Network Setup & Options

Transcription

1 3.0 Network Setup & Options

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3 3.3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3.1 INTRODUCTION DISABLING NETWORK SECURITY SETTINGS Aftermarket Internet Security and Firewalls Windows Firewall NETWORK CONFIGURATION Manual IP Configuration (Windows XP) Manual IP Configuration (Windows Vista) Connecting to the sts3 Network NETWORK TYPES Infrastructure Mode Ad-Hoc (pier-to-pier) Mode PC CONFIGURATIONS WHEN HARD WIRED MODE IS NEEDED CONFIGURING A WIRELESS ROUTER... 20

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5 INTRODUCTION The technology used to make the STS-WiFi communicate wirelessly is the wireless protocol. This allows the STS-WiFi to takes advantage of the network communications available on all newer PC s. Since STS-WiFi is using this existing network communication, the Internet Protocol (IP) settings will need to be changed before the STS-WiFi equipment will work. The following section outlines how to configure the PC correctly for various operating systems. Unless otherwise specified, the STS-WiFi equipment comes configured in Infrastructure mode ( Multi Nodal Mode ).

6 DISABLING NETWORK SECURITY SETTINGS For optimal performance, BDI suggests that ALL firewalls, internet security programs, and some virus protection programs be turned off when STS-WiFi equipment is being used to avoid any complications. Note that it is possible to allow WinSTS to communicate without being blocked by the Internet Security programs. Please consult the operation manual for the specific Internet Security software on how to allow certain programs to operate properly. If the STS network is not added to the safe list(s) for the various internet security programs it is important to perform the following steps with the computer disconnected to ALL networks, both wired and wireless. WHEN THESE STEPS ARE COMPLETE YOUR COMPUTER CAN BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO HACKERS, VIRUSES AND OTHER UNINVITED GUESTS. DO NOT RECONNECT YOUR COMPUTER TO ANY OUTSIDE NETWORKS OTHER THAN STS3 UNTIL YOUR SECURITY SETTINGS HAVE BEEN RECONFIGURED TO THEIR PROPER SETTINGS AFTERMARKET INTERNET SECURITY AND FIREWALLS In almost every case that STS-WiFi does not connect properly it is due to firewalls and other internet security programs blocking the STS wireless network. If possible, it is always best to run WinSTS on a computer that does not have any post-manufacturer security programs like Norton, MacAfee, etc. In cases where this is not possible, disable ALL security programs that could block network communications. To perform this operation, consult the help menus within your particular security program WINDOWS FIREWALL To disable Windows firewall use the following steps: 1. Open Windows Firewall (Start-> Control Panel-> Windows Firewall) 2. Click Off (not recommended) as seen below. 3. Click OK

7 NETWORK CONFIGURATION WinSTS software communicates with the STS-WiFi equipment using standard b/g wireless internet protocol. The Internet Protocol (IP) is set up as a static network meaning that your PC needs to be configured to the proper IP address MANUAL IP CONFIGURATION (WINDOWS XP) Before turning on the Mobile Base Station and Nodes the Internet Protocol (IP) address will have to be set on the PC being used by performing the following: 1. To change your IP settings, open your Network Connections through the Control Panel (Start -> Control Panel-> Network Connections). There should be a window similar to the one below: 2. Right click on Wireless Network Connection and select Properties at the bottom of the popup menu.

8 Once the Wireless Network Connection Properties window has popped up, scroll down the list under This connection uses the following items to find Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on the Properties button. 4. Place the cursor in the first Use the following IP address: field and enter for the IP address and for the subnet mask. 5. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window. 6. Click OK to close the Wireless Network Connection Properties window. It will take seconds for the computer to update the network settings.

9 3.9 Note! The computer is now configured for STS-WiFi. Once these settings have been changed the computer will no longer be able to connect to the Internet using the wireless network card until it is reconfigured. To make the computer compatible with other wireless networks follow the steps above EXCEPT instead of entering a static IP, click the bullet entitled Obtain an IP address automatically MANUAL IP CONFIGURATION (WINDOWS VISTA) Before turning on the Mobile Base Station and Nodes the Internet Protocol (IP) address will have to be set on the PC being used by performing the following: 1. To change your IP settings, open your Network Connections (Start -> Network). There should be a window similar to the one below. In the top tab, click on Network and Sharing Center. 2. There should now be a window similar to the one seen below. One the left side, click Manage Network Connections.

10 In the window below, highlight the Wireless Network Connection, right click to open the dropdown menu and click properties. 4. Once the following window opens first uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Next, highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties to open the next window.

