Issue Details
This article explains how to configure a pair of Erbessd gateways in a Main/Extender (repeater) configuration to extend the wireless signal range and reach sensor nodes that are out of the Main gateway's reach.
This procedure applies to wireless operation only; it does not use the gateway's Ethernet port.
Caution: This is not a supported configuration for InsightCM (ICM). Field behavior has not been fully characterized. See Additional Information for details before deploying.
Prerequisites
1. Two Erbessd gateways with firmware version 68 (the version this procedure was validated on).
2. A static IP address already configured on both gateways.
3. Both gateways reachable from the InsightCM server by IP address.
4. For the initial configuration, the sensors and the two gateways should be placed next to each other.
Table of Contents
2. Configure the Extender Gateway
3. Deploy the Extender and Sensors
Instructions/Solution
1. Configure the Main Gateway
1. Open the Config section of the gateway's web interface.
2. Set Repeater Network to Main Gateway.
3. Set Repeater Network Group to A.
4. Save and restart the gateway.
2. Configure the Extender Gateway
The extender is configured as a Subordinate Gateway in the Erbessd interface.
1. Open the Config section of the gateway's web interface.
2. Set Repeater Network to Subordinate Gateway.
3. Set Repeater Network Group to A.
4. Save and restart the gateway.
3. Deploy the Extender and Sensors
1. Verify the mesh connection is established (see Outcome below).
2. Move the extender, along with the sensors, toward the desired location. Monitor that the signal strength does not drop below 25%.
3. Once you have confirmed the signal is stable, begin moving the sensors to their final locations.
As with most wireless networks, avoid obstacles between the gateways where possible. If line of sight can be achieved, it will improve the stability of the network.
Outcome
Once the Main gateway comes back online, a Repeater section appears in the left panel of its web interface.
The Repeater section shows both the Main and extender gateways with their corresponding serial numbers, and displays the extender's signal strength as a percentage. Clicking the Admin interface link opens the extender's web interface.
The extender's LCD screen displays "Connected to mesh" when the mesh link is active. If the extender moves out of range, the screen displays a "not connected" message.
When InsightCM requests a waveform, the Main gateway's interface shows a Subordinate Gateway: Extender_Name (Serial_Number) tag at the top of the sensors that are connected to the extender gateway.
Additional Information
This is not a supported configuration for InsightCM. Behavior in the field has not been fully characterized.
This procedure was tested with Erbessd firmware version 68 and, due to hardware limitations, with only two gateways.
Although Erbessd support states the gateway-to-gateway range should match the gateway-to-sensor range (100 m / 330 ft), testing showed a 50% decrease in signal strength after separating the gateways by only 10 m (33 ft). Plan gateway placement conservatively and validate signal strength on site.
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