GE MDS iNET Series, Reference Manual

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98 MDS iNET Series Reference Manual 05-2806A01, Rev. L
3.3.2 Packet Statistics Menu
(See “Packet Statistics Menu” on Page 74)
This screen provides detailed information on data exchanges between the unit being viewed and the network
through the wireless and the Ethernet (data) layers. These include:
The most significant fields are the Packets dropped , Receive errors, Retries , Retry errors , and Lost carrier
detected . If the data values are more than 10% of their sent and received counterparts, or the Lost carrier
detected value is greater than a few dozen, there may be trouble with radio-frequency interference or a radio
link of marginal strength. Review the RSSI by Zone Screen’s values (page 71) for zones that are more than
2 dB (decibels) below the average level, and for signal level values that are likely to provide marginal ser-
vice. For example, an average level is less than -85 dBm during normal conditions with a data rate of
256 kbps.
If the RSSI levels in each zone are within a few dB of each other, but less than –85 dBm, then a check should
be made of the aiming of the antenna system and for a satisfactory SWR. Refer to “Radio (RF) Measure-
ments” on Page 114 for information on antenna system checks.
NOTE:
For a data rate of 512 kbps (1 Mbps for iNET-II), the average signal level should be –77 dBm or
stronger with no interference.
3.3.3 Serial Port Statistics Menu
(See “Serial Data Statistics Menu” on Page 81)
This screen provides top-level information on data exchanges between the unit’s serial ports and the net-
work through the wireless and the Ethernet (data) layers. These include the following items:
You can use this screen as a indicator of port activity at the data and IP levels.
3.3.4 Diagnostic Tools
(See “Maintenance” on Page 82)
The radio’s Maintenance/Tools menu contains two tools that are especially useful to network technicians—
the Radio Test Menu and the Ping Utility. The Radio Test selection allows for testing RF operation, while
the Ping Utility can be used to verify reachability to pieces of equipment connected to the radio network.
This includes transceivers and user-supplied Ethernet devices.
Wireless Packet Statistics
• Packets received • Packets dropped
• Packets sent • Receive errors
• Bytes received • Retries
• Bytes sent • Retry errors
Ethernet Packet Statistics
• Packets received • Lost carrier detected
• Packets sent • Packets dropped
• Bytes received • Receive errors
• Bytes sent
• Bytes In On Port • Bytes In On Socket
• Bytes Out On Port • Bytes Out On Socket