Rajant ME3-24 Long Range Mobile Broadband Communications Device User Manual

Rajant Corporation Long Range Mobile Broadband Communications Device

User Manual

9BreadCrumb® ME3USER GUIDEVersion: 1.02Date: April 16, 2010Corporate HeadquartersRajant Corporation400 East King StreetMalvern, PA 19355Tel: (484) 595-0233Fax: (484) 595-0244http://www.rajant.comDocument Part Number: 03-100116-001
FCC and IC StatementsThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the device is operated in a commercial environment. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with this instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this device in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210 rules.Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et CNR-210 du Canada.WARNING: To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements a minimum safe distance of 20 cm must be maintained between this device and all persons while the device is operating.CAUTION: To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be chosen so that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Rajant Corp. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.Copyright StatementYou may use the software provided with the products only on personal computers owned by the purchasing individual or entity, and may not use, load, or run any such software on any network or in any type of service bureau, time-sharing operation, or non-purchasing individual or entity's equipment.BCAdmin and BCAPI are trademarks; Rajant, the Rajant logo, BreadCrumb, Instamesh, BC|Commander, and Bring Your Network with You! are registered trademarks of Rajant Corp. in the United States and certain other countries.BreadCrumb® ME3 User GuideCopyright © 2009–2010 Rajant Corp. All rights reserved.
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02Table of ContentsPreface....................................................................................................................................vPurpose and Scope.............................................................................................................vUser Information..................................................................................................................vRelated Documentation.......................................................................................................v 1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................1 1.1 What is a BreadCrumb?...............................................................................................1 1.2 Mobility through Meshing.............................................................................................2 1.2.1 Mesh – A Definition...............................................................................................2 1.2.2 BreadCrumbs Mesh by Channel and ESSID.......................................................2 1.3 Description of BreadCrumb ME3.................................................................................3 1.3.1 Radio.....................................................................................................................4 1.3.2 Enclosure..............................................................................................................5 1.3.3 18-Pin Amphenol Connector.................................................................................6 1.3.3.1 Power............................................................................................................6 1.3.3.2 Ethernet.........................................................................................................6 1.3.3.3 USB...............................................................................................................7 1.3.4 Antenna Connector...............................................................................................7 1.3.5 Status LED............................................................................................................7 1.3.6 Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults / LED Configuration Switch............8 1.3.6.1 Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults.................................................8 1.3.6.2 LED Configuration.........................................................................................9 1.3.7 Internal Battery...................................................................................................10 2 Using BC|Commander....................................................................................................11 3 Deploying the BreadCrumb Wireless Network............................................................13 3.1 Addressing.................................................................................................................13 3.1.1 BreadCrumb Device Addresses.........................................................................13 3.1.2 DHCP..................................................................................................................13 3.2 Channel Assignments................................................................................................13 3.3 Physical Placement and other Considerations..........................................................14 3.3.1 Line-of-Sight.......................................................................................................14 3.3.2 Distance..............................................................................................................14 3.3.3 Weather..............................................................................................................15 3.3.4 Interference.........................................................................................................15 3.3.5 Placement of BCWN Components.....................................................................15 3.4 Deployment Guidelines and Methodology.................................................................15 3.4.1 Deployment Guidelines......................................................................................16 3.4.2 Deployment Methodology...................................................................................16 4 BreadCrumb ME3 USB Firmware Upgrade...................................................................19iii
