Copyright 2003-2004, MeshNetworks, Inc. All Rights Reserved
MEA Setup and Installation
Foreword
This document describes in detail the confidential and proprietary technology of MeshNetworks’
MEA™ Architecture. MeshNetworks products and technology are protected by US and
international patent and patent pending technology. This document represents the current MEA
design; the contents are subject to change at any time at the discretion of MeshNetworks, Inc.
MEA, MeshManager, MeshTray, MeshView, and MeshNetworks’ logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of MeshNetworks, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 2000, and
Windows PocketPC are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Sun and Sun Blade
are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other product names and services
identified throughout this publication are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies. No such uses or the use of any trade name is intended to convey endorsement or
other affiliation with this publication.
The MEA wireless broadband system allows a network operator to deploy a wireless, multihopping ad hoc network. This document describes how to setup, configure, and deploy a MEA
system to operate in infrastructure mode.
The MEA system is designed for easy installation. The infrastructure components of a MEA
system are preinstalled with a default configuration for connection to a wired network. Any
configuration items described in this document are for site-specific information.
MeshNetworks recommends that the Network Operator receive setup and deployment training
at MeshNetworks’ facility prior to deploying the MEA network. MeshNetworks may optionally
provide the Network Operator assistance with site surveys and deployment.
Note: The MEA MWR6300 Wireless Routers and IAP6300 Intelligent Access Points require
professional installation to ensure the installation is performed in accordance with FCC licensing
regulations.
Documentation Overview
The MEA Setup and Deployment User’s Guide is arranged in the following sections:
Section 1 - Overview
User’s Guide.
Section 2 – Description of the MEA System
Network.
Section 3 - Starter Kit Setup and Deployment
information for the Subscriber Device, Wireless Router, Intelligent Access Point, and the MiSC.
Section 4 - MAC Address Tables
configuration data.
Section 5 – Site Selection Guidelines
Section 6 - The Customer Service Information
need assistance with your MEA Starter Kit.
Section 7 - License and Warranty Information
and Warranty for the MEA products.
Section 8 - FCC Regulatory Information
provides an overview of the MEA Starter Kit and the organization of the
provides a general overview of a complete MEA
provides installation and configuration
provides three convenient tables to record network
provides deployment and installation suggestions.
section provides contact information if you
contains MeshNetworks’ License Agreement
provides important warnings and safety information.
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Acronyms
HAS Hardware Authentication Server
IAP Intelligent Access Point
MEA Mesh Enabled Architecture
MiSC Mobile Internet Switching Controller
SD Subscriber Device (a host device with a WMC6300 installed and operational)
WMC Wireless Modem Card
WR Wireless Router
PWR Portable Wireless Router
VMM Vehicle Wireless Router
EWR Enhanced Wireless Router
Related
MEA WMC6300 Wireless Modem Card User’s Guide for Windows 2000
MEA WMC6300 Wireless Modem Card User’s Guide for Windows XP
MeshView Administration Tool User’s Guide
MeshManager User’s Guide
MeshFlash User’s Guide
Location Analyzer Deployment Tool User’s Guide
Documentation
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MEA Setup and Installation
Section 2 - Description of the MEA System
Introduction
MeshNetworks develops Mobile Broadband communications systems with ad hoc architectures.
That is, each node can connect directly, or indirectly (by hopping through other nodes), with any
other node in the network. The peer-to-peer nature of the ad hoc architecture combined with
data rate control in each subscriber and infrastructure node in the network insures reliable
delivery while providing increased network capacity through geographic reuse of the frequency
spectrum.
The network is comprised of following distinct elements:
• Subscriber Devices (SDs) and Vehicle Mounted Modems (VMMs)
• Wireless Routers (WRs), Enhanced Wireless Routers (EWRs) and Portable
Wireless Routers (PWRs)
• Intelligent Access Points (IAPs)
• Mobile Internet Switching Controllers (MiSCs)
Additional SD and infrastructure components are described separately.
The overwhelming portion of the value that MeshNetworks provides is in the Wireless Modem
Card (WMC). The WMC functionality is used in Subscriber Devices as well as in the Wireless
Router and Intelligent Access Point (IAP), both of which are types of infrastructure equipment.
MeshNetworks provides a Mobile Internet Switching Controller (MiSC) which is assembled from
industry standard equipment and conforms to industry standards. MeshNetworks also provides
the network applications, which are required for proper operation and value extraction from the
MEA mobile Internet system.
