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0 March 2003
BAiB User’s Manual
LIMITED WARRANTY
Young Design, Inc. (YDI) warrants that your device is free of defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year after initial purchase. YDI will, in this period of time,
repair or replace, any YDI product returned to the factory, freight prepaid.
The YDI warranty covers repairs or replacement (at YDI’s option) of the product only. YDI
is not responsible for the cost of removal, reinstallation, or shipping to the place of repair.
YDI does not extend or modify its warranty period as a result of repair or replacement.
YDI reserves the right to void a warranty and/or make reasonable charges for repair of a
unit if the warranty seal is broken or the unit displays evidence of misuse, abuse, or
tampering.
YDI is not responsible for damage to any other equipment or property, or any other
consequential or incidental damages of any kind, whether based on contract, negligence,
or strict liability. Maximum liability shall not in any case exceed the purchase price of the
unit.
Warranties give you (the buyer) specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that
vary from state to state. This warranty is only extended to purchases made in the United
States of America or its possessions.
FCC NOTICE
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment when installed as directed. This equipment should be installed and operated with fix-
mounted antennas that are installed such that these antennas will have a minimum of 2 meters of
separation distance between the antenna and all persons during normal operation.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
* Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
These products are labeled with one of the following FCC ID numbers:
FCC ID: NM5-2458-AL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Overview 1
1.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Backhaul-In-a-Box Features .........................................................................................................1
1.3 Backhaul-In-a-Box Kit ...................................................................................................................2
Section 2 Installation 3
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................3
2.2 DC Power Injector .........................................................................................................................3
2.3 Power Supply ................................................................................................................................3
2.4 LEDs..............................................................................................................................................3
2.5 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................................................4
© 2003 Young Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part or parts of this document may be
reproduced, translated, stored in any electronic retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of Young Design, Inc.
Section 1
Overview
1.1 Description
The BAckhaul-In-a-Box (BAiB™) is a complete 5.8 GHz wireless point-to-point system that links two
Ethernet LANs together. It consists of two high-gain directional antennas and a pair of 11 Mbps Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum 5.8 GHz radios in a rugged outdoor enclosure. They connect to the LAN's
Ethernet Switch on each end with an outdoor-rated Ethernet cable supplied with the kit. The system
comes pre-configured to work “right out of the box”. It is ideal for connecting two office LANs together, or
for linking a WIPOP site to an Internet backbone.
The new 128-bit WEP-Plus encryption, if enabled, provides extra security above standard 802.11b WEP.
The Backhaul-in-a-Box will accommodate virtually an unlimited number of client MAC addresses on each
side of the link. With 13 channels available, up to 4 BAiBs can be co-located at a site.
The BAiB is available in two versions. One has an integrated high-gain flat panel antenna (BAiB-INT).
This rugged unit has over 15 Watts of Effective Radiated Transmit Power! Line-of-sights ranging up to 5
miles or more are possible. The second model features an N-type jack for connecting to higher-gain
external antennas (BAiB-EXT). Using two-foot dish or flat panel antennas, line-of-site ranges of 30 miles
or more are possible. Because the radio is located at the antenna, extending the Ethernet cable will not
affect the operating range.
The Windows-based Bridge Manager provides configuration and diagnostic utilities that allow you to see
vital information regarding the link between the antenna and the base station. Information such as signal-
to-noise ratio, signal strength, and noise level all in dB, provides for efficient installation and aiming of the
antenna, as well as troubleshooting link problems.
The Backhaul-In-a-Box kit includes two 100 foot outdoor-rated Ethernet cables with special weatherproof
connectors (200 and 300 foot cables are also available as an option). The unit operates with a 48 VDC
Adapter. All devices located inside the box get their power from a DC Power Injector which puts DC
power onto the outdoor rated Ethernet cable (Power Over Ethernet, or POE).
The latest software and User’s Manuals can also be found at:
http://www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php, and
http://www.ydi.com/support/documents.php.
Section 2
Installation
Safety Warning
2.1 Introduction
The BAiB is intended for professional installation only. Please review the entire manual before powering
up or deploying any BAiB.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you configure and test the units prior to deploying them in the
field. Set up a “mini-network” that resembles your actual configuration as close as possible.
By using such a mock-up, troubleshooting potential problems will be much easier than if you
already installed the equipment in the field. Read through this entire Section 2 to understand
how to install the hardware. To configure the BAiB , read Section 3.
2.4 LEDs
Two LEDs are present on the front of the BAiB (see Figure 2.1):
• The Green LED flashes when the BAiB is in receive mode (steady on when idle)
• The Red LED flashes when the BAiB transmits data
NOTE: All connectors must be properly water-proofed with all-weather electrical tape, Permagum, or
equivalent. Do not use Silicon glue.
