User’s Guide Wireless Bridges Wireless LAN-to-LAN Bridges for Ethernet Products supported: BR2040-E, BR2000-E, and BR1000-E DOC-710-003850 Rev. A0 Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. • 367 Ghent Road, Suite 300 P.O.
Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the written permission of Aironet. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Aironet makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this manual and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Manufacturers Federal Communication Commission Declaration of Conformity Statement Models : BR1000-E, BR2000-E, BR2040-E Manufacturer : Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. 367 Ghent Rd , Suite 300 Fairlawn, OH 44333 1-800-3-WIRELESS This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Department of Communications—Canada Canadian Compliance Statement This Class B Digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry of Canada.
Declaration of Conformity Aironet Model Number: BR2000-E Application of Council Directive: Application of Council Directive: 89/336/EEC 72/23/EEC CE Type Examination Certificate: HDTP/RDR/167/328880/11 Standards to which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022 (B) EN 55011 (B) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc.
Declaration of Conformity Aironet Model Number: BR2040-E Application of Council Directive: Application of Council Directive: CE Type Examination Certificate: 89/336/EEC 72/23/EEC HDTP/RDR/167/377223 Standards to which Conformity is Declared: EN 55022 (B) EN 55011 (B) EN 50082-1 EN 60950 Manufacturer: Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc. 367 Ghent Road, Suite 300 Fairlawn Ohio, 44333 The undersigned hereby declares that the equipment specified above conforms to the directives and standards cited herein.
Safety Information The FCC with its action in General Docket 93-62, 1997, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment. Aironet subscribes to the same safety standard for the use of its products. Proper operation of this radio according to the instructions in this manual will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
Table of Contents Introduction .........................................................................1 Wireless Bridge Overview..................................................2 Supporting Mixed Network Topologies...........................3 Adding In-Building Wireless Connectivity.......................4 System Configurations ...................................................5 Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge ...................................6 Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Bridge ......................
Where to Go from Here ....................................................31 Technical Support ............................................................31 Shipping Address .........................................................31 Communications ..........................................................31 Web Site.......................................................................31 Appendix A: Serial Cable Pinout.....................................32 Serial Port Pinout..............................
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Introduction Designed for linking networks together—typically in different buildings—Aironet Wireless Bridges offer a low-cost alternative to installing cable or dedicated telephone lines, and are used when traditional wired LAN interconnections are impractical. Rivers, rough terrain, private property and highways can impede wired cable installation. Wireless Bridges easily elude these challenges.
Wireless Bridge Overview Aironet Wireless Bridges enable you to connect two or more Token Ring and/or Ethernet networks to create a single virtual LAN. The workstations on each LAN can communicate with each other over the Wireless Bridges as if they were on the same physical LAN. When connecting two or more LANs, each LAN uses an Aironet Wireless Bridge and an antenna to transmit and receive information between the LANs. Each RF-based Bridge unit is connected to a LAN.
Supporting Mixed Network Topologies To support mixed topologies, a Token Ring Bridge would be installed to support a local Token Ring network and an Ethernet Bridge would be installed to support a local Ethernet network. The Aironet Ethernet and Token Ring Bridges can then communicate with each other—linking both types of networks into a single LAN.
If the existing network to which you are connecting the Bridge is not Token Ring- or Ethernet-based, you can install a Token Ring or Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) in the File Server or third-party Bridge and accommodate other network topologies. Adding In-Building Wireless Connectivity You can use an Aironet Wireless Bridge to support inbuilding wireless connections when local devices such as fixed, portable or mobile devices are equipped with Aironet wireless adapters.
System Configurations You can use wireless bridges in many different network configurations. The way in which you configure your network determines the size of a network microcell (the area for which a single Bridge provides radio coverage). You can create multiple microcells on a LAN to extend your RF coverage area.
Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge The Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge configuration (shown in the following figure) uses two units to bridge two individual LANs. Packets are sent between the File Server and Workstation B through the Bridge units (Root Unit and Remote Node) over the radio link. Data packets sent from the File Server to Workstation A go through the wired LAN segment and do not go across the wireless radio link.
Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Bridge When connecting three or more LANs (usually in different buildings), each building requires an Aironet Wireless Bridge and antenna. This is called a ‘multipoint’ bridge configuration. One bridge is designated as the central site and its antenna is configured to transmit and receive signals from the bridges at the other sites. Generally, the central site is equipped with an omni-directional antenna that provides radio signal coverage in all directions.
The following figure shows an example of a Point-toMultipoint configuration. Packets sent between Workstation A and Workstation B are forwarded by their respective bridges to the Root Unit. Then the Root Unit forwards these packets back down to the appropriate bridge for routing to the workstations. Packets sent between the File Server and the remote workstations are routed through the Root Unit and the appropriate Bridge.
