network ID
The Network ID (NID) is a unique identifier you assign to each wireless network to minimizes the
chances of two collocated networks interfering with each other. Assigning different NIDs to different
networks improves collocation performance in dense installations.
node
A node is any communications point within a network.
Node
Nodes are remote I/O slave devices within Banner's wireless sensor networks. Sensors and other
devices connect to the Node's inputs or outputs, allowing the Node to collect sensor data and wirelessly
transmit it to the Gateway. Every Sure Cross device is a transceiver, meaning it can transmit and
receive data.
noise
Noise is any unwanted electromagnetic disturbances from within the RF equipment, especially the
receiver. Noise is more of a concern when signal levels are low.
omni-directional
antenna
Omni-directional antennas transmit and receive radio signals equally in all directions.
out of sync/link
loss (loss of
radio signal)
The Sure Cross wireless devices use a deterministic link time-out method to address RF link interruption
or failure. When a radio link fails, all pertinent wired outputs are sent to the selected default value/state
until the link is recovered, ensuring that disruptions in the communications link result in predictable
system behavior. Following a time-out, all outputs linked to the Node in question are set to 0, 1, or hold
the last stable state depending on the value selected.
path loss
Path loss describes attenuation as a function of the wavelength of the operating frequency and the
distance between the transmitter and receiver.
path loss (or
link loss)
calculations
Link loss calculations determine the capabilities of a radio system by calculating the total gain or loss for
a system. If the total gain/loss is within a specific range, the radio signal will be received by the radio.
Total Gain = Effective Free space loss + Total received power
. Because the transmitter
and receiver gains are positive numbers and the free space loss is a larger negative number, the total
gain of a system should be negative. A link loss calculation may also be called a link budget calculation.
peer to peer
network
Peer-to-peer is a model for a communication protocol in which any device in the network can send or
receive data. Any device can act as a Master to initiate communication.
polling interval/
rate
The Gateway communicates with, or polls, each Node to determine if the radio link is active. The polling
rate defines how often the Gateway communicates with each Node. Polling is always initiated by the
Gateway and only verifies radio signal communications.
Are you there?
Yes, I am here.
polling interval/
rate and
maximum
misses
The Gateway communicates with, or polls, each Node to determine if the radio link is active. The polling
rate, or interval, defines how often the Gateway communicates with each Node. Polling is always
initiated by the Gateway and only verifies radio signal communications. Nodes that fail to respond are
counted against the ‘Maximum Misses’ for that Node. If the ‘Maximum Misses’ is exceeded for any
Node, the Gateway generates an RF timeout error in the Modbus I/O register 8 of the appropriate Node.
The ‘Maximum Misses’ is defined as the number of consecutive polling messages that the Node fails to
respond to.
radiation
pattern
An antenna's radiation pattern is the area over which the antenna broadcasts an easily received signal.
The radiation pattern/shape changes based on the antenna type and gain.
re-link count
The re-link count is the number of completed polling messages the Gateway receives from a Node
before a lost RF link is considered re-established and normal operation resumes.
remote antenna
A remote antenna installation is any antenna not mounted directly to the Sure Cross wireless device,
especially when coaxial cable is used. Always properly install and ground surge suppressors in remote
antenna systems.
repeater radio
A repeater radio extends the transmission range of a wireless network. Repeaters are typically used in
long-distance transmission.
Sure Cross
®
DXM150 and 1500-Bx Wireless Controllers
102
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