ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be copied in any form, by photocopy,
microfilm, retrieval system, or by any other means now known or hereafter invented without the
prior written permission of Quatech, Inc. This document may not be used as the basis for
manufacture or sale of any items without the prior written consent of Quatech, Inc.
AirborneDirect™ is a trademark of Quatech, Inc.
All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
The information in the document is believed to be correct at the time of print. The reader
remains responsible for the system design and for ensuring that the overall system satisfies its
design objectives taking due account of the information presented herein, the specifications of
other associated equipment and the test environment.
Quatech, Inc has made commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the information
contained in this document is accurate and reliable. However, the information is subject to
change without notice. No responsibility is assumed by Quatech, Inc for the use of the
information, nor for infringements of patents or other rights of third parties. This document is the
property of Quatech, Inc. and does not imply license under patents, copyrights or trade secrets.
Quatech, Inc. Headquarters
QUATECH Inc..
5675 Hudson Industrial Parkway
Hudson, OH 44236
USA
TTFEATURES AND BENEFITSTT ............................................................................................................................2
TTUSING THIS DOCUMENTTT ...............................................................................................................................4
Table 13. Heavy-Duty Power Supply Specifications...................................................................58
Table 14. Heavy-Duty DC Specifications....................................................................................58
Page iv AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge User's Guide 100-8007-141G
Quatech, Inc. Confidential
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
TTThis guide describes the AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge from Quatech, Inc. AirborneDirect™
is a fully integrated, 802.11 wireless Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity device designed to
provide wireless LAN and Internet connectivity in industrial, scientific, medical, and
transportation applications where an existing communications interface already exists. The
AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge is well suited to the following applications:
TTPoint-of-sale devices.
TTMedical equipment.
TTManufacturing machinery.
TTBar-code readers.
TTTime clocks.
TTScales.
TTData-collection devices.
TTVehicle Diagnostics.
TTTelematics.
TTThe AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge provides true plug-and-play wireless connectivity. By
delivering convenient, easy-to-deploy wireless network connectivity, the Bridge significantly
reduces the complexities of wireless system deployment and network implementation. At the
same time, users can move equipment without the cost and time associated with wired network
drops and environment restrictions. This provides flexibility for seasonal demands, line and
staffing changes, and more.
TTThe AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge provides a bridge between the 802.11 wireless LAN and
any Ethernet-ready device with an RJ-45 connector. It acts transparently between the device
and a wireless LAN. By integrating AirborneDirect™ into existing and legacy platforms, OEMs
can significantly enhance their products by delivering increased value and functionality to their
entire customer base.
TTThe AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge opens the world of remote device monitoring and
management (as well as wide-area data collection) to any device, machine, or plant that has an
Ethernet connection and a network infrastructure. The development kit provides quick and easy
access to the Bridge’s configuration and functions, while providing OEMs with a platform to
develop their branded solutions. The Bridge also provides the capability to perform firmware
upgrades that allow new features to be added quickly and easily, protecting your investment.
These documents are provided as Portable Document Format (PDF) files. To read them, you
need Adobe
®
PP
PP
AcrobatPP
®
PP
ReaderPP
®
PP
4.0.5 or higher. For your convenience, Adobe Reader is
provided on the Evaluation Kit CD. For the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to the
Adobe Web site (www.adobe.com).
TTAdditional literature about AirborneDirect™ products and the Airborne WLN Module that powers
them, such as application notes, product briefs, and white papers, can be found on the Quatech
Web site:
HHTUTUwww.quatech.comUUTTTTHTTH.
TTQuatech also offers developer documentation for its AirborneDirect™ products. Please contact
TTThis chapter describes the TTAirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge. TTTopics in this chapter include:
TTPackage Contents. (below)
TTItems Supplied by the User. (below)
TTHardware Description. (page XX9XX)
TTSelecting a Location. (page XX13XX)
TTConfiguring The Access Point. (page XX16XX)
TTConnecting the Bridge. (page XX17XX)
TTVerifying Your Connections. (page 21XX)
TTSTANDARD PACKAGE CONTENTS
TTBefore beginning the hardware installation, verify that the hardware package contains:
One AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge with an attached cable and an RJ-45 interface
connector.
One AC power adapter and cord.
One AirborneDirect™ mounting cradle (mounting hardware is user-supplied).
If you have the AirborneDirect™ Evaluation Kit, you should also have received:
One Access Point (AP), IEEE 802.11b/g-compliant with DHCP enabled (optional).
An AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Quick Start Guide.
A CD containing this AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge User’s Guide, the
AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge Evaluation Kit Quick Start Guide, product briefs and
application notes, Adobe® Reader® for viewing the documents and an Airborne™
Control Center (ACC).
If any item is missing, damaged, or improperly functioning, contact Quatech.
TTThe following items, which are not included in the package contents, are also required:
TTAn Ethernet client, with an RJ-45 jack, that is within the transmit and receive range of the
Access Point to be used with the Bridge.
TTA LAN host running any operating system with TCP/IP (the ACC requires MicrosoftPP
Windows
TTAn IEEE 802.11b/g-compliant Access PointTT with DHCP enabledTT.
®
PP
PP
XP or Windows 2000).
®
PP
Mounting hardware for the AirborneDirect™ bracket mounting.
