RLXIB-ICN
802.11n
Industrial Client
July 25, 2013
USER MANUAL
Your Feedback Please
We always want you to feel that you made the right decision to use our products. If you have suggestions, comments,
compliments or complaints about our products, documentation, or support, please write or call us.
ProSoft Technology
5201 Truxtun Ave., 3rd Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93309
+1 (661) 716-5100
+1 (661) 716-5101 (Fax)
www.prosoft-technology.com
support@prosoft-technology.com
Copyright © 2013 ProSoft Technology, Inc., all rights reserved.
RLXIB-ICN User Manual
July 25, 2013
ProSoft Technology ®, ProLinx ®, inRAx ®, ProTalk ®, and RadioLinx ® are Registered Trademarks of ProSoft
Technology, Inc. All other brand or product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products
and services of, their respective owners.
In an effort to conserve paper, ProSoft Technology no longer includes printed manuals with our product shipments.
User Manuals, Datasheets, Sample Ladder Files, and Configuration Files are provided on the enclosed DVD and are
available at no charge from our web site: http://www.prosoft-technology.com
Important Safety Information
The following Information and warnings pertaining to the radio module must be heeded.
WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – DO NOT REPLACE ANTENNAS UNLESS POWER HAS BEEN SWITCHED
OFF OR THE AREA IS KNOWN TO BE NON-HAZARDOUS.
"THIS DEVICE CONTAINS A TRANSMITTER MODULE, FCC ID: . PLEASE SEE FCC ID LABEL ON BACK OF
DEVICE."
"THIS DEVICE USES AN INTERNAL COMPACT FLASH RADIO MODULE AS THE PRIMARY RADIO
COMPONENT. THE COMPACT FLASH RADIO MODULE DOES NOT HAVE AN FCC ID LABEL. THE COMPACT
FLASH RADIO MODULE HAS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS."
"THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE
MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE
UNDESIRED OPERATION."
"CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’s AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT."
Industry Canada Requirements
"THIS DEVICE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITH AN ANTENNA HAVING A MAXIMUM GAIN OF 24 dB.
AN ANTENNA HAVING A HIGHER GAIN IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED PER REGULATIONS OF INDUSTRY
CANADA. THE REQUIRED ANTENNA IMPEDANCE IS 50 OHMS."
"TO REDUCE POTENTIAL RADIO INTERFERENCE TO OTHER USERS, THE ANTENNA TYPE AND ITS GAIN
SHOULD BE CHOSEN SUCH THAT THE EQUIVALENT ISOTROPICALLY RADIATED POWER (EIRP) IS NOT
MORE THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION."
"THE INSTALLER OF THIS RADIO EQUIPMENT MUST INSURE THAT THE ANTENNA IS LOCATED OR
POINTED SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT EMIT RF FIELD IN EXCESS OF HEALTH CANADA LIMITS FOR THE
GENERAL POPULATION; CONSULT SAFETY CODE 6, OBTAINABLE FROM HEALTH CANADA."
ANSI/ISA
12.12.01 Groups A, B, C, D
UL/cUL
C22.2 No. 213-M1987
ATEX
EN60079-0 and EN60079-15
CSA/CB
EN60950 N. America & W. Europe
FCC/IC
Part 15, Class A and ICES-003
ETSI
ETSI EN300 328 and ETSI EN301 893
Part Number
Max
Gain
Part number
Max gain
Part Number
Max gain
A2503S6-O
3 dBi
A2406S3-DP
6 dBi
A5017NJ3-DP
17 dBi
A2408NJ-DP
8 dBi
A2419NJ-DP
19 dBi
A5024NJ-DP
24 dBi
A2506NJ6-0
6 dBi
A2503S6-O
3 dBi
A2412NJ3-DP
12 dBi
A5007S3-DP
7 dBi
A2415NJ-OC
15 dBi
A082503-80-OBH
3 dBi
A2402S-OS
2 dBi
A2402S-OSLP
2 dBi
A2403NBH-OC
3 dBi
A2404NBHW-OC
4 dBi
A2404NJ-OC
4 dBi
A2405S-OA
5 dBi
A2405S-OM
5 dBi
A2405S-OS
5 dBi
A2406NJ-OC
6 dBi
A2406NJ-OCD
6 dBi
A2408NJ-OC
8 dBi
A2409NJ-OCD
9 dBi
A2502S-OA
2 dBi
A2504S-OA
4 dBi
A2506NJ-OC
6 dBi
A5003S-OBH
3 dBi
A5006NJ-OC
6 dBi
A5009NJ-OC
9 dBi
A2508NJ-DP
8 dBi
A2413NJ-DP
13 dBi
A2416NJ-DS
16 dBi
A5019NJ-DP
19 dBi
A2419NJ-DB
19 dBi
A2424NJ-DB
24 dBi
A5829NJ-DB
29 dBi
A2410NJ-DY
10 dBi
A2415NJ-DY
15 dBi
A5812NJ-OC
12 dBi
Agency Approvals and Certifications
Wireless Approvals
Visit our web site at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.
Hazardous Locations
Ordinary Locations
Recommended Antennas
Antenna spacing requirements for user safety
It is important to keep the radio's antenna a safe distance from the user. To meet the requirements of FCC part
2.1091 for radio frequency radiation exposure, this radio must be used in such a way as to guarantee at least 20 cm
between the antenna and users. Greater distances are required for high-gain antennas. The FCC requires a
minimum distance of 1 mW *cm2 power density from the user (or 20 cm, whichever is greater).