Figure 1. Elements of the MEA System
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All network elements are designed to support mobile applications. Subscriber Devices can be
either mobile or fixed, while the remaining components are typically fixed. Wireless Routers and
IAPs can be mounted on utility poles, light poles, traffic apparatus, billboards, and buildings.
Their fixed positions allow the Subscriber Device to pinpoint its location within one second.
WRs and IAPs can also be mobile, attached to emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, or fleet
vehicles. It is important to note that the WMC technology within a Subscriber Device is identical
to the WMC technology in Wireless Routers and IAPs.
The MEA system was designed to minimize the cost associated with deploying a broadband
mobile network with end user data access rates on the order of DSL or Cable Modem. The
chosen metric of network efficiency for a data centric network is bits per second per Hertz per
square kilometer per dollar (bps/hz/km
bandwidth, coverage area, and cost.
2
/$). This metric balances the user data rates, allocated
Subscriber Devices (SDs)
The MeshNetworks’ Wireless Modem Card (WMC) is
provided as a PCMCIA form factor device. The WMC is
used with an off-the-shelf IP-enabled laptop computer or
PDA. These two devices together make up a Subscriber
Device (SD).
The WMC provides access to the fixed infrastructure network
and other networks, such as the Internet, and it can also
function as a Wireless Router and repeater for other SDs.
rt of thSDs can therefore be a key pae network infrastructure. Adding subscribers can
effectively increase the number of Wireless Routers in the network, which increases the number
of alternative paths that subscribers may utilize. This can reduce both the time and cost to
deploy network infrastructure, while also increasing the spectral efficiency and therefore the
capacity of the network. In addition, because SDs can also operate in an ad hoc peer-to-peer
mode, two or more SDs can form a network without the need for any fixed infrastructure.
Wireless Routers (WRs)
The Wireless Router (WR) is a low
seed a geographical area, extending the range between IAPs and subscribers, and to
simultaneously increase the network’s spectral efficiency. Wireless Routers provide a number
of functions in the network, such as:
• Range Extension for Subs
• Automatic Load Balancing
• Route Selection
• Network capacity
packet consolidat
• Fixed reference for geo-location services
The Wireless Router's small size and light weight allow it to
be moteed. WR
software can be updated via over-the-air downloads.
un d almost anywhere. No towers are requir
-cost small-sized wireless device that is primarily deployed to
criber Devices and IAPs
optimization through small
ion
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MEA Setup and Installation
Intelligent Access Points (IAPs)
The Intelligent Access Point (IAP) is a low-cost, small device that
acts as the transition point from the wireless network to the wired
core network and from there, through media gateways, out to the
Internet. Each IAP offers up to 6 Mbps burst data rate to
subscribers. IAPs support the 10/100 base-T Ethernet interface.
Other interfaces are supported through commercially available
media translation devices. If additional network capacity is
required, more IAPs can be easily deployed - without the need for
extensive RF or site planning. IAPs provide functions such as:
• Local mobility management of SDs
• Fixed reference for geo-location services
• Hopping points for subscriber peer-to-peer networking
• Transition point from the wireless to the wired portions
of the network
• Route Selection
The IAP’s small size and lightweight allow it to be mounted anywhere power and network
connectivity is available. No towers are required. The IAP software can be updated via overthe-wire downloads.
VMM6300 - Vehicle Mounted Modem
Compact and ruggedly designed, the MeshNetworks
Vehicle Mounted Modem (VMM) turns a vehicle into a
mobile office. Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), IP video
cameras, and other IP ready devices can access a highspeed, mobile broadband network via a standard RJ45
Ethernet Port. This low cost, high performance, wireless
modem supports up to 6 Mbps burst data rates at
speeds of over 100 mph.
The VMM provides high bandwidth access to missioncritical information on the move. Remote database
inquiries, on-scene report submission, multi-megabyte
file transfers and live video streams will make field
personnel more efficient. The VMM also supports realtime position location without relying on GPS.
Like all MEA products, the VMM acts as a wireless router/repeater – automatically extending the
range, robustness and performance of the wireless network.
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EWR6300 - Enhanced Wireless Router
The Enhanced Wireless Router (EWR) is deployed to
guarantee wireless coverage in large geographic areas while
providing wireless network access to one or more IP devices
via its built-in RJ45 Ethernet port. The EWR efficiently
combines the functionality of a MeshNetworks Wireless Router
and client modem in a single, cost-effective, wireless network
component. This makes it easy for any Ethernet ready device
to access a Mesh-Enabled Architecture (MEA) mobile
broadband network. Computers, IP video cameras (as
pictured at right), sensors, signs, signals, etc. can all be MeshEnabled to send and receive data at burst rates of up to 6
Mbps. All of the standard Wireless Router functionality,
including Multi-Hopping, non-line-of-sight communications and position location services, is fully
supported. EWRs also provide:
• Range extension between clients an IAPs
• Fixed reference points between clients and IAPs
• Up to three assignable IP addresses
PWR6300 Portable Wireless Router
The PWR6300 Portable Wireless Router (PWR) has the
same functionality as the EWR, but in a smaller form factor
like the VMM. It combines the functionality of a Wireless
Router and the Wireless Modem Card into a single device.