The BAiB radio unit is installed by means of a pole mount adaptor bracket that is secured to the pole
using two metal hose type clamps. Figure 2.1 shows the hardware provided to mount the Outdoor RF
Unit.
1. Install the outdoor unit pole mount adaptor bracket using the supplied metal hose type clamps as
shown in Figure 2.2.
2. Align the four mounting studs on the unit with the bracket holes (see Figure 2.3) and secure to the
bracket by pushing down the latches as shown in Figures 2.4a and 2.4b.
3. Depending upon the type of cable that you have, follow instructions (a) or (b):
(a) If you have a BAiB-INT version, ensuring that there is no DC power applied to the DC Power
Injector, plug the round connector of the outdoor Ethernet cable provided into the front jack,
making sure the notch is correctly aligned with the tab on the jack as shown in Figures 2.5a and
2.6. Then turn the round locking nut clockwise as you push in until it securely fastens onto the
jack. Please verify that the round connector is properly plugged into the rear jack of the
antenna prior to connecting DC power because it is possible to push it in the wrong way if
enough force is used. If DC power is applied and the connector is not properly plugged, damage
to the electronics of the unit or the connector itself may occur which will not be covered by the
factory warranty.
(b) If you have a BAiB-EXT version, ensuring that there is no DC power applied to the DC Power
Injector, plug the round connector of the outdoor Ethernet cable provided into the rear jack,
making sure the notch is correctly aligned with the tab on the jack as shown in Figures 2.5b and
2.6. Then turn the round locking nut clockwise as you push in until it securely fastens onto the
jack. Please verify that the round connector is properly plugged into the rear jack of the
antenna prior to connecting DC power because it is possible to push it in the wrong way if
enough force is used. If DC power is applied and the connector is not properly plugged, damage
to the electronics of the unit or the connector itself may occur which will not be covered by the
factory warranty.
4. Attach the other end of the outdoor Ethernet cable to the Cat 5 DC Power Injector at port RJ-45
labeled “To ANT.”
5. Connect the Ethernet cable labeled “To PC or ROUTER” from the Cat 5 DC Power Injector to
your computer or PC. If you connect to a router, switch or hub, make sure you plug the cable into
the Uplink/WAN port, otherwise a cross-over cable or adapter will be needed.
6. Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet and connect it to the “DC Power” jack on the Cat 5 DC
Power Injector.
7. Install a Ground cable (not provided) to the Ground connector in the back of the radio (see Figure
2.7). This provides maximum protection against lightning.
8. Depending upon the type of BAiB that you have, follow instructions (a) or (b):
(a) If you have a BAiB-INT version, the BAiB contains the antenna. Perform antenna alignment
procedures at both sites. Proper antenna alignment is crucial for the correct operation of the BAiB
system and should only be accomplished by experienced professionals. After that your installation
is complete.
(b) If you have a BAiB-EXT version, plug the antenna coaxial cable into the N-type female jack of
the unit as shown in Figure 7. Perform antenna alignment procedures at both sites. Proper
antenna alignment is crucial for the correct operation of the BAiB system and should only be
accomplished by experienced professionals. After that your installation is complete.
Figure 2.5a – Connecting the Outdoor Ehternet Figure 2.5b – Connecting the Outdoor Ehternet
Cable to a BAiB-INT Cable to a BAiB-EXT
Section 3
The Bridge Manager
3.1 Installation
The Windows-based Bridge Manager software can be installed on a PC or workstation running Windows
98, ME, 2000, NT, or XP. This software has a GUI (Graphical User Interface), which makes it easy to
use. The program allows you to locally or remotely perform the following procedures:
The Bridge Manager software communicates with the BRiBs using a non-
routable protocol. This means that your BRiB units must be accessible on
the same subnet as the machine with the Bridge Manager installed in order
to use the software.
CAUTION
Note: Prior to installing a newer version of the Bridge Manager program, you will need to remove
any older versions. (See Section 3.6, Removing the Program).
Windows Installation – To install the Bridge Manager in Windows, perform the following steps:
1. Insert the YDI CD-ROM included in the Backhaul-In-a-Box kit into the appropriate drive of your
computer. Using your Windows Explorer open the contents of the CD-ROM drive and select the
following directory: \Management\YDI Bridge Manager. Run the Set Up program.
2. The Splash screen will appear first. Choose Next to continue the installation or Cancel to
terminate.
3. The Welcome screen will appear. Choose Next to continue the installation or Cancel to
terminate.