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001 5 Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................21 5.1 Sporadic Network Connectivity..................................................................................21 5.2 BreadCrumb Device Cannot Connect to BCWN.......................................................22Appendix A: Error and Warning Codes..........................................................................A-1List of FiguresFigure 1: All BreadCrumbs Use the Same ESSID.................................................................3Figure 2: ESSID of BreadCrumb C Changes to "lonely.".......................................................3Figure 3: BreadCrumb ME3 Enclosure Features...................................................................5Figure 4: 18-Pin Amphenol Connector...................................................................................6List of TablesTable 1: ME3 Model versus Radio Frequency.......................................................................4Table 2: 2.4 GHz Radio Channels and Frequencies..............................................................4Table 3: 900 MHz Radio Channels and Frequencies............................................................5Table 4: Status LED Color Codes..........................................................................................8Table 5: Default and alternate display states of the Status LED............................................9Table 6: Sporadic Network Connectivity Issues...................................................................21Table 7: BreadCrumb to BCWN Connectivity Issues...........................................................22iv
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02PrefacePurpose and ScopeThis manual provides information and guidance to all personnel who are involved with and use Rajant Corporation’s BreadCrumb ME3 product.This manual begins with an introduction to the BreadCrumb Wireless Network (BCWN). It then characterizes the features of the BreadCrumb ME3. Finally, it describes common deployment scenarios and provides concise step-by-step instructions for each scenario.User InformationThe user of this manual is encouraged to submit comments and recommended changes to improve this manual. Please send any comments or changes to support@rajant.com. Be sure to include the version number of the manual you are using and please provide the page numbers related to your comments wherever possible.Related DocumentationFor additional BreadCrumb ME3 information, refer to these documents:•BC|Commander® User Guide: This document contains information on the BC|Commander management application, which is used to configure BreadCrumbs before or during a deployment.•BreadCrumb® Video Guide•BreadCrumb® VLAN Guide•Troubleshooting Range User Guide•RF Component Installation and Verification in BreadCrumb® Networksv
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02 1 IntroductionRajant Corporation's (http://www.rajant.com) BreadCrumb ME3 utilizes the 802.11g wireless networking standard to form a wireless mesh network. The network is mobile, self-integrating, self-meshing, self-healing, full-duplex and secure. The focus is on flexibility, adaptability, and simplicity.The BreadCrumb Wireless Network (BCWN) is intended for rapid deployment of a broadband wireless network into a situation or “hot zone.” The network can be deployed as a stand-alone wireless network, or bridged to another network (such as the Internet) utilizing available reach-back communication links (such as a DSL, cable, or satellite modem).BreadCrumb ME3 provides high bandwidth applications to stream video, audio as well as data over large distances. The network traffic can be secured by using different security features offered by the BCWN. This makes the network optimal for tactical deployments as well as emergency response situations since it offers robustness, stability and ease of setup in mission critical activities. Note Throughout this document, unless otherwise stated, the terms Breadcrumb and ME3 are used to refer to Rajant BreadCrumb ME3. 1.1 What is a BreadCrumb?A BreadCrumb is an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and Ethernet compatible networking device which has the capacity to connect to other BreadCrumbs or networking devices to form a BreadCrumb network. A BreadCrumb is specifically designed for the following scenarios:Temporary Wireless NetworksNetworks that must be established quickly and with minimal effort for short-term use (e.g., a network established to provide First Responder support at the site of a disaster).Mobile Wireless NetworksNetworks in which the network infrastructure itself is mobile, in addition to client devices (e.g., a convoy viewing a video stream from a UAV).Wireless Network ExtensionNetworks in which a wireless network must be quickly extended around or through obstacles that block wireless communications (e.g., urban canyon networks, tunnels/caves, etc.)Wired Network ExtensionNetworks in which two or more wired LANs at different locations must be connected wirelessly (e.g., to securely connect combat service support computers with logistics bases)Any Combination of the AboveMost BreadCrumb deployments include elements from more than one of the above scenarios.1
