Wireless Mesh Network Concepts and Best Practices Guide

Wireless Mesh Network
Concepts and Best Practices Guide
2010, Schneider Electric

All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, read or stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise, without prior written permission of Schneider Electric.
This document is produced in the United States of America.
Product Names are trademarks of Schneider Electric. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
Title: Wireless Mesh Networking Concepts and Best Practices Guide
Revision: C
Date: November, 2010
Schneider Electric part number: 30-3001-912
For bCX1 40x0 BACnet controllers running software version 4.5
and bCX1 9640 Infinet controllers running software version 1.2
The information in this document is furnished for informational purposes only, is subject
to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Schneider
Electric. Schneider Electric assumes no liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in this document.
Schneider Electric
One High Street
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 975-9600
Fax: (978) 975-9782
http://www.schneider-electric.com/buildings
Wireless Mesh Network Concepts

and Best Practices Guide
30-3001-912
Revision C
November, 2010
Contents
Chapter 1
About this Manual .................................................................

Introduction to Wireless ......................................................
Networks are Evolving ...................................................................
Traditional Hard-Wired Networks .................................................
LANs ..............................................................................................
Internet ..........................................................................................
Overview of Wireless Networks .....................................................
Wireless Terminology ...................................................................
Successful Wireless Communication ...........................................
Wireless propagation changes over time ...................................
Background noise ........................................................................
Obstacles in proximity with the network ..................................
Changes in link quality ..............................................................
Minimized propagation delay in wireless networks ..................
Network Topologies .......................................................................
Point to Point ..............................................................................
Point to Multipoint ......................................................................
Star Network Topology ...............................................................
Advantages of star networks ....................................................
Disadvantages of star networks ...............................................
Mesh Network Topology .............................................................
Design Considerations for Wireless Mesh Networks ....................
Reliability and Adaptability .........................................................
Scalability ......................................................................................
Redundancy ...................................................................................
Self-Configuring ............................................................................
Self-Healing ...................................................................................
Self-Discovery and Automatic Routing ........................................
Proactive discovery .....................................................................
On-demand discovery .................................................................
Single path routing .....................................................................
Dynamic routing .........................................................................
Wireless Network Installation and Operational Benefits ............
Wireless Mesh Network Concepts and Best Practices Guide
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5
Table of Contents
Installation ....................................................................................
Distributed Control .......................................................................
Monitoring and Maintenance .......................................................
Maintenance considerations .......................................................
Chapter 2
Appendix A
28
28
29
30
The Andover Continuum Wireless Solution ......................
33
Andover Continuum Wireless Technology ....................................
34
Overview ........................................................................................
34
Continuum Wireless Devices .......................................................
35
Wireless Adapter .........................................................................
35
Wireless Repeater .......................................................................
36
Wireless Maintenance Tool ..........................................................
37
Wireless Adapter Display ...........................................................
38
Wireless Adapter Table ..............................................................
39
Adapter Service Cable and Service Software ............................
39
Preventing RF Interference with Other Wireless Devices .........
39
Schneider Electric Wireless Adapter/Repeater RF Channel Considerations ...........................................................................................
40
Guidelines for CyberStation Wireless Control ..............................
42
CyberStation Wireless CommPort Control .................................
42
Setting the CommPort ................................................................
42
Performing a Learn Process .......................................................
44
CyberStation Control of Wireless Network Traffic .....................
45
Wireless Network Traffic and Data Collection Methods ..........
45
Wireless Network Traffic and APDU Timeouts ........................
46
CyberStation Control of Guaranteed Alarms (BACnet) .............
46
Guidelines for Designing Your Wireless Solution .........................
48
Major Design Factors ....................................................................
49
Site Surveys ..................................................................................
49
Adapter and Repeater Placement ................................................
50
New Wireless Installations ..........................................................
51
Replacing Older Networks ...........................................................
51
Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Controls and Dos

