Port Expander Module ................................................2
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Notices
Safari Network User Guide
P/N
96-310010-3001
Revision A October 2003
Serial Number: ______________________________________
Date Delivered: ______________________________________
Copyright
2003 by NavCom Technology, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this work or the computer
programs described herein may be reproduced or stored
or transmitted by any means, without the written
permission of the copyright holders. Translation in any
language is prohibited without the permission of the
copyright holders.
Trademarks
The ‘find your way’, ‘NavCom Globe,’ Safari Network, and
NAVCOM TECHNOLOGY logos are trademarks of
NavCom Technology, Inc. All other product and brand
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
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Safari Network User Guide
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one of more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
This equipment has been certified to comply with the
limits for a class B computing device, pursuant to FCC
Rules. In order to maintain compliance with FCC
regulations, shielded cables must be used with this
equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or
unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio
and TV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and
modifications made to the equipment without the
approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
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Safari Network User Guide
RF Exposure Compliance
The SR-7100 complies with the FCC exposure limits.
Users’ and bystanders’ heads are recommended to be a
minimum of 20 cm away from the
(SSR)
transmitting antenna when used in the basic
configuration. If transmitting system is modified from
basic setup, check FCC regulations for compliance with
exposure limits.
Spread Spectrum Radio
User Notice
NAVCOM TECHNOLOGY, INC. SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INACCURACIES, ERRORS, OR
OMISSIONS IN INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INFORMATION
OBTAINED FROM THIRD PARTY SOURCES, SUCH AS
PUBLICATIONS OF OTHER COMPANIES, THE PRESS, OR
COMPETITIVE DATA ORGANIZATIONS.
THIS PUBLICATION IS MADE AVAILABLE ON AN “AS IS”
BASIS AND NAVCOM TECHNOLOGY, INC. SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ALL ASSOCIATED WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IN NO EVENT WILL NAVCOM
TECHNOLOGY, INC. BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF OR RELIANCE ON
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION, EVEN
IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
NAVCOM TECHNOLOGY, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO
MAKE IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES TO THIS
PUBLICATION AND THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
HEREIN DESCRIBED AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT NOTICE OR
OBLIGATION.
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Safari Network User Guide
Limited Warranty
NavCom warrants that its products will be free from
defects in material and workmanship at the time of
delivery. Under this warranty, parts found to be defective
in material or in workmanship will be repaired or replaced
at the discretion of NavCom at no cost to the Customer,
provided that the Customer returns the defective product
to NavCom and pays all transportation charges, duties,
and taxes associated with the return of the product. Parts
replaced during the warranty period do not extend the
period of the basic warranty.
This provision does not extend to any NavCom products
that have been subject to misuse, accident or improper
installation, maintenance or application, nor does it
extend to products repaired or altered outside the
NavCom production facility unless authorized in writing
by NavCom.
THIS PROVISION IS EXPRESSLY ACCEPTED BY THE
CUSTOMER IN LIEU OF ANY OR ALL OTHER
AGREEMENTS, STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW,
INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE AND OF ALL DUTIES OR LIABILITIES OF
NAVCOM TO THE CUSTOMER ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OF THE GOODS, AND NO AGREEMENT OR
UNDERSTANDING VARYING OR EXTENDING THE SAME
WILL BE BINDING UPON NAVCOM UNLESS IN WRITING,
SIGNED BY A DULY-AUTHORIZED OFFICER OF NAVCOM.
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Safari Network User Guide
Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL NAVCOM BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFIT OR
OPPORTUNITY. CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY IS STATED IN NAVCOM’S WARRANTY
ACCOMPANYING THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL
NAVCOM’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT
OR COST OF THE SPECIFIC PRODUCT PURCHASED FROM
NAVCOM.
International Sales
Products sold by NavCom, including equipment and
software, may be exported from the United States only in
accordance with the Export Administration Regulations.
Diversion contrary to United States law is prohibited.
Customer warrants and represents that it is eligible to
receive Products under United States law and agrees to
abide by any export or re-export restrictions imposed by
NavCom or by the manufacturer or publisher of any
products or software that NavCom resells.
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Safari Network User Guide
Use of this Document
This User Guide is intended to be used by someone
familiar with the concepts of radio frequency transmitting
equipment.
indicates additional information to make better use of
the product.
indicates a caution, care, and/or safety situation.
Revisions to this User Guide can be obtained in a digital
format from
support.navcomtech.com
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Safari Network User Guide
Chapter 1 Introduction
The Safari Network
TM
SR-7100 System offers unique
capabilities that make it an extremely versatile wireless
communications solution. Whether you have a single
point-to-point application or a sophisticated multi-point
data network, the Safari Network can support your
applications and requirements.