Network Extension with Repeaters You can use bridges configured as repeaters to extend the range of a wireless network beyond that of a single radio hop. Repeaters can operate as either stand-alone units or they can have LAN connections. (See the following figure.
Wireless Bridge with Wireless End Nodes You can configure a Wireless Bridge to send and receive radio signals from in-building, radio-equipped devices at the same time that it functions as a wireless bridge. By equipping fixed, portable or mobile devices with Aironet Wireless Adapters, these devices can establish radio contact with the Bridge and have wireless access to all local and remote LANs, workstations and network resources. (See the following figure.
Radio Characteristics Aironet Wireless Bridges use a radio modulation technique known as Spread Spectrum Transmission. Spread Spectrum radios broadcast signals over a range of available frequencies. The sending station uses a spreading code to encode the signal. Only the receiving station that uses this same spreading code can decode or "despread" the signal.
Wireless Network—Aironet’s Advanced Radio Local Area Network (ARLAN) is designed as shown in the following figure. This network structure shows that the Root Unit is at the top of the wireless network, and Repeaters and radio nodes branch down and away from the root to provide areas of wireless network coverage. Root Unit—An RF-based device that is at the top of a wireless network structure.
Bridge—A device that connects two or more networks to create a virtual network. Remote Node—A non-Root Unit that communicates by radio with the Root Unit. Repeater—A device used to extend your network’s radio range. A single Bridge is limited to a specific RF range. If your system configuration includes nodes outside this range, you need to add a Repeater for these nodes to communicate. Radio Node—A PC, File Server, notebook computer, etc. that contains a Radio Card, LAN Adapter, or PCMCIA card.
Understanding the Radio Network The preceding figure shows a simplified graphic illustration of a Radio Network. In this example shown, the Root Unit does not register but accepts registration from those nodes within Radio Range (The Repeater and top End Node). The Repeater registers to the Root Unit and accepts registrations from nodes in its radio range (the bottom End Node). The End Node now registers to the Repeater as if it is the closest Wireless Bridge in Radio Range.
Before You Begin Unpack your Wireless Bridge. Make sure the following items are present and in good condition: • Wireless Bridge (Ethernet model) • 120VAC/60Hz to 12-18VDC Power Pack or 90-264 VAC/47-63Hz to 12-18VDC Universal Power Pack • Standard 2dB Dipole Antenna If any item is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. Save all shipping and packing material to repack the unit in the future if servicing is required.
Environment openness: The less cluttered and open your work environment, the greater the Bridge’s radio range. Building materials: The floor-to-floor penetration of the Bridge’s radio depends on the materials in your building’s construction. For example, the radios will achieve a greater range when used in buildings that have drywall rather than concrete block walls.
Installing the Hardware Use the following procedures to install the Wireless Bridge hardware. Connecting the Antenna 1. With the Bridge powered off, attach the antenna to the antenna connector as shown below. Connect the antenna until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten. 2. After it is connected, position the antenna vertically to achieve an omni-directional pattern. Note: If you are using a remote antenna with your Bridge, connect the coaxial cable to the Antenna connector.
Connecting the Console Port Cable Connecting the Bridge’s console port to a terminal or to a PC running a terminal emulation program lets you configure the Bridge’s software. 1. With the Bridge powered off, connect the console port cable to the EIA-232-E port as shown below. 2. Connect the other end of the cable to the serial port of a terminal or a PC running a terminal emulation program. Make sure the terminal or PC is powered off.
Connecting the 10Base2 Cable 1. Make sure the Bridge is turned off. 2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to one end of a BNC T-connector (if applicable). 3. Slide the T-connector onto the Bridge’s 10Base2 BNC connector and turn it until it locks into place, as shown in the following figure. 4. Decide what to do next: • If the Bridge is at the end of the Ethernet cable, connect a 50-ohm terminator to the open end of the T-connector (shown in the preceding figure).
Connecting the 10Base5 Cable 1. Make sure the Bridge is turned off. 2. Connect the Transceiver Connector to the Bridge’s 10Base5 AUI port, and slide the locking mechanism into place (shown in the following figure). 3. Connect the other Transceiver Connector at the end of the Transceiver drop cable to the External Transceiver. 4. Go to the "Connecting the Power Pack" section.
Connecting the 10BaseT (Twisted Pair) Cable 1. Make sure the Bridge is turned off. 2. Plug one end of an RJ-45 connector into the Bridge’s 10BaseT socket (as shown in the following figure). 3. Plug the cable’s other RJ-45 connector into the socket on a Twisted Pair hub or concentrator. 4. Go to the "Connecting the Power Pack" section.