If a specific application requires proximity of less than 20 cm, the application must be approved through the FCC for
compliance to part 2.1093.
RLXIB: CSA C22.2 213-M1987 and N. American Standard ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 listing
In accordance with Canadian Standard CSA C22.2 213-M1987 and ANSI Standard ISA 12.12.01, the RLXIB series
radios have been UL listed for operation in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D Locations.
This equipment is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D OR non-hazardous locations only.
WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD – Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been removed or the area is
known to be non-hazardous.
WARNING – EXPLOSION HAZARD - Substitution of any components may impair suitability for Class I, Division 2.
Power must be provided from a Limited Power Source.
AVERRTISSEMENT - RISQUE D'EXPLOSION - LA SUBSTITUTION DE COMPOSANTS PEUT RENDRE CE
MATERIEL INACCEPTABLE POUR LES EMPLACEMENTS DE CLASSE I, DIVISION 2.
AVERRTISSEMENT - RISQUE D'EXPLOSION - AVANT DE DECONNECTER L'EQUIPEMENT, COUPER LE
COURANT OU S'ASSURER QUE L'EMPLACEMENT EST DESIGNE NON DANGERUEX.
The following label is applied to the radio to indicate that it is listed under ANSI/ISA standard 12.12.01 and CSA
standard C22.2 213-M1987.
This Device contains a Radio Transmitter Module
FCC ID: Canada IC:
Conforms to ANSI/ISA Std. 12.12.01 – Certified to CSA Std. C22.2 No. 213-M1987
Class I Division 2 10-24 Volts dc 6 Watts
48 Volts dc using the PoE Injector
Groups A, B, C & D
Max. Ambient: 60ºC
ATEX Approval
II 3 G
Ex nA nL IIC X
-30° C <= Ta <= 60° C
ProSoft Technology, Inc., Bakersfield, CA USA
Model: RLXIB
S/N: XXXXXXXXXX
Caution: Read instructions before operating in Hazardous Areas
N. America
All RLXIB 802.11n radios must be installed inside an IP54 enclosure which requires a special tool for access; except
the RLXIB-IH2N-W, which is made so that no special enclosure is required for this specific model.
Explosive Atmosphere
Power, Input, and Output (I/O) wiring must be in accordance with the authority having jurisdiction
A Warning – Explosion Hazard – Do not make or break connections in an explosive atmosphere.
B Caution – Use only approved recommended power supply.
C Warning - Power supply should be installed in a non-hazardous area.
D Warning – DO NOT OPEN WHEN ENERGIZED.
E These products are intended to be mounted in an IP54 enclosure. The devices shall provide external means to
prevent the rated voltage being exceeded by transient disturbances of more than 40%. This device must be used
only with ATEX certified backplanes.
AUS B DK
FIN
F D GR
IRE
I
LUX
NL
P
E S UK
United States FCC & Industry Canada rules
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: The device
may not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
European CE certification
The radio modem has been approved for operation under the RTT&E directive, passing the following tests: ETS300826 (EMC), ETS300-328 (Functionality), and EN60950 (Safety).
The following is the appropriate label that is applied to the radio modem product line to indicate the unit is approved
to operate with CE certification:
The following is the appropriate label that is applied to the radio modem product line shipping package to indicate the
unit is approved to operate with CE certification:
Note: Member states in the EU with restrictive use for this device are crossed out. This device is also authorized for
use in all EFTA member states (CH, ICE, LI, and NOR).
EU Requirements
1. For outdoor use, France has a frequency restriction of 2.4 GHz to 2.454 GHz for an output power greater than 10
mW and below 100 mW.
2. For outdoor use in France, the output power is restricted to 10 mW in the frequency range of 2.454 GHz to 2.4835
GHz.
3. 5.15 GHz to 5.35 GHz is restricted to 200 mW EIRP throughout the European Union.
Power Supply and Accessories Warning
The certifications listed in this document apply to only the radio mentioned herein. These certifications do not extend
to any other items, including accessories or any external means of supplying power to the radio. Accessories and
power supplies shipped with the radio have not been tested and are not covered by these certifications. Any noncertified items added to the radio, including any means of supplying power, must be located in an area known to be
non-hazardous. All wiring to and from the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injector supplied with the radio must be routed
and installed inside the building or plant and never routed or installed outside of the building or plant.
