Mine Site Technologies NS50 User Manual

NS50 Wireless Network Switch

User Manual

Revision History............................................................................................................................................7

Contact Information.......................................................................................................................................9

About this Manual.......................................................................................................................................11

Chapter 1: Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch...........13

Chapter 2: Network System Design.........................................................21

1.1 Hardware Overview...................................................................................................................14

1.2 System Layout...........................................................................................................................16

1.3 Connectivity...............................................................................................................................17

1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports................................................................................................17

1.3.2 Ethernet Ports.............................................................................................................18

1.3.3 Wireless Access..........................................................................................................19

2.1 Installation Types and Coverage................................................................................................22

2.2 Power Requirements..................................................................................................................22

2.3 Choosing Antennas....................................................................................................................22

2.4 Placement of NS50 Units..........................................................................................................23

2.5 Placement of Antennas..............................................................................................................23

2.6 Determining Distances between Wireless Network Switches...................................................25

Chapter 3: Installation..............................................................................27

3.1 NS50 Mounting Options............................................................................................................28

3.2 Antenna Mounting Options.......................................................................................................28

3.3 Installation Schemes..................................................................................................................29

3.3.1 Installation in a Straight Drive....................................................................................29

3.3.2 Installation in a Curved Decline / Incline...................................................................30

3.3.3 Installation in a Stope.................................................................................................31

3.3.4 Installation at an Intersection......................................................................................32

3.4 Connecting power to the NS50..................................................................................................34

3.5 Handling Composite Cable During Installation........................................................................35

3.6 Connecting Composite Cable to the NS50................................................................................35

3.7 Standard Composite and Fibre Cable Lengths..........................................................................37

3.8 Connecting Ethernet Cable to the NS50....................................................................................38

3.9 Connecting F-LINK Terminated Composite Cable to the NS50...............................................39

3.10 Connecting Antennas to the NS50...........................................................................................41

3.11 Manual Reset and Reboot........................................................................................................43

Chapter 4: Understanding VLANs .........................................................45

4.1 Understanding Trunk and Access Ports.....................................................................................46

NS50 User Manual3Revision A

4.1.1 Trunk Ports.................................................................................................................46

4.1.2 Access Ports................................................................................................................46

4.1.3 Port Allocation............................................................................................................47

4.2 VLANs and Wireless Networks.................................................................................................48

4.3 Native VLAN ............................................................................................................................48

Chapter 5: Conﬁguration Using the Web Interface ..............................51

5.1 Logging onto the Web Browser Interface..................................................................................52

5.2 Conﬁguration screen..................................................................................................................52

5.3 Basic Tab....................................................................................................................................53

5.3.1 Setting Up the LAN....................................................................................................53

5.3.2 Conﬁguring Wireless Radio.......................................................................................54

5.3.3 Conﬁguring Wireless Networks.................................................................................56

5.3.4 Conﬁguring Wireless Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)..............................58

5.3.5 Conﬁguring Asset Tracking and Location Based Services........................................59

5.3.6 Conﬁguring Ethernet Switch Ports.............................................................................61

5.4 Advanced Tab............................................................................................................................62

5.4.1 Enabling the MAC Address Filter..............................................................................62

5.4.2 Fine Tuning Wireless Performance.............................................................................64

5.4.3 Deﬁning VLANs.........................................................................................................65

5.4.4 Conﬁguring the VLAN Port Map...............................................................................67

5.4.5 Wireless Distribution System (WDS) settings............................................................69

5.5 Tools Tab....................................................................................................................................70

5.5.1 Conﬁguring Administrator and User Settings............................................................71

5.5.2 Saving and Restoring Conﬁguration Settings.............................................................72

5.5.3 Activation Screen........................................................................................................73

5.5.4 Setting the Time..........................................................................................................74

5.5.5 Rebooting or Restoring the Network Device..............................................................76

5.5.6 Upgrading Firmware...................................................................................................77

5.6 Status Tab...................................................................................................................................79

5.6.1 Obtaining Device Information....................................................................................79

5.6.2 Wireless Client Information........................................................................................80

5.6.3 Viewing System Logs.................................................................................................81

5.6.4 Viewing Network Trafﬁc Statistics.............................................................................83

5.6.5 Viewing Ethernet Switch Information........................................................................84

5.6.6 Viewing Tracking Information....................................................................................85

5.6.7 Viewing Recent Tag Reports.......................................................................................85

Chapter 6: Centralised Conﬁguration Management ............................87

6.1 Overview....................................................................................................................................88

6.2 Site Conﬁguration ﬁles..............................................................................................................88

6.3 Editing Site Conﬁguration Files................................................................................................89

6.3.1 Network......................................................................................................................89

6.3.2 System .......................................................................................................................90

6.3.3 Setting the Time .........................................................................................................90

Revision A4NS50 User Manual

6.3.4 Power Over Ethernet Conﬁguration...........................................................................91

6.3.5 Setting up Asset Tracking and Location Servers........................................................91

6.3.6 Switch Conﬁguration .................................................................................................92

6.3.7 VLAN Conﬁguration..................................................................................................93

6.3.8 Wireless EAP Conﬁguration.......................................................................................94

6.3.9 Wireless Network Conﬁguration................................................................................95

6.4 Device Conﬁguration Files........................................................................................................97

6.5 Editing Device Conﬁguration Files...........................................................................................97

6.6 Applying Conﬁguration Files ...................................................................................................98

Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide.....................................................103

Appendix B: Composite Cable Testing..................................................105

B.1 Visual Inspection of the Fibre Optic Cable.............................................................................105

B.2 Measuring and Testing for Power Loss...................................................................................105

Appendix C: Ethernet Cable Speciﬁcations.........................................107

Appendix D: Discovering Devices on the Network...............................109

Appendix E: Time Zone Indices and Offsets .......................................111

Appendix F: Connecting a PC to an ImPact Network Device............115

Appendix G: Maintenance Check-list...................................................117

Appendix H: Acronyms..........................................................................119

Appendix I: ImPact NS50 Speciﬁcations..............................................121

Appendix J: Hardware Warranty..........................................................125

NS50 User Manual5Revision A

Revision A6NS50 User Manual

Revision History

DateChangeRevision

2.22.16

Copyright © 2012 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.

February 2012User Manual for NS50 hardware and ﬁrmware

NS50 User Manual7Revision 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

NS50 User Manual9Revision A

About this Manual

This manual describes features and functions of the NS50 W ireless Network Switch. It provides information about hardware, installation, conﬁguration and how to troubleshoot any 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:

Related Publications

ImPact Wireless Network Switch User Manual

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.

NS50 User Manual11Revision A

Chapter

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

Topics:

• Hardware Overview

• System Layout

• Connectivity

This chapter presents the features and functions of the ImPact NS50 Wireless Network Switch and shows how it is integrated within a network.

Mine Site Technologies' ImPact NS50 consists of a managed ﬁbre optic Ethernet switch and two 802.11b/g wireless access points. It provides wired and wireless network access for mining en vironments that do not require Intrinsically Safe equipment. The NS50 forms a network infrastructure where voice, tracking, video and process control applications can be used to enhance mining safety and communications.

The NS50 has the following features:

• Up to four ﬁbre optic Gigabit Ethernet ports

• Four 10/100 Ethernet ports with Power ov er Ethernet (PoE) supply capability

• Up to two 802.11b/g wireless access points

• Powder-coated stainless steel enclosure meeting Ingress Protection IP65 standards

• AeroScout® tag reading capability, allowing real time tracking of assets and personnel

• Composite cabling system incorporating ﬁbre optic data and DC power

• Low power design, with a wide input voltage from 10-50VDC

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support for remote monitoring

• Wireless Distribution System (WDS) for wireless VLAN trunking with other ImPact network devices.

For detailed speciﬁcations on the NS50, see ImPact NS50

Speciﬁcations on page 121.

NS50 User Manual13Revision A

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

1.1 Hardware Overview

The features and functions of the NS50 are illustrated in Figure 1: NS50 layout and the accompanying table.

Note: The NS50 has four slightly different models:

• NS5001 - 1 Radio port, 2 Fibre ports

• NS5002 - 2 Radio ports, 2 Fibre ports

• NS5003 - 1 Radio port, 4 Fibre ports

• NS5004 - 2 Radio ports, 4 Fibre ports This manual is written for the NS5004. If you have one of the other models, there may be slight

differences. Please note that these models have different internal hardware, and it is not possible to upgrade one model into another.

Figure 1: NS50 layout

Revision A14NS50 User Manual

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

FunctionDescriptionKey

Composite ﬁbre / power cable port

Power indicator LED3

Status indicator LED4

Fibre port Link / Activity status LEDs

Connector for data transmission and / or DC power distribution.

Labelling of the ﬁbre optic ports.Composite ﬁbre port number2

• Green: when power is applied to the NS50.

• Red: when the power drops below 12V.

• Flashing Red: startup in progress.

• Flashing Green: normal operation.

• Solid Red: indicates an error.

• Off: indicates a problem (Refer to the Troubleshooting

Guide on page 103).

RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 2.MAIN antenna port for Radio 25 RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 2.AUX antenna port for Radio 26

• The top LED (green) ﬂashes when data is transmitted or received, and is solid when a link is established.

• The lower LED (orange) is active when the link is running at 1Gbps.

External Ethernet ports9

External Ethernet port (9) Link / Activity status LEDs

Ethernet port protective cover13

Radio Link / Activity status LED14

cover

Labelling of the Ethernet ports.External Ethernet port number8 External Ethernet with IEEE 802.3af PoE supply capability

for powering WAPs and other network devices.

• The top LED (green) ﬂashes when data is transmitted or received and is solid when a link is established.

• The lower LED (orange) indicates that PoE power is being supplied.

RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 1.MAIN antenna port for Radio 111 RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 1.AUX antenna port for Radio 112 A protective cover for the Ethernet port when it is not in

use.

• The top LED (green) ﬂashes when data is transmitted or received and is solid when a link is established.

• The lower LED (orange) ﬂashes when a Wi-Fi tag is detected by the radio card.

A protective cov er for the antenna port when it is not in use.RP-TNC antenna jack protective

Reset button16

Reset button for the unit. It will cause power to cycle without losing the device conﬁguration.

NS50 User Manual15Revision A

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

FunctionDescriptionKey

Button to reset Radio 1's conﬁguration back to factory defaults. Refer to Manual Reset and Reboot on page 43 for details.

Button to reset Radio 2's conﬁguration back to factory defaults. Refer to Manual Reset and Reboot on page 43 for details.

Holes for mounting the NS50.Mounting holes19 Protective arm to lock ﬁbre port covers and cable

connectors. Thumbscrew for locking the ﬁbre port retention arm.Thumbscrew21 A protective cover for the composite ﬁbre port when it is

not in use.

Default button for CPU 117

Default button for CPU 218

Composite ﬁbre port retention arm

Composite ﬁbre port cover22

1.2 System Layout

NS50 units are installed in a mine to form a wired and wireless network. This section describes a simple NS50 system layout in a mine as shown in Figure 2: NS50 system layout.

The ﬁrst NS50 in a network is connected to an Ethernet switch and power supply via a JB11 junction box. (See Connecting power to the NS50 on page 34).

Units are typically connected in series down the mine tunnel by composite cable. When the mine tunnel splits into different sections, an additional NS50 is branched from the network. NS50 or Wireless Access Point (WAP) devices can also be positioned in Wi-Fi ‘hot spots’ such as crib areas and refuge bays.