11 Click Use the following IP address and enter for the IP address and for the subnet mask. Note! 6. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window. 7. Click OK to close the Wireless Network Connection Properties window. It will take seconds for the computer to update the network settings. The computer is now configured for STS-WiFi. Once these settings have been changed the computer will no longer be able to connect to the Internet using the wireless network card until it is reconfigured. To make the computer compatible with other wireless networks follow the steps above EXCEPT instead of entering a static IP, click the bullet entitled Obtain an IP address automatically CONNECTING TO THE STS3 NETWORK The sts3 network refers to the wired/wireless network created by the STS-WiFi Mobile Base Station. The Mobile Base Station acts as a Router for the STS-WiFi Nodes. It is important to note that the wireless adapter programs vary between PC manufactures but the overall concept is the same. Whether the Windows default Wireless Network Connection or some other program is being used, when the wireless adapter is turned ON (or Enabled ) the computer will begin scanning for wireless networks. Note! Do not turn on the Nodes until the following steps are followed.

12 Before turning on the Mobile Base Station, ensure that the batteries have been fully charged. 2. Turn on the Mobile Base Station. It will take approximately seconds for it to boot up and broadcast a wireless signal. It is ready for use when the PWR LED goes from blinking to solid and the WiFi LED begins to flicker. The picture below shows the location of these LEDs on the Mobile Base Station. 3. Open the Wireless Network Connection Manager. This program varies from computer to computer but should look something like the one below:

13 3.13 Highlight the sts3 network and click Connect. The connection should be completed in approximately 15 seconds. Once the connections is made between the PC and the Mobile Base Station, a message like seen below will pop up in the bottom right corner of the task bar. 4. Start up WinSTS. There is an LED at the bottom of the main window called PC-Base Station Connection (see below). If the network setting changes have been performed correctly and the computer is connected to the sts3 network the LED will turn from Red to Green within 40 seconds of the program being started. Green LED means WinSTS and the Base Station are connected WinSTS is now connected to the sts3 network ready for use. Section 2.5 explains the procedures for connecting Nodes with WinSTS.

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15 NETWORK TYPES 3.4.1INFRASTRUCTURE MODE When the system leaves BDI it will be set up in an infrastructure mode. In almost every case the STS-WiFi should be run in an infrastructure mode. This means a Mobile Base Station or router must be used to run the system. The Mobile Base Station serves two purposes- first, it extends the range of the system by using higher power antennas and second, it increases the efficiency of the system by acting as a relay between the Host (the PC) and the Clients (the STS-WiFi Nodes). See the diagram below for a reference on how Infrastructure Mode works: As seen in this diagram, everything is controlled by the PC. This PC sends commands to the Base Station and from here the commands are distributed to all the Nodes in the system. Each node is responsible for collecting data for four sensors and converting this data into a digital format. At this point the data is transferred real time back to the Mobile Base Station and then back to the PC where a complete data file is assembled using the data collected by each node AD-HOC (PIER-TO-PIER) MODE The Ad-Hoc (or pier-to-pier) mode is a communication method used when only a few Nodes are going to be used (three or less) or more than one system is going to be used in close proximity, such as a class room. Note that if more than one Node is to be used in an Ad-Hoc network that the overhead communication that must occur between the different computers is exponentially larger, which causes the STS-WiFi to run much slower and may result in more Windows related errors. As previously mentioned, when a STS-WiFi leaves BDI it will be configured in an Infrastructure Mode, therefore the user must make software configuration changes to each Node that is going to be used in the Ad-Hoc mode. To perform these configuration changes a properly

16 configured Mobile Base Station or Standard Router is needed. information of how to set up the Ad-Hoc mode 3.16 Please contact BDI to get NOTE! THE CHANGES MADE DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RENDER THE STS-WIFI EQUIPMENT UNUSABLE IF NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY. IF THE SETTINGS ARE NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY BDI CAN PERFORM A FACTORY RESET TO THESE NODES, BUT A REPAIR FEE WILL BE CHARGED.

17 PC CONFIGURATIONS WHEN HARD WIRED MODE IS NEEDED The connection between the PC and Mobile Base Station is the most critical connection in the entire system. If at any time this signal becomes flaky it can cause the system to run abnormally slow and/or a stream of errors will occur. In many cases the problem can be solved by simply relocating the PC, but if the problems persist a CAT5E Ethernet cable can be connected between the PC and Mobile Base Station. When this is done a few configuration setting must be made to the PC. The following subsection outlines the procedure used to configure the PC when a hard wire connection is needed between the PC and Mobile Base Station. Please refer to Section 7.5 for wiring instructions. As with a wireless connection, the STS-WIFI requires that the PC running WinSTS have a static IP address of assigned. In the case of the wired configuration, this static IP address must be assigned to the Local Area Network (LAN) interface. This must be done manually through the Network Connections on your PC as follows: 1. Ensure the IP setting for the wireless adapter is set to Obtain an IP address automatically. For further instructions please see Section To change your IP settings, open your Network Connections through the Control Panel (Start -> Control Panel-> Network Connections). There should be a window similar to the one below:

18 Select the Local Area Connection and right-click. Select Properties from the dropdown menu and a dialogue box will open up like the one seen below. Highlight the Internet Protocol TCP/IP and click on the Properties button. 4. Another dialogue box will pop up like the one seen below. Select Use the following IP address: bullet and enter for the IP Address and for the subnet mask. 5. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol window then click OK to close the Local Area Connections window. The computer will take approximately 30 seconds to complete the settings changes. The PC should now be configured to communicate with the Mobile Base Station via the CAT5E Ethernet cable. Simply plug the Ethernet cable into any of the 4 ports on the side of the Mobile Base Station and then into the Ethernet port on the PC. Turn on the Mobile Base Station

19 3.19 and open WinSTS. Once the Mobile Base Station has booted up the PC-Base Station LED will change to Green (See below). Green LED means WinSTS and the Base Station are connected

20 CONFIGURING A WIRELESS ROUTER The following instructions have been written for Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Routers. These routers where recommended by the manufacturer of the wireless adapters used in the Nodes. BDI highly recommends that these routers be used due to the plethora of settings that exist in the different brands and models of routers. If a different router is chosen for some reason the below procedures will need to be modified by you or your IT personnel to obtain a functional STS-WiFi router. 1. Plug in the router power supply and verify that its LEDs blink some. Connect an Ethernet wire between the PC and Router. 2. Power up the PC that will be using to setup the router. It should have Internet Explorer or Firefox as its browser. 3. View the available wireless networks on the PC. If the router is new it will probably have linksys as its SSID. If it is some other brand, it may say home or some other SSID. If the router has been used in an STS-WiFi system before, its SSID should be sts3. Choose the wireless network whose router you want to configure. 4. Open your browser. If the router is new, browse to the address: 5. Task bar address: 6. If the router has been used as a base station in the sts3 system before, browse to the address: 7. Task bar address: or 8. The rest of this procedure assumes you are using a Linksys Wireless-G router. Other routers may be configured in a similar fashion. 9. When the right URL is entered, a dialog box should appear asking for a user name and a password. Enter admin for the user name and admin for the password. Upon clicking OK the router s home page will appear. If it is a Linksys router, the Setup tab will be selected. 10. Midway down the page of the Setup tab is the Network Setup. Make sure the Local IP address reads , with a subnet mask of

21 The next entry is Network Address Server Settings (DHCP). Select the radio button that Disables the DHCP Server (The wireless bridges and individual sts3 hosts will have static IP addresses). 12. At the bottom of the page click Save Settings. Due to the IP address of the router being changed, the PC will not longer be able to connect to the router. In the Start menu under Network Connections right click on the Ethernet adapter that the new STS-WiFi router is connected to. Click on Properties, which will open the following screen.

22 3.22 Choose the TCP/IP selection, and click Properties. A dialog allowing you to specify the IP address will appear; fill the dialog in as follows: Click OK on all the dialog boxes. The IP address should now be assigned to the wireless interface.

23 3.23 Open Internet explorer and in the address field type: The router will again ask for a user name and password, which are admin and admin, respectively. At this point the Linksys setup page should appear. 5. Click the Wireless tab located next to the Setup tab on the top of the page. Click the sub tab Basic Wireless Settings. Make sure that the Wireless Network mode is Mixed, and the wireless network name is sts3 (lower case letters). Enable SSID broadcast. At the bottom of the page, click Save Settings. 6. The next sub tab beneath the Wireless tab is the Wireless Security sub tab. Click that tab, and make sure that Security Mode is set to Disabled. At the bottom of the page, click Save Settings. 7. The next sub tab beneath the Wireless tab is the Wireless MAC filter. Make sure this is Disabled. At the bottom of the page, click Save Settings.

24 The settings are now complete. Unplug the power and Ethernet cable from the router and allow it to sit for about 30 seconds. Go back into the Network Connections page in the Start menu and right click the Local Area Connection that was used to program the router. Click Properties and highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Click properties to get back to the following screen. Click Obtain an IP address automatically and OK out of all the windows. The Ethernet port should now function as it did before it was used for programming the new router. 9. Use the procedures described in the Computer network configurations section to connect to the newly programmed router. Once connected run WinSTS and ensure the STS-WiFi is running properly.

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