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001In many cases, BreadCrumbs will perform all of these tasks as shipped with no configuration necessary at all, providing an instant TAN (Tactical Area Network). Moreover, because BreadCrumbs use industry-standard 802.11 communications, client devices such as laptops or handheld computers require no special hardware, software, or configuration to access a BCWN. 1.2 Mobility through MeshingThe key component to a BCWN is a technique known as meshing. While this is generally handled automatically by BreadCrumbs, complex deployment scenarios require a basic understanding of how BreadCrumbs establish and maintain a mesh. 1.2.1 Mesh – A DefinitionA mesh is a collection of network devices (in our case, BreadCrumbs), each of which is linked to one or more other BreadCrumbs. Data can move between BreadCrumbs via these links, possibly passing through several intermediate BreadCrumbs before arriving at its final destination.The intelligence of a BCWN is in how it adapts rapidly to the creation or destruction of the links in the mesh as devices are moved, switched OFF or ON, blocked by obstructions, interfered with by other devices, or otherwise affected. This adaptation takes place automatically and immediately as needed.NoteAlthough all BreadCrumbs can be access points, most access points do not provide mesh capability. Traditional access points simply allow wireless devices within range to connect to a wired network; they do not extend range through other access points. 1.2.2 BreadCrumbs Mesh by Channel and ESSIDTwo BreadCrumbs establish a mesh link to each other when they share both a radio channel and an ESSID. An ESSID is essentially a name for a wireless network. By default, BreadCrumb ME3 uses the ESSID “breadcrumb54-v10.” Also by default, BreadCrumb ME3-09 model devices use channel 6, and BreadCrumb ME3-24 model devices use channel 11.The following examples illustrate the use of channels and ESSIDs:2
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02Example 1:Suppose you have three BreadCrumbs, called A, B, and C. Each has two radios. BreadCrumb A’s radios are on channels 1 and 8, B’s are on 8 and 11, and C’s are on 1 and 11. All three BreadCrumbs are using the default ESSID of "breadcrumb54-v10." Assuming that all three BreadCrumbs are within radio range of one another, the network will be connected, as shown below:Example 2:Now suppose that you change the ESSID of BreadCrumb C to "lonely". The network will adjust to this change, resulting in the following configuration:Note that BreadCrumb C can no longer communicate with A or B, and vice versa. 1.3 Description of BreadCrumb ME3BreadCrumb ME3 is a portable, battery operated, wireless device deployable in almost any environment. It is light in weight, offers one external antenna and a rechargeable battery, and is designed to be completely mobile as worn by an individual.3Figure 1: All BreadCrumbs Use the Same ESSID.CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 11CHANNEL 8RADIO 2BREADCRUMB BRADIO 1RADIO 1BREADCRUMB CRADIO 2RADIO 1BREADCRUMB ARADIO 2Figure 2: ESSID of BreadCrumb C Changes to "lonely."CHANNEL 8RADIO 2BREADCRUMB BRADIO 1RADIO 1BREADCRUMB CRADIO 2RADIO 2BREADCRUMB ARADIO 1
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001 1.3.1 RadioBreadCrumb ME3 comprises one 802.11g radio, which depending on the ME3 model, operates either in the 900 MHz or the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The ME3 model versus radio frequency options are listed in Table 1 below.Table 1: ME3 Model versus Radio Frequency.ME3 Model Radio FrequencyME3-24 2.4 GHzME3-09 900 MHzThe two possible radios support the following channels and frequencies in the United States and Canada (see Table 2 and Table 3):NoteNot all channels are allowed for use everywhere around the world. Check with the corresponding wireless spectrum regulatory body to determine the subset of channels authorized for use in your country.Table 2: 2.4 GHz Radio Channels and Frequencies.Channel Number Center Frequency (MHz)124122241732422424275243262437724428244792452102457112462The default channel for a 2.4 GHz BreadCrumb radio is 11 (2462 MHz).4
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02Table 3: 900 MHz Radio Channels and Frequencies.Channel Number Center Frequency (MHz)59126917The default channel for a 900 MHz BreadCrumb radio is 6 (917 MHz). 1.3.2 EnclosureThe ME3 enclosure has been designed to operate in extreme conditions with protection against ingress of dust as well as protection against immersion in water. The enclosure dimensions are 176 mm x 95 mm x 48 mm (6.94” x 3.75” x 1.88”).The external features of the enclosure are shown in Figure 3 below.5Figure 3: BreadCrumb ME3 Enclosure Features.
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001 1.3.3 18-Pin Amphenol ConnectorThe majority of the signals and features of BreadCrumb ME3 can be accessed through the 18-pin Amphenol connector on the enclosure (see Figure 4). The most important of these interfaces are external power, Ethernet, and USB, which are described in more detail in the following sections.The 18-pin Amphenol connector interfaces to the ME3 cable assembly that provides access to the Ethernet and USB ports of the device, and to the external power supply. 1.3.3.1 PowerThe external power interface to BreadCrumb ME3 resides on the 18-pin Amphenol connector (see Figure 3 and Figure 4). The device accepts external power in the range of 6 VDC to 16 VDC @ 15 W. However, to charge the internal ME3 battery pack at least 9 VDC input is required.BreadCrumb ME3 ships with a 12 V, 35 W AC/DC external power supply. This power supply in turn connects to the 4-pin Amphenol connector on the ME3 cable assembly to provide power to the device.The power consumption of BreadCrumb ME3 ranges from a minimum of about 6 W at idle to a maximum of about 10 W at full load, using the ME3 external power supply. In general, the device is more efficient at lower voltages. 1.3.3.2 EthernetBreadCrumb ME3 contains two 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet ports, which can be accessed through 6Figure 4: 18-Pin Amphenol Connector.