and Dont s ............................................................................
53
Questions and Answers about Wireless Controls .........................
Dos and Donts of Wireless ..........................................................
6 Schneider Electric
54
57
About this Manual
This manual provides a brief introduction to wireless networking and

how the technology is applied, as an Andover Continuum solution, to
control a network of HVAC controllers.
The discussion begins with acknowledging the traditional hard-wired
networks, such as local area networks (LANs) and the Internet, that we
use everyday.
Then, the manual introduces the concept of a wireless network and
presents an overview of wireless network components, different types
of wireless networks, and the benefits of wireless over hard-wired
networks.
And finally, the manual describes the Andover Continuum application
of wireless technology for controlling and deploying a wireless HVAC
solution. The Andover Continuum solution results in cost reductions for
installation, maintenance and distributed control over hard-wired
HVAC controllers and devices.
Wireless Mesh Networking Concepts and Best Practices Guide
About this Manual
Chapter 1
Introduction to Wireless
This chapter contains the following topics:

z
Networks are Evolving
Traditional Hard-Wired Networks
Overview of Wireless Networks
Design Considerations for Wireless Mesh Networks
Wireless Network Installation and Operational Benefits
Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless
Networks are Evolving

Within the past 40 years, networking technology has undergone
significant changes, and yet the primary mission of a network has
remained the same, to share information.
When IBM introduced the SNA architecture, we saw the network as a
means to record and distribute information from a large central
mainframe. We typed in an entire page of information using a dumb
terminal and pressed the Enter key to deliver it while we waited for the
mainframe to respond with a new page of fields and values.
Later, as PCs were introduced and became more powerful, the concept
of a de-centralized distributed network was considered a more flexible
architecture. Networks of servers and workstations could be small,
medium or large, and provide all the software applications, tailored to a
companys, institutions, or organizations needs.
As networks evolved, we found we could use networks to capture
information from individual devices and controllers in dispersed
locations, and then add their input to our existing network traffic to
help us automate and monitor these devices centrally.
The rise of the Internet multiplied the initial decentralized distributed
network concept into a world wide network of data, images and
applications.
Throughout this evolution, equipment, computing power,
communication protocols, and applications have grown and networks
have become the standard application for sharing information across
an almost unlimited amount of applications and geographical
boundaries.
This chapter discusses how to use the next evolution of network
technology wireless mesh technology to help improve the
automation and control of a dedicated HVAC network, while also
saving costs and the overhead expenses of a typical hard-wired
network.
Traditional Hard-Wired Networks

Although wireless technology is relatively new, a wireless network is
not that much different from two of the most common types of network
we are all familiar with today: a Local Area Network (LAN), and the
Internet.
The following paragraphs provide a brief review of LAN and Internet
concepts.
LANs
When many of us boot up our computer, we are automatically
connected to our companys or organizations LAN. Most LANs cover a
small geographical area, such as a building or campus, and include
individual PCs and workstations that are referred to as nodes. Each
node has its own CPU and can execute programs individually, while
also having the option of using programs and accessing data from
servers anywhere on the network.
LANs are capable of transmitting data at very fast rates, but the
distances are limited, and there is also a limit to the number of
computers that can be attached to a single LAN.
There are many different types of LANs. The following characteristics
differentiate one LAN from another:
z
Topology The structure used to connect devices on a network.