A PC or mobile device can connect to the network when in proximity of an NS50 or WAP.

Figure 2: NS50 system layout

Revision A16NS50 User Manual

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

1.3 Connectivity

The NS50 has three types of network connections:

• Composite Fibre Ports

• Ethernet Ports

• Wireless

1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports

Each side of an NS50 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: Composite ﬁbre ports.

Note: A protective cov er or a mating cable connector must be attached to unused ports to maintain the IP65 (Ingress Protection) rating of the unit.

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 units 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

A DC power cable to connect the PSU to the electrical contacts on an NS50. By convention, this cable is connected to port 4.

A ﬁbre optic cable terminated to the ﬁbre contacts of the NS50 composite connector.

A composite cable providing ﬁbre optic connectivity and power to the NS50.

NS50 User Manual17Revision A

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

data and the ﬁbre used for receiving data. This is illustrated in Figure 4: Fibre orientation of Upstream

and Downstream ports.

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 NS50 devices marked with a tick in the matrix below.

Port 4Port 3Port 2Port 1

Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4

Single- and Multi-Mode Cables

The NS50 is supplied from the factory with 1000BASE-LX single-mode SFP modules. Customers wishing to interface to other cable standards, e.g. 100BASE-FX single or multi-mode, should contact MST to arrange replacement of the appropriate SFP modules.

DescriptionSFP Part Number (MST Order Number)

Single-mode 100BASE-FX SFP moduleW-SFP-LS38-A3S Multi-mode 100BASE-FX SFP moduleW-SFP-LM38-A3S

Note:

• If replacing the single-mode SFP modules with multi-mode modules, the single-mode patch lead between the SFP module and the MST Composite Cable connector on the inside of the housing needs to be replaced with a multi-mode patch lead.

• JB11 junction boxes can be connected inline between any two units in the chain to supply po wer. There is no need to isolate NS50 units to a single power source.

1.3.2 Ethernet Ports

The NS50 has four external Ethernet ports, that enable connection to other networking devices. The four Ethernet ports also provide IEEE 802.3af PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector functionality,

allowing a single cable to be used for data and power to network de vices. Each Ethernet port's functionality can be conﬁgured by the web browser interface, or by centralised conﬁguration management. For more information on conﬁguring Ethernet ports, see Conﬁguring the VLAN Port Map on page 67.

Revision A18NS50 User Manual

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

1.3.3 Wireless Access

Wireless connectivity in each NS50 is implemented using a WAC (Wireless Access Card), consisting of a wireless network processor and an integrated mini PCI 802.11b/g adapter.

A NS50 can contain up to two WACs. The WAC contained in the ﬁrst radio card slot (on the left side) also acts as the management CPU for the switch processor. As such, it is mandatory that this WAC is ﬁtted to each unit. The WAC operational parameters can be conﬁgured through the web bro wser interface or by centralised conﬁguration management. For more information, see Conﬁguring Wireless Radio on page 54 and Editing Site Conﬁguration Files on page 89.

NS50 User Manual19Revision A

Chapter

Network System Design

Topics:

• Installation Types and Coverage

• Power Requirements

• Choosing Antennas

• Placement of NS50 Units

• Placement of Antennas

• Determining Distances between

Wireless Network Switches

This chapter describes network system design for underground mines. A MST System Engineer will usually design and preconﬁgure a

network based on the requirements and layout of each mine site. This will involv e a visual inspection of the mine site to identify user areas, and determine access point locations. A RF (Radio Frequency) site survey is also conducted to understand the behaviour of radio waves in the mine. The following factors 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

• Interconnection to the mine's existing corporate network

• Policies for network protocol between networks

• Cabling requirements

• Antenna types to use with each unit and mounting method for each antenna

• Mounting location and installation method for each network device.

NS50 User Manual21Revision A

Network System Design

2.1 Installation Types and Coverage

Wireless network coverage can be described as:

• Wi-Fi hotspot — Network coverage is provided in key areas, such as crib areas and refuge bays.

• Full coverage — Seamless wireless coverage by strate gically placing NS50 units so their radio ﬁelds

overlap.

A NS50 can communicate at wireless distances of 150-300 metres, depending on the geometry and geology of the mine.

2.2 Power Requirements

The power requirements for a network are unique to each site installation. Determining power requirements can be complex and is dependent on various factors such as the number of NS50 units, PoE devices, branches in the network and composite cable lengths.

Note: A site inspection conducted by a MST System Engineer will help determine the power requirements for your network.

The NS50 is designed to operate at a wide voltage range, from a minimum of 8VDC up to 54VDC. Each NS50 in a network can internally step up the incoming voltage to 48VDC in order to supply power to its connected PoE devices. The NS50 needs to receive a minimum input of 15VDC to power PoE devices.

48VDC power supplies are used for large networks to maximise the distance between power supplies. For smaller networks of 1-2 nodes, it is recommended that a lower v oltage 24VDC po wer supply is used.

2.3 Choosing Antennas

Antennas are connected to each NS50 to provide wireless network coverage. The type of wireless coverage, surrounding geology, tunnel topology and stratum type are factors that will determine the choice of antenna. A minimum of one antenna is required per WAC in a NS50.

Antennas consist of two directional patterns:

• Omnidirectional antennas — radiate equally in all directions for a short range, providing immediate

coverage in an open area.

• Directional antennas — radiate in a speciﬁc direction over a longer range. A higher gain antenna

will have a longer range and is more directional. It is important that directional antennas are aligned properly between NS50 units to ensure continuous coverage between units.

The antenna radiation pattern and polarisation need to be considered to provide suitable wireless coverage in an area.

Antennas commonly used with the NS50 are shown below.

Revision A22NS50 User Manual

Network System Design

DescriptionIllustrationAntenna Type

Omnidirectional

5.5dbi rubber whips

Panel antenna

Diversity panel antenna

Yagi directional antenna

A lower gain antenna that radiates equally in all directions. It provides direct coverage in an open area.

A panel antenna is a directional antenna, with a wide horizontal beamwidth and narrower vertical beamwidth. They are suited for cov ering an open area in one direction.

A diversity panel antenna contains two panel antennas in one housing with a 90° rotation between them. It is used for providing better signal reception in difﬁcult areas, and more accurate AeroScout® tag location when Wi-Fi tracking is implemented. Diversity antennas use both antenna connections on a WAC.

A Yagi antenna is high gain directional antenna. 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 Placement of NS50 Units

A site inspection will determine the best positioning of cables, NS50 units and antennas prior to installation. NS50 units with antennas directly attached should be mounted in an elevated position, within line-of-sight of mobile devices. Ideally this would be situated high up on a tunnel ceiling or on the rock wall face. The mounting location should be free from debris, and avoid obstruction to vehicles, equipment/machinery, vent tubing and cables.

NS50 units should not be installed in cut-out areas such as safety bays and remuck bays, due to signal conﬁnement. In such instances, a WAP is more suitable, connected to the nearest NS50. For details on common NS50 mounting scenarios, see NS50 Mounting Options on page 28.

2.5 Placement of Antennas

Antennas are usually mounted separately from each NS50 to optimise transmission and avoid any obstructions in a tunnel. They are connected by coaxial cable. The coaxial connection should be kept as short as possible to minimise signal attenuation. Larger antennas / longer cable feeds can require line ampliﬁers, and possibly bi-directional splitter / combiners for dual antenna systems.

Antenna placement is dependent on the surrounding geology, tunnel topology and stratum type. The recommended placement of antennas is as follows:

Tip 1: Directionality

Antennas should be mounted and angled to give optimum transmission along curves and dips as shown below in Figure 5: Angling antennas on page 24.

NS50 User Manual23Revision A

Network System Design

Figure 5: Angling antennas

Tip 2: Obstructions

Antennas should be mounted to avoid signal obstruction from rock, vehicles, equipment and machinery as shown in Figure 6: Antenna mounting to avoid obstructions on page 24.

Figure 6: Antenna mounting to avoid obstructions

Tip 3: RF Field Overlap

Multiple antennas should be mounted to avoid crossing signal paths as shown in Figure 7: Antenna

directivity on page 24.

Figure 7: Antenna directivity

The positioning of the antennas is crucial when AeroScout® tags are used for asset tracking and location services. AeroScout® tags will not be read when there are antenna standing wave nulls. Antennas need to be positioned to have best reception of tag messages.

For Antenna mounting options, see Antenna Mounting Options on page 28.

Revision A24NS50 User Manual

Network System Design

2.6 Determining Distances between Wireless Network Switches

Line of Sight Distances

In line of sight, each NS50 has a maximum wireless range of 300 metres (984 feet) using high gain directional antennas. NS50 units are generally installed with a 100 metre (328 feet) overlap of the radio ﬁeld as shown in Figure 8: Wireless channel layout and distances. This ensures sufﬁcient coverage between NS50 units.

NS50 units within range of each other must be conﬁgured with different W i-Fi channels. By default e very ﬁfth channel is used (channels 1, 6 and 11) to prevent signal overlap, minimising the possibility of inter-modulation or interference.

Figure 8:Wireless channel layout and distances

Distances Around Curves

The wireless range of a NS50 decreases when going around curves. In this case, NS50 units need to be installed closer together to provide sufﬁcient coverage. Distances between NS50 units will v ary depending on the drift and tightness of the curve. They are installed closer together on a tight curve.

Use the following steps to estimate the distance between NS50 units:

1. Install one NS50 unit at the beginning of the curve.

2. Install the second NS50 unit between 20 metres (65 feet) to 40 metres (130 feet) from the end of the

curve.

3. Install and align antennas.

4. Perform a RF signal strength test by walking from the ﬁrst NS50 to the second NS50.

5. If the strength test records levels of:

• -80dBm to -65dBm, the NS50 units are spaced for optimal coverage.

• -81dBm to -100dBm, move the second NS50 closer (at 10m intervals), and conduct another RF signal strength test.

• -64dBm to -10dBm, move the second NS50 further away, and conduct another RF signal strength test.

NS50 User Manual25Revision A

Chapter

Installation

Topics:

• NS50 Mounting Options

• Antenna Mounting Options

• Installation Schemes

• Connecting power to the NS50

• Handling Composite Cable

During Installation

• Connecting Composite Cable to

the NS50

• Standard Composite and Fibre

Cable Lengths

• Connecting Ethernet Cable to

the NS50

• Connecting F-LINK Terminated

Composite Cable to the NS50

• Connecting Antennas to the

NS50

• Manual Reset and Reboot

This chapter describes mounting options, installation schemes, and antenna and cable connections. Fibre connector assembly and cable termination are beyond the scope of this manual.

Important: The electronic components in each NS50 have been designed to be isolated from the enclosure and local electrical earth. This ensures there is no current passing between grounds of different potentials (known as galvanic isolation). Galvanic isolation must always be maintained, with the NS50 ground terminals isolated from electrical earth, and all antenna and antenna cable connections properly insulated.

NS50 User Manual27Revision A

Installation

3.1 NS50 Mounting Options

Standard mounting options for the NS50 are described in the table below.

InstallationApplication

Mounting the NS50 to a rock bolt

Mounting the NS50 to the mesh

The NS50 has two 25mm holes to mount to a rock bolt in the mine's rock face. It is secured to the rock bolt with a 25mm nut.

The four corner mounting points on a mounting plate can be cable-tied to the mesh in a mine tunnel.

