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24-Feb-12
Introduction
The Tropos 1410-B is a compact, single-radio board designed to be integrated into devices that
participate in a Tropos mesh network. The 1410-B allows large mesh networks to be built economically,
delivering mesh coverage and wireless- or wired-client connectivity for Smart Grid and other multi-use
applications. The 1410-B can be configured to operate in either of two modes:
As an endpoint: A 1401-B can act as a wireless-to-Ethernet or wireless-to-serial bridge to
connect any Ethernet- or serial-enabled device to a Tropos mesh network. Endpoint operation
requires Tropos Software Release 7.9 or higher.
As a full-functioned mesh node: In mesh mode, a 1410-B can provide endpoint functions as well
as support wireless clients and downstream mesh links. Mesh operation requires Tropos
Software Release 8.1 or higher.
The 1410-B is optimized for embedded applications. While other Tropos routers are stand-alone devices,
the Tropos 1410-B is designed to be integrated into other devices. For example, a Tropos 1410-B can be
integrated into a pole-mounted transformer, enabling the transformer to communicate health and
power quality data as well as function as a node in the mesh network.
Examples of devices that can use a 1410-B for communications into a Smart Grid or Smart City
infrastructure are:
transformers
electric vehicle chargers
fuel cell control units
solar power inverters and controls
thermal energy storage units
intelligent traffic signals
control units for reclosers, regulators,
switch gear and capacitor banks
parking kiosks
Connectivity to wired and wireless clients
The Tropos 1410-B supports both Ethernet and serial communications (RS-232 or RS-485, configurable)
for client devices. The serial interfaces support the DNP3 protocol. Connection to these ports is through
RJ-45 connectors. One RJ-45 connector supports the Ethernet port and power, and the second RJ-45
connector supports the serial interfaces and power (wiring diagrams for the RJ-45 connectors are shown
in Figure 1).
When operating in mesh mode the 1410-B can support wireless clients. A wireless client can be any
device that supports 802.11b/g/n communications, including electric power distribution devices such as
reclosers, capacitor banks, and voltage regulators, and video cameras used for security or traffic
monitoring. Virtually any communicating device can be connected to the Tropos 1410-B.
