Vecima Networks NCL1100 User Manual Installation and Operation Manual

Vecima Networks Inc. Installation and Operation Manual

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Installation and Operation Manual

1990/07/21NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS LINK 1100NCL1100INSTALLATION ANDOPERATION MANUALWaveRider Communications Inc.www.waverider.com
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 2 –NCL1100 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL© 1999 by WaveRider Communications Inc. All rights reserved. This manual may not bereproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of WaveRiderCommunications Inc.The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (USA)This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation of this device is subject to thefollowing conditions:• This device may not cause harmful interference.• This device must accept any interference even if it may cause undesired operation.• The FCC ID of this device is LXX11.WARNINGYou must install and use this device in strict accordance withthe manufacturer’s instructions, and use it only with themanufacturer’s supplied antennae, cables, and otheraccessories.There is, however, no guarantee that interference from other radio communications will notoccur in a particular commercial installation. In the event that these devices do cause harmfulinterference to an authorized radio service, the user operator must stop operating the devicesuntil the harmful interference is eliminated.WaveRider Communications is not responsible for any radio or television interference causedby improper use of this device, or by the substitution or attachment of connecting cables andequipment other than specified by WaveRider Communications. The correction ofinterference caused by such improper use is the sole responsibility of the user.
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 3 –Contents1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................41-1 Parts List...........................................................................................................................................41-2 About the NCL1100 Network Communications Link ........................................................................42 INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................................52-1 Preparation .......................................................................................................................................52-2 NCL1100 Installation ........................................................................................................................52-3 LAN Connection................................................................................................................................72-4 Normal Operating Messages............................................................................................................72-5 Error Messages ................................................................................................................................73 DIAGNOSTICS .......................................................................................................................................74 SNMP INSTALLATION .........................................................................................................................11List of TablesTable 1: pcagent.cfg Fields and Default Values.........................................................................................12List of FiguresFigure 1: Potential Obstacles to Line-of-Sight ..............................................................................................6Figure 2: Back Panel, Indoor Unit.................................................................................................................6Figure 3: Screen, Normal Mode ...................................................................................................................8Figure 4: Screen, RF Packets Outgoing.......................................................................................................9Figure 5: Display for Local RF Site during Testing .....................................................................................10Figure 6: Display for Remote RF Site during Testing.................................................................................10Figure 7: Display for Local and Remote Sites During Testing....................................................................11Figure 8: Spectrum Analyzer Display of Interference .................................................................................11Table of RevisionsRevision Date CommentsJuly 21, 1999 Preliminary user manual release
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 4 –1 IntroductionThis manual explains how to install an NCL1100 Network Communications Link system andoperate it in an Ethernet or Token Ring environment, either under IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet IIspecifications. Ethernet II is not supported at this time for the Token Ring to Ethernet bridge,only Token Ring to IEEE 802.2/802.3 is supported. WaveRider Communications can onlyprovide support for hardware and software that are sold with the NCL1100. WaveRiderCommunications does not provide support for any third-party equipment.If you purchased an outdoor antenna kit, use its manual for detailed instructions about how toinstall a directional antenna.1-1 Parts ListThe parts included in the NCL1100 package are:• one bridge• one power cord• this manualIf any parts are missing, please contact your vendor.1-2 About the NCL1100 Network Communications LinkThe NCL1100 Network Communications Link is a platform upon which a LAN transmissionsystem is built. Its basic capabilities include MAC-layer address filtering for trafficmanagement and security. In addition to this, it can use RF techniques to transmit to anothersite. The NCL1100 configuration you purchased includes the spread-spectrum interface fortransmission at speeds up to 11 million bits per second (11 Mb/s).The system consists of an indoor unit that functions as a MAC layer bridge. It contains thecards needed to interface to the LAN and to provide RF communications to the other site.The system utilizes an outdoor antenna, lightning protector, and connecting cable.The NCL1100 is a MAC layer, self-learning bridge that supports all Ethernet 802.2/802.3 andEthernet II Protocols, and Token Ring (Token Ring use has restraints that you must follow).These protocols include:• Novell IPX, SPX• Decnet• LAT• TN3270• TCP/IP• UDP/IP• SNMP• XNS/MS• Appletalk• ISO• Banyan Vines