3.2 Antenna Mounting Options

Antenna mounting is dependent on the location and coverage required. Examples of antenna installation options are described and illustrated in the table below.

PictureDescriptionMounting Option

Mounting a Yagi antenna or panel antenna to the mine tunnel roof.

1. The Yagi antenna is attached to

the mounting pole using U-clamps and nuts.

2. A threaded metal bar is screwed

into the mounting pole.

3. A hole is drilled into the tunnel

roof and the mounting pole is secured using chemset adhesive.

Mounting a Yagi antenna or panel antenna in a stope or tunnel entrance.

1. The Yagi antenna or panel

antenna is attached to the mounting pole using U-clamps and nuts.

2. The mounting pole is bolted to

a metal bracket.

3. The metal bracket is bolted to

a mine tunnel entrance or roof using three M12 Dynabolts. This mounting method enables angling of the antenna into a mine tunnel or stope.

Revision A28NS50 User Manual

Installation

PictureDescriptionMounting Option

Mounting a panel antenna on the rockface.

The panel antenna is cable tied the mesh.

3.3 Installation Schemes

The installation and placement of antennas and NS50 units will depend on the wireless coverage type, rock type and tunnel topology. A few examples of installation schemes in a mine are described and illustrated in the following sections.

3.3.1 Installation in a Straight Drive

An example of a straight drive installation scheme is sho wn in Figur e 9: Installation sc heme in a straight

drive on page 30.

• Two Yagi antennas are clamped to a mounting pole, which is chemically adhered into the mine roof.

• The antennas are positioned in opposite directions to provide long range wireless coverage.

• Each antenna is connected to a separate WAC in the NS50, or a Wi-Fi signal splitter can be used to split the signal from one WAC in two directions.

• The network switch is cable tied to the rock mesh and connected to the composite cable that provides power and network connectivity.

NS50 User Manual29Revision A

Installation

Figure 9: Installation scheme in a straight drive

3.3.2 Installation in a Curved Decline / Incline

A curved decline / incline installation scheme is shown in Figure 10: Installation scheme in a curved

decline / incline.

• A Yagi antenna is positioned at the end of the curve for directional wireless coverage.

• The Yagi antenna is clamped to a mounting pole, and is chemically adhered into the mine roof.

• A panel antenna is roof mounted in the middle of the curve providing wide wireless coverage.

• Each antenna is connected to a WAC in the NS50.

• The network switch is cable tied to the rock mesh, connected to the composite cable that provides power and network connectivity.

• The network switch is also a link for power and network connectivity to devices in the next location.

Revision A30NS50 User Manual

Installation

Figure 10: Installation scheme in a curved decline / incline

3.3.3 Installation in a Stope

An installation scheme for a stope is shown in Figure 11: Installation scheme in a stope.

• A panel antenna is clamped to a mounting pole, and is chemically adhered into the mine roof.

• The panel antenna is angled down into the stope to provide wide wireless coverage.

• A Yagi antenna is installed in the roof providing directional coverage down a straight drive.

NS50 User Manual31Revision A

Installation

• Each antenna is connected to a WAC in the NS50. The network switch on a mounting plate is attached to a rock bolt.

• The composite cable supplies power and network connectivity to the switch.

Figure 11: Installation scheme in a stope

3.3.4 Installation at an Intersection

An example installation scheme for an intersection is shown in Figure 12: Installation Scheme at an

intersection.

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• A panel antenna is clamped to a mounting pole, and is chemically adhered into the mine roof.

• The panel antenna is angled to provide wide wireless coverage at an intersection.

• A Yagi antenna is installed in the roof providing directional coverage down a straight drive. Each antenna is connected to a WAC in the NS50.

• The network switch is cable tied to the rock mesh, connected to the composite cable that provides power and network connectivity.

• The network switch also acts as a link for power and network connectivity to devices in the next location.

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Figure 12: Installation Scheme at an intersection

3.4 Connecting power to the NS50

A pre-deployment power-up test of NS50 units is recommended. To conduct a power-up test:

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1. Connect the composite ﬁbre/power cable to a DC power source with correct termination. Note that the DC supply must be between 10 and 50VDC.

2. Turn on the DC power supply and verify that the green power light is on. If there is no green light, refer to Troubleshooting Guide on page 103.

Power can be applied to cabling whilst additional NS50 units are being installed. Power usage levels should be evaluated prior to adding more units downstream to ensure that the voltage rail does not drop too low. A minimum of 15VDC is required for a NS50 to supply PoE to other devices. If the voltage drops below 15V, additional power is required.

3.5 Handling Composite Cable During Installation

The composite cable is ruggedly built for the mining environment. Howev er the follo wing precautionary measures should be noted during installation:

• Never pull or create tension on the cable. Unreel the cable from the cable reel, or allow the weight of the cable to unreel as the vehicle is moving as shown in Figure 13: Handling composite cable.

• Do not bend the cable at sharp angles; excessive bending can fracture or break the ﬁbre optic cable.

• Do not step on the cable.

Installation

Figure 13: Handling composite cable

3.6 Connecting Composite Cable to the NS50

A composite cable is connected to the ﬁbre port of an NS50. Once connected, it will auto detect devices and their settings.

The following procedure illustrates composite cable connection when there is power being supplied downstream in the network.

Important: Protect all connectors and sockets from dust and grit, with minimal exposure during installation. Any unused sockets must be covered by the supplied dust caps at all times.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Loosen the thumbscrew on the retention arm.

Slide out the retention arm from the NS50.

Push down on the locking catch for the port and remove the cover.

Align the pins on the connector to the composite ﬁbre port.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Insert the cable into the composite ﬁbre port, and push the locking catch to the connector. The power LED will turn on, and corresponding ﬁbre port link LED will light up green. The port activity LED will ﬂash with network activity.

Slide the retention arm back into the unit and screw the locking nut tight.

Connecting a NS50 to a branch NS50 requires simply connecting composite cables to the additional ﬁbre ports. The connected ﬁbre ports will cause the corresponding ﬁbre port LEDs to become active. If you are adding NS50 units to an existing system, please consult your MST System Engineer to ensure power requirements are being met.

Repeat steps 3 to 5 for connecting downstream cables from this unit.

Note: If a NS50 is installed at the other end of the downstream cable, the ﬁbre link LED will light up green. The ﬁbre activity LED will ﬂash with network activity.

3.7 Standard Composite and Fibre Cable Lengths

While custom cable runs can be made where necessary, it is faster and cheaper to use the following standard cable lengths supplied by MST:

Table 1: Composite Cable

Composite Cable LengthPart Number

80mW-CFC-006-T80

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Table 2: Fibre-Only Cable

Composite Cable LengthPart Number

125mW-CFC-006-T125 175mW-CFC-006-T175 250mW-CFC-006-T250 325mW-CFC-006-T325

Fibre Cable LengthPart Number

100mW-CFC-007-T100 175mW-CFC-007-T175 325mW-CFC-007-T325 650mW-CFC-007-T650

3.8 Connecting Ethernet Cable to the NS50

The external Ethernet ports are located on the underside of the NS50, and are used to connect to Ethernet devices (such as computers, Ethernet controlled PLCs, hard-wired Ethernet Phones and IP video devices). An Ethernet cable with a RJ45 connector is used to connect PoE devices. Ethernet cables are required to meet speciﬁcations for use in a mining environment in Ethernet Cable Speciﬁcations on page 107.

The following procedure demonstrates how to connect an Ethernet cable to the NS50.

IllustrationProcedureStep

Unscrew the protective cover on the Ethernet port.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Insert the Ethernet cable (with a bayonet back-shell) into the Ethernet port.

Align the protective cover on the cable to the notch in the mating jack on the NS50, and twist to lock the connector.

Important: Check that all unused Ethernet ports remain protected with the supplied covers.

Securely fasten the cable lead against the wall/ceiling.

3.9 Connecting F-LINK Terminated Composite Cable to the NS50

Connecting NS50 units to networks with existing WNS units requires a JB14 Junction Box, supplied by MST , to act as an adaptor between the existing F-LINK terminated cable and the re vised MST Composite connector. The JB14 has four 10mm mounting holes and can be bolted to a ﬂat surface or cable-tied to the mesh in a tunnel.

Note: The composite cable must be connected and locked into place before the JB14 is attached to a surface.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Release the catch on the composite ﬁbre/power cable port and remove the cover.

Align the pins on the connector to the composite port.

Insert the cable into the composite port, and push the locking catch to the connector.

Remove the protective cover from the F-LINK cable port.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Align the F-LINK connector with the port.

Insert the connector and spin the connector cover clockwise to secure the cable to the port.

Attach the JB14 to a ﬂat surface or tunnel mesh using the mounting holes.

3.10 Connecting Antennas to the NS50

Antennas can be connected directly to the coaxial (RP-TNC) jacks on the unit or mounted remotely by using coaxial cables. Coaxial cable length should be kept as short as possible (ideally less than 10m) to minimise signal loss.

Important: All cable and antenna connections must be electrically insulated using self-amalgamating rubber tape.

The following procedure describes how to connect a coaxial cable to the NS50 and electrically insulate the connection.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Remove the dust cap from the antenna port.

Connect the coaxial cable plug to the RP-TNC jack on the NS50 and tighten the outer sleeve.

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.

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IllustrationProcedureStep

Wind the rubber tape at an angle back down towards the base of the connection and cut the tape.

Cable tie and mount the coaxial cable(s) so it is free from obstructions.

Important: Check that all unused antenna ports remain covered with the supplied dust caps. Check there are no obstructions near the antennas that could hinder the radiation pattern.

3.11 Manual Reset and Reboot

The NS50 can be manually power cycled or reset to factory default settings as described below.

PictureDescriptionStep

Locate and identify the Reset button and the Factory Default buttons for CPU 1 and CPU 2.

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PictureDescriptionStep

To reset the NS50 (i.e. power cycle), press and release the Reset button whilst the unit is powered up.

To reset to factory default settings whilst the unit is powered up, press and hold both the Reset and CPU Default button. Release the Reset button while continuing to hold the CPU Default button for another 5 seconds.

Note: This procedure must be performed on each CPU to reset it to factory default settings.

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Chapter

Understanding VLANs

Topics:

• Understanding Trunk and

Access Ports

• VLANs and Wireless Networks

• Native VLAN

This chapter explains the principles behind a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). It is important to understand VLANs to properly conﬁgure the wireless network switch.

A VLAN is a collection of nodes grouped according to their function or application, rather than their physical location. They are grouped in order to separate and prioritise data within a network, as shown in

Figure 14: VLANs. VLANs are created when multiple applications,

such as voice, telemetry, data and video, are required in a mining network.

Figure 14:VLANs

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4.1 Understanding Trunk and Access Ports

VLANs can be assigned to trunk ports and access ports on a network. These two types of allocation determine how data is transmitted and relayed.

4.1.1 Trunk Ports

Trunk ports typically provide a connection between network switches, and can carry data for multiple VLANs. They will only transmit frames (packets of data) that belong to the port's assigned VLANs. To identify the VLAN of each frame, a network switch adds a tag to the frame (known as 802.1Q trunking). The tag contains the following information:

• VLAN ID — allows the network switch receiving a frame to identify the VLAN it belongs to.

• Priority ID — allows the network switch to prioritise distribution when multiple frames are being

transmitted. Priority ID ranges from 0-7, where 7 is the highest priority.