Other Access Points in the area may interfere with the Bridge’s ability to
Note:
associate with your chosen Access Point (the Bridge will try to associate
with the first available “best-quality” AP). If you encounter difficulties with
connecting to your chosen AP, either remove power from these Access
Points or move to an isolated location, and then perform the setup in Figure
1 on page 3XX.
XXFigure 2XX identifies the components on the Bridge in its standard packaging. These components
include:
An external antenna.
An RJ-45 jack and cable attached to the Bridge.
A Reset switch on the bottom of the Bridge.
Three indicator Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the top of the Bridge.
A mounting cradle.
The bottom of the AirborneDirect™ Bridge provides access to a Reset Switch. The Reset switch
returns all Bridge parameters to their factory default firmware settings. To reset Bridge
parameters, press (and hold) this switch for at least 5 seconds after power is applied to the
Bridge. To protect against accidental resets, the Reset switch is recessed.
Bridge failed its Power On Self Test (POST) and is not configured
for wireless communication.
Bridge passed its POST but is not configured for wireless
communication.
Bridge passed its POST and is configured for wireless
communication.
No power, or no wireless TCP session is established and no
Ethernet physical connection is detected.
No wireless TCP session is established; an Ethernet physical
connection is detected.
An Ethernet physical connection was detected and there is Ethernet
traffic present on that connection, but no wireless TCP session is
established.
A wireless TCP connection is established but no physical Ethernet
connection is detected (i.e., no Ethernet cable is attached to the
Bridge).
A wireless TCP session is established, a physical Ethernet
connection is detected, and the Bridge is transmitting or receiving
data across the wired Ethernet port.
A wireless TCP session is established, a physical Ethernet
connection is detected, but there is no active data movement across
the wired Ethernet port.
Power
Link
Comm
Red
Amber
Green
Off Bridge is not receiving power.
Blinking Red Bridge is searching for an Access Point.
Green Wireless network and MAC have associated with an Access Point.
The Bridge comes with a mounting cradle that allows the Bridge to be installed on a vertical
surface, such as a wall (see
supplied) excessively to avoid damaging the cradle. When mounting the Bridge vertically, attach
the cradle to the vertical surface, and then insert the Bridge into the cradle.
XXFigure 4XX). Be careful not to tighten the mounting hardware (user-
The heavy-duty version of the Bridge is supplied in a Deutsch EEC-325X4B enclosure and is
available in both sealed and unsealed versions. The heavy-duty Bridge supports SAE J1455
power specifications (+4.5 to 36 VDC).
Figure 5 identifies the components on the Bridge in its heavy-duty packaging. These
components include:
An external antenna.
A Deutsch 12-pin DTM13-12PA-R008 receptacle for power and signal connections.
A Reset switch.
Four indicator Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the top of the Bridge.
The Heavy-Duty Bridge has four indicator LEDs for viewing its current status and connections
(see Figure 5). These indicators allow for monitoring and troubleshooting of the Bridge. They
also indicate the Bridge’s power-up status, link, connection, and data-activity status. Table 3
describes the status of the indicator LEDs.
You can mount the Bridge on a flat surface, such as a desk or table, or on a vertical surface,
such as a wall. It can also be mounted on the ceiling. If you mount the Bridge vertically, use the
supplied mounting cradle previously described.
Choosing a good location for the Bridge is important because it affects the reliability of the
wireless link. The most important considerations are distance from the Access Point and
clearance from obstacles.
When considering a location for installing the Bridge, ensure that it:
Provides sufficient ventilation around the Bridge.
Allows easy access to disconnect the Bridge from the AC wall outlet if necessary.
Does not expose the Bridge to excessive heat, humidity, vibration, or dust.
Conforms to local regulations.
Because radio waves travel in a straight line, the location where you will install the Bridge must
provide a clear path to the Access Point that is free of major obstacles. The effects of obstacles,
both along and near the path, have a significant bearing on the travel of radio signals and can
cause both interference and signal cancellation. Consider the effects of the following common
obstacles:
Trees and large plants
A tree or large plant directly in the path can totally block the signal. With clearance
above the trees, there are usually no blocking effects.
Man-made obstacles
Square or rectangular objects, in or near the path, have rectangular surfaces that can
block and interfere with signals over and around them.
Floor
A floor can interfere with signals if the Bridge is mounted too low. Mount the Bridge so
the antenna is high enough to allow adequate clearance from the floor.
The following procedure describes how to connect the Bridge:
• Place the Bridge in a dry, clean location near the device to which it will be connected. The
location is required to have an AC power source and be within 300 feet (100 meters) of an
IEEE 802.11b/g-compliant wireless LAN Access Point with DHCP enabled. The location
should be away from transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens,
refrigerators or other equipment that could cause radio-signal interference.
Note:
• Raise the antenna on the Bridge so it is pointing vertically.
• Connect the supplied power adapter to the Bridge and to a grounded 110/240V, 50-60Hz
AC power source.
• If your Access Point is using WEP or WPA, disable the security. You can re-enable WEP or
WPA after the Bridge has been configured.
• Connect the RJ-45 jack on the Bridge’s Ethernet cable to an RJ-45 jack on your Ethernet-
ready device.
Do not connect the Bridge to the intended Ethernet client at this time.