4. The License Agreement screen will appear. Read the Agreement and click on “I accept the terms
in the license agreement” button, then choose Next to continue the installation. Choosing Cancel
will terminate the installation.
5. The Destination Folder screen will appear next. You can use the default location or press the
Change button to specify a different install location. Choose Next to continue the installation or
Cancel to terminate.
6. The Ready to Install the Program screen will appear to display the current settings. If you want
to review or change any of your installation settings, click Back. Once you are satisfied with the
settings, click Install to begin the installation. You can also click Cancel to exit the wizard.
7. The InstallShield Wizard Completed screen will appear to indicate successful installation of the
Bridge Manager. Click Finish to complete the installation.
The latest software and User’s Manuals can also be found at:
http://www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php, and
http://www.ydi.com/support/documents.php.
Select EC. The first screen to appear is the Select EC screen shown in Figure 3.1. This screen lists
information about any devices associated in your network. If there are no devices listed in the table, then
you are not connected. Click on the device you wish to configure. Press the Select button and you will
be taken to the General Information window for that device. The window will automatically update as an
EC is discovered. If an EC has been disconnected, the status for the EC will be changed to “Offline.” If
any user is logged in to an EC with the Bridge Manager, the status will change to “Busy’ and no other
user will be given access to that EC. Once the logged in user logs out, the status will then reflect whether
it is online or offline.
A number of other functions can be performed using the buttons found at the bottom of the screen, as
described below.
Clear List – This command will clear all ECs from the list. The program will automatically start scanning
for devices again.
Local ECs Only – This box will be checked as the default allowing you to detect only those devices
within your local network. If un-checked, the program will extend its search to include all ECs on the
network.
Sort By – A dropdown menu that allows you to list devices by IP Address, MAC Address, or EC.
EC Name, Network Type and Network Name – The default setting for these functions is Do Not Sort.
Manual Select – Click to search for ECs on a specific IP Address that may not have been discovered in
the scanning process.
Select – Click this button after highlighting the EC you would like to select. You may do this, or double-
click the desired EC.
The two buttons on the left – Save Settings, and Reload Settings – are explained below. The four fields
at the bottom of the screen, Host Computer Name, Host Computer IP, Ethernet Converter Name, and
Ethernet Converter IP, will also be discussed. Lastly, at the top of your screen, several drop-down menu
items are available. They are: File, Edit, View, Command, Tools, and Help.
Save Settings
Pressing this button will place all changed parameters into the attached EC.
Reload Settings
Pressing this button will restore the parameters that are currently saved in the attached EC.
General Information
This screen automatically displays information about the connection with the device you selected. The
Status Bar on the bottom of the window should indicate Connected if you have a connection. If the Status
Bar reads Not Connected, then you are not connected with the device. Other information displayed in this
window includes:
Current EC Connection – This read-only property displays whether the EC is currently associated with a
network. It will read either Not Associated, or Associated.
Network Name – This read-only property displays the name of the network that the EC is currently
associated with.
Channel ID – This read-only property displays the Channel ID of the network that the EC is currently
associated with.
Encryption – This read-only property displays whether the EC currently has Encryption disabled or
enabled.
Network Type – This read-only property displays the type of network that the EC is currently associated
with.
Partner Name - This read-only property displays the name of the 802.11b device that the EC is currently
associated with.
Signal Strength – This indicator appears as a horizontal bar that changes color depending on the
strength of your signal. Green means an excellent signal; yellow means a good signal; and red means a
poor signal.
Immediately beneath this information appear the Serial Number, Model Name, Firmware Version and
Manufacturing Date for the device.
The bottom of the screen shows four fields that will contain information only if you have a connection.
These fields appear on every window in the software and include:
Host Computer Name – This read-only property displays the name of the computer you are using.
Host Computer IP – This read-only property displays the IP address of the computer you are using.
Ethernet Converter Name - This read-only property displays the name of the EC you are currently
connected to.
Ethernet Converter IP - This read-only property displays the IP address of the EC you are currently
connected to.
File Menu
Scan for ECs – This command will reset the attached EC. Then, the Select EC screen will reappear
listing all of the devices you are associated with.
Exit – This command will shut down the Bridge Manager application.
Edit Menu
Several standard editor commands are available for your use. They are Undo, Cut, Copy and Paste.
View Menu
The drop-down menu under View lists all of the screens available in the Bridge Manager. Select the
screen you wish to go to and click. You can also switch easily between screens using the View menu.
Commands Menu
Reset EC – This command will request the attached EC to reset itself.
Tools Menu
This screen contains two functions, Security Features and Options, described below in detail.