By adding an Ethernet port to a Wireless Router,
MeshNetworks enables video cameras, computers or any
other Ethernet-capable device to get high-speed access to
the MEA wireless broadband network, without the need to
purchase a separate Wireless Modem Card. The PWR also
provides the same functionality as the MWR, including
network routing, Multi-Hopping™ and geo-location services.
• Range extension between clients an IAPs
• Fixed reference points between clients and IAPs
• Up to three assignable IP addresses
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MEA Setup and Installation
Mobile Internet Switching Controller (MiSC)
The Mobile Internet Switching Controller (MiSC) provides
connectivity between the IAPs and the wired world, and
hosts the network’s management and provisioning
functions. The MiSC is composed of off-the-shelf
hardware components, such as LAN routers and
application servers. MiSC software consists of both offthe-shelf and MeshNetworks’ proprietary software,
MeshManager. The MeshManager software provides
functions for the network such as:
• Subscriber Provisioning, Management, and
Authentication
• Configuration and Fault Management
• Network Monitoring and Reporting
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Operational View of the MEA System
Figure 2 shows the different ways a subscriber can reach an IAP. It can connect directly, or hop
through any number or combination of WRs and SDs. Additionally, if the subscriber wishes to
execute a peer-to-peer application such as a file transfer, the subscriber can communicate
directly, or through any combination of SDs, WRs, and IAPs.
The ability to use ad hoc routing to forward traffic improves the scalability of the mobile wireless
network. In particular, the ability for the user to accomplish a peer-to-peer application without
the use of infrastructure has tremendous advantages.
A significant problem in every mobile wireless network is backhaul. The MEA architecture
provides the ability to route traffic from applications through SDs and WRs without ever reaching
an IAP or the wired network. This reduces the amount of backhaul required by enabling the
SDs to accomplish the backhaul whenever the opportunity arises. In turn, this results in lower
deployment costs, reduced backhaul, and lower operating expenditures. The service provider
can provide the same level of service with less equipment by empowering the SDs with ad hoc
networking capability.
Global
Internet
IAP 1
WR 1
WR 1
MiSC
IAP
WR
SD
MiSC
1
T
1
T
IAP 2
T1
. . .
IAP N
. . .
Mobile Internet Switching Controlle r
Intelligent Access Point
W ire le ss Router
Subscriber Device
SD 1
SD 1
SD 2
. . .
SD 1
SD 2
SD 3
Handoff
. . .
. . .
WR 2
. . .
WR k1
SD 1
SD 2
. . .
Router Mes h
WR 2
. . .
WR k2
SD 2
SD 1
. . .
Handoff
SD 2
SD 4
Figure 2. Operational View of the MEA System
8
MEA Setup and Installation
Network Architecture
The basic MEA network utilizes two subnets, one for the MEA wireless elements and one for the
server elements. For seamless IAP mobility, all of the MEA wireless elements must be in the
same subnet. The subnets are connected together by the core router, and the edge router
provides Internet connectivity.
Figure 3 shows the logical network layout of a MEA network.
Inte rnet
other s ervers
edge router
`
server subn et
wireless
subne t
server
switch
core router
wireless
switch
IAP1
. . .
IAPn
MeshManager
server
WR
m ē a
wireless
domain
SD
Figure 3. MEA Network Architecture
SD
Unified Modes of Operation
With MEA Release 3.0, the concept of modes has been replaced by unified modes of operation
addressing scheme. The concept of unified modes of operation centers on the current state of network
communication: Associated State and Unassociated State. There are three addressing schemes that
allow the IT manager increased flexibility in deployment.
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Network DHCP Scheme
Operation under the Network DHCP scheme is similar to that of MEARelease 2 in Infrastructure
Mode. The primary difference is that users are now allowed to temporarily wander outside the
network infrastructure without losing connectivity.
Network DCHP requires that the user's host device be configured to request an address from a
DHCP server and the inclusion of a DHCP server in the core network configuration to answer
these requests. With Network DHCP selected, the network device will forward any DHCP
requests to the core network once it becomes associated and establishes communications with
the infrastructure.