For example, devices can be arranged in a ring or a straight line.
Protocols The rules and encoding specifications. Protocols also

determine whether the network uses peer-to-peer or client/server
architecture.
Media Devices can be connected by twisted-pair cables, coaxial

cables, fiber optic cables or by wireless connections.
11
Internet
The Internet is a network of networks in which users at any one
computer can, if they have permission, send and receive information to
or from any other computer connected to the Internet.
The Internet is a public, cooperative, and self-sustaining facility
accessible to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Physically, the
Internet uses a portion of the existing public telecommunications
networks.
Technically, the Internet uses a set of protocols called TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Private sections of
the Internet, such as intranets and extranets, also use the TCP/IP
protocol.
The most commonly used features of the Internet are:
World Wide Web Using a Web browser, such as Microsoft

Internet Explorer, you can access millions of pages of information
that are instantly cross referenced using clickable hypertext
links.
Electronic mail (email) Allows you to send and receive short,

written notes to other computer users.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Telephony hardware and

software allows real-time voice conversations over the Internet.
Overview of Wireless Networks

This section describes an overview of wireless networks, with a brief
introduction to several types of wireless network topologies and the
benefits and features of each design.
Wireless Terminology
Wireless technology is based upon embedding RF components (lowcost, low-power radios and microcontrollers) directly into a product.
Embedded RF uses high quality, low-cost, radio frequency integrated
circuit (RFIC) technology.
The following definitions describe some basic wireless terminology:
z
Node An addressable device on a wireless network. The wireless

node can sometimes be defined as both an adapter and a controller.
The distance between each node is called a hop.
The following illustration is a representation of a Schneider
Electric wireless node.
Repeater A node that strengthens a mesh network.
Link In a mesh network, a link is a single hop relationship

between neighbor nodes. A link is duplex and travels in two
directions.
13
Link Strength The quality of the reception signal from a

neighbor node.
Link Quality Indicator Link strength and other factors that

indicate a nodes ability to receive error free messages.
Asymmetric Link A link where one side has drastically poorer

reception quality than the other side. Reasons for this type of link
include loud noise near the node with the poorest reception, multipath problems in one direction or power output differences.
The following illustration shows a representation of wireless repeaters

and links in a typical Andover Continuum mesh network.
Successful Wireless Communication

Despite the benefits of wireless communication, there are undeniable
challenges for all wireless networks. Perhaps the most difficult
challenge is with signal propagation. These challenges are described in
the following paragraphs.
Wireless propagation changes over time

Propagation fluctuates moment by moment due to changing natural
and manmade conditions. For example, links in a factory that appear
strong and reliable during deployment may be rendered completely
unusable after the installation of a new industrial machine.
Background noise
All communication depends on separating the useful radio signal from
the background noise, and when there is a lot of background noise, it is
difficult to get signal through.
The ambient noise level is due primarily to atmospheric conditions and
local noise sources. In actual deployments the noise floor is varying
constantly, and the intensity of the noise can rise and fall by tens of
decibels. Very often, this is the major reason for changes in link quality.
Obstacles in proximity with the network

Propagation can vary due to obstacles moving in and out of proximity
with the network. For example, networks set up in modern office
buildings can vary dramatically when cubicles are rearranged.
RF is affected by walls, doors, windows, concrete, metal objects, and
even people. The higher the frequency, the greater the impact; most
importantly, the greatest impact is on range limitation.
Sometimes an obstacle is obvious, such as when a delivery truck blocks
an access point. At other times, an obstacle is more subtle, such as
when reflective surfaces, such as water pipes, create multiple pathways
for the radio waves. This condition is called multipath, and it can
degrade link quality through destructive interference of the signal
traveling via two paths of different lengths.
15
Changes in link quality

Changes in link quality can lead to variations in signal propagation.
There are many causes for changes in link quality, such as the
following:
z
The performance of outdoor wireless networks can change

significantly from sunny weather to rain or from summer to winter.
Changes in temperature, relative humidity, and even atmospheric
events like sunspots can alter RF signal quality.
Wireless networks are susceptible to interference from electronic

devices such as, office equipment, Wi-Fi hotspots, cell phones,
rotating machinery, and microwave ovens. The most likely service
degradation arises from multipath reception, described in the
previous section.
Wireless networks may perform well at night when the building is

empty, but marginally when the workers arrive. The human body is
essentially a water-filled obstruction to an RF network.
Minimized propagation delay in wireless networks