RLXIB-ICN ♦ 802.11n Contents
Industrial Client User Manual
Contents
Your Feedback Please ........................................................................................................................ 2
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 2
Agency Approvals and Certifications .................................................................................................. 3
Recommended Antennas ................................................................................................................... 3
Antenna spacing requirements for user safety ................................................................................... 3
RLXIB: CSA C22.2 213-M1987 and N. American Standard ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 listing ..................... 4
ATEX Approval.................................................................................................................................... 4
United States FCC & Industry Canada rules ...................................................................................... 5
European CE certification ................................................................................................................... 5
EU Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 5
Power Supply and Accessories Warning ............................................................................................ 5
1 Start Here 11
1.1 About the RadioLinx® RLXIB-ICN ........................................................................... 11
1.1.1 Radio Specifications ................................................................................................ 11
1.1.2 Agency Approvals & Certifications .......................................................................... 13
1.2 Package Contents ................................................................................................... 13
1.3 System Requirements ............................................................................................. 13
1.4 Install the WirelessN Discovery Tool ....................................................................... 14
1.5 Install ProSoft Wireless Designer ............................................................................ 15
1.6 Planning the Network .............................................................................................. 15
1.6.1 Installation Questions .............................................................................................. 16
1.6.2 ProSoft Wireless Designer ...................................................................................... 16
1.6.3 Planning the Physical Installation ............................................................................ 17
1.7 Configuring the Radios ............................................................................................ 17
1.7.1 Start WirelessN Discovery Tool .............................................................................. 18
1.7.2 Personality Module .................................................................................................. 19
1.7.3 Plug In the Cables ................................................................................................... 21
1.7.4 Detecting the Radio ................................................................................................. 22
1.7.5 Assign an IP Address .............................................................................................. 22
1.7.6 Set up the Client Radio ........................................................................................... 23
1.7.7 Save the Radio Configuration ................................................................................. 26
1.7.8 Set the Date and Time ............................................................................................ 27
1.7.9 Adding and Configuring Additional Client Radios ................................................... 27
1.8 Verify Communication ............................................................................................. 28
2 Installing the Radios 29
2.1 Connecting antennas .............................................................................................. 30
2.1.1 Using Multiple Antennas (MIMO) ............................................................................ 31
2.2 Testing the Network Installation Plan ...................................................................... 31
3 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 33
3.1 Diagnostics .............................................................................................................. 33
3.2 Check the Ethernet cable ........................................................................................ 34
3.3 LED Display ............................................................................................................. 34
3.4 Retrieve the Default Password ................................................................................ 34
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Contents RLXIB-ICN ♦ 802.11n
User Manual Industrial Client
3.5 Troubleshoot missing radios ................................................................................... 35
3.6 Improving Signal Quality ......................................................................................... 35
3.6.1 Understanding Signal to Noise Ratio ...................................................................... 36
4 RadioLinx Configuration Manager 37
4.1 Login ....................................................................................................................... 39
4.1.1 Login User Name and Password ............................................................................ 39
4.1.2 Session Timeout ..................................................................................................... 40
4.2 Configuration........................................................................................................... 40
4.2.1 Overall ..................................................................................................................... 40
4.2.2 Radio 1 or Radio 2 .................................................................................................. 42
4.2.3 IPv6 Configuration .................................................................................................. 45
4.2.4 Radio Configuration ................................................................................................ 46
4.2.5 Security Configuration ............................................................................................ 48
4.2.6 Parent Selection ..................................................................................................... 49
4.2.7 Access Configuration .............................................................................................. 54
4.2.8 SNMP Configuration ............................................................................................... 55
4.3 Diagnostics ............................................................................................................. 59
4.3.1 Radio 1 Status ........................................................................................................ 59
4.3.2 Address Table ......................................................................................................... 60
4.3.3 Statistics .................................................................................................................. 60
4.3.4 Child Links .............................................................................................................. 61
4.3.5 802.11 Traffic .......................................................................................................... 62
4.3.6 Tools ....................................................................................................................... 63
4.4 Utilities .................................................................................................................... 66
4.4.1 Saving and Restoring Settings ............................................................................... 66
4.4.2 Factory Reset.......................................................................................................... 70
4.4.3 Rebooting the Radio ............................................................................................... 73
4.4.4 Upload ..................................................................................................................... 74
4.4.5 View Event Logs ..................................................................................................... 78
4.4.6 Logs Settings .......................................................................................................... 78
5 WirelessN Discovery Tool 81
5.1 View the List of Detected Radios ............................................................................ 82
5.2 View Radio Network Diagram(s)............................................................................. 83
5.3 Configure Radios .................................................................................................... 83
5.4 Scan the Network ................................................................................................... 84
5.5 Save and Load Snapshots ...................................................................................... 84
