Microhard Systems IP-921, Operating Manual

Page: 29 / 173

© Microhard Systems Inc. CONFIDENTIAL 29
IP9xx Series
4.0 Operating Modes
An IP Series may be configured for any operating mode: this is very
convenient for purposes of sparing and becoming familiar with their
configuration menus.
4.1 Master
One per network, the source of synchronization for the system. The
Master controls the flow of data through the system.
4.2 Repeater
Required only if necessary to establish a radio path between a Mas-
ter and Remote(s); stores and forwards the data sent to it. Synchro-
nizes to Master and provides synchronization to ‗downstream‘ units.
If a local device is attached to a Repeater‘s serial data port, the Re-
peater will also behave as a Remote (aka Repeater/Remote).
As they are added to a radio network it is good practice to use the
values 2-17, sequentially, for Repeater Unit Addresses.
Adding one or more Repeaters within a network will HALVE the
throughput; the throughput is halved only once, i.e. it does not de-
crease with the addition of more Repeaters.
If there is a ‗radio (signal) path‘ requirement to provide Repeater
functionality, but throughput is critical, the repeating function may be
accomplished by placing two IP Series at the Repeater site in a ‗back
-to-
back‘ configuration. One IP Series would be configured as a Re-
mote in the ‗upstream‘ network; the other a Master in the
‗downstream‘ network. Local connection between the modems
would be accomplished with a crossover cable (for the ethernet con-
nection). Each modem would require its own antenna; careful con-
sideration should be given with respect to antenna placement and IP
Series configuration.
4.3 Remote
Endpoint/node within a network to which a local device is attached.
Communicates with Master either directly or through one or more
Repeaters. See Sections 5.3 and 5.4 for information regarding
‗Slave-to-Slave‘ communications.
Throughout this manual,
‗
R
emote‘ refers to a
R emote
as defined in Section 4.4; the
general term ‗
r
emote‘ applies
to an IP Series Repeater and/
or Remote - i.e. non-Master