How it Works
Mine Site Technologies
Loading...
NS40 I.S.
User Manual
98 pgs19.17 Mb0
User Manual
90 pgs9.78 Mb0
Table of contents
Loading...

Mine Site Technologies NS40 I.S. User Manual

NS40 I.S.Wireless Network Switch
User Manual

Contents

Revision History............................................................................................................................................7
Contact Information.......................................................................................................................................9
About This Manual......................................................................................................................................11
Chapter 1: I.S. Wireless Network Switch................................................13
Chapter 2: Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches...........................19
1.1 Hardware Overview...................................................................................................................14
1.2 System Layout Overview..........................................................................................................15
1.3 Connectivity...............................................................................................................................16
1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports................................................................................................17
2.1 Pre-Installation Planning...........................................................................................................20
2.2 Mounting an I.S. Wireless Network Switch..............................................................................20
2.3 Cables........................................................................................................................................21
2.3.1 Power and Data Cables...............................................................................................21
2.4 Antennas....................................................................................................................................26
2.4.1 Antenna Placement and Layout..................................................................................27
2.5 Before Powering Up the I.S. Network Switch...........................................................................28
Chapter 3: Understanding VLANs .........................................................29
3.1 Understanding Trunk and Access Ports.....................................................................................30
3.2 Wireless MAC VLAN Bridge....................................................................................................30
3.3 Native VLAN ............................................................................................................................31
Chapter 4: Configuration using the Web Browser Interface ...............33
4.1 Logging onto the Web Browser Interface..................................................................................34
4.2 Configuration Page....................................................................................................................34
4.3 Overview Tab.............................................................................................................................36
4.3.2 Logging out of the web browser interface..................................................................37
4.4 Status tab....................................................................................................................................37
4.4.1 Viewing System Status...............................................................................................37
I.S. Wireless Network Switch3Revision A
4.4.5 Viewing System logs...................................................................................................40
4.5 System tab..................................................................................................................................42
4.5.1 Changing System Settings..........................................................................................42
4.5.3 Managing System Processes.......................................................................................44
4.5.4 Configuring Location Based Services........................................................................45
4.5.5 Configuring Network Time........................................................................................47
4.5.7 Rebooting the Device.................................................................................................49
4.6 Network Tab..............................................................................................................................50
4.6.1 Configuring LAN Interface Settings..........................................................................50
4.6.2 Configuring Wireless Interface Settings.....................................................................51
4.6.3 Configuring Spanning Tree Protocol..........................................................................54
4.6.4 Configuring Composite Fibre Ports............................................................................56
4.6.5 Defining VLANs.........................................................................................................57
4.6.6 Adding Static Routes..................................................................................................59
4.6.7 Configuring Wireless MAC VLAN Bridge Settings..................................................60
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................63
Appendix B: Acronyms.............................................................................65
Appendix C: Composite Cable Testing....................................................67
C.1 Visual Inspection of the Fibre Optic Cable...............................................................................67
C.2 Measuring and Testing for Power Loss.....................................................................................67
Appendix D: Connecting a PC to an I.S. Wireless Network Switch.....69
Appendix E: Discovering Devices on the Network.................................73
Appendix F: I.S. Wireless Network Switch Reset and Reboot..............75
Appendix G: I.S. Wireless Network Switch Specifications....................79
Appendix H: Maintenance Checklist......................................................81
Appendix I: MSHA and IEC Approvals.................................................83
Revision A4I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Appendix J: Warranty and License Agreement.....................................85
J.1 Hardware Warranty....................................................................................................................85
J.2 Software End User License Agreement.....................................................................................85
I.S. Wireless Network Switch5Revision A
Revision A6I.S. Wireless Network Switch

Revision History

DateChangeRevision
A
0.9.36
Copyright © 2011 Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd reserves the right to make changes to specifications and information in this manual without prior notice.
Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in this manual.
June 2011User manual for NS40 hardware rev. D and firmware
I.S. Wireless Network Switch7Revision A