5.6 Event Log ................................................................................................................ 85
5.7 Firewall Requirements ............................................................................................ 85
5.8 Radio List ................................................................................................................ 86
5.9 Topology View ........................................................................................................ 87
5.9.1 Display tools ............................................................................................................ 89
5.9.2 View Radio Details .................................................................................................. 90
5.9.3 Download Radio Settings ....................................................................................... 90
5.9.4 Upload Radio Settings ............................................................................................ 91
5.9.5 Upgrade Radio Firmware ........................................................................................ 91
5.9.6 Right click Context Menu ........................................................................................ 92
5.10 Radio Detailed View ............................................................................................... 93
5.10.1 Summary ................................................................................................................. 93
5.10.2 Radio # .................................................................................................................... 94
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RLXIB-ICN ♦ 802.11n Contents
Industrial Client User Manual
5.10.3 Ethernet Devices ..................................................................................................... 96
5.10.4 Bridges .................................................................................................................... 97
5.11 Discovery Tool Menus and Toolbars ....................................................................... 98
5.11.1 File Menu ................................................................................................................. 98
5.11.2 Scan Menu .............................................................................................................. 98
5.11.3 View Menu ............................................................................................................... 99
5.11.4 Help Menu ............................................................................................................. 100
5.11.5 Toolbars................................................................................................................. 100
6 Reference 103
6.1 Product Overview .................................................................................................. 103
6.2 Radio hardware ..................................................................................................... 104
6.2.1 Radio Power Requirements .................................................................................. 104
6.2.2 Ethernet Cable Specifications ............................................................................... 105
6.2.3 Ethernet Cable Configuration ................................................................................ 105
6.3 Antennas ............................................................................................................... 106
6.3.1 Antenna Pattern .................................................................................................... 106
6.3.2 Antenna Gain ........................................................................................................ 107
6.3.3 Antenna Polarity .................................................................................................... 107
6.3.4 Whip antennas ...................................................................................................... 108
6.3.5 Collinear array antennas ....................................................................................... 108
6.3.6 Yagi Array Antenna ............................................................................................... 109
6.3.7 Parabolic reflector antennas ................................................................................. 109
6.3.8 Antenna location, spacing, and mounting ............................................................. 110
7 Support, Service & Warranty 111
Contacting Technical Support ......................................................................................................... 111
7.1 Warranty Information ............................................................................................. 112
8 Glossary of Terms 113
Index 127
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Industrial Client User Manual
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RLXIB-ICN ♦ 802.11n Start Here
In This Chapter
About the RadioLinx® RLXIB-ICN .......................................................... 11
Package Contents ................................................................................. 13
System Requirements ........................................................................... 13
Install the WirelessN Discovery Tool ..................................................... 14
Install ProSoft Wireless Designer .......................................................... 15
Planning the Network ............................................................................ 15
Configuring the Radios .......................................................................... 17
Verify Communication ........................................................................... 28
Frequency Band
Frequency
Channel
(Varies by country)
2.412GHz to 2.462GHz (FCC)
2.412GHz to 2.472GHz (ETSI)
1-11
1-13
Industrial Client User Manual
1 Start Here
For most applications, the installation and configuration steps described in the
following topics will work without additional programming. ProSoft Technology
strongly recommends that you complete the steps in this chapter before
developing a custom application.
1.1 About the RadioLinx® RLXIB-ICN
The RadioLinx 802.11n Industrial Hotspot series provides enterprise-class
technology, optimized for rugged industrial performance and easy deployment in
the field. These 802.11n Hotspots use multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO)
technology supporting up to 3 antennas. This allows fast data rates up to
300Mbps with EtherNet/IP Requested Packet Interval (RPI) times as low as 2
ms. The Industrial Client (RLXIB-ICN) provides connectivity to any third-party
Access Point. It is also compatible with RadioLinx 802.11a/b/g radios.
More than just a new 802.11 technology, the RLXIB-IHN family adds RADIUS
security for centralized management of security policies, VLANs for network
traffic segmentation, and data prioritization while continuing to include the
industrial wireless features that have made previous Industrial Hotspots
successful.
1.1.1 Radio Specifications
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Start Here RLXIB-ICN ♦ 802.11n
Frequency Band
Frequency
Channel
5.150 GHz to 5.250 GHz
(FCC/ETSI)
5.250 GHz to 5.350 GHz (ETSI)1
5.470 GHz to 5.580 GHz (ETSI)1
5.680 GHz to 5.700 GHz (ETSI)1
5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz (FCC)
1
FCC Pending
36 - 48
52 - 64
100 - 116
136 - 140
149 - 165
Standards
802.11n, 802.11a & 802.11g (Legacy)
802.11h (DFS), 802.11i (RADIUS), 802.11e (QoS)
802.1Q (VLAN), 802.3af (PoE), IGMPv2
Transmit Power
(Programmable)
*Subject to Regional
Regulatory Limits
22 dBm @ MCS0, MCS8 (802.11an/gn)
17 dBm @ MCS7, MCS15 (802.11an/gn)
22 dBm @ 6 Mbps (802.11a/g)
17 dBm @ 54 Mbps (802.11a/g)
Antenna Impact:
3 Antennas/ MIMO: Use values above
2 Antennas: Subtract 3 dB from values above
1 Antenna: Subtract 5 dB from values above
Channel data rates (802.11n)
MCS0 – MCS15, 1-2 Channels & 1-2 Streams
1 Channel
2 Channels
Rate
Streams
7 Mbps
15 Mbps
MCS0
1 Stream
72 Mbps
150 Mbps
MCS7
14 Mbps
30 Mbps
MCS8
2 Streams
144 Mbps
300 Mbps
MCS15
Channel data rates (802.11a/g)
802.11a/g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps
Receiver Sensitivity (Typical)
-92 dBm @ MCS0, MCS8 (802.11an/gn)
-70 dBm @ MCS7, MCS15 (802.11an)
-74 dBm @ MCS7, MCS15 (802.11gn)
-92 dBm @ 6 Mbps (802.11an/gn)
-74 dBm @ 54 Mbps (802.11a)
-78 dBm @ 54 Mbps (802.11g)
Security
WPA2 Enterprise – 802.11i AES w/ RADIUS
WPA2 Personal – 802.11i AES w/ Passphrase
Legacy WPA TKIP, WEP support & MAC ID filter
Enclosure
Extruded aluminum with DIN and panel mount
Size
115 x 117 x 45 mm (W x H x D)
4.5 x 4.6 x 1.75 inches
Vibration
IEC 60068 2-6 (20g, 3-Axis)
Shock
IEC 60068 2-27 (5g, 10Hz to 150Hz)
Ethernet Ports
One 10/100 Base-T connector, shielded RJ45
Antenna Port
(3) RP-SMA connector
Personality Module
Industrial SD Memory Module
Weight
1.1 lbs (499g)
Operating Temperature
-40° C to +75° C
User Manual Industrial Client
Physical
Environmental
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RLXIB-ICN ♦ 802.11n Start Here
Humidity
Up to 100% RH, without condensation
External Power
PoE Injector
10Vdc to 24 Vdc
802.3af PoE Powered Device
Average Power
<9W
ANSI/ISA
12.12.01 groups A, B, C, D
CSA
C22.2 No. 213-M1987
ATEX
EN60079-0 and EN60079-15
CSA/CB
EN60950 N. America & W. Europe
FCC/IC
Part 15, Class A and ICES-03
ETSI
ETSI EN300 328 and ETSI EN301 893
Qty.
