ProSoft Technology RLXIB-IHA-A User Manual
RLXIB-IHA
802.11a
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial
Hotspot
July 24, 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-IHA User Manual
July 24, 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."
A2502S-OA
A5812NJ-OC
A5829NJ-DB
A2508NJ-DP
A5019NJ-DP
A0524NJ-DP
Recommended Antennas
Other Antennas with similar specifications may be substituted.
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
RLXIB-IHA and RLXIB-IHG: ATEX Approval
II 3 G
Ex nA nL IIC X
-40C° <= Ta <=75°C
ProSoft Technology, Inc., Bakersfield, CA USA
Model: RLXIB-IHA and RLXIB-IHG
S/N: XXXXXXXXXX
Caution:
Read instructions before operating in Hazardous Areas
N. America
The Radio must be installed inside an IP54 enclosure which requires a special tool for access.
AUS B DK
FIN
F D GR
IRE
I
LUX
NL P E S UK
Product name: RLXIB-IHA, RLXIB-IHG
Safety Warning Statements
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.
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 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.
Location and Use
The Industrial HotSpot radios, such as the RLXIB-IHA are used by professionals in Industrial
Applications/installations only and not used by the general consumer. These industrial radios are used for industrial
applications such as, water treatment facilities, power plants, factories, railroads, remote oil/gas pipelines, refineries,
cargo ships, refueling ships etc….and used for wireless high speed data transmission. All radios are installed and
used by professionals in restricted areas.
RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a Contents
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot User Manual
Contents
Your Feedback Please ........................................................................................................................ 2
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 2
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 ..................... 3
RLXIB-IHA and RLXIB-IHG: ATEX Approval ...................................................................................... 3
United States FCC & Industry Canada rules ...................................................................................... 4
European CE certification ................................................................................................................... 4
EU Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 5
Power Supply and Accessories Warning ............................................................................................ 5
Location and Use ................................................................................................................................ 5
1 Start Here 11
1.1 About the RadioLinx® 802.11a High Power Industrial Hotspot™ ............................ 11
1.1.1 Specifications .......................................................................................................... 11
1.1.2 Regulatory Approvals .............................................................................................. 12
1.2 Package Contents ................................................................................................... 12
1.3 System Requirements ............................................................................................. 13
1.4 Install the IH Browser Configuration Tool ................................................................ 13
1.5 Install ProSoft Wireless Designer ............................................................................ 14
1.6 Planning the Network .............................................................................................. 14
1.6.1 Installation Questions .............................................................................................. 15
1.6.2 ProSoft Wireless Designer ...................................................................................... 15
1.6.3 Planning the Physical Installation ............................................................................ 16
1.7 Configuring the Radios ............................................................................................ 16
1.7.1 Start IH Browser ...................................................................................................... 18
1.7.2 Plug In the Cables ................................................................................................... 19
1.7.3 Detecting the Radio ................................................................................................. 20
1.7.4 Assign a Temporary IP Address ............................................................................. 20
1.7.5 Set Up the Master Radio ......................................................................................... 21
1.7.6 Save the Radio Configuration ................................................................................. 23
1.7.7 Set Up a Repeater ................................................................................................... 24
1.7.8 Set Up a Client ........................................................................................................ 25
1.8 Verify Communication ............................................................................................. 25
2 Installing the Radios 27
2.1 Connecting antennas .............................................................................................. 28
2.2 Testing the Network Installation Plan ...................................................................... 28
3 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 31
3.1 Diagnostics .............................................................................................................. 31
3.2 Check the Ethernet cable ........................................................................................ 32
3.3 LED display ............................................................................................................. 32
3.4 Retrieve the default password ................................................................................. 33
3.5 Troubleshoot IH Browser error messages .............................................................. 34
3.6 Troubleshoot missing radios ................................................................................... 34
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Contents RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a
User Manual RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot
3.7 Improving Signal Quality ......................................................................................... 35
4 Radio Configuration / Diagnostic Utility 37
4.1 Radio Status ........................................................................................................... 41
4.1.1 Available Parents .................................................................................................... 42