Contact Information

AUSTRALIA
Sydney
25-27 Whiting Street Artarmon NSW 2064 AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 2 9437 4399
CANADA
Sudbury
1085 Kelly Lake Road Sudbury Ontario P3E 5P5 CANADA Tel: +1 705-675 7468
CHINA
Hangzhou
4th Floor, Building 1 No. 5 Xianghong Road Hangzhou CHINA 310011 Tel: +86 571 85803320x206
UNITED STATES
Denver
13301 W 43rd Drive Golden Colorado 80403 USA Tel: +1 303-951 0570
I.S. Wireless Network Switch9Revision A

About This Manual

This manual describes features and functions of the NS40 Intrinsically Safe Wireless Network Switch. It provides information about hardware installation, operation, configuration and how to troubleshoot an y issues. You will find it easier to use the manual if you are familiar with networking systems and have an understanding of electronics in a network environment.
Conventions used in the manual
This publication uses the following conventions to highlight and convey information:
• Text that requires input from an operator is boldfaced.
• Operator interface screen control names are boldfaced.
• Keyboard input keys are CAPITALISED.
Icons
Icons are used in the manual to highlight specific information as shown the table below.
DescriptionIcon
Note:
Important:
Caution:
Additional Support
For additional support please visit our website www.minesite.com.au.
The Note icon indicates important information or references to the user.
The Important icon contains information to prevent damage to the product and injury to the user.
The Caution icon indicates to stop and pay attention or an action not to be performed.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch11Revision A
Chapter
1

I.S.Wireless Network Switch

Topics:
• Hardware Overview
• System Layout Overview
• Connectivity
The Mine Site Technologies Intrinsically Safe Wireless Network Switch (NS40) consists of a managed fibre optic Ethernet switch and two 802.11b/g wireless access points. It provides wired and wireless network access in hazardous coal mining environments. The NS40 forms part of the ImPact Intrinsically Safe Communications System, providing the network infrastructure where voice, tracking, video, process control and data applications are used to enhance mining safety and communication.
The NS40 has the following features:
• Four fibre optic fast Ethernet ports
• Two 802.11b/g wireless access points
• Powder-coated stainless steel enclosure complying to IP65 standards
• Aeroscout Tag reading capability for real time tracking of assets and personnel
• Composite cabling which can incorporate both power and fibre optic connectivity
• Low power design operating from 8 to15.1VDC for Intrinsically Safe mining environments
• Spanning Tree Protocol for network redundancy.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch13Revision A
I.S. Wireless Network Switch

1.1 Hardware Overview

The features and functions of the NS40 are illustrated in Figure 1 and the accompanying table.
Figure 1: NS40 hardware
Composite fibre port.1
Status indicator LED for each
3
CPU.
Wi-Fi indicator LED for each
4
CPU.
FunctionDescriptionKey
Power and / or fibre optic connectivity via composite cable, fibre optic cable or DC power cable.
By default, composite fibre port 1 is the upstream port.Composite fibre port number.2 The status LEDs indicate the following:
IndicationLED status
CPU is not running.Off CPU is operating.Blinking slowly CPU is booting up.Blinking fast
Wi-Fi LEDs indicate the following:
IndicationLED status
Wireless radio is disabled.Off
Revision A14I.S. Wireless Network Switch
I.S. Wireless Network Switch
FunctionDescriptionKey
IndicationLED status
Wireless radio is enabled.On Transmitting or receiving data.Flashing
Composite fibre port link /
5
Activity LEDs.
8
wireless radio 1.
9
antenna port for wireless radio 1.
10
wireless radio 2.
11
antenna port for wireless radio 2.
The fibre port LEDs indicate the following:
IndicationLED status
Off
On
NS40 mounting point.25mm diameter mounting hole.6 NS40 mounting point.10mm diameter mounting hole.7 RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to wireless radio 1.Receive (Rx) antenna port for
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to wireless radio 1.Transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx)
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to wireless radio 2.Receive (Rx) antenna port for
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to wireless radio 2.Transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx)
Fibre transceiver is disabled or has not established a link to the next device.
Fibre transceiver is enabled and has established a link to the next device.
Transmitting or receiving data.Flashing
Protective cap when antenna ports are not in use.Antenna port protective cap.12
13
arm.
Protective arm to lock fibre port covers and cable connectors.Composite fibre port retention