Part Name
Part Number
Part Description
1
RLXIB-ICN Radio
RLXIB-ICN
Industrial Client
1
Cable
085-1007
6 foot RS232 serial cable
1
Cable
RL-CBL025
5 foot Ethernet Straight-Thru Cable (Gray)
1
Antenna
A2502S-OA
2 dBi Omni RP-SMA articulating, 2.4/5GHz
1
Power Supply
RL-PS005-2
AC Power Adapter, 12V1.25A w/2 pin & 4
plug Set
1
ProSoft Solutions CD
Contains sample programs, utilities and
documentation for the RLXIB-ICN module.
Industrial Client User Manual
1.1.2 Agency Approvals & Certifications
Wireless Approvals
Visit our web site at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.
Hazardous Locations
Ordinary Locations
1.2 Package Contents
The following components are included with your RLXIB-ICN radio, and are all
required for installation and configuration.
Important: Before beginning the installation, please verify that all of the following items are
present.
If any of these components are missing, please contact ProSoft Technology
Support for replacement parts.
1.3 System Requirements
The RadioLinx WirelessN Discovery Tool is designed for the following Microsoft
Windows versions:
Microsoft Windows XP,
Microsoft Windows 2000
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User Manual Industrial Client
Microsoft Windows 2003
Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows 7
Minimum hardware requirements are:
Pentium® II 450 MHz minimum. Pentium III 733 MHz (or better)
recommended
Supported operating systems:
o Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 or 2
o Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional with Service Pack 1, 2, or 3
o Microsoft Windows Server 2003
o Microsoft Windows Vista
128 Mbytes of RAM minimum, 256 Mbytes of RAM recommended
CD-ROM drive
100 MB available hard drive space
Available RS-232 serial port and null modem cable
256-color VGA graphics adapter, 800 x 600 minimum resolution (True Color
1024 x 768 recommended)
Ethernet hub with standard RJ45 Ethernet cable
or
Ethernet port with RJ45 crossover cable for direct connection to module
A web browser, for example Microsoft Internet Explorer or Firefox
In addition, you will need
A connection to an existing wired or wireless Ethernet network, with a Static
or Dynamic IP address for your computer
Obtain from your system administrator an IP address, Subnet Mask and
Gateway address for each RadioLinx device you plan to install
1.4 Install the WirelessN Discovery Tool
1 Insert the ProSoft Solutions CD in your CD-ROM drive. On most computers,
a menu screen will open automatically. If you do not see a menu within a few
seconds, follow these steps:
a Click the Start button, and then choose Run.
b In the Run dialog box, click the Browse button.
c In the Browse dialog box, click "My Computer". In the list of drives,
choose the CD-ROM drive where you inserted the ProSoft Solutions CD.
d Select the file prosoft.exe, and then click Open.
e On the Run dialog box, click OK.
2 On the CD-ROM menu, select WIRELESSN DISCOVERY TOOL. This action
opens the Setup Wizard for WirelessN Discovery Tool.
3 Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to install the program with its
default location and settings.
4 When the installation finishes, you may be prompted to restart your computer
if certain files were in use during installation. The updated files will be
installed during the restart process.
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Industrial Client User Manual
1.5 Install ProSoft Wireless Designer
1 On the CD-ROM, navigate to the folder containing ProSoft Wireless
Designer, and then double-click the file SETUP.EXE. This action starts the
installation wizard.
2 Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to install the program.
3 Click FINISH to complete the installation. If you are prompted to restart your
computer, save your work in any applications that are running, close the
applications, and allow the computer to restart.
1.6 Planning the Network
Before you configure and install the network, you should create a plan for it. The
following points assume that you are creating a bridge network of a master and
repeaters, as needed, to work with devices on existing wireless LANs.
The simplest way to design the physical network of radios, antennas, connectors,
cables, amplifiers and other accessories, is to use ProSoft Wireless Designer
(page 16). This application determines your hardware needs based on your
answers to a few questions, and then generates a Bill of Materials specifying all
the components you will need for your installation.
To begin, determine where you need radios and then choose locations for
them accordingly. For example, you might decide to install your master radio
near a PC in a central plant location (You can use the PC to configure the
radios through the RadioLinx Configuration Manager). If the plant is an oil
refinery, for example, you might decide to install radios near the oil tanks.
The next important issue is how to link the radios. Unless the radios are very
close together, you must make sure that each pair of radio antennas in the
network has a line of sight between them. In other words, you must be able to
see from one antenna to another, either with the naked eye, or with
binoculars.