4.1.2 Address table .......................................................................................................... 43
4.1.3 Port status ............................................................................................................... 44
4.2 Radio Network settings ........................................................................................... 46
4.2.1 Parent Link Settings ................................................................................................ 48
4.2.2 IGMP Settings ......................................................................................................... 51
4.2.3 Rapid Spanning Tree Functionality......................................................................... 52
4.2.4 Spanning Tree Settings .......................................................................................... 54
4.2.5 Advanced Settings .................................................................................................. 56
4.2.6 Serial Port Settings ................................................................................................. 57
4.3 Security settings...................................................................................................... 59
4.3.1 Encryption type ....................................................................................................... 60
4.3.2 WPA phrase ............................................................................................................ 60
4.3.3 WEP key ................................................................................................................. 61
4.3.4 MAC filter ................................................................................................................ 61
4.3.5 Hide Network SSID ................................................................................................. 62
4.4 Radio access settings ............................................................................................. 62
4.4.1 SNMP Agent settings .............................................................................................. 63
4.4.2 Change password ................................................................................................... 64
4.5 Apply Changes........................................................................................................ 65
4.6 Cancel Changes ..................................................................................................... 65
4.7 Factory Defaults ...................................................................................................... 65
5 RadioLinx Industrial Hotspot Browser 67
5.1 Primary radio functions ........................................................................................... 68
5.2 File Menu ................................................................................................................ 69
5.2.1 Scan Setup ............................................................................................................. 69
5.2.2 Scan ........................................................................................................................ 70
5.2.3 Clear ....................................................................................................................... 70
5.2.4 Import ...................................................................................................................... 70
5.2.5 Export ...................................................................................................................... 70
5.2.6 Freeze ..................................................................................................................... 71
5.2.7 Print ......................................................................................................................... 71
5.2.8 Print Preview ........................................................................................................... 71
5.2.9 Print Setup .............................................................................................................. 71
5.2.10 Exit .......................................................................................................................... 71
5.3 Operations Menu .................................................................................................... 71
5.3.1 Connect ................................................................................................................... 72
5.3.2 Assign IP ................................................................................................................. 72
5.3.3 Update Firmware .................................................................................................... 73
5.3.4 Start Ping Session .................................................................................................. 74
5.4 Dialogs Menu .......................................................................................................... 75
5.4.1 Wireless Clients ...................................................................................................... 75
5.4.2 Ethernet Nodes ....................................................................................................... 76
5.4.3 Scan List ................................................................................................................. 77
5.4.4 Port Table ............................................................................................................... 78
5.4.5 Event Log ................................................................................................................ 78
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RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a Contents
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot User Manual
5.4.6 Properties ................................................................................................................ 79
5.5 View Menu ............................................................................................................... 81
5.5.1 Tool Bar ................................................................................................................... 81
5.5.2 Status Bar ................................................................................................................ 82
5.5.3 List View .................................................................................................................. 82
5.5.4 Topology View ......................................................................................................... 82
5.5.5 Zoom In ................................................................................................................... 84
5.5.6 Zoom Out ................................................................................................................ 85