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02the18-pin Amphenol connector on the enclosure (see Figure 3 and Figure 4). The ports support Auto MDI/MDIX allowing the use of either straight-through or crossover data cables for connections. The data interface includes electrostatic discharge, and electrical fast transient/burst immunity compliant to the IEC 61000-4-2, and IEC 61000-4-4-EFT standards, respectively.The ME3 cable assembly plugs into the 18-pin Amphenol connector and provides a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector for easy access to the the first ME3 Ethernet port.NoteThe standard ME3 cable assembly does not provide access to the second ME3 Ethernet port. For a custom cable assembly that provides access to both Ethernet ports, please inquire your Rajant sales representative. 1.3.3.3 USBThe signals that interface to the BreadCrumb ME3 device's USB port are located on the 18-pin Amphenol connector on the enclosure (see Figure 3 and Figure 4). The port is compliant to the Enhanced Host Controller Interface (EHCI) and USB Transceiver 2.0 Macrocell Interface (UTMI+) Level 2 specifications. The port supports all three standard data transfer rates of low speed (1.5Mbps), full speed (12Mbps), and high speed (480Mbps). The power switch for the port includes over current protection, thermal protection, in-rush current limiting, and hot-plug noise filtering.The USB port can be used to perform BreadCrumb firmware upgrades. It can also interface to an optional GPS receiver accessory available from Rajant. 1.3.4 Antenna ConnectorBreadCrumb ME3 provides one Type N antenna connector located on the top side of the enclosure (see Figure 3).Warning To avoid possible damage to the BreadCrumb radio, always connect or disconnect the external antenna with the power to the BreadCrumb ME3 off. 1.3.5 Status LEDThe Status LED (see Figure 3) indicates the current status of a BreadCrumb. The Status LED combines the three base colors of red, green and blue to display a broader spectrum of colors. The meanings of the color code indicators are given in the table below:7
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001Table 4: Status LED Color Codes.Color StatusBlinking Red 1 ErrorSolid Blue Ready, but no peersSolid Green At least one 24 Mbps or higher peerBlinking Green At least one peerBlinking Yellow(at an accelerating rate) ProgressBlinking Yellow 1 (with short and long pauses between blinks) WarningAll Status LED colors scrolling in succession Success/CompletionNoteDuring a boot-up, the BreadCrumb ME3 Status LED initially starts as turned off. Then, if the LED state is ON (see Section 1.3.6.2) it first becomes solid yellow, then cyan, then cycles between red, blue, and green until the boot-up is complete. When the boot-up is complete, the Status LED can display either one of the color codes listed in Table 4 above. 1.3.6 Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults / LED Configuration SwitchThe Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults / LED Configuration Switch (see Figure 3) has two modes of operation. The modes are set by the length of time the switch is asserted. The modes are:•Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults•LED Configuration 1.3.6.1 Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory DefaultsThis mode is is used to erase the security protocol keys of a BreadCrumb and to restore its software configuration to the factory default state. To operate this switch follow these procedures:•Ensure that the BreadCrumb is powered on, has fully booted-up and its Status LED (see Figure 3) color is green or blue (see Table 4).•Press and hold the switch for approximately 10 seconds until the Status LED changes to the blinking yellow progress indicator (see Table 4). This indicates that the Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults operation has been initiated and is in progress.1 For a list of error and warning codes refer to Appendix A at the end of this document.8
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02•Release the switch.•When the Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults operation is complete, the Status LED changes to the error indicator of blinking red (see Table 4 above and error code 32 in Appendix A ). The BreadCrumb will then wait for about 30 seconds before rebooting automatically.TipThe process of zeroizing keys and restoring factory defaults can also be performed remotely from within the BC|Commander management software. For details on this alternative method, refer to the BC|Commander User Guide document. 1.3.6.2 LED ConfigurationThis mode is used to control the default and alternate display states of the Status LED. The LED Configuration function is accessed by pressing the switch and releasing it after a two second hold. The default state of the Status LED is defined as the state that the LED is in after a BreadCrumb has been reset and has completed its boot process. The user can then toggle between the alternate and default states of the Status LED by pressing the switch and activating the LED Configuration function.The default display state of the Status LED is dictated by the LED mode setting that is configured from BC|Commander (please refer to the BC|Commander User Guide document for a more detailed description of the LED mode setting).Table 5 illustrates the possible default and alternate display states of the Status LED.Table 5: Default and alternate display states of the Status LED.Default State Alternate StateON OFFALERTS ONLY ONOFF ONNote that state changes can occur only between options in the same rows of the table above. For example, it is possible to toggle the state back and forth between ALERTS ONLY and ON, but not between ALERTS ONLY and OFF. Transitioning from ALERTS ONLY to OFF would require changing the LED mode setting in BC|Commander.The Status LED is capable of displaying alerts, error codes, and link states. When the LED is ON, errors, warnings, and link status are displayed. When the LED is OFF, errors, warnings, and link states are not displayed. When the LED is set for ALERTS ONLY mode, only warnings and errors are displayed.9