System Overview
The Safari Network is based on a Star topology cellular
architecture. It supports simultaneous packet and circuit
switched data communication. The Safari Network
consists of three major components:
Network Control Unit (NCU)
The NCU acts as the overall controller of the Safari
Network, ensuring the most effective allocation of
network resources, and providing a single point of
control for all network components. The NCU also
acts as the gateway between the Safari Network and
other networking environments such as the Internet,
wired LANs, and the public switched telephone
network.
Subnetwork Control Units (SCUs)
Subnetwork Control Units (SCU) are used to extend
the range, or circumvent line-of-sight limitations. The
SCU allows the network administrator to create an
additional cell that manages its associated Remote
Units (RUs) through channel assignment, frame
synchronization, frequency synchronization, packet
assembly and packet routing. In essence, the SCU
creates semi-autonomous
Network under full control of the NCU.
cells within a single Safari
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Safari Network User Guide
Remote Units (RUs)
Remote Units (RUs) deployed in a Safari Network can
either operate solely within the coverage area of one
NCU, or roam throughout the network without losing
connectivity as they move from one SCU cell to
another. RUs may be utilized in both fixed or mobile
environments, and offer a multitude of physical user
interfaces and protocols in support of applications.
These components work together in various
combinations to enable the implementation of
multiple network topologies.
Applications
The Safari Network meets the requirements of a number
of applications, including but not limited to:
Asset management
Automatic vehicle location services
Vehicle health monitoring
Data acquisition
Machine control
Telemetry
Mobile Local Area Networking
Wireless security monitoring
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Safari Network User Guide
Unique Features
The Safari Network has many unique features to meet
mobile communication needs:
Simultaneous Services
The Safari Network simultaneously supports multiple
communication services, enabling network
administrators to offer users a large array of
communication alternatives. It can be customized
according to user’s needs to provide a mix of pointto-point, broadcast, multipoint-to-multipoint, and
Ethernet LAN services. The Safari Network can also be
configured to simultaneously support both circuit
switched and packet switched data, thereby allowing
users to give priority to latency-sensitive traffic such as
voice, video and streaming data, while also
supporting traditional LAN traffic such as file sharing,
email and web browsing.
Multiple Data Rate Selection
System data rates of 512kbs, 240kbs, and 96kbs can
be chosen. This allows the flexibility of choosing a
data rate specifically for the projects’ distance or
throughput requirements. A lower data rate transmits
a farther distance, but yields less Forward/Return
bandwidth availability for the network. A higher data
rate transmits a shorter distance, but yields higher
bandwidth availability for the network.
Multiple Connectivity Options
Multiple ports are provided on each RU to conduct
concurrent sessions of dissimilar services. Port &
Protocol options for the SAFARI NETWORK are
RS232/Async, RS422/Async, RS422/HDLC High Level
Data Link Control, and 10BaseT/Ethernet. These user
interfaces, combined with a powerful onboard
microprocessor and user-selectable data rates, allow
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Safari Network User Guide
for multiple, simultaneous services and offer users a
variety of options for connecting to the Safari
Network.
Current protocols under development are Vehicle
CAN Bus, Circuit Switched Voice, USB, and Infrared
serial data interfaces. These interfaces will be
available in a near future release.
Dedicated Network
The Safari Network enables users to create an “always
on” dedicated, private communication network for
both fixed and mobile assets within a localized area. It
provides network administrators with full control of all
RUs, bandwidth, access, and services.
The ability to receive data from RUs at a central
location allows superior management of personnel
and assets. For example, productivity of field workers
can be monitored to increase overall efficiency.
Vehicle health information can be analyzed to predict
and prevent vehicular failure.
The Safari Network provides a high degree of
flexibility and control, allowing users to manage their
resources effectively.
Rugged Design
The rugged design of the Safari Network components
provides protection against harsh environments
common to areas such as farms, construction sites,
mines, and marine vessels. Units are watertight and
sealed to protect against environmental hazards such
as dust, moisture, vibration, and hot and cold
extremes.
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Safari Network User Guide
Safari Network Management System
The Safari Network management system design
allows those with little or no technical background to
manage the overall network configuration. It is
equipped with both a simple text-based configuration
structure (accessible from any of the ASYNC ports),
and an intuitive browser-based configuration interface
accessible via the Ethernet port (this interface will be
available in a near future release). Network
administrators can use either method to configure,
reconfigure, and manage all RUs in their Safari
Network.
System Advantages
The Safari Network has several major advantages over
licensed and traditional cellular radio systems:
Safari Network is a license-free, no fee system. There
are no implementation delays associated with
frequency coordination and license applications.