If a line of sight does not exist between antennas, you must choose a site for
installing a repeater radio, which will create a bridge between the radio
antennas.
Choose the appropriate antennas for the network. If an antenna will be
connected to the radio by a long cable, you might need to purchase a power
amplifier, which is available from ProSoft Technology. The more distance
between an antenna and its radio, the more signal loss the radio will have.
For more information, see Antennas (page 106).
Consider drawing up your network plans on paper. As part of the drawing,
you should assign a logical name to each radio. You can use these names
later when configuring the radios in the RadioLinx Configuration Manager.
As part of your planning, you might want to conduct a site survey. ProSoft
Technology can perform this survey, you can do it yourself, or you can hire a
surveyor.
Protect radios from direct exposure to weather, and provide an adequate,
stable power source. Make sure that your plan complies with the radio’s
power requirements and cable specifications (page 105, page 105).
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How many radios in your network?
Master ID
Repeater ID
Client ID
Locations
Is there a Line of Sight between them?
Selected the appropriate antennas for
your network?
User Manual Industrial Client
Important: Radios and antennas must be located at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from personnel.
1.6.1 Installation Questions
Answer the following questions to make your installation easier and to familiarize
yourself with your system and what you want to do.
1.6.2 ProSoft Wireless Designer
ProSoft Wireless Designer simplifies the task of specifying a ProSoft Wireless
installation, and provides a variety of views containing an accurate description of
each site in a wireless network, including:
Visual diagram of site layout
Location (latitude/longitude, based on GPS coordinates)
Radio type, frequency range, and country-specific channel and power
requirements
Length, type and estimated signal loss for cables
Required accessories, including lightning protection, cable adaptors and
antennas
Complete parts list
Use ProSoft Wireless Designer when conducting a site audit for a customer, and
then provide the customer with a complete list of components and a detailed
description for each site and link. Customers can use this information to
understand and visualize their network, and provide necessary information for
technical support and maintenance.
Functional Specifications:
Contains a database of all currently available RadioLinx radios, antennas,
cables, connectors and accessories
Exports Parts List, Site and Link Details, and Wizard settings into a variety of
common file formats, for import into applications such as spreadsheets,
databases and word processors
Checks wireless link feasibility based on path length and recommended
accessories
Predicts signal strength based on distance, local regulations and hardware
choices
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Fully documents your ProSoft Wireless network plan
1.6.3 Planning the Physical Installation
A network's performance is affected by attributes specific to the installation site.
Consider the following cautions, where possible, to optimize your network
installation:
Design the network to use less than 2048 radios (per network)
Place radios within the specified 15 miles of each other
Add repeater to extend distance or where line of sight is limited
Radios or antennas CANNOT be placed within 8 inches (20 cm) of where
people will be
Though radio frequency communication is reliable, sometimes its performance
can be affected by intangibles. A good network installation plan includes time
and resources for performance testing and installation changes.
Test the installation plan (page 31) before the network installation is complete.
1.7 Configuring the Radios
To configure the network radios, follow these steps.
Use the WirelessN Discovery Tool to display all radios on the network, and then
use a Web browser or SNMP manager to view and change radio settings. The
radio package includes the program CD, power supply, Ethernet cable, and,
sometimes, a small antenna. You must install the antenna later, but it is not
needed to get started.
IMPORTANT: If possible, you should configure all the radios side by side in an office setting and
make sure they link before you try to install them in the field.
To configure the radios in a network:
1 Start the WirelessN Discovery Tool configuration application (page 18).
The PC must have a wired or wireless Ethernet connection configured with a
static or dynamic IP address.
2 Plug in the power cable and Ethernet cable to the RLXIB-ICN radio, wait
about a minute for the radio to power up, and then examine the radio's LED
display to make sure the radio is working properly.
3 Assign an IP address: Right-click the radio listing in the WirelessN Discovery
Tool, and then choose ASSIGN IP. In the next window, select an IP address
from the list, and then click OK.
4 Double-click the radio listing again in the WirelessN Discovery Tool to open
the Radio Configuration / Diagnostic Utility in your web browser. Enter
"admin" for the user name, and "password" for the password (lower case, no
quotes) in the next window, and then click APPLY.
When you have finished the initial configuration, you should change the
Administrator password to prevent unauthorized access to the radio
configuration (page 54).
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5 Set up the master radio first, using the RADIO SETTINGS window in the
RadioLinx Configuration Manager.
6 Click APPLY to save the master radio settings.
To cancel the settings and start over, click the CLEAR button.
7 Unplug the Ethernet cable from the radio and plug it into the next radio to be
configured.
8 Set up a Repeater. Return to the WirelessN Discovery Tool. To be sure that
you are seeing the latest status of the radio(s), go to the toolbar (page 100)
and click the CLEAR icon (eraser) followed by the SCAN icon (magnifying
glass). Double-click the listing of the next radio to configure, and configure it
as a repeater radio.
9 Save the Radio Configuration. Save the repeater radio settings by clicking
APPLY at the bottom of the Radio Settings screen. Repeat steps 7 through 9
to configure each repeater in the network.
10 After configuring the network and its radios, physically label each radio.
Labeling eliminates confusion about which radios correspond with which
radio configurations in the software. You should identify the radio's name,
network SSID, and IP address, if set.