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001Warning The BreadCrumb ME3 Status LED may exhibit a short blink after a warm reset condition that occurs due to system error or is initiated by the user (e.g., performing a reboot command through BC|Commander, performing the Zeroize Keys and Restore Factory Defaults procedure). The LED must be physically masked (such as adding tape to the LED lens) to guarantee that no light is emitted at any time. 1.3.7 Internal BatteryBreadCrumb ME3 contains a polymer Lithium-ion internal battery with 3600 mAh nominal capacity, and 3.7 V nominal voltage. The battery is used only when the ME3 detects that no external power supply is connected to the device.The battery status can be monitored through BC|Commander. For more information on battery status monitoring refer to the BC|Commander User Guide document.Caution The internal battery will charge only when the external power supply voltage is 9 V or greater.10
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02 2 Using BC|CommanderBC|Commander is Rajant’s software package used for monitoring the status of BreadCrumbs with version 10 firmware on a BreadCrumb Wireless Network (BCWN). BC|Commander is also used for configuring version 10 BreadCrumbs and to graphically portray the network topology.NoteBC|Commander includes an option called v10 Transitional Mode. This allows a user to run a mixture of BreadCrumbs with firmware version 9 and firmware version 10 within the same mesh network. This is very useful when BreadCrumbs in a very large network are being upgraded from version 9 to version 10 firmware.BC|Commander is typically run on a laptop PC, but can be run on any PC that has access to the entire BCWN. Versions of either software package are available for Microsoft Windows® or Linux.NoteSome portions of the BC|Commander User Guide document assume a working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, including DHCP, NAT and DNS. While the network lay person may be able to perform some BCWN management tasks, it is recommended that network configuration be performed by experienced network administrators.NoteThe BC|Commander version used must be equal to or greater than the firmware version running on any administered BreadCrumbs in order to administer all BreadCrumb firmware features covered in Rajant’s BC|Commander User Guide.Rajant periodically releases updated BC|Commander software. The updated software must be obtained from Rajant. Refer to Rajant’s most recent BC|Commander User Guide document for instructions on how to install the latest version of BC|Commander on your computer and how to use BC|Commander with Rajant’s BreadCrumbs.11
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02 3 Deploying the BreadCrumb Wireless NetworkThere are many factors which need to be taken into account when deploying the BreadCrumb Wireless Network (BCWN). Section 3.1 describes the addressing scheme of the BCWN. Section 3.2 discusses channel assignments. Section 3.3 details some of the most commonly occurring environmental factors that will have a major impact on the performance of the BCWN. Finally, section 3.4 details guidelines and methodology needed to follow when deploying the BCWN. 3.1 AddressingWhen in gateway mode or when using its own embedded DHCP servers, the BreadCrumb Wireless Network requires that wireless devices use IPv4 addresses in the Class A network 10.0.0.0/8 (that is, any address that begins with ‘10.’). If you are not connected to another network, or if you are bridging to one rather than routing to it, your wireless client devices may have any address whatsoever.NoteAny computers running the BC|Commander management application must have an address in the same range as the BreadCrumbs they manage. Refer to the BC|Commander User Guide document for the details of BreadCrumb IP adrress configuration. 3.1.1 BreadCrumb Device AddressesEach BreadCrumb radio has one IPv4 address in the Class A network 10.0.0.0/8. These addresses are assigned during manufacturing and cannot be changed in the field. Rajant ensures during manufacturing that these addresses are not duplicated between any two BreadCrumb devices. Addresses assigned to BreadCrumb devices can be viewed using BC|Commander. 3.1.2 DHCPEach BreadCrumb device includes an embedded DHCP server. You may safely enable the DHCP servers of multiple BreadCrumb devices simultaneously, and it is in fact the most common case that all BreadCrumb devices in a BCWN run DHCP servers. Address conflicts among DHCP clients are prevented by using the unique BreadCrumb device addresses assigned at the factory as a base.A BreadCrumb device determines its DHCP range as follows:•Start with the first three bytes of the first radio’s IPv4 address.•Add a low-byte range of 10 to 210. 3.2 Channel AssignmentsBy default, BreadCrumb ME3-09 model devices use channel 6, and BreadCrumb ME3-24 model devices use channel 11 upon startup. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to manually set the radios to specific channels. Refer to the BC|Commander User Guide document for the details of 13