Connecting the Power Pack After you have made the network connection, connect the Power Pack to the Bridge. 1. Connect the small plug on the end of the Power Pack cord into the 12-18VDC Port on the back of the Bridge as shown below. 2. Plug the other end of the Power Pack into an electrical outlet (120VACor 90-240VAC, as appropriate). 3. Press the On/Off Switch to turn on the Bridge. 4.
Viewing the Bridge’s Top Panel Indicators The Bridge has three Indicators on its top panel as shown below. • Radio Indicator—This indicates radio traffic activity; it flashes green whenever the radio transmits or receives a data packet. • Status Indicator—This indicates operational status; flashing green indicates the Bridge is operating normally. When the Bridge has accepted a Radio registration the indicator becomes solid green.
Configuring the Wireless Bridge Use the Bridge’s Console Port and the Console System to configure the unit to communicate with the rest of your network. The Console System consists of a series of menus from which you can change and set Bridge parameters to conform with your network. Using the Console Port You can access the Console Port directly by connecting a straight through serial cable between the Bridge’s console (serial) port and a terminal or PC running a terminal emulation program.
• If you are using an ANSI compatible terminal, type "y" at the prompt and press Enter. Note: An ANSI terminal shows you formatted text and clears the screen before each new screen displays. • If you are using a Teletype (TTY) terminal, type "n" at the prompt and press Enter. Note: The TTY terminal scrolls information as it arrives at the terminal’s screen. The Console System’s Main Menu appears on the terminal screen: ARLAN 64x Vx.
5. Go to the next section, "Setting Configuration Parameters." Setting Configuration Parameters To configure the Wireless Bridge to communicate with the other elements in your radio and/or wired network, you need to access the Configuration Menu and set: • Radio Network parameters: System Identifier (SID), root/repeater mode, bit rate, and frequency • Ethernet activity, frame size, and port Begin by selecting the Configuration option from the Main Menu. 1.
Configuring the Radio Network The first parameter to configure is the SID for the bridge’s radio. The SID is a unique, 6-digit, hexadecimal number that is attached to each packet sent out over the radio. The Bridge’s SID must be the same as the SIDs of other nodes on its network. You can select your own SID, or you can ask the unit to do it for you. If you ask it to select an SID for you, the Bridge selects a random SID and assigns it to the unit.
3. Decide what to do next: • If you want to assign a specific hexadecimal SID to the Bridge, type the hexadecimal number (less than ffffff) at the prompt and press Enter. • If you want to let the unit select a random SID, type "r" at the prompt and press Enter. The selected SID appears at on the Configuration Radio Menu. 4. Examine the default bit rate and frequency on the Configuration Radio Menu, and decide what to do next: The bit rate and frequency must match that of other nodes on the RF network.
The prompt: "Enter frequency in MHz, one of [2412, 2427, 2442, 2457, 2465]:" appears. 8. Type the appropriate frequency from the list provided and then press Enter. The new frequency appears on the menu. 9. Type "4" to select "Distance" from the Configuration Radio menu. 10. Type the maximum distance (in kilometers) between this bridge and its farthest partner and then press Enter. 11. Decide what to do next: • If you are using the Bridge as a Root Unit, go on to Step 12.
Setting Ethernet Parameters The Ethernet port has three parameters (Active, Size, and Port) whose default settings are already correct for most basic installations. You should probably need to make no changes to any of the Ethernet parameters. Go on to the "Disconnecting the Terminal" section. If you require additional information refer to the BR1000-E/BR2000E/BR2040-E Technical Reference Manual.
Where to Go from Here Please ask your Aironet representative for the BR1000E/BR2000-E/BR2040-E Technical Reference Manual. Read the Technical Reference Manual to learn more details about your Aironet unit and ARLAN software. Use the instructions in this reference to view statistics and perform system diagnostics. Technical Support Shipping Address Aironet Wireless Communications, Inc.
Appendix A: Serial Cable Pinout A typical Wireless Bridge serial cable is a 9-pin cable. The following diagram shows its pinout.
Serial Port Pinout 9-Pin AT Name Abbr. DTE 3 Transmit Data TD Output> 2 Receive Data RD Input< 7 Request to Send RTS Output> 8 Clear to Send CTS Input< 6 Data Set Ready DSR Input< 5 Signal Ground SG 1 Data Carrier Detect DCD Input< 4 Data Terminal Ready DTR Output> Ring Indicator RI Input< 9 N/C • The “DTE” column indicates the data direction in terms of the DTE. • The “9-Pin AT” column indicates the pin numbers used on the Console Port connector.
Appendix B: Ethernet RJ-45 Cable The Ethernet cable is configured as a Hub device. See the following figure.
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