There are also no costs associated with annual license
fees, no monthly connection charges, and no data
volume charges.
Lower transmission power utilized in the system
minimizes the DC power requirements.
The larger bandwidth available in the license-free ISM
band permits the provision of data rates significantly
greater than those supported by licensed and
traditional systems.
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Safari Network User Guide
Safari Network Components
A typical Safari Network is made up of several components
interfaced together in order to achieve maximum
productivity and range throughout a project.
The minimum requirements for a Safari Network are one
Network Control Unit (NCU), and one Remote Unit (RU).
A Safari Network must have at least one NCU, and can
contain as many as 400 RUs and SCUs. Multiple NCUs
could be synchronized to a master NCU for simultaneous
interference-free operation to improve data throughput.
The Safari Network usually consists of two modules, a
Radio Module (NCU, SCU, or RU) and a Port Expander. A
systems integrator could opt to interface directly to J1 and
J2 without using the Safari Network Port Expander.
Radio Module
J1
COM3
COM1 & COM2
J2
Port
Expander
Figure 1-1: Safari Network Radio Module and Port Expander
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Safari Network User Guide
Radio Modules (NCU, SCU, and RU)
All radio modules have the same form factor for
convenient mounting; however, the internal configuration
differs. The radio is typically mounted outside and
preferably as high as possible to provide the best
coverage. Its chassis is fully sealed and protected to
withstand harsh environments. A plastic radome is
provided to protect the radio and optional GPS antennas
against impact. The radome can be removed when
externally mounted antennas are required.
Each radio supports four communication ports (COM1 to
COM4). Interface to the radio is through two rugged 12pin connectors J1 (COM3) and J2 (COM1 & COM2), as
shown in Figure 1-1 on page 1-6.
The radio is available in two different models
Model # 1 with COM1 set as Ethernet
Model # 2 with COM1 set as Serial
COM1 Serial Mode possible configurations are:
RS 232 ASYNC
RS 422 ASYNC
RS 422 SYNC
COM2 Serial Mode possible configurations are:
RS 422 ASYNC
RS 422 SYNC
COM3 Serial Mode possible configurations are:
RS 232 ASYNC
TTL ASYNC for internal GPS Engine interface.
COM4 is dedicated for a CAN Bus interface.
1-7
Safari Network User Guide
J
)
Port Expander
The Port Expander is used to provide a standard connector
interface for access to COM1 & COM2 ports of the radio.
The J2 connector of the radio module connects to the Port
Expander module via a cable of up to a maximum of 300
feet.
The Port Expander is intended for installation in an
office or vehicle cab. Although rugged in
construction, it is not environmentally sealed.
In the basic configuration, the Safari Network RU is
externally powered through J1. The radio then passes
through a regulated voltage to the Port Expander. This is
typically the case where the RU is used in a mobile
environment and is powered by the vehicle battery.
Alternatively, the Port Expander can supply power to the
radio through the J2 connector. An optional AC-powered
Active Port Expander (Figure 1-2) should be used, which
converts AC to DC for operating the radio. This
configuration is desirable when an AC power source is
available.
5-Pin DIN Jack
External Power Source
(Optional)
COM1
DB9 (Serial)
COM1
RJ45 (Ethernet)
Figure 1-2: Safari Network AC Port Expander
1-8
COM2
45 (Serial
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Safari Network User Guide
Subnetwork Control Unit (SCU)
The SCU allows the administrator to create additional,
semi-autonomous cells in the Safari Network that are
managed by the NCU. These cells may be contiguous or
non-contiguous. By deploying SCUs, the administrator can
circumvent line-of-sight obstacles and extend the range of
the Safari Network. The SCU also controls and manages its
associated RUs. The SCU directs bandwidth utilization
through channel assignment, frame synchronization,
frequency synchronization, packet assembly and packet
routing.
Each SCU is comprised of two radio modules synchronized
to operate simultaneously without degradation in
performance. Each radio module has its own independent
antenna (see Figure 1-3). Depending on the traffic flow,
the SCU may improve the overall network data
throughput. Multiple levels of SCUs can be added to the
Safari Network without adversely affecting the network
operation.
Figure 1-3: SCU with and without Radome
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Safari Network User Guide
Safari Network Services
The Safari Network provides several network services,
which can be configured for single applications, or
simultaneous use in multiple applications. Each service
listed is associated with a basic interconnectivity diagram
detailing data flow.
Remote-to-Remote
Two-way dedicated serial communication between
two RUs, and the NCU.
Remote-to-NCU
Two-way dedicated serial communication between
one RU and the NCU.
