Microwave Data Systems MDS entraNET 900, System Manual

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MDS 05-4055A01, Rev. A MDS entraNET 900 System Guide (Preliminary) 5
1.1.1 Model Offerings
The MDS entraNET 900 comes in two primary models—an Access
Point and a Remote. In addition, two types of Remotes are available—
an Ethernet Remote, and a Serial Remote.
Table 1-1 summaries the dif-
ferent interface abilities for each type.
An Ethernet remote will serve only one MAC address, even if a bridge
or hub is used.
1.2 APPLICATIONS
The following sections give descriptions of typical entraNET installa-
tions. Most installations will require planning by a network manager.
1.2.1 Long Range Wireless LAN
The wireless LAN is the most common application of the entraNET 900
system. It consists of a central control station (Access Point) and one or
more associated Remote units, as shown in
Figure 1-2 on Page 6 . A
LAN provides communications between a central WAN/LAN and
remote Ethernet segments. The operation of the radio system is trans-
parent to the computer equipment it is connected to.
The Access Point is positioned at a location from which it can commu-
nicate with all of the Remote units in the system. Commonly, this is a
relatively high location on top of a building or communications tower.
Messages are exchanged at the Ethernet level. This includes all types of
IP traffic.
A Remote transceiver can only talk over-the-air to an Access Point (AP)
unit. Peer-to-peer communications between Remotes can only take
place indirectly through the AP. An AP can only talk over-the-air to
Remote units, however two APs can communicate with each other
through their Ethernet connectors utilizing a common LAN/WAN.
Table 1-1. MDS entraNET 900 Models and Data Interface Services
Model
ETH
1
COM1
1 COM2
Access Point Yes Yes Yes
Ethernet Remote Yes Yes No
Serial Remote No -- Yes
NOTES
1. Provides access to the embedded Management System only. No data transfer
capability.