1.2 System Layout Overview

NS40s are used to form a network system known as the ImPact Intrinsically Safe Communications System. Each NS40 is placed at a location where data, voice, and tracking applications are required.
An Intrinsically Safe network consists of a number of cells. Each cell consists of:
• A power supply unit (PSU)
• Up to four NS40s
• A pair of antennas for each 802.11b/g wireless access point
• Interconnection cables consisting of power cables, fibre optic cables, composite cables and coaxial cables
• Antenna splitter boxes
• Junction boxes that are used to join composite cable lengths greater than 325m.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch15Revision A
I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Figure 2: An example of an Intrinsically Safe network
The Intrinsically Safe design of the network requires each cell to be individually powered and that electrical power must not travel between them. Fibre optic cables is used to connect between cells to pro vide network connectivity as shown in Figure 2.
Cells can be connected in a loop configuration to provide multiple redundant network paths to the surface. The NS40 supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which monitors these loops and can redirect data traffic if an active link fails.

1.3 Connectivity

The NS40 has two types of network connections:
• Composite fibre ports
• Wireless access points.
Revision A16I.S. Wireless Network Switch
I.S. Wireless Network Switch

1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports

Each side of an NS40 unit has two composite fibre port connectors with a crush protection cover. Each connector consists of two electrical contacts and a duplex LC single mode optic fibre (SMOF) receptacle as shown in Figure 3.
Note: A protective cover or a mating cable connector must be attached to each port to maintain the IP65 (Ingress Protection) rating of the unit. Leaving a port uncovered whilst an NS40 is operating breaches the IP65 rating and consequently the Intrinsic Safety Certification.
Figure 3: Composite fibre ports
Each port can be connected in one of the following ways:
DescriptionPort connection
DC power only connection
Fibre only connection
Fibre and DC power connection
Fibre optic cabling provides numerous benefits over Ethernet cabling, with superior signal integrity and no signal interference from high powered electronics. It also enables NS40s to be spaced over longer distances without the distance limitation of Ethernet cabling.
By default port 1 is configured as the upstream port and ports 2, 3 and 4 as the downstream ports. The difference between upstream and downstream ports is the orientation of the fibre that is used for transmitting data and the fibre used for receiving data. This is illustrated in Figure 4.
A DC power cable to connect the PSU to the electrical contacts on an NS40 within a cell. By convention, this cable is connected to port 4.
A fibre optic cable terminated to the fibre contacts of the NS40 composite connector.
A composite cable providing fibre optic connectivity and power to the NS40 in a cell.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch17Revision A
I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Figure 4: Fibre orientation of Upstream and Downstream ports
Due to the difference in the fibre orientation, MST composite cable and fibre optic cable can only be connected between ports on NS40 devices marked with a tick in the matrix below.
Port 4Port 3Port 2Port 1
Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4

1.3.2 Wireless Access Points

The NS40 has two 802.11 b/g radios allowing up to two wireless access points. Each wireless access point is managed by a CPU and can be enabled or disabled through the web browser interface. For more information, see Chapter 4 “Configuring Wireless Interface Settings”.
Revision A18I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Chapter
2