When a network switch receives a tagged frame, the tag is read to determine the VLAN it belongs to. The tag is removed and distributed to devices connected on the same VLAN.

When the network switch receives multiple frames, it will prioritise the distribution of frames based on the Priority ID in the VLAN ID tag. For more information on conﬁguring VLANs, see Deﬁning VLANs on page 65.

4.1.2 Access Ports

Access ports connect client devices such as PCs and laptops to the network switch, and can only be assigned to a single VLAN. Access ports can only send and receive untagged frames, with those frames allocated to the relevant VLAN inside the switch. Any tagged frames sent to an access port will be dropped.

An example of VLAN trafﬁc ﬂow through trunk and access ports is shown in Figure 15: VLAN trafﬁc

ﬂow and described below.

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Figure 15:VLAN traffic flow

1. A PC sends an untagged frame into access port 6 (Control VLAN) on wireless network switch 1. The frame is sent to other access ports on the Control VLAN (access port 5).

2. Wireless network switch 1 tags the frame with VLAN ID = 4 and Priority = 5 and sends it through the trunk ports to Wireless network switch 2.

3. Wireless network switch 2 recei ves the tagged frame, and identiﬁes the frame belonging to the Control VLAN.

4. Wireless network switch 2 removes the tag and sends the frame to all ports on the Control VLAN (access ports 5 and 7).

5. If Wireless network switch 1 receives multiple frames, they are tagged and sent via trunk ports to Wireless network switch 2.

6. Wireless network switch 2 receives the frames and prioritises distribution.

4.1.3 Port Allocation

Physical ports on the NS50 can be conﬁgured to be either a trunk port or access port using the web browser interface or editing site conﬁguration ﬁles when T rivial File T ransfer Protocol (TFTP) is used. The NS50 default conﬁguration has ports 1-8 allocated as trunk ports . Ports 1-4 are usually connected to other NS50 units, and ports 5-8 are connected to WAPs or other PoE devices. For more information on conﬁguring ports and VLAN membership, see Conﬁguring the VLAN Port Map on page 67.

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4.2 VLANs and Wireless Networks

The wireless network switch can have up to four wireless Service Set Identiﬁers (SSIDs) per WAC. Each SSID is associated with a single VLAN and functions as an access port on that VLAN. An example of a wireless network is shown in F igur e 16: An example of VLAN and wir eless networks and described below .

Figure 16: An example of VLAN and wireless networks

1. An untagged frame is sent from a Laptop 1 through a wireless network (SSID = Data) on the network

switch.

2. The frame is tagged by the network switch and is sent through the trunk port to the WAP.

3. The WAP identiﬁes the tagged frame as belonging to the Data VLAN and removes the tag.

4. The untagged frame is sent via the wireless network (SSID = Data) to Laptop 2.

4.3 Native VLAN

Trunk ports on the wireless network switch also support a Native VLAN. The Native VLAN is where untagged frames will be allocated. On the network switch, the native VLAN is always the Infrastructure VLAN. This allows client de vices such as PCs or laptops to access and manage the network switch when they are connected via a trunk port.

The Infrastructure VLAN is mandatory in the network switch and cannot be deleted. An example of native VLAN functionality is illustrated in Figure 17: An example of native VLAN and

described below.

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Figure 17: An example of native VLAN

1. The PC sends an untagged frame to Trunk port 3 on wireless network switch 1.

2. The frame is allocated to the Infrastructure VLAN.

3. The management CPU of wireless network switch 1 is always an Access port on the Infrastructure

VLAN and will receive the frame.

4. The untagged frame would also go to wireless network switch 2 via the Trunk ports between the network switch units.

5. Wireless network switch 2 allocates the untagged frame to the Infrastructure VLAN.

6. The management CPU of wireless network switch 2 is always an Access port on the Infrastructure

VLAN and will receive the frame.

7. Any frame leaving the Management CPU is placed on the Infrastructure VLAN.

8. All frames on the Infrastructure VLAN are sent out untagged on Trunk ports.

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Chapter

Configuration Using the Web Interface

Topics:

• Logging onto the Web Browser

Interface

• Configuration screen

• Basic Tab

• Advanced Tab

• Tools Tab

• Status Tab

This chapter describes how to conﬁgure an ImPact network device using a web browser. Please note that screenshots may vary slightly from those shown, depending on your current ﬁrmware version.

The ImPact NS50 and WAP have a built-in web-server that is accessible by a PC to conﬁgure settings. A PC can access the web browser interface by making a TCP/IP connection to the device. For more information, see Connecting a PC to an ImP act Network Device on page 115.

The IP address of the network device can be located and conﬁgured using the Ubidevman device disco v ery tool. F or more information on how to use Ubidevman, see Discovering Devices on the Network on page 109.

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5.1 Logging onto the Web Browser Interface

The web browser interface has a login front screen with access at two levels:

• ADMIN — Allows settings to be viewed and modiﬁed. The default password is ‘admin’.

• USER — Allows settings to be viewed but not modiﬁed. By default there is no password. Note: Login and conﬁguration needs to be carried out for each WAC ﬁtted to the wireless network

device. Each WAC has a unique MAC address and should be conﬁgured with a unique IP address.

To log in to the web browser interface:

1. Launch your web browser and enter http://<WAC IP address> in the address ﬁeld. The factory

default IP address is http://192.168.1.90 and http://192.168.1.91 for the ﬁrst and second WAC respectively.

2. The login screen is displayed.

3. In the LOGIN dialog box, select Admin from the User Name drop-down box, and type the password

in the Password ﬁeld. The factory default password is admin.

4. Click Log In. The conﬁguration home screen is displayed.

5.2 Configuration screen

After logging on, the BASIC tab > WIRELESS RADIO screen is displayed by default as shown in

Figure 18: Default conﬁguration screen.

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Figure 18: Default configuration screen

The conﬁguration screens are divided into ﬁve section tabs across the top:

• BASIC — Web screens to conﬁgure device IP settings, wireless radio settings, wireless network

deﬁnitions, tracking conﬁguration and switch settings.

• ADVANCED — Web screens to conﬁgure MAC address ﬁlters, advanced wireless parameters,

VLANs and WDS.

• TOOLS — Web screens to conﬁgure password access, saving and restoring device conﬁguration,

ﬁrmware upgrades and activation of PoE supply feature.

• STATUS — Displays device information, wireless clients, system logs, network trafﬁc statistics and

the most recent AeroScout tag reads.

• HELP — Online help.

5.3 Basic Tab

The Basic tab is used to conﬁgure device IP, wireless radio, wireless network, tracking and switch settings of the ImPact network device.

5.3.1 Setting Up the LAN

The LAN conﬁguration screen is shown in Figure 19: LAN conﬁguration screen.

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Figure 19: LAN configuration screen

T o edit LAN settings, click in the selected ﬁeld in the dialog box. LAN settings are described in the table below.

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

The default IP address is 192.168.1.90. A different IP address is required for each WAC in a network.

The default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0.Identiﬁes the subnet the IP address

Settings are dependent on the site's network design.

Settings are dependent on the site's DNS design.

Leave the ﬁeld blank if you do not wish to add a domain name.

Subnet Mask

Gateway

Primary DNS

Secondary DNS

Name

The IP address of the WAC.IP Address

belongs to for the WAC. The IP address of the default gateway

to be used by the WAC. The DNS server used by the WAC when

looking up host names. The backup DNS server used by the

radio cards CPU when looking up host names.

Local domain name for the network.Local Domain

5.3.2 Configuring Wireless Radio

The Wireless Radio conﬁguration screen conﬁgures wireless radio settings as shown in Figure 20:

Wireless radio conﬁguration screen on page 55.

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Figure 20:Wireless radio configuration screen

To conﬁgure the wireless radio:

1. Select the Enable Wireless Radio check box to enable wireless.

2. To change wireless radio settings, click on the drop-down boxes in the supplied ﬁelds. A description

and recommended settings are shown in the table below.

3. Click Save Settings.

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Enable Wireless Radio

Region

Channel

Transmission Rate

Used to enable or disable the WAC's radio.

allowed by local regulations A drop-down box to select the

wireless channel that the WAC will operate on.

Settings to conﬁgure how fast data is transmitted.

Select the correct region for the site location.Limits available channels to those

It is recommended that WACs in proximity of each other have different wireless channels (for example, channels 1, 6 and 11). This minimises signal overlap and the possibility of interference.

Leave the default setting as Best (automatic) for data transmission at the best possible speed.

802.11 Mode

A drop-down box to select the 802.11 mode from mixed 802.11g and

802.11b to 802.11g.

If there are 802.11b wireless client devices, leave the setting at Mixed. Select 802.11g for improved performance if all wireless client devices are 802.11g capable.

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5.3.3 Configuring Wireless Networks

A WAC can have up to four wireless SSIDs with different security settings. Each can be mapped to different VLANs. The conﬁguration screen is shown in Figure 21: Wireless Networks conﬁguration

screen.

Figure 21:Wireless Networks configuration screen

A description of the wireless network parameters are described in the table below.

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Click on the Enable check box to enable the wireless network.

Click on the Visible option button to enable wireless network visibility .

Visibility Status

Enables or disables the wireless network.Enable

Enables or disables visibility of the wireless network to client devices within range.

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Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Wireless Network Name

Note: After a unit is reset to factory defaults, it will have a single wireless network on channel 6 with the name "AP------" (the last six digits of the unit's MAC address), WP A2-AES security enabled and the password "minesite".

Configuring WEP Security Settings

The SSID of the wireless network that is used by client devices.

Four security modes exist:Security Mode

• None: No wireless authentication is required

and trafﬁc is not encrypted.

• WEP: is the original wireless encryption

standard. This is rarely used.

• WPA Personal: provides a higher level of

security and does not use a centralised authentication server.

• WPA Enterprise: as per WPA Personal but

a RADIUS authentication server is used.

Enter a network name that relates closely to its function. For example, "MST-VOICE".

Selecting the wireless security mode will display conﬁguration options.

To conﬁgure WEP security settings:

1. Click on the WEP option button.

2. In the WEP Key Length drop-down box, select 64bit or 128bit. 128bit is a more secure encryption

type.

3. Enter the password for the WEP Key number that will be used.

4. Select the Default WEP Key from the drop-down box.

5. Select Authentication from the drop-down box. By default it is set to Open, which is more secure than Shared.

Configuring WPA Settings

WPA provides a higher level of security. WPA-Personal and WPA-Enterprise are variants of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). WPA Enterprise requires an external radius server.

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To conﬁgure WPA settings:

1. Select the WPA mode from the drop-down box.

2. Select the Cipher Type from the drop-down box. By default it is set at AES.

3. Enter Group Key Update Interval in the supplied ﬁeld. By default it is 3600 seconds. This is the

amount of time before the group key (used for broadcast and multicast data encryption) is changed.

4. Enter the Pre-Shared K ey in the supplied ﬁeld (applicable to WPA Personal security mode). The key

must be at least 8 alphanumeric characters in length.

5. Click Save Settings.

5.3.4 Configuring Wireless Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)

The Wireless EAP conﬁguration screen is used to conﬁgure wireless authentication by a RADIUS server (as used by WPA Enterprise). The conﬁguration screen is shown in Figur e 22: W ireless EAP conﬁgur ation.