11 Install the radios and antennas.
The rest of this section describes each of these steps in more detail.
1.7.1 Start WirelessN Discovery Tool
1 Click the START button, and then navigate to PROGRAMS / PROSOFT
TECHNOLOGY
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2 Click to start RADIOLINX WIRELESSN DISCOVERY TOOL.
The window lists all the radios your computer can access. The MAC ID number is
essentially the serial number of the radio; this number is also printed on the side
of the radio. If a radio listing does not appear in the window, click the SCAN
button. If you still do not see a radio listing, see Troubleshooting (page 35).
1.7.2 Personality Module
The radio comes equipped with a Personality Module. The Personality Module
feature consists of an SD card and the radio’s capability to read and write
configuration information to that card. The Personality Module can be used for
disaster recovery for a failed radio site to bring it back into operation.
In the event of a failure, the SD card can be removed from a the radio that is no
longer operational and inserted into a new radio. When booted, that new radio
will take on the setting from the Personality Module, bringing the site back into
operational status without the difficulty of reprogramming all the necessary
settings manually. This will increase the uptime of the network.
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When a radio is configured with a Personality Module , the radio writes the new
configuration to the Personality Module when those settings are applied. The
radio accesses the Personality Module on bootup, if present, and writes those
settings to its internal flash. The radio is able to function normally with or without
a Personality Module installed
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1.7.3 Plug In the Cables
You can configure the RLXIB-ICN using the Ethernet port on the radio. On the
underside are three ports: Ethernet, Serial, and Power (10 to 24 VDC).
From left to right: Power connector, Serial port, and Ethernet port.
Use the Ethernet cable to configure the radio for the first time.
Note: After you plug in the power cable and Ethernet cable, the radio performs a startup procedure
that includes a self-test, loading the main program, and initializing the radio. The front panel Power
LED will turn Amber immediately after power has been applied. When the radio has finished the
startup procedure, the power LED will turn Green.
After the startup procedure has completed successfully, the Power LED should
be green, meaning that the radio has power. The Ethernet LED should also be
green, meaning that the Ethernet connection is working. The RF Transmit and
RF Receive LEDs should blink.
For information on making connections, see Radio Power Requirements and
Cable Specifications (page 105, page 105).
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1.7.4 Detecting the Radio
After the radio has completed its startup procedure, the radio will appear in the
WirelessN Discovery Tool window.
The window lists all the radios your computer can access. The MAC ID number is
essentially the serial number of the radio; this number is also printed on the side
of the radio. If a radio listing does not appear in the window, click the SCAN
button on the toolbar. If you still do not see a radio listing, refer to Diagnostics
and Troubleshooting (page 33).
1.7.5 Assign an IP Address
You need the IP address to log into the RadioLinx Configuration Manager and
configure the radio settings. If the radio is connected to a network with a DHCP
server, the radio may already have an IP address assigned to it.
If a DHCP server is not available, or if you prefer to assign a static IP address,
you can enter an IP address here.
To assign an IP Address
1 In WirelessN Discovery Tool, click to select the radio.
Tip: If a radio listing does not appear in the window, click the Scan button on the toolbar. If you still
do not see a radio listing, refer to Diagnostics and Troubleshooting (page 33).
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2 Right-click on the radio to open a shortcut menu, and then choose ASSIGN IP.
This action opens the Assign IP Address dialog box.
3 Select one of the unused IP addresses, and then click OK.
Tip: You must also assign a Gateway address. The Gateway assigned to your PC’s Ethernet port
is offered as a suggestion. If your PC does not have a Gateway setting, the Gateway field in the
Assign IP Address dialog will be blank. You will need to enter a Gateway before clicking OK.
For information, see Radio Access settings (page 54).
1.7.6 Set up the Client Radio
A client radio allows a user to connect an Ethernet device to a wireless network
through any 802.11n access point. Any Ethernet device that has an RJ45
Ethernet port can, in effect, be transformed into an 802.11n wireless client by
attaching the radio. Only a single device can be connected to a Client radio. Do
not connect to more than one Ethernet device (using a switch or hub). Use a
Client radio if you need to connect to another brand 802.11n access point.
To connect a device to a Client radio, try using the Auto setting. To test whether
the Auto setting will work:
1 Connect the cable between the device and the radio.
2 Turn ON the radio power, or cycle the power if the radio is already on.
3 Turn ON the device. Watch the radio to see if it initializes. The Auto setting
will work if the device advertises its MAC ID to the radio.
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To configure the radio, double click on the radio (Radio1) in the WirelessN
Discovery Tool window. This action opens a web browser (for example Microsoft
Internet Explorer or Firefox) and loads the Radio’s web configuration interface.
Administrator login
With administrative privileges, you can view or modify the configuration of the
access point.
Enter the user name in lower case, no quotes.
The default administrator user name is "admin"
The default password is "password"
The user name and password are case sensitive
Guest login
With guest privileges, you can view the existing configuration, but you cannot
make changes.
Enter the user name in lower case, no quotes
The default guest user name is "guest"
The default password is "password"
Important: You should change the default user names and passwords, write down the settings,
and keep a copy in a safe place, to protect the radio from being reconfigured or viewed by
unauthorized users.
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Note: The SSID and Security of the Client radio must match the settings of the Access Point radio
you want to link to. Depending on the Security setting, the WPA/WPA2 Key or WEP Key must
match that of the Access Point as well.
