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SDX Release Notes 3 - 0 - 4

Uploaded by

hadi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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PRODUCT RELEASE NOTE

RELEASE NOTE for SD 3.0.4 Software Package


(3.0.4 application, 2.0.5 bootloader) SOFTWARE
RELEASE DATE 10-05-2009

©2009 GE MDS LLC., 175 Science Parkway, Rochester, NY 14620 USA


Phone +1 (585) 242-9600, FAX +1 (585) 242-9620, Web: www.microwavedata.com

SD SERIES SOFTWARE PACKAGE UPDATE 3.0.4


This document describes a production release of the SD Series Software Package features.

Introduction
One of the key features of this radio is the SD Packet Mode of operation. In this mode payload data from
serial and Ethernet interfaces is assembled into packets and transmitted over the air. Packet mode supports
transparent Ethernet bridging, “Listen Before Transmit” CSMA, AES 128-bit encryption, and Multi-host
operation. This mode is ideal for networks containing all SD radios.

SD Packet Mode supports a bridged Ethernet mode of operation, targeted at providing transparent end-to-end
transfer of protocols typically transferred via Ethernet such as ARP, ICMP, and IP protocols. This feature
must be used with the understanding the SD radio is optimized for poll-response data acquisition and does
not provide media access and control features such as collision detection, retries, etc. Instead, a user-
configurable “Listen Before Transmit” CSMA feature is provided to minimize collisions.

The SD can also run in transparent mode, which is over the air compatible with MDS x710 transceivers while
supporting payload data on the Ethernet interface. This mode is ideal for mixed networks containing SD and
MDS x710 radios. It allows currently deployed x710 networks to add the ability to support Ethernet data.

The other mode of operation is “x710 Mode” which is directly compatible with MDS x710 (4710 or 9710)
transceivers, and the same core command set is used in all models. It provides drop-in compatibility for
systems containing a mix of new SD radios and legacy MDS x710 units.

Features
The SD family is a new-generation radio designed to meet the needs of today’s industrial wireless networks.
It offers the following features in one hardware platform:
• Software-configurable via built-in menu system
• IP/Ethernet and dual serial functionality (RS-232 and RS-485)
• Secure AES 128-bit encryption of payload data
• “Listen Before Transmit” CSMA
• Over-the-air reprogramming—no unnecessary trips to radio sites
• Industry-leading, long range communication
• Licensed, 5-watt design, minimizes interference risks
• Configurable as a Remote or Master station (simplex only)
• Low power “sleep mode”—ideal for solar use
• Modes of operation that are compatible with MDS x710 radios

MDS SD Series Release Note 1 of 3


NOTE:
Some features may not be available on all units, depending on the options purchased and regulatory
constraints for the region in which the radio will operate.

SD Packet Mode provides a significant number of features not possible in an x710 transparent radio, which
support streams of data. Specifically:
• Packetization
• Encryption (AES 128)
• Multi-host arbitration
• Multi-port data
• High Efficiency IP Polling (UDP / TCP-client / TCP-Server) using “IP Payload Ports”
• Port routing using Virtual Radio Channels (VRCs)
• Transparent Ethernet bridge
• “Listen Before Transmit” (LBT) CSMA

Changes since 2.2.7


• Addition of high speed modem selections including:
MODEM 9600N (Narrower BW version of std 9600)
MODEM 19200N (Narrower BW version of std 19200)
MODEM 19200E (Narrower BW version of std 19200,ETSI)
• Addition of backward compatible modem selections including:
Bell
4800B
9600B
V.23
• Transparent Ethernet bridge, with filtering options, to support pass-through of Ethernet protocols
• Listen Before Transmit (LBT) for collision avoidance
• Increased the number of configurable “IP Payload Ports” to 3
• Virtual Radio Channels (VRCs) to be used for port routing of IP Payload and/or Serial data. Up to 3
VRCs supported
• Support for up to 2 simultaneous telnet sessions for SD management (access to the user interface)

Issues Resolved since 3.0.3


• When sleep mode is enabled, RS485 operation on COM2, keying on RTS, and PTT do not operate
properly after the SD wakes up from sleep.
• When operating in X710 mode with DEVICE CTS KEY operation, the CTS line may drop
prematurely.

Issues Resolved since 2.2.7


• Special menu prompts, requiring user input, may not time out to the login prompt.
• Exporting configuration information via TFTP may cause a console lockup.

Unsupported Features
• The SD does not support 9600B Synchronous.
• DLINK and OTA Reprogramming is supported w/ B-Modems in “Intrusive” mode only.
• DLINK and OTA Reprogramming not supported w/ B-Modems when using 7-bit data (7N1).

MDS SD Series Release Note 2 of 3


Operational Notes
• Special Instructions for Upgrading Firmware from 1.3.x
1. Be sure to be running from Image 1. If not reboot to run Image 1
2. TFTP the new image into Image 2
3. Reboot to Image 2
4. Copy Image 2 to Image 1 (to avoid future confusion)
• Applications such as NetView and InSite will expect that the SD radio be in DLINK mode. When
completing any configuration activity be sure to press “Q” and verify that the “root” radio reports
“...going into dlink mode”
• Remote reprogramming in “Intrusive” mode requires the host to stop ALL polling activities
(including NMS applications) until reprogramming has completed.
• When using and SDA with an x790B, you must configure the x790B for continuous key operation
(CKEY ON). When bench testing, you must ensure a 50ms delay between polls to the same unit.
• When configuring COM2 baud and/or format via a telnet session, a reboot is required before the
change will take effect. To reboot the radio, use the “reboot” command at the command line, or
reboot from the ‘Local Reprogram’ menu under ‘Maintenance / Tools’.

Known Errata
The following are known issues that exist in this release of the software.
• When an SD is configured for B modem operation (9600B, 4800B, BELL), the RSSI command may
provide inaccurate and inconsistent values during polling.
• Running an SD4 with an x790 using DLINK, the NMS application (e.g. InSite) must use a retry of 2
to ensure proper operation.
• Ethernet frames smaller than 43 bytes get may get delayed before being transmitted out the Ethernet
port. This issue will only be evident when fragmenting Ethernet packets larger than 1500 bytes.
Remote reprogramming in “Passive” mode will see increased polling error rates and may require a higher
number of retries in order to complete successfully.
•

MDS SD Series Release Note 3 of 3

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