be made
between serial devices and Ethernet devices. The WI-MOD-E provides connection functionality between serial “Modbus
RTU” devices and Ethernet “Modbus TCP” devices. Appropriate driver applications will be required in the host devices to
handle other protocols.
The modem is VLAN compliant and capable of passing VLAN tagged frames by default. VLAN bridging and Routing
Modes are also available which will facilitate a number of different VLAN topologies.
The WI-MOD-E has a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection which will operate at up to 100Mbit/sec. The module will
transmit the Ethernet messages on the wireless band at rates between 1 and 54 Mbit/sec & 6 and 54 Mbit/sec depending
on model, band, encryption methods and radio paths.
1.0 - Network Topology
The WI-MOD-E is an Ethernet device, and must be configured as part of an Ethernet network. Each WI-MOD-E must be
configured as an:
“Access Point” or “Sta”, “Station”, ”Client”
“Bridge” or “Router”.
You can also connect to the WI-MOD-E via a RS232
or RS485 serial port using serial server or PPP
(point-to-point) protocol. PPP allows the WI-MOD-E
to connect serial communications into the Ethernet
network.

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Access Point vs Client
The Access Point unit acts as the “wireless master” unit. The
Access Point accepts and authorises links initiated but client
units, and controls the wireless communications.
Clients (Stations) are slave units and when connected to the
Access Point becomes transparent Ethernet link.
The first diagram shows a connection between two Ethernet
devices using WI-MOD-E Ethernet modems. In this example one
WI-MOD-E is configured as an Access Point and the other as a Client.
The second diagram shows an existing LAN being extended
using WI-MOD-E’s. In this example, the Access Point should
be configured at the LAN end - although the wireless link will
still work if the Client is at the LAN end.
An Access Point can connect to multiple Clients. In this case,
the Access Point should be the “central” unit.
An Access Point could be used as a “Repeater” unit to
connect two WI-MOD-E Clients, which do not have direct
reliable radio paths.
There is no “Special” repeater module, any WI-MOD-E
can be a repeater and at the same time, can be
connected to an Ethernet devices or on a LAN
Multiple Access Points can be set-up in a “mesh” network to provide multiple repeaters.

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Bridge vs Router
Each WI-MOD-E is configured with an IP address for the Ethernet side, and another for the wireless side.
A Bridge connects devices within the same Ethernet
network - for example, extending an existing Ethernet LAN.
For a Bridge, the IP address for the wireless side is the
same as the Ethernet side.
A Router connects devices on different LAN’s.
The IP addresses for the Ethernet and wireless sides are
different. In this example, the wireless link is part of LAN A,
with the Client unit acting as a Router between LAN A and
LAN B.
Alternately, the Access Point could be configured as a
Router - the wireless link is then part of LAN B.
If more than two routers are required within the same radio network, then routing rules may need to be configured (refer
section 3.18 - “Routing” for further details). There is no limit to the number of Bridges in the same network - although
there is a limit of 128 Client units linked to any one Access Point.