RU 1RU 2
NCU
Figure 1-4: Bi-Directional NCU, RU to RU
RU 1
NCU
1-10
Figure 1-5: Bi-Directional NCU to Single RU
Safari Network User Guide
Broadcast from NCU
One-way serial communication from the NCU to
multiple RUs.
RU 1
RU 2
Figure 1-6: NCU Broadcaster
NCU
Broadcast from Remote
Relaying of one-way serial communication input from
a single RU by the NCU, out to multiple RUs on a
one-way serial communication link.
RU 2
RU 1
NCU
Figure 1-7: NCU Remote Broadcaster
RU 3
RU 3
RU 4
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Safari Network User Guide
Multipoint Network (with return)
Two-way serial communication between multiple
RUs, and the NCU via the NCU. Radios can be
configured to transmit data to a specific port, or
broadcast data to all units that use this service. When
broadcasting data the originating radio will receive
the data as well.
RU 3
RU 1 RU 2
NCU
Figure 1-8: Bi-Directional NCU Multipoint Network
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Safari Network User Guide
Ethernet Wireless LAN
Wireless bi-directional, full-duplex LAN capability
among the RUs and the NCU using Ethernet port
(COM1) of the radios. Provides an IP communication
link between radios as well as a connection to the
Internet via NCU.
Figure 1-9: NCU Ethernet Wireless LAN
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Safari Network User Guide
SCU Repeater
SCU devices may be used to create additional cells,
extending the range to RUs or bypassing path
obstacles.
NCU
SCU
RU 1
RU 2
Figure 1-10: SCU Repeater
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Safari Network User Guide
Chapter 2 Safari Network Planning
The key to successful implementation and management
of your wireless Safari Network is planning—knowing in
advance exactly what your requirements are, how you
will make use of the network, and what settings will be
required to accomplish your goals.
Planning Overview
It is recommended that this chapter be read in its
entirety before attempting to install and configure
your network components.
There are several steps involved in the planning of your
Safari Network:
Determine the location(s) of the RU(s), and assess the
need for SCUs.
Assign Radio Unit IDs.
Determine radio frequency(s).
Determine service(s).
Determine throughput requirements for each service.
Assign Channel numbers for each service.
Determine port setup requirements.
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Safari Network User Guide
Initial Planning
Determine your hardware requirements based on the
number of RUs you will need, the distances between each
RU and the NCU. Line-of-sight limitations (i.e., physical
obstructions) should be assessed. It is advisable to have
the NCU located at the highest elevation point in the
network in order to overcome line of sight limitations. If
this is not possible, an SCU can be added to the network
to compensate.
Review your communications and networking needs and
perform a site survey. Draw a map of the network that
indicates how many units will be required, and their
locations relative to the location of the NCU.
You will need to install Subnetwork Control Units in the
network if any RU:
Will be more than 14-20 miles from the NCU
(depending on data speed).
Will not have a direct line of sight to the NCU (such
as obstruction from buildings, trees, mountainous or
hilly terrain, etc.).
2-2
Figure 2-1: Safari Network
Safari Network User Guide
Network Management Port
All Safari Network functions and services are done via the
Network Management Port (NMP). Choosing this port
should be one of the first planning considerations. By
factory default, the Safari Network radio module has
COM2 set to the Network Management Port (NMP). All
functions referred to in this chapter must be initiated via
the NMP.
For Network Management, COM2 or COM3 should be
selected. Network Management is not allowed via COM1.
In order to simplify reconfiguration and diagnostics it is
desirable to have a permanent connection at the NCU for
Administrative functions. The port that Network
Management is being initiated from can also be assigned
services; however, these services will not function while
the network is being administered. Chapter 4
Configuration details Network Management and
Administration.
When Network Management is initiated, the
service on that port will temporarily be disabled in
order to allow the administration of the network
via that port. After Network Administration is
complete, a power cycle will restore the port to its
configured service.
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Safari Network User Guide
Unit IDs
Each Safari Network radio module has a serial number
(physical ID), which is printed on a label attached to the
unit. SCUs, which contain two radios, have two physical
IDs, one for the upstream radio and one for the
downstream radio.
You will need to assign a Unit ID to each radio from 100
to 600. Table 2-1 shows a typical Safari Network ID setup.
Network ID “100” is reserved for NCU only!
Radio Unit Physical ID Unit ID
NCU 0x06f12345 100
RU 0x06f28374 201
RU 0x06f03748 202
SCU
(upstream) 0x06f50726 301
(downstream) 0x06f59374 302
Table 2-1: Safari Network Unit ID Matrix
2-4
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