Fluctuations in signal quality cannot be prevented, but you can use a
number of strategies to reduce its impact on signal propagation. For
example:
z
Reduce link distances between nodes
Increase transmitter power
Use better antennas
Add nodes to produce alternate (redundant) pathways
Low power, multi-hop networks take advantage of the highly localized

nature of propagation changes by designing alternate message
pathways with dynamic routing. Using embedded RF, acceptable levels
of network reliability can be achieved with lower-cost devices.
Network Topologies
A wireless network can have different topologies, or organizations,
depending on the ways in which messages need to flow from one node
to another. A topology is established, based on answers to fundamental
questions, such as:
z
Will a number of sensors report their controller data to an

aggregation point?
What happens if a message destination is out of range of the

message originator?
How will messages be relayed?
How will the network recover from the loss of a route?
This section covers the following links and topologies:

z
Point to point links
Point to multipoint links
Star networks
Mesh networks
Note: Andover Continuum wireless networks are mesh networks. (See
Mesh Networks, later in this section.) However, this section

presents an overview of all wireless topologies to give you a basic
understanding of whats typically used today in wireless
applications.
17
Point to Point
A point-to-point link, also called a wireless bridge, connects two nodes.
It serves as a wireless replacement for a single communication cable, as
shown below.
Point-to-point links can communicate reliably, as long as the two nodes

are located close enough to one another to escape the effects of RF
interference and signal path loss. As with all wireless communication,
if a reliable connection is not achieved initially, it is sometimes possible
to relocate the radios or boost the transmit power to achieve the desired
result.
Point to Multipoint
Point-to-multipoint links, also called a hub and spoke, have one centralpoint node that controls communication with all of the other wireless
nodes in the network. Signals in point-to-multipoint communication
converge at the central-point node. The reliability of this
communication depends on the quality of the RF link between the
central point and endpoint. Point-to-point communication is used in
star network topology. (See Star Network Topology, later in this
section.)
Star Network Topology

Networks based on star topology provide efficient, localized (one hop)
communication. In these networks, a hub node arbitrates all
communication with other nodes. All traffic to and from end nodes
flows through the hub. The following diagram shows star network
topology.
An example of a star network topology would be a Wi-Fi network where

the access point is the hub and a laptop may be a node.
19
Advantages of star networks

Star networks are simple to implement. Because the central node
arbitrates all communications within the star, routing and multipleaccess problems become very simple to manage. Timing control is
centralized, so it is easy to analyze. Nodes transmit directly to the
master. Properly-designed applications can use most of the bandwith
available on the radio.
Disadvantages of star networks

Since the central node must interact with every node, the central nodes
radio limits the geographic spread of the network. Also, when physical
or RF interference blocks communication between the access point and
any of the nodes, the network cannot recover until the source of
interference is removed.
Mesh Network Topology

Note: Andover Continuum wireless networks are mesh networks. (See
also Chapter 2.)
Mesh (multi-hop) networks are different from Star networks because

every node can communicate with any other node or multiple nodes
within the network. This form of communication is called routing.
A node can send and receive messages, but in a mesh network, a node
also functions as a router and can relay messages for its neighbors.
Through this relaying process, a packet of wireless data finds its way to
its ultimate destination, passing through intermediate nodes and
repeaters with reliable communication links.
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless mesh network.

(See also, Chapter 2.)
Routing involves relaying messages among multiple, interim nodes

when messages are communicated from a sending node to a destination
node. For example, if Node A needs to send a message to Node E, then
this type of communication allows it to get relayed (routed) through
Nodes B, C, D and so on. Routing is used in mesh network topology.
(See Self-discovery and automatic routing, later in this section.)
21
Design Considerations for Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networks for the HVAC/building controls industry
consist primarily of wireless control and sensor networks.
Characteristics of these networks include:
z
Low data rates controllers send sensor data, providing

information like temperature, pressure, and flow
Low cost when compared to the cost of hard wiring
Low power consumption low-power radios and microcontrollers are imbedded directly into a product
The design objectives for control and sensing networks are reliability,
adaptability, scalability and redundancy.
The following sections describe these important design considerations:
z
Reliability
Adaptability
Scalability
Redundancy
Self-configuring
Self-healing
Self-discovery and automatic routing
Reliability and Adaptability

