Rev.
2.16
www.weidmuller.com
8
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
The WI-MOD-E Industrial 802.11 Wireless Ethernet module provide wireless connections between Ethernet devices
and/or Ethernet wired networks (LAN’s). They each comply with their relevant IEEE 802.11 standard.
The WI-MOD-E is available in a range of different models with different RF power and frequency options suitable for your
country’s local radio regulations.
WI-MOD-E-G 802.11 b/g 400mW max power
WI-MOD-E-A 802.11 a 400mW max power
The above models have the same functionality but use a different radio to communicate. The different radios do not
communicate with each other, e.g. a WI-MOD-E-G will not communicate with a WI-MOD-E-A. Only modules of the same
type are able to communicate wirelessly to each other.
Throughout this manual, any reference to “WI-MOD-E” refers to one of the above models.
The WI-MOD-E-G model uses a 2.4GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless transceiver. Users pick a 20
MHz channel with 5 MHz channel spacing from the available 13 starting with the first channel centered on 2.412 GHz.
Some limitations depending on country see APPENDIX C - for channel selections.
Note that regulations in North America permit 11 x 2.4GHz channels and Europe permits 13 x 2.4GHz
channels.
The WI-MOD-E-A uses a 5 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) wireless transceiver and users must select
appropriate channel, transmit power, etc allowable in that country.
Please check with your representative for the permitted channel usage in your country. See Appendix C for channels
selections.
The WI-MOD-E unit also provides two serial connections as well as the Ethernet connections. It is possible to use all three
data connections concurrently, allowing the WI-MOD-E to act as a
Device Server.
Wireless connections can be made
between serial devices and Ethernet devices. The WI-MOD-E provides connection functionality between serial “Modbus
RTU” devices and Ethernet “Modbus TCP” devices. Appropriate driver applications will be required in the host devices to
handle other protocols.
The modem is VLAN compliant and capable of passing VLAN tagged frames by default. VLAN bridging and Routing
Modes are also available which will facilitate a number of different VLAN topologies.
The WI-MOD-E has a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection which will operate at up to 100Mbit/sec. The module will
transmit the Ethernet messages on the wireless band at rates between 1 and 54 Mbit/sec & 6 and 54 Mbit/sec depending
on model, band, encryption methods and radio paths.
1.0 - Network Topology
The WI-MOD-E is an Ethernet device, and must be configured as part of an Ethernet network. Each WI-MOD-E must be
configured as an:
“Access Point” or “Sta”, “Station”, ”Client”
“Bridge” or “Router”.
You can also connect to the WI-MOD-E via a RS232
or RS485 serial port using serial server or PPP
(point-to-point) protocol. PPP allows the WI-MOD-E
to connect serial communications into the Ethernet
network.