Security Features – In this screen(Figure 3.3) you are able to set a new password, enable password
protection and control login dialog. There are two possible passwords that you can define: the
Read/Write Password gives users full rights to change the firmware or any configuration parameters. The
Read-Only Password allows a user to perform range testing without having permissions to change the
configuration, useful for operators or technicians who are not in charge of configuration tasks. The two
options for Login Dialog Control are Local Configuration and Wireless Configuration. If Local
Configuration is checked, the EC can be logged into directly through the Ethernet connection. If Wireless
Configuration is checked the EC can be accessed via a Wireless Connection. At least one of these two
boxes must be checked. Click OK to save your entries.
Show Disconnect Message – This option will display a message box when the attached EC has been
disconnected.
Show 128-bit Warning – This option will display a message box warning you, when configuring the EC,
to use a 128-bit WEP Encryption key.
Show IP Address Warning – This option will display a message box when a user tries to configure an
EC for an IP address that is out of the subnet of the Host computer running the Bridge Manager. The
message will be telling the user of this difference in subnets. There are plenty of instances where this is a
legal configuration, so the warning message can be turned off by clearing this button.
Antenna Selection – This option (only available for the Design-In model) allows the user to select which
antenna port on the 802.11b PCMCIA Card to use.
Restore Default Colors – Press this button to return to the default color setting.
Help Menu
An HTML help file system is part of the Bridge Manager. This can be invoked following normal Windows
standards (F1 or Help->Contents menu item.)
For detailed information about how to use the wizard to configure your EC(s) and the meaning of each
parameter on the different screens, Click F1 or the Help->Contents menu item. Under the Contents tab,
select Using the Wizard Manager. Many of the parameters used by the wizard are covered in the next
section (Configuration).
3.4 Configuration
The Configuration screen features three buttons: Ethernet Configuration, Serial Configuration, and
Wireless Configuration.
Controller Name – This field sets a user-friendly name you wish to assign to the EC (up to 32
characters).
IP Address – This field sets the IP address used for both local and wireless Ethernet communication.
Subnet Mask – This field sets the Subnet Mask used for both local and wireless Ethernet communication.
Gateway – This field sets the IP Address of the Gateway (router or firewall). You will need to enter the IP
address of your gateway, particularly if you plan to use the EC to access computers or other EC units
beyond your router or firewall.
MAC Address – This read-only property displays the MAC Address of the EC you are currently
connected to.
Automatically Search for Unknown Ethernet Addresses (ARP) – This option allows to turn on/off ARP
messages or use a predefined (default) MAC Address for unknown routes. This is useful for the handling
of unknown IP packet routes.
Serial Configuration
Although there is an option for Serial configuration, the EtherAnt does not use a serial interface. All
screens for Serial settings should be ignored since they are not applicable. The Bridge Manager grays
this option out.
Profile Name – This field represents an arbitrary identifier for each configuration profile you create (up to
32 characters). The value in this field is for convenience in identifying multiple configuration profiles in the
Bridge Manager. You should use a descriptive name that has relevance to your particular network
environment. Up to 1000 profiles may be stored within the Bridge Manager database. This database is
preserved when the Bridge Manager is upgraded.
Network Type – This field allows you to select the type of network that you will be connecting to. The
only option from the drop-down menu is Wireless Link because you are setting up a wireless (bridged)
network.
Network Name – This field allows you to enter the Network Name (or Extended Service Set Identifier,
ESSID). The Network Name is used to specify a unique IEEE 802.11 wireless network. Wireless stations
use the Network Name to associate. Only devices with the same Network Name will associate with each
other. Alphanumeric values may be used in this field (up to 32 characters).
Channel ID – This field allows you to set the Channel to use for wireless communication.
Partner Name – This field allows you to specify which EC you will be creating a wireless link with. This
field only applies to Wireless Link mode.
Distance – This field allows you to set the range of communication between two ECs in a Wireless Link
environment only. Select Normal Range for links less than 12 miles, or Extended Range for links greater
than 12 miles.
Encryption Enabled – If checked, this allows you to define the encryption keys that the EC should use to
encrypt and decrypt data that will be transmitted via the wireless interface as shown in Figure 3.12. If not
checked, the Encryption function will be disabled.
Encryption Keys 1 through 4– These buttons will bring up a configuration window that allows you to set
up an encryption key (see Figure 3.13).
Use Key – This field allows you to choose which key to use for encryption.
Encryption Type – This field allows you to specify whether to use a 64-bit or a 128-bit encryption key.
For a 128-bit encryption key use a 26-character hex key or a 13-character alphanumeric key. For 64-bit
encryption key, use a 10 character hex key or a 5 character alphanumeric key.