5.5.7 Zoom to Fit .............................................................................................................. 85
5.5.8 Show Ping Stations ................................................................................................. 86
5.5.9 Show Parents .......................................................................................................... 86
5.5.10 Print Area ................................................................................................................ 87
5.5.11 Reset Columns ........................................................................................................ 87
5.6 Help Menu ............................................................................................................... 87
5.6.1 Help Topics ............................................................................................................. 88
5.6.2 About RLX-IH Browser ............................................................................................ 88
6 Reference 89
6.1 Product Overview .................................................................................................... 89
6.2 Radio hardware ....................................................................................................... 90
6.2.1 Radio power requirements ...................................................................................... 90
6.2.2 Ethernet Cable Specifications ................................................................................. 91
6.2.3 Ethernet Cable Configuration .................................................................................. 92
6.3 Antennas ................................................................................................................. 92
6.3.1 Antenna Pattern ...................................................................................................... 92
6.3.2 Antenna Gain .......................................................................................................... 93
6.3.3 Antenna Polarity ...................................................................................................... 93
6.3.4 Whip antennas ........................................................................................................ 94
6.3.5 Collinear array antennas ......................................................................................... 94
6.3.6 Yagi Array Antenna ................................................................................................. 95
6.3.7 Parabolic reflector antennas ................................................................................... 95
6.3.8 Antenna location, spacing, and mounting ............................................................... 96
7 Support, Service & Warranty 97
Contacting Technical Support ........................................................................................................... 97
7.1 Return Material Authorization (RMA) Policies and Conditions................................ 98
7.1.1 Returning Any Product ............................................................................................ 98
7.1.2 Returning Units Under Warranty ............................................................................. 99
7.1.3 Returning Units Out of Warranty ............................................................................. 99
7.2 LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................................................... 100
7.2.1 What Is Covered By This Warranty ....................................................................... 101
7.2.2 What Is Not Covered By This Warranty ................................................................ 102
7.2.3 Disclaimer Regarding High Risk Activities ............................................................ 103
7.2.4 Intellectual Property Indemnity .............................................................................. 104
7.2.5 Disclaimer of all Other Warranties ........................................................................ 105
7.2.6 Limitation of Remedies ** ...................................................................................... 105
7.2.7 Time Limit for Bringing Suit ................................................................................... 106
7.2.8 No Other Warranties ............................................................................................. 106
7.2.9 Allocation of Risks ................................................................................................. 106
7.2.10 Controlling Law and Severability ........................................................................... 106
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Contents RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a
User Manual RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot
8 Glossary of Terms 107
Index 121
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RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a Start Here
In This Chapter
About the RadioLinx® 802.11a High Power Industrial Hotspot™ ........... 11
Package Contents ................................................................................. 12
System Requirements ........................................................................... 13
Install the IH Browser Configuration Tool .............................................. 13
Install ProSoft Wireless Designer .......................................................... 14
Planning the Network ............................................................................ 14
Configuring the Radios .......................................................................... 16
Verify Communication ........................................................................... 25
Frequency Band
(Varies by country)
802.11a
5.150 GHz to 5.250 GHz (FCC/ETSI)
5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz (FCC)
Wireless Standards
802.11a, 802.11i
Transmit Power (Programmable)
(varies by country)
24 dBm (250 mW) at 6 Mbps
24 dBm (250 mW) at 24 Mbps
21 dBm (125 mW) at 54 Mbps
Channel data rates (Modulation)
802.11a: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps (OFDM)
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot 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® 802.11a High Power Industrial Hotspot™
The RadioLinx® 802.11a High Power Industrial Hotspot™ (RLXIB-IHA) is a high-
speed wireless Ethernet radio, with PoE and Serial Encapsulation. The RLXIBIHA operates at speeds up to 54 Mbps, using the IEEE 802.11a (5 GHz band)
standard. In addition to transmit power up to 250 mW, the RLXIB-IHA offers
many Industrial features including hazardous location certifications, IGMP
Snooping, OFDM for noise immunity, simultaneous bridge / repeater / access
point mode, OPC server diagnostics, extended operating temperature, high
vibration/shock resistance and DIN-rail mounting.