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 5 –The NCL1100 unit determines its environment at power-up, and builds its own address tablesbased on the observed activity on the LAN segment to which it is attached. The system isdesigned this way to minimize the required set-up and user administration.2 InstallationAlthough the NCL1100 Network Communications Link is as user-friendly as possible, keep inmind the design considerations. The NLC1100 is a complete point-to-point microwavesystem that uses spread-spectrum techniques. Take the same precautions as you do whenyou install any microwave system.2-1 PreparationEvaluate the path length and characteristics. Unless the path fits the default characteristics,have a qualified engineer perform path calculations. The default characteristics include using50 feet (16.7 m) of coaxial cable between the antenna and the indoor system. The maximumdistance between the antennae is 5 miles (8 km). You can make trade-offs with thesefactors, such as extending the cable length by having a higher-gain antenna or having a pathshorter than 5 miles (8 km). As distance increases, you must maintain proper obstacleclearance.Ensure that the line-of-sight exists; refer to Figure 1. You have a clear line-of-sight when youcan clearly see the remote site, as well as the required Fresnel zone clearance, when youstand on the first site and look towards the second site. As well, ensure that there are nolarge reflective surfaces on the path, such as large buildings with metallic glass surfaces orcrowded parking lots. Avoid installation on tall downtown buildings where higher-poweredsystems are installed, because of potential interference.2-2 NCL1100 InstallationYou must install the indoor unit in a temperature-controlled environment, and provide a110/230 VAC outlet. The unit draws less than 5 amps. The indoor unit is stand-alone andcan sit on a shelf or desk, or you can mount it on the wall with the optional wall-mountbrackets. Do not power up the units until they are connected to the LAN and RF interfaces atboth sites; refer to Figure 2. This is necessary to ensure that the start-up diagnostic testspass, and proper terminations prevent the equipment from damage. As well as the110/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz connection and a coaxial cable from the antenna, make a thirdconnection to the indoor unit from the LAN itself. This connection is available in three typeson the back of the unit: 10BASE-T, AUI, and BNC.WARNING!You may cause permanent damage to the unit if any NCL1100 RFport is not terminated correctly and you power up the unit.Connect the indoor unit to a 110/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz power outlet.
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 6 –Figure 1: Potential Obstacles to Line-of-SightFigure 2: Back Panel, Indoor Unit110/220 VAC 10BASE-T, AUI, or BNC PortsCPU card RF card
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 7 –2-3 LAN ConnectionThe port for the network interface card includes three interfaces: an AUI connector, a10BASE-T connector, and a BNC or 10BASE-2 connector. You can only use one port at atime and this is determined automatically during the boot or start-up process; therefore, youmust connect the LAN before you power up the bridge.Do not power up the NCL1100 system until you make all the connections. If you power it upbefore you make the connections, you may need to power it down, then up again after youmake the connections.Once you make the proper connections, the system immediately begins building addresstables of nodes located on the local and remote LANs. It uses these tables to filter packetsnot destined for the remote LAN, thereby maximizing throughput capability.NOTE: If you move a node from one side of the NCL1100 connection to the other, youcan power both systems off, then on, so that they can re-establish the tablenecessary for the new node location. Alternatively, press the b key on thekeyboard at each unit, while the NCL1100 system is running, to re-establish thetable necessary for the new node location.2-4 Normal Operating MessagesDuring normal operation, the NCL1100 system displays these messages:• Testing RF Interface Card…• Testing LAN interface Card…• Cards Initialized…2-5 Error MessagesWhen there are problems, the system displays these error messages:• Unable to open file The InterBuilding Link.CFGCause: The configuration file for IBL.EXE was not present in the current directorywhen you started the NCL1100, or the file does not exist.Cure: Type dir and the file name at the C> prompt to ensure that the IBL.EXEand Link.CFG files are present. If the files are not present, use theWaveRider Communications website at www.waverider.com fortechnical support.• Network Card Error : Loopback test failedCause: The NCL1100 could not perform a successful loopback test on thenetwork card. The failure may be due to an incorrect cable connection,incorrect cable termination, or a severe network load during the loopbacktest.Cure: Ensure that the LAN cable is connected and terminated properly, then tryagain. If the problem persists, disconnect the network card andterminate it, then try again. If this fails, replace the card.3 DiagnosticsThe NCL1100 has a VGA-compatible output connector on the back of the unit. If youexperience problems with the system, plug a standard VGA-compatible monitor into thisconnector to display the diagnostic screens. Once you connect a VGA-compatible monitor to