Encryption Formats – The two formats used to develop encryption keys include hexadecimal or
alphanumeric as shown in Figure 3.13. Whichever format you choose, the key that you enter is used in
an encryption algorithm to encode the data that you send. Only another wireless card using the same
key can decode and receive the data. Hexadecimal values are composed of the NULL character (0x00),
0-9, A-F and a-f. Alphanumeric values are composed of all printable ASCII characters.
Encryption keys must be the same for all wireless stations. If you don’t
use the right key, you can establish a radio connection with another station
on your network, but you will not be able to send/receive data. All units
must conform to the least common denominator within the entire network.
CAUTION
NOTE: Any updated configuration settings will be retained even when the EC is powered off. You
can then attach the EC unit to another device using the parameters you have already set.
That device will not need to have the Bridge Manager installed because the settings are
stored in the non-volatile memory of the EC.
3.5 Utilities
Diagnostic Utility (Figure 3.14)
The Diagnostic Utility Screen is invaluable for checking the reliability of the radio link.
Station Name – The name of the EC that you are connected to.
SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) – The ratio measuring the difference between the signal level and the noise
level.
Signal Level – This bar-field displays the amount of signal (in dB) communicated from the Partner EC.
Noise Level – This bar-field displays the amount of ambient interference (in dB) in the wireless
environment.
Partner Name – The name of the EC that you are communicating with.
SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) – The ratio measuring the difference between the signal level and the noise
level.
Signal Level – This bar-field displays the amount of signal (in dB) communicated from the EC you are
connected to.
Noise Level – This bar-field displays the amount of ambient interference (in dB) in the wireless
environment.
Sample Time – This field sets the time interval between diagnostic readings.
Clear – Clicking this button will clear the statistics displayed on the screen.
As diagnostic packets are received, the diagnostic utility screen will update the number of successfully
received packets at each specified rate.
These signal levels are also very useful for aiming the antenna. Adjust the aim such that you get the best
signal strength with the highest possible SNR. The signal levels appear as horizontal bars that change
colors depending on the strength of your signal. Green means an excellent signal; yellow means a good
signal; and red means a poor signal.
If the Partner is an amplified station, the weakest link will be the SNR of your signal into it.
Update Firmware – When you press this button you start the firmware upgrading process. A Flash
Update Progress Screen (Figure 3.16) will appear showing the different steps as they take place. After
the update process ends successfully, the CM will issue a reset command to the EC that will cause the
new program image to be loaded into RAM, and return to the Flash Utility Screen. The Firmware Image
File should reflect the latest version that has been just upgraded.
If the update process fails, the CM displays a warning message clearly stating that the update has failed.
The user should then attempt to log back in via the CM and re-run the update process. After the process
is done and verified, the CM will issue a reset command to the EC that will cause the new program image
to be loaded into RAM, and return to the Select EC Screen. The Firmware Image File should reflect the
latest version that has been just upgraded.
Do not ignore a warning message if the update process fails: this will cause
the firmware to load a faulty image into RAM.
If you power-cycle or turn the unit off after a faulty update, it will cause
the EC to fail and require the unit to be sent back to factory for repair.
Always log back in via the CM and re-run the update process as many times
CAUTION as needed until it is successful before removing power or power-cycling the
unit.
Periodically, new firmware will be available for this device. When it is available, the Flash Utility Screen is
used to load the new firmware. Simply follow the instructions in the center of the screen, and they will
guide you through this process.
The latest firmware can be found at: www.ydi.com/support/downloads.php . (Firmware and Bridge
Manager software are distributed together to ensure synchronized capability and features for smoother
operation.
To flash upgrade, download and install the latest client manager, be sure to uninstall any previous
versions before installing the new one. Select your EC in the scan window. Once it is connected and
initialized go to Utilities, and then go to Flash Utility. Make sure the latest version of firmware is displayed
in the box, then click the Upgrade Firmware button. A dialogue box should appear displaying progress.
NOTE: If you get a failure message, do not power cycle the EC. Instead just keep trying the upgrade until
it goes through. Change the IP address on your PC if necessary. If the power to the EC is removed
before the update is completed successfully, then it will reboot with trashed ROM image, which can only
be fixed at our facilities.
7. I’m entering information in a field of the Bridge Manager and the program does not recognize
it. What’s wrong?
When entering information into the various fields of the Bridge Manager, be aware that those fields are
case-sensitive (upper/lower-case).
11. How many devices can be attached to the EC if I use the ‘”Dynamic MAC Address” selection?
When configuring an EC to use Dynamic MAC Address, make sure that only one device is attached to the
Ethernet port (RJ45). There are very few instances where you will ever want to use Dynamic MAC.