Installing I.S.Wireless Network Switches

Topics:
• Pre-Installation Planning
• Mounting an I.S.Wireless
Network Switch
• Cables
• Antennas
• Before Powering Up the I.S.
Network Switch
This chapter describes mounting and installation of NS40s, antennas, and connection of cables. Fibre plug assembly and cable termination are beyond the scope of this manual.
Important:
The electronic components in an NS40 are designed to be isolated from the enclosure and local electrical earth. This is known as galv anic isolation and ensures there is no current passing between grounds of different potential. In the event of a short circuit to earth, galvanic isolation allows all devices within a cell to be intrinsically safe as there are no loops for current to flow. Galvanic isolation must always be maintained in the following manner:
• All NS40 circuitry isolated from the enclosure (and electrical earth)
• Use of approved Intrinsically Safe Uninterruptible Power Supply (I.S. UPS)
• All antenna and coaxial cable connections properly insulated.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch19Revision A
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches

2.1 Pre-Installation Planning

A detailed design study of a mine must be conducted by an MST System Engineer to determine specific network requirements and design before installation. The following f actors help determine network design:
• Wireless coverage requirements of the mine
• Quantity and type of wireless client devices connected to the network
• Wired client devices connected to the network and their location
• Access to Intrinsically Safe power
• Interconnection to the mine's existing corporate network
• Policies for network protocols between networks
• Cabling requirements
• Antenna types to use with each unit, whether antenna splitters are required, and mounting method for each antenna
• Mounting location and installation method for each NS40.

2.2 Mounting an I.S.Wireless Network Switch

The mounting location of each NS40 should be free from debris, and should not be an obstruction to vehicles, machinery, vent tubing, piping and cables. It can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
The NS40 has mounting points shown in Figure 5 providing several installation options. The 10mm and 25mm diameter mounting holes allow the NS40 to be cable-tied to the mesh in a mine tunnel. The 25mm diameter mounting holes also allow the NS40 to be secured to rock bolts in the mine rock face.
Revision A20I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
Figure 5: NS40 mounting points

2.3 Cables

An Intrinsically Safe network must only use approved cables for the interconnection of cells and de vices. Please consult your MST System Engineer if you have any cabling queries.
Important: Please ensure the power supply is turned off and de-energised before attaching or detaching any cables in a cell.

2.3.1 Power and Data Cables

Cables terminated with a connector which attach to the NS40 ports are described in the table below:
Description and functionCable type
Composite
A fibre optic cable pair and a DC power cable pair in a single outer jacket as shown in Figure 6. It transfers power and data between an NS40s or an I.S. PSU and the attached network device. The maximum length of composite cable is 325m between NS40 units. Multiple cable lengths can be joined by another NS40 or junction boxes (model no. JB10 or JB11).
I.S. Wireless Network Switch21Revision A
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
Description and functionCable type
Fibre optic
DC power
A fibre optic cable pair in a single outer jacket. This cable transfers data to an NS40 or another network device. Multiple cable lengths can be joined by junction boxes (model no. JB10, JB11 or JB12)
A DC power cable pair that transfers power between a I.S. PSU and an NS40 or a junction box (JB11).
Figure 6: Composite Cable
Installation Procedure
The following procedure demonstrates how composite connector cables are attached to the NS40.
IllustrationDescriptionStep
1
2
Insert an allen key (0.125" or
3.18mm hex driver) to remove the hex screw on the retention arm.
Slide out the retention arm from the NS40.
Revision A22I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
IllustrationDescriptionStep
3
4
5
Push down on the locking catch for the port and remove the cover.
On the cable, push open the locking catch and remove the connector cover.
Align the pins on the connector to the composite fibre port.
6
7
Insert the cable into the composite fibre port, and push the locking catch to the connector.
Important: Check that all unused composite fibre ports have a cover fitted.
To lock connection, slide the retention arm back into the unit and screw the hex nut tight.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch23Revision A
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
Extending Cable Runs with Junction Boxes
Power and data cable runs can be extended in a network using junction boxes JB10 and JB11. Junction boxes also provide an inductance barrier, limiting current and voltage to maintain Intrinsic Safety in a network.
The JB11 shown in Figure 7 also has a DC connector. This enables separate fibre optic and power cables to be joined to the JB11, and a composite cable run from the JB11 to the NS40. This frees up ports on the NS40 for connecting other devices.
Figure 7: JB11 junction box

