Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb Wireless Network User Manual

BreadCrumb® Wireless Network User
Guide
For the BreadCrumb® Wireless Network Release 8.4
Rajant Corporation

Rajant Corporation BreadCrumb Wireless Network Specifications

General

Brand	Rajant Corporation
Model	BreadCrumb Wireless Network
Category	Network Hardware
Language	English

Summary

Preface

Purpose and Scope

Outlines the manual's purpose and scope for personnel using BreadCrumb devices in tactical situations.

User Information

Encourages user feedback and provides contact information for submitting comments and changes.

Introduction

What is a BreadCrumb?

Defines a BreadCrumb device as an 802.11b Access Point designed for various wireless network scenarios.

Mobility through Meshing

Explains meshing as a key technique for BreadCrumb Wireless Networks and how devices establish mesh links.

Mesh - A Definition

Defines a mesh as a collection of network devices connected to each other, allowing data to pass through intermediate devices.

BreadCrumb Devices Mesh by Channel and ESSID

Details how BreadCrumb devices establish mesh links by sharing radio channels and ESSIDs.

Meshing Examples

Illustrates meshing connectivity with two examples demonstrating full connectivity and the impact of ESSID changes.

Upgrading to Version 8.4

New Features

Highlights new features in version 8.4, including AES-256 encryption with AirFortress.

Performance and Process Improvements

Describes improvements such as higher data rates for management frames and enhanced radio frame fragmentation.

Issues Resolved

Lists problems fixed in version 8.4, including compatibility issues and mode corrections.

Known Issues

Points out known issues, such as signal strength translation and mesh feature display anomalies.

BCAdmin and Firmware Upgrade Procedures

Provides instructions for installing BCAdmin and upgrading BreadCrumb firmware.

Flash Update Procedure

Details the step-by-step process for updating the firmware on Version 2 and Version 3 systems.

BreadCrumb Models

BreadCrumb ME

Describes the ME model as the smallest and lightest, ideal for size/weight constrained deployments.

BreadCrumb WE

Details the WE model, similar to ME but with a higher-gain antenna, integrated battery, and rugged case.

BreadCrumb SE

Explains the SE model as a versatile building block with two radios and Ethernet, suitable for various deployment locations.

BreadCrumb XL

Introduces the XL model as a long-range device capable of extended distance communications.

BreadCrumb XLV

Covers the XLV model, accepting vehicle power for long-range communication in convoys.

BreadCrumb XLE

Discusses the XLE model, adding an MPEG video encoder and BNC video connector for video streaming.

Deployment Considerations

Addressing and DHCP

Explains IP addressing requirements and the function of the embedded DHCP server in BreadCrumb networks.

Channel Assignments

Describes default automatic channel selection and manual channel assignment requirements for different models.

Channel Assignment for Single-Radio Devices

Details manual channel setting for ME/WE devices to ensure meshing with peers.

Channel Assignment for Long-Range Devices

Specifies permanent channel settings (1 and 11) for long-range models.

Environmental Considerations

Covers factors impacting performance like Line of Sight, distance, weather, interference, and altitude.

Using BCAdmin

BCAdmin Overview and Interface

Introduces BCAdmin, its screen layout, Topology Area, and Info Area for device details.

Configuring General Settings

Covers basic device settings like Name, Type, Location, ESSID, and Battery Warning.

Configuring Radio Settings

Explains how to configure radio parameters, including channel selection, mesh participation, and access point functionality.

Configuring Network Connectivity

Details Reachback and Forwarding Settings for network interconnection and gateway configurations.

WEP and ACL Configuration

Explains WEP security and Access Control Lists for network access management.

AirFortress Encryption Setup

Guides on setting up AES-256 encryption, registering AirFortress, and managing Access IDs.

Additional Security Options

Describes enabling/disabling AirFortress, encrypting wired traffic, zeroizing IDs, and Harris SecNET11.

BCAdmin Preferences and Tracking

Explains BCAdmin preferences and integrating with Fugawi Tracker for position reporting.

Configuration Examples

Connecting Remote Wired LANs

Provides methods for connecting physically remote wired LANs, including unencrypted and encrypted configurations.

Convoy Video Feed with UAV

Details configuring a network for a convoy to receive UAV-based video feeds.

Encrypting a Video Feed

Explains how to use a BreadCrumb device to encrypt video feeds from network cameras.

Setting AirFortress Access ID for Gateway Devices

Provides a workaround for setting the AirFortress Access ID on gateway configured devices.

Troubleshooting

Individual BreadCrumb Issues

Lists common problems with individual BreadCrumb devices and their resolutions.

BreadCrumb Wireless Network Issues

Addresses problems related to the overall BCWN performance and connectivity.

Sporadic Network Connectivity

Discusses causes and solutions for intermittent network connectivity issues.

Device Connectivity Problems

Details issues preventing BreadCrumb devices from connecting to the BCWN and their solutions.

BCAdmin Issues

Covers common problems encountered when using the BCAdmin management application.

Restoring Default Settings (Factory Reset)

Explains the procedure to reset a BreadCrumb device to its factory default settings.

Case Study: Military Exercise in Thailand

Glossary

Appendix A. Status Indicator LED

Appendix B. Radio Frequencies

Appendix C. Customer Service