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001BreadCrumb channel configuration. 3.3 Physical Placement and other ConsiderationsCommonly occurring environmental factors have a significant impact on performance and behavior of the BreadCrumb Wireless Network. LOS (Line of Sight) obstructions, distance, weather, and device placement should all be considered when deploying a wireless network. IEEE 802.11 wireless operation degrades gradually as distance increases between nodes or as interference becomes prominent. This manifests as a data rate reduction between nodes. The goal in planning and deploying a BreadCrumb Wireless Network is to maximize both coverage and the data transfer rate between devices. These can be maximized by taking into consideration all of the contributing factors described in this section. 3.3.1 Line-of-SightUnobstructed LOS (Line-of-Sight) is critical for optimal performance of the BCWN. Partial LOS obstruction results in noticeable network performance degradation. Total LOS obstruction can result in complete loss of network connectivity.Elevating the device and external antenna will assist in providing better LOS. This can allow the radio waves to propagate over some possible obstructions.Unobstructed LOS is not necessary from every BreadCrumb device and wireless client to every other BreadCrumb device and wireless client. However, each device must have unobstructed LOS to the previous and subsequent device.Client connectivity will degrade and drop if LOS to a BreadCrumb device can not be maintained. 3.3.2 DistanceMany factors determine acceptable distances between BreadCrumb devices when deploying a BCWN:•If many devices are placed too closely together, it is possible that interference will degrade the performance of the system.•Devices placed too far away or in RF “shadows” may experience total loss of connection.•RF transmit power and receive sensitivity are important in determining the distances over which the device will be effective.•When placing a BreadCrumb device, check the connection status to the nearest available device using either the BreadCrumb device’s status LED (described in section 1.3.5 StatusLED), or the BC|Commander management application. If the connection is poor or non-existent, attempt to relocate the BreadCrumb device closer to another device until an acceptable connection is obtained. If a poor connection or no connection is made at even relatively close distances, you should refer to Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.•When the connection quality is found to be acceptable from BC|Commander, the distance of the BreadCrumb device from the network can be increased until an optimal balance between 14
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02distance, connectivity and tactical placement is achieved. 3.3.3 WeatherPrecipitation and fog also act as obstructions blocking the propagation of the wireless network’s radio waves.Light fog or precipitation may result in noticeable degradation of wireless network performance. Heavy precipitation or fog may result in severe performance degradation and possible loss of network connectivity.If the performance of a well functioning network is degraded by worsening weather conditions, it may be advisable to add BreadCrumb devices into the network to act as short haul repeaters to counteract the effects of the weather. An alternative is to move the devices closer together. 3.3.4 InterferenceRF interference can degrade network performance and can come from many different sources, including:•Other BreadCrumb devices that are placed too closely together.•Other RF devices such as microwave devices, cordless phone base stations, radio transmitters, other wireless networks, jamming devices, etc...•Metal surfaces such as fences and buildings can cause radio waves to be reflected, causing multipath interference.CautionPlan the BreadCrumb Wireless Network to minimize the effects of RF interference. 3.3.5 Placement of BCWN ComponentsThe placement of BreadCrumb devices has a major impact on maximum effective range, and therefore network performance. The components must be elevated above the surrounding terrain to allow for adequate wave propagation. A device placed directly on the ground has a significantly reduced effective range. Elevating a device above the ground dramatically increased the maximum effective range. Rajant recommends elevating the components a minimum of 6 ft. above the surrounding surface. 3.4 Deployment Guidelines and MethodologyThis section addresses the actual on-site deployment of the BCWN. While by no means an exhaustive treatise, it is intended as a good source of guidelines and methodology for the successful deployment of the BCWN in the field.15
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001 3.4.1 Deployment GuidelinesFollow these guidelines when deploying the BCWN: 1. Placement of BCWN components(a) Elevate the BCWN components whenever possible. i. Directly on the ground, the maximum distance between any two BCWN components is approximately 300 ft. Also, the maximum distance between a wireless client and the nearest BCWN component is approximately 300 ft. ii. Rajant recommends elevating each BCWN component a minimum of 6 ft. above the surrounding terrain for maximum range. Elevating the BCWN components, as little as 14 inches, has proven to increase the range out to approximately 600 ft. 2. Distance(a) If you cannot elevate the BCWN components, they can only be approximately 300 ft. apart. Also, any wireless clients can be no farther than approximately 300 ft. from a BCWN component. 3. Line of sight(a) Obstructions to line of sight block/absorb/deflect the wireless network’s radio waves, resulting in poor network performance or total loss of network connectivity.(b) When placing the BCWN components, scan the area for LOS obstructions. Envision the BCWN’s radio waves as a light beam. Look for obstructions that would result in shadows in the light beam, they will most likely weaken or block the BCWN’s radio waves. 4. Weather(a) Light precipitation will reduce the range and performance of the BCWN components and wireless clients.(b) Heavy precipitation or fog will most likely result in extremely reduced range and frequent or total loss of network connectivity. 3.4.2 Deployment MethodologyThe steps detailed in this section should assist you in successfully deploying the BCWN. 1. Scan the terrain on which the BCWN will be deployed.(a) Determine the initial distances between BreadCrumb devices.Refer to Troubleshooting Range User Guide for more information.(b) Note any LOS obstructions, and plan BreadCrumb placement to work around them. 2. Identify the PC on which BC|Commander will be run.(a) This PC should have a wireless NIC, as you will need to carry it with you as you deploy the BCWN. i. Alternatively, the BC|Commander PC can be stationary with one person monitoring 16