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 8 –the unit, you can monitor several things while the link is operating, without affecting the link.Also, you can add a standard PC keyboard to execute other diagnostic commands.As the NCL1100 loads, the initial test routines display messages. A failed test points to thepossible problem, such as a poor LAN or RF connection on the back of the unit.After the Network Communications Link is loaded, it displays an inactive status screen. Toactivate the status screen, press the R key once. The system begins to display activity in realtime, and updates the display screen approximately once every second. The informationincludes the bar graphs illustrated in Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7.RF Outgoing, Incoming:The graph on the right-hand side of the screen shows the transmittingand receiving utilization per second of the RF section of the system.LAN Outgoing, Incoming:The graph on the left-hand side of the screen shows the transmitting andreceiving utilization per second of the LAN section of the system.Filtered: The graph on the left-hand side of the screen shows the percentage ofincoming LAN packets that were filtered.Overload: This is the percentage of incoming LAN packets that are discarded dueto full internal buffers. The packets are discarded by the FIFO method,i.e., the oldest packet is discarded first.All throughput displays are a percent of utilization, that is, the graph is from zero to onehundred percent, which is the percentage of total throughput available. On an 11 Mb/s link,one hundred percent throughput equals 11 Mb/s.Figure 3 is the display screen in the normal mode, with no packet activity to generate bargraphs on the screen.Figure 4 is a diagnostic screen that shows RF packets outgoing. Note that since only onebridge is transmitting, the outgoing utilization is 100%. On the 11 Mb/s, however, themaximum utilization is 84%, with the packet size set at 1514 (T 1514 then <Enter>).Figure 3: Screen, Normal Mode
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 9 –Figure 4: Screen, RF Packets OutgoingAs well as the normal display screen, the NCL1100 has a diagnostic utility included. Thisutility diagnoses the RF link; use it only if the NCL1100 display shows that the RF link failed(no incoming and/or outgoing packets).After you run the tt and yy RF tests, connect the LAN and attempt communication across thelink. By leaving the LAN disconnected until you run all RF tests, you can determine whichside of the link has the problem, LAN or RF.Press these keys: to have this happen:T T <Enter> 1496-byte packets are sent in one directionY Y <Enter> 1496 byte packets go in both directions and activate the remote unitThe screen displays the packets sent and received by the system. These packets are testpackets of approximately 1496 bytes in length. The bar graphs on the lower half of the screenshow the packets received and sent since the last screen update. The system updates thescreen approximately once/second. Outgoing packets are shown even if the RF link, betweenthe local and remote RF sites, is not working. If the RF link is not working, however, noincoming RF packets are shown at the remote RF site even if the local RF site is placed in atest mode so that the local site generates outgoing RF packets. If only one end is transmittingand the other end is receiving, then the RF utilization shows 84% incoming at the remote siteand 84% outgoing at the local site, unless interference or another system decreasesperformance. Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6. To terminate this test, power off and then onboth indoor units, or press T or Y once.
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 10 –Figure 5: Display for Local RF Site during TestingIncomingOutgoingFilteredIncomingOutgoingPercentUtilizationOverloadLAN RF11 Mb/s10 Mb/s0204060801000 20 40 60 80 100Figure 6: Display for Remote RF Site during TestingIncomingOutgoingFilteredIncomingOutgoingPercentUtilizationOverloadLAN RF11 Mb/s10 Mb/s020406080100020406080100You can use a second diagnostic method to test the RF link, but it does not test the hardware.To perform this test, follow these instructions:1. Power both indoor units off, then on, to ensure that you use the proper command lineduring the test procedure.2. After the NCL1100 system is running and the display screen appears at both sites, at thelocal site press the R key to activate the display, then press yy. This action places bothRF sites in the test mode, sending and receiving the opposite site’s packets.3. When both sites are transmitting and receiving test packets, check that the RF utilizationshows approximately 44% incoming and outgoing at both the local and remote sites.Figure 7 illustrates the monitors for both the remote and local RF sites, when both sitesare transmitting and receiving. This is the yy test.4. If the incoming RF utilization is less than 44%, then the RF link portion of the system issuspect. Focus your trouble-shooting on the coaxial cable, antenna, or interference.5. If the RF link is not working, the coaxial cable is connected properly, and the antennaeare in unobstructed alignment with each other, then you many need a spectrum analyzer(refer to Figure 8) to pinpoint interfering frequencies and take corrective action. You can,however, move the antenna slightly in an alignment-type pattern, while it is on its mast, tocorrect the problem; or use nearby objects to shield the antenna from the offendingfrequency.
