MDS iNET 900 - Network Design Considerations; Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters; Supplement Legacy Wireless Network with IP Services; What Is a Repeater System

MDS 05-2806A01, Rev. A MDS iNET 900 User’s Guide 9
Several previous MDS-brand products had non-standard signal lines on
their interface connectors; for example, to control the unit sleep func-
tion. These special functions are not provided nor supported by the MDS
iNET 900 unit at this time.
Supplement legacy wireless network with IP services
The MDS iNET 900 Dual Gateway model can support up to two serial
devices and one Ethernet connection at the same time. The serial inter-
faces (COM1 and COM2) operate in two different modes: Connection-
less Serial-to-Serial and connection-orientated IP-to-serial.
In the Connectionless Serial-to-Serial mode, the iNET 900 supports
point-to-multipoint serial-port to serial-port connectivity. In the connec-
tion-orientated IP-to-serial mode, the iNET 900 supports point-to-point
Ethernet/IP to serial port connectivity.
For further details on the MDS iNET 900 Serial Gateway interface
modes, see “CONFIGURING THE SERIAL INTERFACES” on Page 31.
1.3 NETWORK DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
1.3.1 Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters
What is a Repeater System?
A repeater works by re-transmitting data from outlying remote sites to
the Access Point and vice-versa. As with any other store-and-forward
device, it introduces additional end-to-end transmission delay but pro-
vides longer-range connectivity.
In some geographical areas obstacles can make communications diffi-
cult. These obstacles commonly are large buildings, hills or dense
foliage. These obstacles can often be overcome with a repeater station.
See “Extending Network Coverage with Repeaters” on Page 9 for more
details.
The geographic location of a repeater station is especially important. A
site must be chosen that allows good communication from the repeater
to both the Access Point and outlying remote sites. This location is often
on top of a hill, or other elevated terrain from which both sites can be
“seen” by the repeater station antennas. A detailed discussion on the
effects of terrain is given in Section 5.1.2, Site Selection (beginning on
Page 99).