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02BC|Commander while another deploys the BreadCrumbs. This method requires some form of communication (radio, cell phone, etc.) between the two persons. 3. Determine the location for the first BreadCrumb. 4. Power ON the device. 5. Wait approximately 90 seconds for the device to boot. 6. Power ON the BC|Commander PC. 7. Start BC|Commander. 8. The BC|Commander console should display the first BreadCrumb. 9. Determine the approximate location for the next BreadCrumb. 10.Proceed to the location for this BreadCrumb, observing the network in BC|Commander as you progress.(a) If the BreadCrumb loses network connectivity before you reach its destination, backtrack until network connectivity is restored. The point at which network connectivity for this BreadCrumb is restored is most likely the farthest point in this direction at which you will be able to place this BreadCrumb.(b) If you reach the destination without losing connectivity you can place it there. i. At this point, you may choose to proceed farther in an attempt to make optimal use of the available BreadCrumbs. ii. If so, proceed until network connectivity is lost and then backtrack until network connectivity is restored for this BreadCrumb. The point at which network connectivity is restored for this BreadCrumb is most likely the farthest point in this direction at which you will be able to place this BreadCrumb. 11.Repeat steps 9 and 10 for any remaining BreadCrumbs.17
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02 4 BreadCrumb ME3 USB Firmware UpgradeEach BreadCrumb relies on low-level software known as firmware for proper execution. Rajant periodically releases updated BreadCrumb firmware. The updated firmware must be obtained from Rajant.For a BreadCrumb to communicate with other BreadCrumb devices or a BC|Commander client, the firmware version of the device must be compatible with the firmware versions of all other devices within the network, and with the version of BC|Commander running on the client computer.Note For procedures to install and upgrade the BC|Commander management application, refer to the BC|Commander User Guide document.To upgrade the firmware on a BreadCrumb ME3 through the device's USB port, follow these procedures: 1. Obtain the appropriate firmware file from Rajant for your BreadCrumb model. Save the file on a computer on which the BC|Commander management application has been installed. 2. Plug a USB storage device into your computer and launch the BC|Commander management application. Select “File,” then select “USB Flash Manager.” From this point, follow the instructions that are displayed on your computer screen. When this procedure has been completed, safely remove the USB storage device from the computer. 3. Turn off power to the BreadCrumb. 4. Insert the USB storage device into the BreadCrumb's USB port. 5. Turn on the BreadCrumb. 6. The firmware upgrade process will take several minutes. In the mean time, observe the Status LED to monitor progress.(a) When the USB firmware upgrade begins, the Status LED will start blinking yellow, which identifies progress.(b) When the process nears completion, the blink rate will increase from once per second to several times per second.(c) If the firmware upgrade completes successfully, the Status LED will start rotating between red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow and white colors.(d) If an error condition is encountered, the Status LED will start repeating a particular sequence of long and short blinks in red indicating the error code. If this happens, note the error code (see Appendix A for an explanation of error codes). Manually power off and then back on the BreadCrumb, leaving the USB storage device plugged in. Then repeat the procedures starting from step 6. This time, the BreadCrumb will go through a more reliable, failsafe firmware upgrade process, which has a greater chance of successful completion. If, during the failsafe firmware upgrade process another error occurs, note the new error code and then apply for technical support. 7. When complete, turn off power and remove USB storage device.19
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001NoteAn alternative method of upgrading the firmware of a BreadCrumb ME3 is explained in the BC|Commander User Guide document. This method, called Over The Air (OTA) firmware upgrade, offers the convenience of remote and completely software controlled firmware upgrades.20
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02 5 Troubleshooting 5.1 Sporadic Network ConnectivityTable 6: Sporadic Network Connectivity Issues.Problem ResolutionAs a BreadCrumb device’s battery approaches exhaustion, network connectivity will become sporadic for the BreadCrumb device and its associated wireless clients.Monitory battery usage and charge/replace batteries as necessary.Light precipitation or fog beginning after initial deployment of the BCWN can result in sudden sporadic network connectivity for BreadCrumb devices and their associated wireless clients.Increase the density of the network by adding more BreadCrumb devices or by moving existing BreadCrumbs closer together.As a wireless client moves around through the coverage area, LOS to the BreadCrumb device can become obstructed resulting in sporadic network connectivity for this wireless client.Train users to maintain LOS to known BreadCrumb device locations. Place BreadCrumb devices strategically to ensure coverage of areas through which users are expected to move.A wireless client that moves beyond the range of the BCWN will experience sporadic, and eventually complete, loss of network connectivity.Drop more BreadCrumb devices as necessary to increase range.A wireless client cannot join the network. ●Ensure that BreadCrumb devices are powered on.●Ensure that the wireless card in the client device (laptop) is enabled. This is usually indicated with a blinking light on the card.●Ensure that the wireless card is in "Infrastructure" or "Access Point" mode, and not in "Ad Hoc" mode. Scan for the default ESSID "breadcrumb54" or "breadcrumb54-v10" (or the ESSID that you set for the network) using the software accompanying 21