Figure 22:Wireless EAP configuration

To conﬁgure wireless EAP, click on the drop-down boxes in the supplied ﬁelds. Click Save Settings to save settings. A description of the ﬁelds and settings are described in the table below.

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Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Authentication Timeout

Amount of time in minutes before a client device is required to

Setting is at 120 minutes by default.

re-authenticate.

RADIUS server IP Address

This is speciﬁc to each site.IP address of the authentication

server.

RADIUS server Port

Port number used by the access point to connect to the

By default the port number is

1812.

authentication server.

RADIUS server Shared Secret

MAC Address Authentication

Password used by the access point to access the RADIUS server.

Access to the RADIUS server by conﬁrmation of the client device's MAC address.

Password that matches with the authentication server.

If selected, the user must always use the same device when connecting to the wireless network.

A second RADIUS server can be conﬁgured if the primary server is not av ailable or not responding. This can be conﬁgured by clicking on the Advanced button as shown in Figure 23: Second RADIUS server

conﬁguration.

Figure 23: Second RADIUS server configuration

5.3.5 Configuring Asset Tracking and Location Based Services

The T racking conﬁguration screen establishes where AeroScout® tag reports are sent as shown in F igur e

24: Tracking conﬁguration screen. An ImPact network device can communicate with an AeroScout

Positioning Engine and / or a MST Tracker Engine. Conﬁguration of the Access Point is not required when communicating with an AeroScout® Positioning Engine as the device conﬁguration is performed via AeroScout® server tools.

If the Access Point is sending tag reports to an MST Tracker Engine, the Tracker Engine's IP address must be entered into each Access Point.

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Figure 24:Tracking configuration screen

There are four sections on the Tracking conﬁguration screen:

Enable

This section turns tracking on or off.

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Enable Tracking

for this unit.

RSSI Lower Thresholds

These settings are used to control what location reports are sent to the Positioning Engine. If a Wi-Fi tag or mobile unit report is received with an RSSI belo w the relevant threshold, it is not sent to the Positioning Engine (whether it is an AeroScout® Positioning Engine or MST Tracker Engine).

Tracker Engine List

This section is used to conﬁgure the MST Tracker Engine(s) that the access point will send information to. The available settings are listed below. Note that data can be passed to up to 2 MST Tracker Engine instances.

On or Off.Indicates whether Tracking will be switched on

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Enable

Server Port

On or Off.Indicates whether the Track er Engine will be sent

data.

Speciﬁc to each site.The IP address of the MST Tracker Engine.Server Address Default is 1142.The UDP port that the Tracker Engine listens for

messages on.

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Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Status Reporting Interval

Advanced Settings

There is a single advanced setting called "Drop non-exciter tag reports". If the check box is enabled, the Access Point will only send tag reports when the tag is in an AeroScout® Exciter ﬁeld.

This setting applies to tag reports that are sent to AeroScout® Positioning Engines and MST Tracker Engines.

Access Point to the Tracker Engine. These status reports are used by the Tracker Engine to determine if the Access Point is up or down.

Default is 15 seconds.The period that status reports will be sent from the

5.3.6 Configuring Ethernet Switch Ports

The WAC in slot 1 (located on the left side of the NS50) is used for conﬁguration and management of the switch processors in the network switch. It enables the ports on the switch and the 48V rail for the Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply to be conﬁgured, as shown in F igure 25: Switch conﬁguration screen.

Figure 25: Switch configuration screen

The Switch ports have the following conﬁguration options:

Name

It is often used to name the device connected to it. For example, "Level 68 camera".

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Naming is speciﬁc to each device.Used to provide a convenient name for the port.

On or Off.Enables or disables the port.Enabled

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Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Speed & Duplex

Enabling 48v Power Over Ethernet

48VDC PoE supply for ports 5-8 can be enabled by selecting the 48VDC Output Enable check box.

Internal 48V Header Enable

Ports 5 to 8 allow the speed and duplex to be controlled.

SettingDescriptionField

Controls the NS50's internal 48V connector.

Enables PoE through ports 5-8.PoE Power Rail Enable

This option is not currently in use, please leave unticked.

On or Off. Turn on if connecting PoE powered devices to the NS50

Auto is usually the best setting. However some devices require Speed & Duplex to be hard coded due to poor Auto-negotiation implementations.

5.4 Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab is used to conﬁgure the MAC address ﬁlters, advanced wireless parameters, VLANs and WDS.

5.4.1 Enabling the MAC Address Filter

The MAC Address Filter conﬁguration screen speciﬁes MAC addresses to be allowed or denied access to the network as shown in Figure 26: MAC address ﬁlter conﬁguration screen.

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Figure 26: MAC address filter configuration screen

To enable MAC address ﬁltering:

1. Click on the Enable MAC Address Filter check box.

2. Under Filter Settings, select the Mode from the drop-down box to allow or deny listed machines.

3. Click on check boxes to enable Filter Wireless Clients or Filter Wired Clients.

4. Under Add MAC Address, click on the Enable check box.

5. Enter the MAC address of client device in the MAC Address ﬁeld.

6. Enter Computer Name in the supplied ﬁeld and click Save. The MAC address will appear in the

MAC Address List.

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To delete the device from the list, click on the icon.

To edit a device in the list, click on the icon.

9. Click Save Settings.

5.4.2 Fine Tuning Wireless Performance

Wireless radio performance can be adjusted on the Advanced Wireless screen as shown in Figure 27:

Advanced Wireless conﬁguration screen. It is recommended not to modify default settings without

understanding the implications of the changes.

Figure 27: Advanced Wireless configuration screen

Fragmentation Threshold

RTS threshold

Maximum frame size that can be sent without fragmentation.

protocol issues to an RTS packet.

Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

Default setting is at the maximum size of 2346 and is recommended for most environments.

Default setting is 2346.Determines what size data packet the low level RF

Default setting is 100ms.The amount of time between beacon transmissions.Beacon Period

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Recommended SettingsDescriptionField

DTIM interval

802.11d enable

Transmit Power

Transmit Antenna

A DTIM is a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages. W ireless clients detect the beacons and awaken on the DTIM interval to receive the broadcast and multicast messages. Valid settings are between 1 and

255. Wireless speciﬁcation where conﬁguration occurs at a

MAC layer le vel to comply with country or district rules.

transmitter.

wireless frames. The options are:

• Main: The MAIN antenna will always be used for

transmission.

• Aux: The AUX antenna will always be used for

transmission.

• Diversity: The radio will determine the best antenna

to use for transmission based on the signal strength of recently received frames from both antennas.

The recommended DTIM interval is 1.

802.11d is not enabled by default.

High.Used to control the power delivered via the wireless

Main.Deﬁnes the antenna to be used for transmission of

Receive Antenna

Click on the Save Settings button to save advanced wireless settings.

Note: Ensure that the physical connection of antennas is consistent with the transmit and receive antenna settings. Failure to do so will give poor Wi-Fi performance and reduced tracking accuracy.

Deﬁnes the antenna to be used for the reception of wireless frames. The options are:

• Main: The MAIN antenna will always be used for

reception.

• Aux: The AUX antenna will always be used for

reception.

• Diversity: Both antennas will always be used for

reception and the received frame with the best signal strength will be used.

Main: if a single antenna is ﬁtted.

Diversity: if antennas are ﬁtted to both of the radio's ports.

5.4.3 Defining VLANs

VLANs can be deﬁned on the VLAN LIST screen as shown in F igure 28: VLAN list conﬁguration screen. The VLAN LIST screen displays VLANs and the priorities that will be assigned to each VLAN.

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Figure 28:VLAN list configuration screen

Up to 8 VLANs can be deﬁned with the parameters described in the table below.

DescriptionField

Check box to enable the VLAN.Enable VLAN ID number that is tagged in frames sent through trunk ports.ID VLAN name. It should be named to simplify administration.Name

Priority

Note: The ﬁrst VLAN (Infrastructure VLAN) cannot be disabled because the management CPU is always on this VLAN.

By default VLANs are pre-deﬁned with recommended IDs and priorities. This is based on commonly used applications in mines. Once the VLANs are deﬁned, they can be saved by clicking on the Save Settings button.

After the VLANs have been deﬁned, they can be assigned to the wireless networks and switch ports (Network Switch only) on the VLAN PORT MAP screen.

Priority ranges from 0-7 (7 being the highest priority) that is assigned to frames on this VLAN.

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5.4.4 Configuring the VLAN Port Map

The VLAN Port Map screen assigns the VLAN(s) to each physical switch port, and each wireless network. The screen is shown in Figure 29: VLAN Port Map screen.

Physical switch ports can be assigned as Trunk or Access ports. Wireless networks always act as Access ports on the selected VLAN.

Figure 29:VLAN Port Map screen

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All ports pass through a single switch processor, but VLAN membership for some ports is conﬁgured on WAC 1 and others on WAC 2 as shown in Figure 30: Logical block diagram of the Network Switch. All physical ports can be assigned to be either a trunk port or access port.

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Figure 30: Logical block diagram of the Network Switch

To conﬁgure a port:

1. Set the Mode to be either Trunk or Access (for physical ports).

2. Select the VLAN Membership(s). For an Access port only one VLAN can be selected. For a trunk

port multiple VLANS can be selected.

3. Click Save Settings to save VLAN port map settings.

Note: To conﬁgure the VLAN port map properly, it is recommended to understand the principles

of VLANs. For more details on VLANs, see Understanding VLANs on page 45.

5.4.5 Wireless Distribution System (WDS) settings

The Wireless Distribution System (WDS) feature allows wireless interconnection of ImPact network devices. Up to six devices can be conﬁgured.

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To conﬁgure WDS settings:

1. Click in the WDS Enable check box.

2. Under WDS Security section, enter the wireless network name (SSID).

3. Select the Security Mode and enter the authentication details.

4. Under WDS Peers, enter the MAC address of the network devices that the device will use WDS to

connect to.

5. Click Save Settings. Note: WDS links always operate as trunk ports with all VLANs passing across the trunk.

5.5 Tools Tab

The T ools tab is used to conﬁgure password access, sa ving and restoring device conﬁguration and ﬁrmware upgrades.

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5.5.1 Configuring Administrator and User Settings

The network device details, administrator and user login can be conﬁgured on the Admin conﬁguration screen as shown in F igur e 31: Admin conﬁgur ation scr een. These details are used by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent.

To enter device details:

1. Enter the device Name, Contact and Location in the supplied ﬁelds.

2. Click Save Settings.

Figure 31: Admin configuration screen

The administrator and user password are used to restrict access to the web browser management tool. It is recommended to create new password for both administrator and user.

To create passwords:

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1. Under ADMIN PASSWORD, enter the administrator password in the Password and the Verify

Password ﬁelds. Administrators have full access to the web browser interface.

2. Under USER P ASSWORD, enter the user password in the Password and the Verify Password ﬁelds.

Users have read-only access to the web browser interface.

3. Click Save Settings.

5.5.2 Saving and Restoring Configuration Settings

The Admin conﬁguration screen allows network switch settings to be saved as a .gws ﬁle. Saved conﬁguration ﬁles can be used to restore settings to the device.

To save network switch settings as a conﬁguration ﬁle:

1. Click Save Conﬁguration. A File Download dialog box is displayed.

2. Click on Save. Select a folder to save the conﬁguration ﬁle and click Save.

To restore the conﬁguration of a device:

1. Click Choose File and locate the previously saved .gws conﬁguration ﬁle. The Choose File to Upload

window will open.

