Setup guide

GRAVIMETRIC GATEWAY AND ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS
2
Overview - Ethernet for G2 Communications
Wired Ethernet –
Ethernet can be used for G2 communications. In a typical situation this is
accomplished by running a U/L approved CAT5 or better Ethernet cable to each blender
controller from an Ethernet hub or switch and converting the serial port at the controller to
Ethernet using an Ethernet to Serial converter (G2-ES). The G2 Server PC is connected to the
Ethernet hub (or switch) and the G2 software is then configured to access the Maguire
controller via Ethernet rather than by serial.
Ethernet can also be used to supplement a serial network in several different ways. One way is
to configure certain blenders to use Ethernet while others remain as serial. Another way
might be to break a large serial network of blenders into several branches using an Ethernet to
serial converters. Then each branch is converter back to serial and amplified using an MLAN
Signal amplifier to continue out to the network of blenders. Yet another possibility is to
connect multiple plants to a single G2 Server using Ethernet or even wireless Ethernet if the
plant are within line of sight.
Wireless Ethernet -
Wireless Ethernet is similar to cabled Ethernet with the exception of
using wireless technology to communicate rather than Ethernet cabling. This documentation
will detail necessary wireless components, basic wireless settings and wireless security settings
for an 802.11b wireless network.
Wireless Ethernet has advantages and disadvantages when compared to serial or Ethernet
networks for G2 communications. Advantages include eliminating the need to install
communication lines and a greater flexibility for reconfiguring a communications network.
Disadvantages may include greater security risk and difficulty establishing a wireless
connection due to “dead spots” in the wireless topography both of which can be addressed
through security control methods and use of repeaters to extend the signal.
When incorporating wireless into your G2 communication network, each Maguire controller
must be converted to Ethernet. This can be accomplished with an Ethernet to serial
converter and a wireless bridge (two separate devices) or a device that combines both into one
device as a Wireless Serial Server. This documentation will detail both concepts. At the G2
Server PC location, the G2 Server’s Ethernet port must be converted to wireless or access to
the wireless network through a wired network. This document will detail the use of a
wireless Access Point (AP) as well as a wireless Ethernet Bridge at the G2 Server location.
When a wireless signal requires a boost in strength due to distance, obstructions or
interference, a repeater can be used. This document will detail the use of a Wireless Access
Point in Repeater Mode.
Benefits of Ethernet for G2 Communications
•
Reliability -
Ethernet uses data correction at the hardware level, meaning the
network devices detect errors in communication and re-transmit packets before
information ever gets to the G2 software or the controller. This error correction