Setup guide

GRAVIMETRIC GATEWAY AND ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS
8
Requirements for Wireless Ethernet
•
G2 Server’s Ethernet to Wireless Ethernet –
The G2 Server must have access
to the wireless network. This can be accomplished by converting the G2 Server’s
Ethernet port to wireless using a Wireless Access Point or a Wireless Bridge. The
Wireless Access Point may be located somewhere on the wired network. If a wireless
bridge is used at the G2 Server, then a Wireless Access Point must be used and located
within communication range.
•
Maguire Controllers must be converted to Wireless –
The Maguire
controllers must have access to the wireless network. This can be accomplished by
using a Wireless Serial Server, which combines Serial to Ethernet and wireless devices.
•
Using Repeaters –
Repeater can be used to “repeat” the wireless signal. Repeaters
may be necessary if: conditions weaken the wireless signal so that communications
cannot be established. Conditions may include distance, interference, and obstructions
such as walls or the plant floor layout.
•
Wireless Security –
When wireless technology is used, security becomes an
important part of the configuration. In a wired network, jacks are located inside
buildings already secured from unauthorized access. In contrast, a wireless access point
(AP) may be accessed from off the premises if the signal is detectable (for instance,
from a parking lot adjacent to the building). This document outlines basic security
control methods that form the basis of the 802.11b architecture used by the wireless
devices in this document.
Wireless Ethernet for G2 Communications
Maguire Products has conducted limited tests using wireless Ethernet for G2 communications.
Based on these limited tests, some information has been collected and documented that may
assist in installing a wireless network for the purpose of G2 communications. Additional
measures that are not documented here may be possibly to increase performance. The
purpose of this document is to establish a working model of a G2 wireless network.
There are a variety of wireless devices on the market. This document will deal with the
specific, readily available devices that were used in the tests. These devices were tested using
settings that were found to maintain the best possible wireless connection in an environment
similar to what may be found in a typical plant floor. Although this document will detail
how our devices were configured to establish a wireless G2 network, this document is not
meant to serve as a complete “how-to”, but rather as a reference paper to provide some
additional information to an installer who is already familiar with installing wireless Ethernet
networks. Installers should read the manufacturers documentation and instructions for
additional information on the devices used in the following examples.