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001Problem Resolutionyour wireless card.●Ensure that the wireless client’s IP address settings are configured properly.●Ensure that the security settings on the client device and BreadCrumb devices match.●Ensure that the client device is not prevented from connectingby an ACL.●If the BreadCrumb devices comprising the network have AirFortress encryption enabled, ensure that the client does as well. 5.2 BreadCrumb Device Cannot Connect to BCWNTable 7: BreadCrumb to BCWN Connectivity Issues.Problem ResolutionDischarged batteries can cause the BreadCrumb device to appear to power up, but not be able to establish connectivity to the BCWN.When deploying the BCWN, ensure that the batteries are charged.When using external antennas, faulty cable connections or crimped cables can result in difficulty establishing and maintaining network connectivity.Check antenna cables and their connections to the BreadCrumb device.22
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02Appendix A: Error and Warning CodesAll possible BreadCrumb error and warning codes are listed below:LX/LX3/ME3 Firmware Upgrade Codes (1*). 11 – Flash image file does not exist. 12 – Current flash image version is greater than versions of files found on USB drive. 13 – No flash image files found. 14 – Unable to mount USB drive. 15 – Unlocking of /dev/mtd0 failed. 16 – fconfig for SetFailsafeBoot failed. 17 – Unlocking of /dev/mtd0 failed. 18 – fconfig for SetMainBoot failed. 19 – Copying of zImage failed. 111 – Copying of ramdisk failed. 112 – FIS directory update of ramdisk failed. 113 – Copying of etc failed. 114 – FIS directory update of /etc failed. 115 – Copying failed. 116 – flashunbundle failed. 117 – Version information in flash file name and breadcrumb-buildinfo.conf do not match. 1171 – Platform information in flash file name and breadcrumb-buildinfo.conf do not match. 118 – Untar failed. 119 – FIS directory update of kernel failed. 120 – Failed to mount /etc. 121 – Failed to unmount /etc. 122 – In Failsafe mode, but no USB drive detected. 123 – BreadCrumb will be in failsafe mode and unable to communicate with other BreadCrumbs after next reboot. 124 – Failed to suspend bcconfigd. 125 – Failed to set boot path to next image. 126 – Failed to erase end of next file system image. 127 – Failed to copy file system image.A-1
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001 128 – Failed to checksum file system image. 129 – Failed to create directory for next file system image. 131 – Failed to mount next file system image. 132 – Failed to create directory for settings. 133 – Failed to copy current settings to next file system image. 134 – Failed to unmount next file system image. 141 – Error retrieving flash file.ME2 Firmware Upgrade Codes (2*) 21 – Flash image file does not exist. 22 – Current flash image version is greater than or equal to versions of files found on the USB drive. 23 – No flash image files found. 24 – Unable to mount USB drive. 25 – Kernel corrupted. 26 – FS corrupted. 27 – Unmounting of old root file system failed. 28 – Mounting of USB drive failed. 29 – flashunbundle failed. 211 – Version information in flash file name and breadcrumb-build info.conf do not match. 212 – In Failsafe mode, but no USB drive detected.Self-Test Codes (3*) 31 – Hardware configuration not set. Factory initialization required. 32 – BreadCrumb has been zeroized. 321 – BreadCrumb is being zeroized. 33 – Radio not detected. Turn the unit off, and then back on. If the problem persist, contact technical support. 34 – Cannot read /dev/nand6 information, or cannot resize or format /dev/nand6. 36 – Hardware monitor missing. 37 – Failed to add ethernet port to bridge. 38 – Resetting radio due to error.A-2
Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide03-100116-001 Version: 1.02FIPS Codes (4*) 41 – FIPS self-tests failed. 411 – OpenSSL FIPS vector test programs not found. 412 – OpenSSL FIPS vector test hash mismatch. 413 – 802.11i AES-CCMP test vectors failed. 414 – Unable to use FIPS CCMP encryption. 415 – Kernel integrity check failed. 416 – Filesystem integrity check failed. 42 – Mixed SecNet/Non-SecNet configuration. 43 – Rekeying error. 44 – Rekeying error. 45 – Rekeying error. 46 – Rekeying error. 47 – Rekeying error. 48 – Rekeying error. 49 – Rekeying error. 431 – Rekeying error. 432 – Rekeying error. 433 – Rekeying error. 434 – Rekeying error. 435 – Rekeying error. 436 – Rekeying error. 441 – Status override CPLD feature not available (wrong CPLD version).Fatal Codes (5*) 51 – instamesh fatal error. 52 – hostapd fatal error. 53 – cvm fatal error. 54 – madwifi fatal error. 55 – Low memory - automatic reboot scheduled.A-3
BreadCrumb® ME3 User Guide Rajant CorporationVersion: 1.02 03-100116-001Battery Gas Gauge Codes (6*) 61 – Battery gas gauge i2c device could not be found. 62 – Incorrect gas gauge revision 1 EEPROM settings. 63 – Incorrect gas gauge revision 2 EEPROM settings. 64 – Incorrect gas gauge revision 3 EEPROM settings. 65 – Unknown gas gauge revision. 66 – Incorrect ME3 gas gauge revision 0 EEPROM settings.Other Codes (7*) 71 – Host flapping detected. 72 – Critical I2C failure.A-4

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