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2. Select the ﬁle and click Open.

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3. Click Restore Conﬁguration from File. The de vice will upload the conﬁguration ﬁle. The SUCCESS

screen is displayed.

4. Click Reboot the Device to reboot or click Continue to return to the previous conﬁguration screen.

Rebooting the device will end the current conﬁguration session.

5.5.3 Activation Screen

The Activation conﬁguration screen is used to enable the PoE supply on the wireless network switch as shown in Figure 32: PoE activation screen. This feature is currently available by default, and no action is required.

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Figure 32: PoE activation screen

5.5.4 Setting the Time

The Time conﬁguration screen shown in Figur e 33: Time conﬁguration screen is used to deﬁne regional time settings on the device.

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Figure 33:Time configuration screen

To set the time:

1. Select the appropriate time zone from the Time Zone drop-down box.

2. Click Enable Daylight Saving check box if the selected region has daylight saving. Daylight saving

options will be displayed.

3. Select the Daylight Saving Offset in the drop-down box.

4. Select the region's DST Start date and DST End date.

5. Click Save Settings.

Automatic Time Configuration

Time on the device can be synchronised to a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. The NTP lookup is performed by the switch's management CPU, which resides on the Infrastructure VLAN.

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To enable a NTP server:

1. Select Enable NTP Server check box.

2. Enter the NTP server name (the IP address or a host name), or select a NTP server from the drop-down

box.

3. Click Save Settings. Note: If the network device loses power, network time will not be maintained. If NTP is enabled,

the network switch will synchronise the time shortly after power up.

Note: If a host name is entered, DNS settings must be conﬁgured and the device must be able to contact the DNS server.

Manual Time Configuration

Time on a device can be set manually if there is no access to a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server.

To set the time manually:

1. Select the time and date from the drop-down boxes.

2. Alternatively , click Copy Your Computer's Time Settings b utton to copy the time from the connected

computer.

3. Click Save Settings.

5.5.5 Rebooting or Restoring the Network Device

The System conﬁguration screen enables the device to be rebooted or restored to the factory default settings as shown in Figure 34: System conﬁguration screen.

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Figure 34: System configuration screen

Click Reboot the Device to reboot the device. Any unsaved settings on the device will be lost and the connection will terminate.

Click Restore all Settings to the Factory Defaults to restore the device to default settings. All current settings will be erased.

5.5.6 Upgrading Firmware

Device Firmware can be upgraded from the Firmware upgrade screen as shown in F igure 35: F irmware

upgrade screen. The ﬁrmware is a binary (.bin) ﬁle format.

Note: WAC 1 must be upgraded before WAC 2.

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Figure 35: Firmware upgrade screen

Important: Firmware upgrades may reset the network device to default factory settings (please refer to the ﬁrmware release notes to determine if this will occur). It is highly recommended to save conﬁguration settings before updating ﬁrmware. For more information, see Saving and Restoring

Conﬁguration Settings on page 72.

It is recommended that a client device (PC or laptop) has a wired connection to the network device to upgrade the ﬁrmware. Please contact your MST System Engineer for ﬁrmware ﬁles.

To upgrade the ﬁrmware:

1. Click Browse. The Choose File to Upload dialog box will open.

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3. Click Upload. The ﬁrmware will upload to the device.

4. When the ﬁrmware has been successfully uploaded, the UPLOAD SUCCEEDED screen will appear .

The network switch will reboot after 60 seconds.

5. Previous conﬁguration settings can be restored to the network switch via the TOOLS > ADMIN

conﬁguration screen.

5.6 Status Tab

The Status tab displays device information, wireless clients, system logs, network trafﬁc statistics and the most recent Wi-Fi tag reads.

5.6.1 Obtaining Device Information

The Device Info status screen as shown in Figure 36: Device Info Status screen displays system time, ﬁrmware version, LAN and wireless LAN summary information.

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Figure 36: Device Info Status screen

Note: Changes in status display are dependent on the web browser . Some web browsers may report an error when obtaining WLAN status, or require to refresh the web browser screen.

5.6.2 Wireless Client Information

The Wireless status screen displays current information about wireless clients connected to the access point.

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Figure 37:Wireless status screen

A description of each ﬁeld is listed in the following table.

DescriptionField

The address of the client device.MAC Address Indicates if the client device is in 802.11b or 802.11g mode.Mode The data rate for the connection in Mbps.Rate

Signal

Note: The Wireless Client Device List groups the devices by the wireless SSID with which they are associated.

The percentage signal strength of the client device, as received by the access point.

5.6.3 Viewing System Logs

The Logs screen displays the device logs. It is possible to ﬁlter by the type of logged ev ents and the ev ent level.

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Figure 38: Logs status screen

To deﬁne LOG OPTIONS:

1. In the What to View ﬁelds, select the System check box.

2. In the View Levels ﬁeld, select the check boxes on the reporting levels required.

3. Click Apply Log Settings Now.

To view LOG DETAILS:

1. Click Refresh to update the list.

2. Click Clear to clear the list. A conﬁrmation message box is displayed.

3. Click OK to continue.

4. Click Save Log to save the log as a text ﬁle. A log of the clear action is recorded. Any changes made

to the log characteristics are also recorded in the log.

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5.6.4 Viewing Network Traffic Statistics

The Statistics status screen provides network trafﬁc statistics for the WAC's LAN interface and each of the wireless SSIDs.

Figure 39: Statistics status screen

To view statistics:

1. Click Refresh Statistics to update the statistics.

2. Click Clear Statistics to clear displayed statistics. A reset conﬁrmation dialog box is displayed.

3. Click OK.

A description of the parameters are listed in the following table.

DescriptionStatistic

Sent

Received

TX Packets Dropped

RX Packets Dropped

The number of frames sent from the CPU and all wireless interfaces to the switch processor.

The number of frames received by the CPU and all wireless interfaces from the switch processor.

The number of frames dropped while being sent to the switch processor, due to errors, collisions, or network switch resource limitation.

The number of frames dropped while being received from the switch processor, due to errors, collisions, or network switch resource limitation.

The number of frames dropped due to Ethernet collisions.Collisions The number of transmission failures that caused the loss of a packet.Errors

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5.6.5 Viewing Ethernet Switch Information

The Switch status screen displays general switch information as shown in F igure 40: Switc h status screen. Switch information can only be accessed for the WAC in slot 1 of the Network Switch. It displays the following parameters:

• The temperature inside the switch processor

• The voltage of the supply rail

•

The voltage of the PoE rail (This will read as 0 (volts DC) if PoE is disabled)

• The vendor and part number for each of the SFP modules

• The link, speed, duplex and PoE power status for each switch port.

Figure 40: Switch status screen

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5.6.6 Viewing Tracking Information

The Tracking status screen displays the status of the tracking servers that are registered to the network device as shown in Figure 41: Tracking status screen.

Figure 41:Tracking status screen

5.6.7 Viewing Recent Tag Reports

The T ags status screen displays the last ten AeroScout tag reads when asset tracking and location services are enabled.

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Figure 42:Tags status screen

A description of the tag status parameters are listed in the following table.

DescriptionField

MAC address of the tag being read.MAC Address

RSSI

This screen assists to verify the following:

• The device is detecting AeroScout® tags.

• Tag reports are generated for a particular tag by viewing sequence number.

• Received RF signal strength.

Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is a measurement of the quality of the received radio signal.

The sequence number of the tag transmission.Sequence

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Chapter

Centralised Configuration Management

Topics:

• Overview

• Site Configuration files

• Editing Site Configuration Files

• Device Configuration Files

• Editing Device Configuration

Files

• Applying Configuration Files

Centralised conﬁguration management is an alternative conﬁguration method to the web interface. It uses Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) where devices read and apply conﬁguration ﬁles from a TFTP server. It is a faster way to conﬁgure a large number of network switches, reducing the potential for human error.

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6.1 Overview

Centralised conﬁguration management involves the following steps:

1. Conﬁgure a TFTP server on the network.

2. Deﬁne a site conﬁguration ﬁle which contain global settings to all network devices on the site.

3. Deﬁne device conﬁguration ﬁles which contain speciﬁc settings for each device, which o verride global

settings.

4. Applying the conﬁguration ﬁles to each device and rebooting.

Network devices read and apply the conﬁguration ﬁles from the TFTP server as shown in Figure 43:

Centralised conﬁguration management.

Figure 43: Centralised configuration management

6.2 Site Configuration files

Site conﬁguration ﬁles contain common settings for all devices in a network. The site conﬁguration ﬁle has the naming convention ap_site_settings.conf. This ﬁle is retrieved by devices using TFTP.

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Note: The same site conﬁguration ﬁle can be used to conﬁgure network switch units and WAPs in a network. When the site conﬁguration ﬁle is applied to WAPs, all switch port settings are ignored by the WAP.

6.3 Editing Site Configuration Files

The site conﬁguration ﬁle can be opened on a PC and edited using a text editor. Parameters are changed by modifying the text and saving the ﬁle. A description of the editable parameters are covered in the following sections.

To edit a site conﬁguration ﬁle:

1. Open a text ﬁle editor on your PC.

2. Locate and open the site conﬁguration ﬁle ap_site_settings.conf. This is usually stored in the ﬁle

directory folder of the TFTP server.

3. Edit the parameters as required.

4. Save the site conﬁguration ﬁle in the directory folder of the TFTP server.

6.3.1 Network

The network section of the conﬁguration ﬁle deﬁnes common LAN settings to all devices on a network as shown below.

# Mine Site Technologies Wireless Network Switch / Wireless Access Point Site Config File

# Network # =======

network.netmask=255.255.255.0 network.gateway=10.11.12.1 network.dns.primary=10.11.12.1 network.dns.secondary= network.local_domain_name='minesite.com.au'

A description of the network parameters are listed in the following table.

DescriptionText ﬁeld

The subnet mask for the network.network.netmask The IP address of the default gateway.network.gateway The DNS server to be used when looking up host names.network.dns.primary

network.dns.secondary

The backup DNS server to be used when looking up host names.

The domain name of the local network.network.local_domain_name

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6.3.2 System

Network names, contact details and passwords can be edited in the system section of the conﬁguration ﬁle as shown below.

# System # ======

system.contact='Joe Citizen' system.location='Mine Location-14' system.admin_password='admin' system.user_password='user'

A description of the system parameters are listed in the following table.

DescriptionText ﬁeld

Contact name for the network devices.system.contact Location of the network devices.system.location Administrator password. The default password is "admin".system.admin_password User password. The default password is "user".system.user_password

6.3.3 Setting the Time

The Time section shown below deﬁnes regional time settings for the network switch.

# Time # ==== time.timezone.index=66 time.timezone.offset=36000 time.daylight_saving.enabled=1 time.daylight_saving.offset=3600 time.daylight_saving.start.month=10 time.daylight_saving.start.week_of_month=1 time.daylight_saving.start.day_of_week=1 time.daylight_saving.start.hour=2 time.daylight_saving.finish.month=4 time.daylight_saving.finish.week_of_month=1 time.daylight_saving.finish.day_of_week=1 time.daylight_saving.finish.hour=2 time.ntp.enabled=1 time.ntp.server='time.iinet.net.au'

The editable parameters are described in the following table.

DescriptionField

time.timezone.index

time.timezone.offset

time.daylight_saving.enabled

The index representing the timezone the device is in. Refer to

Time Zone Indices and Offsets on page 111 for values and

countries. Timezone offset from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) represented

in seconds. Refer to Time Zone Indices and Offsets on page 111 for offset values.

