Varec RS-232, Installation And Operation Manual

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Introduction
4 Installation and Operations Manual
1.3 Understanding Data Communication Configurations
The 8410 WFT’s versatility allows the user to establish data communication links using a variety
of configurations. This makes it possible to extend the range of the 8410 WFT and operate in a
number of applications. This section describes the two main categories of communication
configurations: Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint.
1.3.1 Point-to-Point systems
A point-to-point system is limited to one master and one slave transceiver. Repeaters may be
added in to extend the reach of the network, but no other master or slave may be added.
The example below shows the most common and straightforward link, a master communicating
to a slave in a point-to-point link.
Figure 1-3: A Master Communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point Link
The following diagram shows how a link might be set up using a repeater. The repeater may be
sitting on a hilltop or other elevated structure to link the master to the slave. In this setup, it
may be desirable to use an external omni-directional antenna on the repeater. To extend the
range, Yagi antennas may be used on either or both of the master and slave transceiver.
When a repeater is used, the network capacity is cut in half.
Figure 1-4: A Link Setup Using a Repeater
The example below shows a link with two repeaters between the master and slave. With two
repeaters there is clearly more flexibility in getting around obstacles and a greater total range
is possible. Once again, it would be desirable to use external omni-directional antennas with
the repeaters, and attaching a Yagi to the master and slave to increase the range of the link.
When two repeaters are used there is no further degradation in the network capacity of the link.
Figure 1-5: A Link with Two Repeaters Between the Master and Slave
8420 WBT 8410 WFT
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8420 WBT 8410 WFT
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