1.1.1 Specifications
Radio
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Start Here RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a
Receiver Sensitivity (Typical)
-92 dBm at 6 Mbps
-84 dBm at 24 Mbps
-72 dBm at 54 Mbps
Channel Selection
36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165
Security
WPA2 - 802.11i with 128 bit AES-CCM
Legacy WPA TKIP, WEP support
MAC ID filter
Admin password
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, 10 Hz to 150 Hz)
Ethernet Ports
One 10/100 Base-T connector, shielded RJ45
IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x
Antenna Port
(1) RP-SMA connector
Weight
1.1 lbs (499g)
Operating Temperature
-40°C to +75°C
Humidity
Up to 100% RH, with no condensation
External Power
PoE Injector
10 Vdc to 24 Vdc
802.3af PoE Powered Device
Average Power
<9W
UL
ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D
cULus
C22.2 No. 213-M1987
CSA/UL
ANSI/EN60950-1
ATEX
EN60079-0/-15 Zone 2 Category 3
User Manual RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot
Physical
Environmental
1.1.2 Regulatory Approvals
Wireless Approvals
Visit our web site at www.prosoft-technology.com for current wireless approval information.
Hazardous Locations
1.2 Package Contents
The following components are included with your RLXIB-IHA radio, and are all
required for installation and configuration.
Important: Before beginning the installation, please verify that all of the following items are
present.
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RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a Start Here
Qty.
Part Name
Part Number
Part Description
1
RLXIB-IHA Radio
RLXIB-IHA
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot
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-IHA module.
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot User Manual
If any of these components are missing, please contact ProSoft Technology
Support for replacement parts.
1.3 System Requirements
The RadioLinx IH Browser is designed for Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, and
2003. 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
Static IP address, Subnet Mask and Gateway address for each RadioLinx
device you plan to install. Obtain this information from your system
administrator
1.4 Install the IH Browser Configuration 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:
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Start Here RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a
User Manual RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot
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 IH BROWSER FOR THE RLX-IHX AND RLXIB-X
PRODUCTS. This action opens the Setup Wizard for IH Browser.
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.
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 masters and
repeaters, but you can also set up clients to work with devices on existing
wireless LANs. For information, see Set up a Client (page 25).
The simplest way to design the physical network of radios, antennas, connectors,
cables, amplifiers and other accessories, is to use ProSoft Wireless Designer
(page 15). 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 Radio Configuration / Diagnostic Utility). 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.
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RLXIB-IHA ♦ 802.11a Start Here
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?
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot User Manual
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.
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 Radio Configuration / Diagnostic
Utility.
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.
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
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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
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 28) before the network installation is complete.
1.7 Configuring the Radios
To configure the network radios, follow these steps.
Use the RLX-IH Browser 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 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:
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1 Start the IH Browser (page 18) configuration application.
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 (page 19) to the RLXIB-IHA radio,
wait a moment for the radio to power up, and then examine the radio's LED
display to make sure the radio is working properly.
3 Assign a temporary IP address: (page 20, page 72) Double-click the radio
listing in the RLX-IH Browser. In the next window, click OK to accept the
temporary IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
4 Double-click the radio listing again in the RLX-IH Browser to open the Radio
Configuration / Diagnostic Utility in your web browser. Enter "password"
(lower case, no quotes) in the next window and then click Login.
If necessary, you can enter your own password later. For information, see
Change Password (page 64).
5 Set up the master radio first, using the Radio Settings window in the Radio
Configuration / Diagnostic Utility.
6 Click Apply Changes to save the master radio settings.
To cancel the settings and start over, click the Cancel Changes button before
you click Apply Changes. After they are configured, master radios are
preceded by an "M" in the utility window list.
Note: The text shown in yellow at the bottom of the window indicates the status of changes you
have made to the configuration.
If the text shows "Changes not saved", click Apply Changes to save your settings.
If the text shows "Changes not saved; Will disrupt X s", you can click Apply Changes, however
the network will be disrupted temporarily while the changes are applied. The value of "X"
indicates the number of seconds the network will be offline.
7 Unplug the Ethernet cable from the radio and plug it into the next radio to be
configured.
8 Set Up a Repeater. (page 24) Return to the RLX-IH Browser. To be sure that
you are seeing the latest status of the radio(s), go to the toolbar (page 81)
and click the "Clear" icon (eraser) followed by the "Scan" icon (binoculars).
Double-click the listing of the next radio to be configured, and configure it as
a repeater radio.