Daylight saving can be enabled by entering 1 or disabled by entering 0.

Time offset value in seconds when daylight savings is enabled.time.daylight_saving.offset

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DescriptionField

time.daylight_saving.start.month

time.daylight_saving.start.week_of_month

time.daylight_saving.start.day_of_week

time.daylight_saving.start.hour

time.daylight_saving.ﬁnish.month

time.daylight_saving.ﬁnish.week_of_month

time.daylight_saving.ﬁnish.day_of_week

time.daylight_saving.ﬁnish.hour

time.ntp.enabled

The month when daylight saving starts. Accepted values are from 1 to 12.

W eek of the month when daylight savings starts. Accepted v alues are from 1 to 5.

Day of the week when daylight saving starts. Accepted values are from 1 to 7 where 1=Sunday.

Hour of the day when daylight saving will start. Accepted values are from 0 - 23.

Month when daylight saving will end. Accepted values are from 1 - 12.

Week of the month when daylight saving will ﬁnish. Accepted values are from 1 - 5.

Day of the week when daylight saving will ﬁnish. Accepted values are from 1 - 7; where 1=Sunday.

Hour of the day when daylight saving will ﬁnish. Accepted values are from 0 - 23.

Enables the device to synchronise time with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server . Enter 1 to enable, 0 to disable. The network switch requires access to the DNS server and the NTP server.

time.ntp.server

Domain name of Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. For example time.windows.net.

6.3.4 Power Over Ethernet Configuration

Power Over Ethernet enables the 48VDC PoE supply feature, and is enabled by default. In the switch.poe.enabled ﬁeld type 1 to enable or 0 to disable.

6.3.5 Setting up Asset Tracking and Location Servers

The Tracking section shown below conﬁgures asset tracking and location servers, consisting of AeroScout® Positioning Engines or MST Tracker Engines. This is where AeroScout® tag and Wi-Fi client device information is sent. Conﬁguration is not required when communicating with an AeroScout positioning engine.

# Tracking # ========

tracking.tag_rssi_threshold=-95

tracking.mu_rssi_threshold=-95

tracking.tracker_engine.1.enabled=0 tracking.tracker_engine.1.server_address=10.11.12.158 tracking.tracker_engine.1.server_port=1142 tracking.tracker_engine.1.status_reporting_interval=10

tracking.tracker_engine.2.enabled=0 tracking.tracker_engine.2.server_address=10.11.12.159

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tracking.tracker_engine.2.server_port=1142 tracking.tracker_engine.2.status_reporting_interval=3

A device can be conﬁgured to communicate with up to two MST Tracker Engines. A description of the setup parameters are listed in the table below.

DescriptionField

tracking.tag_rssi_threshold

By default it is set at -95. Only tag reports higher than this signal strength threshold will be sent to the positioning engines.

tracking.mu_rssi_threshold

By default it is set at -95. The default v alue should not be changed without understanding the implications. Only W i-Fi client frames higher than this signal strength threshold will be sent to the positioning engines.

enabled

The reporting to MST Tracking Engine can be enabled by entering 1 to enable or 0 to disable.

The IP address of the MST Tracking Engine.server_address UDP port to be used by messages sent to the MST Tracker Engine.server_port

status_reporting_interval

The period between status reports being sent to the MST Track er Engine. These status reports are used to determine Access point availability.

6.3.6 Switch Configuration

The Switch Conﬁguration section is used to control switch ports and assign VLANs.

# Switch Configuration # ====================

switch.port.1.enabled=0 switch.port.1.name=Backbone 1 switch.port.1.vlan_mode=1 switch.port.1.vlan_membership=1

switch.port.2.enabled=0 switch.port.2.name='Backbone 2' switch.port.2.vlan_mode=2 switch.port.2.vlan_membership=255

switch.port.3.enabled=0 switch.port.3.name='Backbone 3' switch.port.3.vlan_mode=2 switch.port.3.vlan_membership=255

switch.port.4.enabled=0 switch.port.4.name='Backbone 4' switch.port.4.vlan_mode=2 switch.port.4.vlan_membership=255

switch.port.5.enabled=1 switch.port.5.name='Internal' switch.port.5.speed=7 switch.port.5.vlan_mode=1 switch.port.5.vlan_membership=1

switch.port.6.enabled=1 switch.port.6.name='Internal' switch.port.6.speed=7 switch.port.6.vlan_mode=1 switch.port.6.vlan_membership=1

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switch.port.7.enabled=1 switch.port.7.name='Internal' switch.port.7.speed=7 switch.port.7.vlan_mode=1 switch.port.7.vlan_membership=1

# Switch Port 8 settings cannot be changed

# Power over Ethernet # ------------------switch.poe.enabled=1

6.3.7 VLAN Configuration

The VLANs section deﬁnes VLANs for the de vices as shown belo w . For large networks it is recommended that VLAN settings are applied to all network devices consistently by using centralised conﬁguration management.

# VLAN Configuration # ==================

vlan.enabled=1

# VLAN 1 cannot be disabled or have its name changed

vlan.entry.1.priority=3 vlan.entry.1.id=1

vlan.entry.2.enabled=1 vlan.entry.2.id=3 vlan.entry.2.priority=1 vlan.entry.2.name='data'

vlan.entry.3.enabled=1 vlan.entry.3.id=2 vlan.entry.3.priority=6 vlan.entry.3.name='voice '

vlan.entry.4.enabled=0 vlan.entry.4.id=5 vlan.entry.4.priority=5 vlan.entry.4.name='video'

vlan.entry.5.enabled=0 vlan.entry.5.id=6 vlan.entry.5.priority=0 vlan.entry.5.name='telemetry'

vlan.entry.6.enabled=0 vlan.entry.6.id=7 vlan.entry.6.priority=0 vlan.entry.6.name=''

vlan.entry.7.enabled=0 vlan.entry.7.id=8 vlan.entry.7.priority=0 vlan.entry.7.name=''

vlan.entry.8.enabled=0 vlan.entry.8.id=513 vlan.entry.8.priority=8 vlan.entry.8.name='garbage'

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Up to 8 VLANs can be deﬁned. Each entry.x in the VLAN section represents a VLAN. By default, the site conﬁguration ﬁle has some VLANs predeﬁned based on commonly used applications. VLAN parameters are described in the table below.

DescriptionField

Sets whether VLANs are enabled on the switch.vlan.enabled

vlan.entry.x.enabled

Enables VLAN x. Typing 1 will enable the VLAN, 0 will disable the VLAN.

vlan.entry.x.id

The VLAN ID that will be tagged to frames sent to trunk ports from VLAN x.

vlan.entry.x.priority

Priority from 0-7 (with 7 being the highest) that is assigned to frames on VLAN x.

The administrative name for VLAN x.vlan.entry.x.name

Note: The Infrastructure VLAN cannot be edited or disabled because the management CPU is on this VLAN.

For more information on VLANs, refer to Understanding VLANs on page 45.

6.3.8 Wireless EAP Configuration

The Wireless EAP section is used to conﬁgure the RADIUS server as shown below. This is applicable for wireless networks conﬁgured with WPA Enterprise security mode.

Wireless EAP Configuration ==========================

wireless.eap.reauth_time=120 # 1 - 65535 wireless.eap.primary.auth_mac=1 wireless.eap.primary.server_address=192.168.1.220 wireless.eap.primary.server_port=1815 wireless.eap.primary.shared_secret='secret1' wireless.eap.secondary.auth_mac=0 wireless.eap.secondary.server_address=192.168.1.221 wireless.eap.secondary.server_port=1816 wireless.eap.secondary.shared_secret='secret2'

A primary and secondary (backup) RADIUS server can be set up and conﬁgured. A description of the editable parameters are shown in the following table.

SettingsDescriptionField

reauth_time

Setting is at 120 minutes by default.Amount of time in minutes before a client

device is required to re-authenticate.

auth_mac

Access to the RADIUS server by conﬁrmation of the MAC address of the client device.

Authentication is enabled by typing 1 or disabled by typing 0.

n/a.The IP address of the authentication server.server_address

server_port

By default the port number is 1812.The port number used to connect to the

authentication server.

shared_secret

Password used by the Access point to access the RADIUS server.

Password that matches with the authentication server.

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6.3.9 Wireless Network Configuration

Each WAC in a device can have up to four wireless SSIDs, each with different security settings and different mappings to VLANs.

# Wireless Network Configuration # ==============================

# Wireless Network 1 # -----------------wireless.network.1.enabled=1 wireless.network.1.ssid='MST-VOICE' wireless.network.1.invisibility=0 wireless.network.1.dtim_interval=1 wireless.network.1.vlan_membership=4 wireless.network.1.security_mode=2

# Network 1, WEP Settings wireless.network.1.wep.auth=1 wireless.network.1.wep.keylen=0 wireless.network.1.wep.use_key=1 wireless.network.1.wep.key.1='mine1' wireless.network.1.wep.key.2='1234567890' wireless.network.1.wep.key.3='1234567890' wireless.network.1.wep.key.4='1234567890'

# Network , WPA Settings wireless.network.1.wpa.mode=1 wireless.network.1.wpa.cipher=1 wireless.network.1.wpa.rekey_time=3600 wireless.network.1.wpa.psk='password'

# Wireless Network 2 # -----------------wireless.network.2.enabled=1 wireless.network.2.ssid='MST-DATA' wireless.network.2.invisibility=0 wireless.network.2.dtim_interval=1 wireless.network.2.vlan_membership=2 wireless.network.2.security_mode=3

# Network 1, WEP Settings wireless.network.2.wep.auth=1 wireless.network.2.wep.keylen=0 wireless.network.2.wep.use_key=2 wireless.network.2.wep.key.1='1234567890' wireless.network.2.wep.key.2='123456789G' wireless.network.2.wep.key.3='123456789a' wireless.network.2.wep.key.4='12345678fd'

# Network , WPA Settings wireless.network.2.wpa.mode=3 wireless.network.2.wpa.cipher=2 wireless.network.2.wpa.rekey_time=3600 wireless.network.2.wpa.psk='mineract'

# Wireless Network 3 # -----------------wireless.network.3.enabled=1 wireless.network.3.ssid='MST-INFRA' wireless.network.3.invisibility=0 wireless.network.3.dtim_interval=3

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wireless.network.3.vlan_membership=1 wireless.network.3.security_mode=3

# Network 1, WEP Settings wireless.network.3.wep.auth=1 wireless.network.3.wep.keylen=1 wireless.network.3.wep.use_key=3 wireless.network.3.wep.key.1='12345678902551234567890255' wireless.network.3.wep.key.2='1234567890255123456789c255' wireless.network.3.wep.key.3='1234567890255123456789h255' wireless.network.3.wep.key.4='12345678902551234567890255'

# Network , WPA Settings wireless.network.3.wpa.mode=3 wireless.network.3.wpa.cipher=2 wireless.network.3.wpa.rekey_time=3600 wireless.network.3.wpa.psk='minesite'

# Wireless Network 4 # -----------------wireless.network.4.enabled=0 wireless.network.4.ssid='data' wireless.network.4.invisibility=1 wireless.network.4.dtim_interval=3 wireless.network.4.vlan_membership=1 wireless.network.4.security_mode=2

# Wireless Network 4, WEP Settings wireless.network.4.wep.auth=1 wireless.network.4.wep.keylen=0 wireless.network.4.wep.use_key=4 wireless.network.4.wep.key.1='12345678902551234567890255' wireless.network.4.wep.key.2='12345678902551234567890255' wireless.network.4.wep.key.3='12345678902551234567890255' wireless.network.4.wep.key.4='12345678902551234567890255'

# Wireless Network 4, WPA Settings wireless.network.4.wpa.mode=4 wireless.network.4.wpa.cipher=4 wireless.network.4.wpa.rekey_time=3600 wireless.network.4.wpa.psk='password'

The wireless network parameters are described in the following table.