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 11 –Figure 7: Display for Local and Remote Sites During TestingFigure 8: Spectrum Analyzer Display of Interference4 SNMP InstallationThis section describes how to configure and use SNMP (simple network managementprotocol) on the wireless link. The wireless bridge includes an SNMP agent that collectsvaluable statistical and configuration information about the network interface card inside yourwireless link. Network administrators analyze this information to keep their networksoperating at peak efficiency.The SNMP agent maintains a database of statistical and configuration information in RAM. Itobtains this information directly from the wireless bridge during operation. With this true
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 12 –SNMP agent, any SNMP manager (e.g., Hewlett Packard’s Openview, Sun Microsystem’sSunNet Manager) can directly monitor the LAN side of the wireless bridge.If you purchased the SNMP upgrade package, you can use the SNMP agent with IPX andTCP/IP networks. Although the SNMP agent does not require you to load a particularoperating system or protocol stack, an IP address must be available if it is to communicatewith SNMP stations using TCP/IP protocol. You can configure the SNMP at any time.You need a monitor and keyboard to configure the SNMP agent in the wireless bridge. Aneditor is included with the bridge to allow you to edit a file called pcagent.cfg. The agent isconfigured when you use the editor to edit this file. The procedure for using this editor is:1. From the main service monitoring screen that shows the bar graphs, press the X key.The system exits the bridge’s normal operating mode and displays a DOS-like prompt.2. At this prompt, type CLS and then press <Enter> to clear the screen.3. Type E pcagent.cfg and press <Enter>.4. Edit the displayed fields or accept the defaults. Refer to Table 1 for the fields and theirdefault values.5. Hold down the <ALT> key and press the X key to exit and save the file.6. Hold down the <CTRL> and <ALT> keys, and press the <DELETE> key to reboot the systemand return it to the normal operating mode, or power off and on the system again.Table 1: pcagent.cfg Fields and Default ValuesField Default ValueComStr TTIsysContact TTIsysName TTIsysLocation TTIsmcDosWsIpAdr * 123.123.001.001smcDosWsTrapDstAdr.1 † 123.123.002.002smcDosWsTrapDstPro.1 ‡ 2smcDosWsTrapDstAdr.2 † 123.123.003.003smcDosWsTrapDstPro.2 ‡ 2smcDosWsTrapDstAdr.3 † 123.123.004.004smcDosWsTrapDstPro.3 ‡ 2• * smcDosWsIpAdr is the IP address string in the configuration file. It is assigned a valuein the form X.X.X.X, where each X is a value from 0 to 255. The alphabetic object nameis upper- and lower-case sensitive. You need an IP address if agent/SNMPcommunicates with SNMP management stations using the TCP/IP protocol.• † In a TCP/IP network, these are IP addresses of network management stations to whichto send traps (alerts) if an alarm occurs.In an IPX network, these are IPX network addresses (e.g., smcDosWsTrapDstAdr.1) ofthe network management stations where traps are sent. Traps can be sent to amaximum of three management stations (Adr.1, Adr.2, and Adr.3).• ‡ In an IPX network, if the network management station is on another network, theprotocol specified here must be acceptable to the router on the local network.An example is smcDosWsTrapDstPro.1 = 2. The protocols include: 1 = not used
NCL1100 Installation & Operation Manual1990/07/21 – 13 – 2 = TCP/IP (Ethernet and Token Ring) 3 = IPX with Ethernet II frame type (Ethernet only) 4 = IPX with 802.2 (LLC) frame type (Ethernet and Token Ring) 5 = IPX with SNAP frame type (Ethernet and Token Ring) 6 = IPX with 802.3 frame type (Ethernet only)

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