GridRouter™ User Guide
6
2 Getting Started
Please review the reference documentation before you begin the installation and use of the supporting
software.
2.1 Operations
The GridRouter is a system that provides flexibility by implementing a card system that uses Field
Replaceable Units (FRUs) to implement a variety of network solutions that can be replaced as technology
changes. Wide Area Network (WAN) cards allow for a link to the Internet and ultimately to the back office.
Local Area Network (LAN) cards allow for aggregating or meshing of multiple meters on a WAN
connection. One of the popular use-cases establishes a connection between a conventional RS232 serial
interface and a TCP socket over a wireless protocol – CDMA or GPRS. It is intended for use by
commercial and industrial utility customers.
The GridRouter offers secure over-the-air transfer of data between the RS232/RS485 interfaces on the
GridRouter and any front-end system capable of TCP/IP communication.
2.2 Precaution
WARNING!
Use authorized utility procedures for installing, maintaining, and removing a GridRouter.
Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if devices are not used properly.
2.3 Prerequisites
To perform the installation of your GridRouter, you must have access to the following supporting software
and should have reviewed relevant documentation.
2.3.1 DNS Server Setup
The GridRouter supports dynamic DNS updates for modems that have dynamic IP addresses. A DNS
server must be set up and installed to use this feature. The GridRouter also supports and encourages the
use of transaction signatures (TSIG) as a mechanism to secure DNS messages to provide protected
server-to-server communication. TSIG uses shared secrets and one-way hash functions to authenticate
DNS messages and provide data integrity.
Berkeley Internet Name Domain (BIND) is the most commonly used DNS server on the Internet. The
newest version of BIND (BIND 9) supports the TSIG protocol. Microsoft DNS is the DNS server provided
with Windows Server and it, too, supports the TSIG protocol.
2.3.2 SNMP Server Setup
The GridRouter is a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent capable of responding to
requests from SNMP management software. The GridRouter uses the SNMP TRAP operation to send
information to the network manager regarding events such as power outage and overheating alarms. To
make use of the SNMP functionality on the GridRouter, an SNMP management application must be
installed on a server and accessible from the GridRouter.
