User's Manual

Company Confidential 25 Raveon Technologies Corp.
6. Using the StingRay Modem – Packet Mode
This section describes the operation of the when it is in the Packet Mode of
operation. Packet Mode is the factory-default operating mode. It is the
easiest and most reliable mode of operation for a modem. Note: The
configuration of the StingRay is done when the StingRay is in the “Command
Mode”. Refer to Section 1 on page 16 for details on all of the available
commands and programmable features.
In Packet Mode, all transmissions are sent in bursts or packets, and contain
address, error detection, and error correction information. Date enters the
StingRay modem’s serial I/O port, and is stored in a buffer within the modem
until it is ready to be transmitted. Packetized operation has these advantages
over non-packet modems:
Packet Mode Advantages
1. Error Detection The modem uses a 16-bit CRC at the end of every
packet of data. The CRC is used to check the data for errors, and if there
are any errors, the data will not be passed onto the user.
2. Error Correction Automatic error correction may be used. StingRay
modems incorporate an optional ARQ method to re-transmit packets with
error, to ensure the user’s data is delivered error-free.
3. Addressing Packetized operation allows for a more versatile network
architecture, with source, destination, and network addresses. StingRay
uses a 16-bit address to identify data packets.
4. No Dribble Data Even in the presence of noise, the StingRay modem will
not output extra data or have random bit errors. Modems without packet
operation generally do not work well with weak noisy signals.
5. Transparent Operation Because of the high-reliability and error-free
operation the Packet Mode offers the user, most user applications will
seamlessly work using the StingRay in its Packet Mode.
6. Repeatable and Routable. StingRay packets are structured so that they
may be repeated using a store-and-forward repeater, and/or routed using
specialized hardware.
Streaming Mode Advantages
1. Low Latency The transmitter will key-up immediately upon the user’s first
byte of data entering the modem. Packetized operation waits until a
packet has been loaded before keying. (Although high serial-port data
rates can minimize this packet latency to a negligible level).
2. Data with Errors The StingRay will continue to receive data, down into
the noise-floor of the radio. If the channel is noisy or the signal is weak,
there may be bit-errors in the data, or the StingRay may output additional
noise data. User applications must (and often do), take this into account,