To configure a Client radio, make the following changes to the web configuration
form:
Overall Settings
Unit Name: Enter a unique name for the radio.
Obtain IP Address by: If a DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) server is
configured on your local area network, the DHCP server can assign IP
addresses automatically.
If you prefer to assign a Static (Fixed) IP address, select STATIC, and then
enter the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway in the Overall area
of the Radio web configuration form.
Important: If you intend to assign IP addresses manually, you must not duplicate an IP address
that is already in use on your network. If you are not sure what IP addresses are available, ask
your network administrator for assistance.
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SSID: Assign a network name (SSID) of up to 32 characters. The radio uses
this name in all network references. The SSID of the Client radio must match
that of the Access Point radio you want to connect to.
Important: The RLXIB-ICN radio is supplied with a dual-band antenna that supports both
frequency ranges. When using a different antenna with the RLXIB-ICN radio, you must choose a
channel and frequency range supported by the antenna.
Security: Encryption scrambles data so that only intended viewers can
decipher and understand it. Although "Open" is an available Security setting,
ProSoft Technology strongly recommends encrypting all data sent and
received from every radio on your network with WPA2, to help prevent your
data from being intercepted and decoded. The Security setting must match
that of the Access Point radio you want to connect to.
WPA/WPA2 Key: If using a WPA or WPA2 Security setting enter the WPA
Passphrase that is in the Access Point radio that you want the Client radio to
link to. The WPA/WPA2 key is a pass phrase of between eight and 63 normal
keyboard characters. This phrase automatically generates an encryption key
of 128 hexadecimal characters. The default pass phrase is "passphrase"
(lower case, no quotes).
WEP Key: If using WEP as the Security setting enter the WEP Key that is in
the Access Point radio that you want the Client radio to link to.
For more information on encryption, see Security settings in the RLXIB-ICN User
Manual.
Note: Network SSID, WPA/WPA2 Key, WEP Key are case-sensitive.
If the radio’s RF LEDs do not show consistent activity after a few minutes, then
you may need to modify the radio’s client settings. Click the Specify radio button,
determine the MAC ID of the Ethernet device wired to the radio, and type the ID
into the Client MAC field.
Client devices are identified in the ROLE column in the WirelessN Discovery Tool.
1.7.7 Save the Radio Configuration
Before browsing to other pages in the Radio Configuration window, you must
apply your changes. Click APPLY to save your configuration and restart the radio.
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Note: To discard your changes and start over, click CLEAR.
1.7.8 Set the Date and Time
The radio has a real time clock (RTC) used to keep time. Accurate system time is
useful for logging, and is required as part of certificate validity confirmation;
expired certificates cannot be used in 802.1X authentication.
To set the date and time, click the UTILITIES button, and then click UPLOAD.
Enter the date and time in the System Time box, and then click APPLY to save.
1.7.9 Adding and Configuring Additional Client Radios
At this point you should attach and configure any additional ICN Client radios you
will be using. Ensure that any new Client radios use a unique name, but the
same Network SSID and Security settings as your Access Point radio.
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1.8 Verify Communication
The Roles column identifies the radio as a Client.
Observe the LEDs to ensure good link quality, as explained in LED display (page
34).
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In This Chapter
Connecting antennas ............................................................................ 30
Testing the Network Installation Plan .................................................... 31
Industrial Client User Manual
2 Installing the Radios
If possible, you should configure all the radios side by side in an office setting
and make sure they link before you install them in the field. If feasible, it would be
even better if you could set up the entire system in the office and make sure your
equipment communicates properly through the radio network.
Important: If the radios are close enough to each other that their received signal strength is
greater than -40dBm, performance may be degraded. Disconnect antennas from radios during
bench testing, or move the radios further apart from each other.
Tip: To make it easier to physically identify the radios you are configuring, apply a label to each
radio indicating the radio name and IP address.
After you have configured each radio using WirelessN Discovery Tool and the
web configuration form, you can install the radios and test their performance.
Install the radios in their proposed permanent locations, and then temporarily
place each radio’s antenna near its proposed mounting location. The temporary
placement of the antenna can be by hand; however, with this testing method, one
person must hold the antenna while another monitors the radio’s signal strength.
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To see how a radio is linked in the network, make sure that the radio is
connected to a PC, and then select TOPOLOGY VIEW from the View menu in the
WirelessN Discovery Tool.
The Topology view shows a diagram of the network’s wireless connections. Use
this view to see whether all the radios are linked, and that you approve of the
way the radios are linked.
Devices connected to the wireless network are identified by an arrow. The arrow
points from the child radio (supplicant) to the parent radio. To view available
alternate parents, right-click on the network diagram to open the context menu,
and then select SHOW ALTERNATE PARENTS. A dashed green line indicates
eligible potential parents in the network. To change how radios link to the
network, see Parent Link settings (page 49).
Refer to Improve Signal Quality (page 35) for more information on overcoming
poor connectivity.
2.1 Connecting antennas
Each radio must have an antenna connected to the Main antenna port on the
RLXIB radio; without an antenna for each radio, the network will not function.
All antennas for radios that communicate directly with each other should be
mounted so they have the same antenna polarity. Small antennas with a reversepolarity SMA connector can be mounted directly on the radio. Screw the antenna
onto the antenna port connector until it is snug.
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