9 Save the Radio Configuration. (page 23) Save the repeater radio settings by
clicking Apply Changes 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 (page 26).
The remainder of the topics in this section describe each of these steps in more
detail.
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1.7.1 Start IH Browser
1 Click the START button, and then navigate to PROGRAMS / PROSOFT
TECHNOLOGY
2 Click to start RADIOLINX IH BROWSER.
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, select Scan from the
File menu. If you still do not see a radio listing, see Troubleshooting.
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1.7.2 Plug In the Cables
You can configure the RLXIB-IHA using the Ethernet port on the radio. On the
underside are three ports; Ethernet, Serial and Power (10 to 24 VDC 6 W).
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 LEDs
will illuminate after approximately two seconds. The entire startup procedure can take up to 90
seconds.
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 92, page 91).
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1.7.3 Detecting the Radio
After the radio has completed its startup procedure, the radio will appear in the IH
Browser 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, select Scan from the
File menu.
Tip: If a radio listing does not appear in the window, open the File menu and choose Scan. If you
still do not see a radio listing, refer to Diagnostics and Troubleshooting in the RLXIB-IHA User
Manual.
1.7.4 Assign a Temporary IP Address
You need the IP address to log into the Radio Configuration/Diagnostic Utility
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 a temporary IP here. You will use the Radio Configuration /
Diagnostic Utility (page 36) to assign a permanent IP address.
To assign a temporary IP Address
1 In IH Browser, click to select the radio.
Tip: If a radio listing does not appear in the window, open the File menu and choose Scan. If you
still do not see a radio listing, refer to Diagnostics and troubleshooting in the RLXIB-IHA User
Manual.
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1 Open the Operations menu, and choose Assign IP. This action opens the
Assign Temporary IP Address dialog box.
2 Select one of the unused IP addresses, and then click OK.
For information, see Radio Access settings (page 62).
1.7.5 Set Up the Master Radio
To configure the radio, double click on the radio (Radio1) in the IH Browser
window. This action opens a web browser (for example Microsoft Internet
Explorer or Firefox) and loads the IH Radio’s web configuration interface.
Important: The radio configuration is protected by a login password. The default password for the
radio is "password" (lower case, no quotes). To prevent unauthorized access to the radio
configuration, you should change the password when you have finished the initial configuration.
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Note: The master is the "root" or top-level radio in a network. You must have at least one master
radio per network. For redundancy, you can assign more than one master to a network.
To configure a Master radio, make the following changes to the web
configuration form:
Radio Network Settings
Radio Name: Enter a unique name for the radio.
Select Master as the radio mode.
Network SSID: Assign a network name (SSID) of up to 32 characters. The
radio uses this name in all network references. All radios in a network must
have the same SSID.
Channel: Select a channel and frequency range for the network or accept the
default value. Network channels allow radios to avoid sharing a frequency
with other networks in the same location. The channel list indicates the
channel number as well as the frequency.
Important: The RLXIB-IHA radio is supplied with a dual-band antenna that supports both
frequency ranges. If you use a different antenna with the RLXIB-IHA radio, you must choose a
channel and frequency range supported by the antenna.
Security Settings
Encryption Type: Encryption scrambles data so that only intended viewers
can decipher and understand it. Although "none" is an available encryption
type, ProSoft Technology strongly recommends encrypting all data sent and
received from every radio on your network, to help prevent your data from
being intercepted and decoded.
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WPA phrase: To use WPA encryption on packets sent between the radios,
select WPA in the Encryption Type field. Next, in the WPA phrase field, enter
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).
For more information on encryption, see Security settings (page 59).
Because you must assign the same Network SSID and WPA phrase to the
repeater radios later in this procedure, you should write down the settings.
Note: Network SSID and WPA phrase are both case-sensitive.
Network SSID:_________________
WPA phrase:__________________
Radio Access Settings
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 "Use the following IP
address", and then enter the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway in
the Radio Access Settings area of the IH 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.