The server may be configured by the operator to hand out temporary or static leases. The user
must associate and acquire an address from the network before establishing communications.
Once a lease has been granted, the address may be dragged out of network coverage for the
remainder of the lease or, if a static lease was granted, until the next power cycle. If the lease
expires or the user cycles power while outside of network coverage, the user will again lose the
ability to communicate.
This scheme is best for a larger, closely managed network of subscribers who don't need to
communicate, or communicate only briefly, outside of network coverage.
Statically Provisioned Scheme
Operation under the Statically Provisioned scheme is similar to that of MEA Release 2 in Peerto-Peer Mode. The primary difference is that addresses are configured by the network operator
rather than hashed from the MAC address. This serves to eliminate the 10.x.x.x limitation on the
network range.
When operating under the Statically Provisioned scheme, the network device will accept DHCP
requests from the user's host and internally generate responses to grant the host an IP address
and assign any other provisioned options.
This scheme requires that the host be configured to request an address from a DHCP server
but does not require a DHCP server on the core network.
It should be noted that a DHCP server can still exist on the network to hand out addresses to
other nodes using the Network DHCP Scheme as long as the server's address range does not
conflict with addresses assigned to devices using the Statically Provisioned or User Supplied
Schemes.
The granted IP addresses granted by the server and options are configurable per-device using
MeshManager. The internally generated DHCP messages will assign the host a static lease to
the provisioned address, which may be freely used to communicate while associated or
unassociated.
The operator must ensure that the provisioned addresses are routable and do not conflict with
any other addresses in use. The operator is free to provision any option ordinarily provisioned
by a DHCP server (subnet mask, DNS, etc.) through programming of the appropriate fields in
each device using MeshManager.
This scheme is ideal for a managed network of users who regularly need to communicate inside
and outside of network coverage or for a network lacking a DHCP server.
User Supplied Scheme
Operating under the User Supplied scheme, the user's host device is configured to use a fixed
10
MEA Setup and Installation
IP address and subnet mask. The user is responsible for configuring options that would
otherwise be configured by a DHCP server.
It is also up to the user to ensure that the assigned address is routable on the core network (if
core network access is needed) and that it does not conflict with other addresses in use. This is
analogous to and carries the same caveats as plugging an Ethernet card into a LAN and
manually assigning an address to the card.
The user is free to communicate while associated or unassociated. This scheme is ideal for
small, unmanaged networks lacking a DHCP server.
All of these schemes may be assigned per device, either by the user or by the network
manager. The network manager can also limit the user-selectable schemes or force a specific
scheme. Devices in each of these schemes can interoperate and communicate with each other,
so long as the assigned addresses do not conflict and are mutually routable.
Setting the User Supplied IP Address
To setup the addressing for the User Supplied Scheme, first obtain a valid IP address from your
Network Administrator. This is the IP address to be entered in the IP Address box on the
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog General tab.
From the Start menu, select Settings Æ Control Panel. Double click on the Network and Dialup Connections icon.
Figure 4. Control Panel – Network and Dial-up Connections Icon
The Network and Dial-up Connections window will be displayed. Double click on the Local Area
Connection icon.
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Figure 5. Network and Dial-up Connections Window
On the Local Area Connection Properties dialog, click to select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then
click on the Properties button.
Figure 6. Local Area Connection Properties Dialog Box
The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box will be displayed.
12
MEA Setup and Installation
Figure 7. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Dialog Box
With the Use the following IP address: radio button selected, enter the IP address supplied by
the Network Administrator in the IP Address: box. Double click in the Subnet Mask: box to set
the default subnt mask. The Default gateway: and the DNS server addresses should have
already been set by the Network Administrator. Click on the OK button to accept the changes
and dismiss the dialog box.
Quality of Service (QoS) and User Priority Features
The MeshNetworks MEA system offers lower throughput than typical wired network systems.
As a result, it may be necessary to regulate traffic flows over the wireless portion of the network
so that interactive data flows and bulk data flows can be provided the proper levels of latency
and reliability. The required level of regulation is provided by the Quality of Service (QoS)
feature of the MEA system.
It may also be necessary to provide certain nodes higher priority access to the wireless network
for all of their traffic, such as in emergency or tiered service systems. This functionality is
provided by the User Priority feature.
Both QoS and User Priority deal with prioritization and shaping of packet traffic, are
incorporated into the MEA system design as a single design feature. QoS allows a traffic
generator to request special handling for enhanced throughput or reliability versus the standard
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