SettingsDescriptionField

Enter 1 to enable or 0 to disable.Enables or disables the wireless network.enabled

ssid

The name of the wireless network visible to client devices.

Choose a network name that relates closely to its function. For example "MST-VOICE".

invisibility

Enables or disables visibility of the wireless network to anyone within range.

Click on the Visible option button to enable wireless network visibility.

dtim_interval

A DTIM is a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages. Wireless clients detect the beacons and awaken on the DTIM interval to receive the broadcast and multicast messages.

Valid settings are between 1 and

255. The recommended DTIM interval is 1.

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SettingsDescriptionField

vlan_membership

VLAN range from 1-8.The VLAN assigned to devices on the wireless network. VLANs are deﬁned in the VLAN conﬁguration section of the site conﬁguration ﬁle.

Three selectable wireless security modes:security_mode

• WEP is the original wireless encryption

standard.

Security settings include 1 = Open,

2 = WEP, 3 = WPA-Personal, 4 =

WPA-Enterprise

• WPA provides a higher level of security.

• WPA-Personal does not require an authentication server.

• WPA-Enterprise requires a RADIUS authentication server.

6.4 Device Configuration Files

Device conﬁguration ﬁles contain settings speciﬁc to each WAC in the network device. A device conﬁguration ﬁle is created for each WAC. Device conﬁguration ﬁles follow the naming convention ap_MACaddress.conf where MACaddress is the MAC address of the WAC. A device will recognise and apply the device conﬁguration ﬁle based on a comparison of the MAC address in the ﬁle name.

Note that any parameter from the site conﬁguration ﬁle can override parameters in a de vice conﬁguration ﬁle. However, it is recommended that only the settings that are different be entered into the device conﬁguration ﬁle in order to make maintenance easier.

6.5 Editing Device Configuration Files

A device conﬁguration ﬁle conﬁgures individual settings for each device as shown below. The device conﬁguration ﬁle can be edited using a text editor such as Wordpad or Notepad. The example below includes settings that are commonly over-ridden. All other settings are inherited from the global site conﬁguration ﬁle.

# Mine Site Technologies Wireless Network Switch Config File

# System # ====== # system.hostname='AP57R2' system.location="Mine Location 16"

# Network # ======= # network.addr=192.168.0.247

# Wireless Radio Configuration # ============================ # wireless.radio.channel = 11

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# Power over Ethernet # =================== # switch.poe.enabled = 1

The parameters shown in the example device conﬁguration ﬁle are described in the following table.

SettingsDescriptionParameterSection

system.locationSystem

network.addrNetwork

wireless.radio.channelWireless Radio

Conﬁguration

switch.poe.enabledPower over

Ethernet

To edit a device conﬁguration ﬁle:

Network switch name.system.hostnameSystem

Location name of the network switch.

IP address of the WAC in the network switch.

Wi-Fi channel that the WAC will operate on.

the network switch.

Each device should have a unique name identiﬁer.

It is recommended the location name is relevant to the physical location of the device.

Every WAC will be assigned a unique IP address.

It is recommended WACs in proximity of each other have assigned channels 1, 6 and 11. This minimises signal overlap and interference.

0 = Disabled 1 = EnabledEnabling PoE supply on

Note: This setting is not applicable to WAPs and will be ignored when the ﬁle is applied to a WAP.

1. Open a text ﬁle editor on your PC.

2. Locate and open the device conﬁguration ﬁle ap_MACaddress_settings.conf. This is usually stored

in the ﬁle directory folder of the TFTP server.

3. Edit the parameters as required.

4. In the directory folder of the TFTP server, save the ﬁle using the naming ap_MACaddress_settings.conf, where MACaddress is the MAC address of the WAC card to

conﬁgure.

6.6 Applying Configuration Files

To apply conﬁguration ﬁles to a network switch:

1. Connect a PC to the network or network switch. Refer to Connecting a PC to an ImPact Network

Device on page 115 for more information.

2. Check the TFTP server is connected and running on the same network as the network device. If the TFTP server is being run on the PC, open the TFTP server application.

3. Open a Telnet software utility on your computer. For a PC with Windows OS, open the command prompt.

4. T ype T elnet xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of the WAC card in the ImPact network device to be updated). The login screen will be displayed.

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___ __________________ | \/ | ____|__ __| | |\__/| |____ | | | |_| |_|______| |_|

Admin password: *****

5. Enter the Admin password and press ENTER. The conﬁguration menu will be displayed.

___ __________________ | \/ | ____|__ __| | |\__/| |____ | | | |_| |_|______| |_|

Network Switch Configuration

-----------------

1. Basic Settings

2. Tools

3. Logout

4. Save & reset

----------------Rev: 2.20.14 24-DEC-2010

Enter selection: 2

6. Type 2 to select Tools and press ENTER.

___ __________________ | \/ | ____|__ __| | |\__/| |____ | | | |_| |_|______| |_|

Tools

-----

1. Reset to Defaults

2. Remote Configuration

Enter selection: 2

7. Type 2 to select Remote Conﬁguration and press ENTER.

___ __________________ | \/ | ____|__ __| | |\__/| |____ | | | |_| |_|______| |_|

Remote Configuration

--------------------

1. Configuration Server :

2. Apply remote configuration

Enter selection: 1

8. If the location of the TFTP server is being deﬁned for the ﬁrst time, Type 1 and press ENTER to select Conﬁguration Server. If the TFTP server has been previously deﬁned (i.e. the IP address is shown next to Conﬁguration Server), go to Step 10.

Configuration Server

-------------------Configuration Server : [192.168.1.95] Please enter a host with a FQDN or an IP address in the form XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX Enter new value: 192.168.1.95

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9. Enter the IP address or the domain name of the TFTP server and press ENTER. This will tell the

network switch the address of the TFTP server.

___ __________________ | \/ | ____|__ __| | |\__/| |____ | | | |_| |_|______| |_|

Remote Configuration

--------------------

1. Configuration Server : [192.168.1.95]

2. Apply remote configuration

Enter selection: 2

10. Type 2 to Apply remote conﬁguration and press ENTER. The device will read the site settings ﬁle

and device settings ﬁle from the TFTP server and apply the settings to the WAC.

Applying central configuration settings:

---------------------------------------Resolving configuration server IP address ... success Retrieving site settings via TFTP ... success Processing site settings ... network.netmask = 255.255.255.0 ... Success network.gateway = 192.168.0.250 ... Success network.dns.primary = 192.168.0.8 ... Success network.dns.secondary = ... Success network.local_domain_name = minesite.com.au ... Success system.contact = Darren Chan ... Success system.location = Artarmon ... Success system.admin_password = admin ... Success system.user_password = user ... Success time.timezone.index = 66 ... Success time.timezone.offset = 36000 ... Success time.daylight_saving.enabled = 1 ... Success time.daylight_saving.offset = 3600 ... Success time.daylight_saving.start.month = 10 ... Success time.daylight_saving.start.week_of_month = 1 ... Success time.daylight_saving.start.day_of_week = 1 ... Success time.daylight_saving.start.hour = 2 ... Success time.daylight_saving.finish.month = 4 ... Success time.daylight_saving.finish.week_of_month = 1 ... Success time.daylight_saving.finish.day_of_week = 1 ... Success time.daylight_saving.finish.hour = 2 ... Success time.ntp.enabled = 1 ... Success time.ntp.server = time.iinet.net.au ... Success tracking.tag_rssi_threshold = -95 ... Success tracking.mu_rssi_threshold = -95 ... Success tracking.tracker_engine.1.enabled = 0 ... Success tracking.tracker_engine.1.server_address = 10.11.12.158 ... Success

tracking.tracker_engine.1.server_port = 1142 ... Success . . . . Retrieving device settings via TFTP ... success Processing device settings ... system.hostname = AP57R1 ... Success system.location = Artarmon Test Lab ... Success network.addr = 192.168.0.248 ... Success wireless.radio.channel = 1 ... Success

Remote configuration complete [Message: Successfully processed the site and device settings]

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Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Revision History

Contact Information

About this Manual

Understanding the NS50 Wireless Network Switch

1.1 Hardware Overview

1.2 System Layout

1.3 Connectivity

1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports

1.3.2 Ethernet Ports

1.3.3 Wireless Access

Network System Design

2.1 Installation Types and Coverage

2.2 Power Requirements

2.3 Choosing Antennas

2.4 Placement of NS50 Units

2.5 Placement of Antennas

2.6 Determining Distances between Wireless Network Switches

Installation

3.1 NS50 Mounting Options

3.2 Antenna Mounting Options

3.3 Installation Schemes

3.3.1 Installation in a Straight Drive

3.3.2 Installation in a Curved Decline / Incline

3.3.3 Installation in a Stope

3.3.4 Installation at an Intersection

3.4 Connecting power to the NS50

3.5 Handling Composite Cable During Installation

3.6 Connecting Composite Cable to the NS50

3.7 Standard Composite and Fibre Cable Lengths

3.8 Connecting Ethernet Cable to the NS50

3.9 Connecting F-LINK Terminated Composite Cable to the NS50

3.10 Connecting Antennas to the NS50

3.11 Manual Reset and Reboot

Understanding VLANs

4.1 Understanding Trunk and Access Ports

4.1.1 Trunk Ports

4.1.2 Access Ports

4.1.3 Port Allocation

4.2 VLANs and Wireless Networks

4.3 Native VLAN

Configuration Using the Web Interface

5.1 Logging onto the Web Browser Interface

5.2 Configuration screen

5.3 Basic Tab

5.3.1 Setting Up the LAN

5.3.2 Configuring Wireless Radio

5.3.3 Configuring Wireless Networks

Configuring WEP Security Settings

Configuring WPA Settings

5.3.4 Configuring Wireless Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)

5.3.5 Configuring Asset Tracking and Location Based Services

5.3.6 Configuring Ethernet Switch Ports

5.4 Advanced Tab

5.4.1 Enabling the MAC Address Filter

5.4.2 Fine Tuning Wireless Performance

5.4.3 Defining VLANs

5.4.4 Configuring the VLAN Port Map

5.4.5 Wireless Distribution System (WDS) settings

5.5 Tools Tab

5.5.1 Configuring Administrator and User Settings

5.5.2 Saving and Restoring Configuration Settings

5.5.3 Activation Screen

5.5.4 Setting the Time

Automatic Time Configuration

Manual Time Configuration

5.5.5 Rebooting or Restoring the Network Device

5.5.6 Upgrading Firmware

5.6 Status Tab

5.6.1 Obtaining Device Information

5.6.2 Wireless Client Information

5.6.3 Viewing System Logs

5.6.4 Viewing Network Traffic Statistics

5.6.5 Viewing Ethernet Switch Information

5.6.6 Viewing Tracking Information

5.6.7 Viewing Recent Tag Reports