2.3.2 Coaxial cables

Coaxial cables connect an NS40's antenna ports to the antennas to transmit and receive wireless signals. Coaxial cables connect from each of the NS40 antenna ports to either an antenna or a signal splitter, which then connects to multiple antennas.
Use only MST approved low capacitance LMR-400-FR coaxial cable with the system. Coaxial cable length should be kept short as possible to minimise signal loss. It is recommended to keep
cable length to less than 10 metres. The absolute maximum length is dependent on local compliance approvals. For example, up to 50 metre coaxial cable length is approved in the U.S.A.
Important:
MST coaxial cables have connector cov ers that protect the exposed metal of the coaxial connectors. The covers must be in place providing protection to an Ingress Protection (IP20) rating level and galvanic isolation. If coaxial connectors only have metal sleev es, they must be insulated using amalgamated rubber tape.
Installation Procedure
The following procedure demonstrates how coaxial cables are connected and insulated to the NS40.
Revision A24I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
IllustrationDescriptionStep
1.
2.
Unscrew antenna cover from the antenna port.
Connect the coaxial cable connector to the antenna port and tighten the outer metal sleeve. slide connector cover over the connection. If the connector has no cover, use the following steps as described below.
3.
4.
Insulate the connection using self-amalgamating rubber tape. Start at the base of the connection and pull back the rubber tape backing.
Pull the tape tightly, and tape around the connector at an angle until it is 25mm past the end of the connection.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch25Revision A
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
IllustrationDescriptionStep
5.
6.
Wind the rubber tape at an angle back down towards the base of the connection and cut the tape.
Cable tie and mount coaxial cables in locations that are free from obstructions.
Important:
Check that all unused antenna ports remain covered with the supplied antenna port covers.

2.4 Antennas

An NS40 has two antenna ports for each 802.11b/g wireless radio. Antennas are connected to the NS40 to optimise wireless signal coverage in the underground mining environment.
The choice of antenna will depend on wireless coverage, surrounding geology , tunnel topology and stratum type. The antenna types used in a network are described below.
DescriptionIllustrationAntenna Type
Omndirectional antenna
Diversity panel antenna
An antenna that radiates equally in all directions. It provides direct coverage in an open area.
A diversity panel antenna contains two antennas. It is used for providing better signal reception in difficult areas, and a more accurate Aeroscout tag location when Wi-Fi tracking is implemented. Diversity antennas require two antenna connections to the network switch.
Revision A26I.S. Wireless Network Switch
Installing I.S. Wireless Network Switches
DescriptionIllustrationAntenna Type
Yagi directional antenna
Note: Only approved antenna models can be connected to the NS40. Please consult your MST System Engineer for any queries.
A Yagi antenna is a highly directional antenna providing a very narrow but longer horizontal beamwidth. They are ideally suited for line of sight tunnel communications. Yagi antennas need to be aimed accurately and avoid obstacles in their RF beam path.

2.4.1 Antenna Placement and Layout

Antennas are usually mounted separately from an NS40 to optimise transmission and avoid any obstructions in a mine tunnel. An antenna splitter can be used connect two antennas to a single antenna port. This provides greater flexibility in the configuration and placement of antennas to improve wireless co v erage.
Antenna placement is dependent on the surrounding geology , tunnel topology and stratum type. Antennas can be configured in different layouts to achieve different RF patterns.
The following considerations in the placement of antennas are described and illustrated below.
Scenario
Placement
IllustrationAntenna
1.
2.
Antennas should be mounted and angled to give optimum transmission along curves and dips.
Antennas should be mounted to avoid signal obstruction from rock, vehicles, equipment and machinery.
I.S. Wireless Network Switch27Revision A
Loading...
+ 63 hidden pages
Buy Points How it Works FAQ Contact Us Questions and Suggestions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use