1.7.6 Save the Radio Configuration
Before closing the Radio Configuration window, you must apply your changes.
Click APPLY CHANGES to save your configuration and restart the radio.
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Note: To discard your changes and start over, click CANCEL CHANGES.
1.7.7 Set Up a Repeater
To configure a radio as a Repeater, make changes to the web configuration form.
Radio Network Settings
Radio Name: Enter a unique name for the radio.
Select Repeater as the radio mode.
Network SSID: Enter the SSID you configured for the Master radio. All radios
in a network must have the same SSID.
Security Settings
Encryption Type: Encryption scrambles data so that only intended viewers
can decipher and understand it. Choose the same encryption type you
configured for the Master radio.
WPA phrase: Enter the pass phrase you configured for the Master radio.
Important: The Network SSID and WPA phrase are case sensitive. Use exactly the same
combination of upper case and lower case letters you entered for the Master radio, otherwise the
Repeater radio will not be able to connect to the Master radio.
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By default, a repeater connects automatically to the best available parent radio
on the network. If necessary, however, you can click the Parent Link button and
specify how repeater radios connect to the network. See Parent Link settings for
information.
1.7.8 Set Up a Client
Client mode is a special mode in the radio that allows a user to connect an
Ethernet device to a wireless network through any 802.11a access point. Any
Ethernet device that has an RJ45 Ethernet port can, in effect, be transformed into
an 802.11a wireless client by attaching the radio. Only a single device can be
connected to the radio in client mode. Do not connect to more than one Ethernet
device (using a switch or hub).
You only use client mode if you need to connect to another brand 802.11a
access point. If you are using RLXIB-IHA radios, you should always use them as
repeaters (and masters).
To connect a device to a radio in client mode, click the Client button for the radio
and try programming the radio’s client mode 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.
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, and type the ID into the Client
MAC field.
Client radios are preceded by a 'C' in the list of radios in the RLX-IH Browser.
1.8 Verify Communication
When configured, the name of each radio is preceded by an M (for Master), an R
(for Repeater), or a C (for Client) in the IH Browser window.
Look at the LEDs to ensure good link quality, as explained in LED display (page
32). After a repeater is configured, you can unplug the Ethernet cable from it.
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In This Chapter
Connecting antennas ............................................................................ 28
Testing the Network Installation Plan .................................................... 28
RadioLinx® 802.11a Industrial Hotspot 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 IH Browser and the web configuration
form, you can install the radios and test their performance. Install the radios in
their proposed permanent locations, 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.
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
RLX-IH Browser.
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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. A radio that is not linked to a parent will show as a
circle outlined by a flashing dashed red line. It may be near the bottom of the
window, so scroll down to view all available radios. To change how radios link to
the network, see Parent Link settings.
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.
Larger antennas and antennas that do not have a reverse-gender SMA
connector must be mounted separately and connected to the radio using a
coaxial antenna cable. Because the antenna cable attenuates the RF signal, use
an antenna cable length that is no longer than necessary to ensure optimum
performance.
Important: If the radio is to be used in a hazardous location, the radio must be mounted in an
enclosure approved for hazardous locations. The radio requires a separate cable connection to the
SMA connector that leads to an internal antenna.
2.2 Testing the Network Installation Plan
Test proposed installations before finalizing the installation.
After you have configured the network and the radios:
install the Master radio in its proposed permanent location
cable the Configuration PC to the Master radio
place the Remote radios in their proposed locations
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
Remote radio's signal strength as displayed on the Configuration PC.
To improve the signal quality of each Remote's communication:
increase the height of the antenna's placement
use higher-gain antennas
increase the radio's transmission power, cable the radio to the Configuration
PC, and reconfigure it
select a new location for the Remote radio and/or its antenna
decrease the length of antenna cable
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determine and resolve sources of "electrical" noise which may be interfering
with the radio transmission
add a repeater between the radios that are not communicating, or reconfigure
an existing radio as a repeater if line of sight is available
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