Wireless systems must be just as reliable as traditional copper wire.
Depending on the application, dropped data can result in anything
from a disruptive glitch to a devastating failure.
The network should adapt to the existing environment. The
environment should not have to be altered to make the system
wireless ready.
In the wireless world, the network should integrate seamlessly with

the environment. A key attribute of a good wireless network is that
daily work activities and the facility layout are not a concern. A mesh
network can actually be more reliable than a wired network.
Scalability
Any network, wired or wireless, should scale gracefully as the number
of nodes increases. A mesh network is scalable by adding freestanding
repeater nodes in the middle of the network. A mesh network can
handle hundreds of nodes.
Since the operation of a mesh network does not depend on a central
control point, adding multiple data collection points or gateways is not
that different than adding another node to the mesh.
Redundancy
In a mesh network, the degree of redundancy is essentially a function
of node density. In an ideal mesh network, a node should have several
overlapping neighbors so that each device has two or more paths for
sending data. This is an easier way of obtaining redundancy than is
possible in most other types of systems.
Self-Configuring
A network should not need a person to tell it how to move a packet from
one end to the other. A mesh network is self-organizing and does not
require manual configuration.
Because it is self-configuring, adding new gear or relocating gear is as
simple as installing a wireless node and turning it on. The network
discovers the new node and automatically incorporates it into the
network without the need for a system administrator.
23
Self-Healing
Mesh networks are both self-configuring and self-healing. If a device in
a mesh network fails, messages are sent around it via other devices.
Loss of one or more nodes does not necessarily affect its operation.
A mesh network is also self-healing because human intervention is not
necessary for re-routing messages.
Self-Discovery and Automatic Routing

Automatic network analysis through link and route discovery are the
distinguishing features of self-healing networks. Through discovery,
networks establish one or more routes between the originator and the
recipient of a message. Through route evaluation, networks detect
route failures, trigger renewed discovery, and in some cases select
the best route available for a given message.
Wireless self-healing networks have several options for discovery and
routing:
z
Proactive discovery
On-demand discovery
Single path routing
Dynamic routing
The choice of discovery and routing schemes affects network latency,

throughput, resource needs, and power consumption in varying
amounts.
Proactive discovery
Proactive discovery causes routes to be discovered before messages
need to be routed. They assume that link breakages and performance
changes are always happening and are structured to continuously
discover and reinforce optimal linkages.
Any node in the mesh is always on, so as to forward or route

messages. Proactive discovery refreshes routes at a rate that, if done
properly, does not strain the available bandwidth. Also, because the
network is always on, it is more difficult to conserve power.
Note: Andover Continuum uses proactive discovery.
On-demand discovery
On-demand discovery networks, by contrast, only establish routes that
are requested by higher-level software, and only discover routes when
needed. This allows nodes to conserve power and bandwidth and keeps
the network fairly free of traffic.
However, if between transmissions the link quality between nodes has
degraded, it can take on-demand networks longer to reconfigure and
deliver a message.
Single path routing

Network algorithms that choose single path routing for messages
single out a specific route for a given source-destination pair.
Sometimes the entire end-to-end route is predetermined. Sometimes,
its just the next hop that is known.
25
The illustration below shows end-to-end single path routing.
The advantage of single path routing is that it cuts down on traffic,

bandwith use, and power use. If only one node at a time needs to
receive the packet, others can stop listening after they hear that theyre
not the recipient.
The disadvantage of single path routing is high latency or even nondelivery. If any links along the route are degraded or broken, the
packet will not get through, and depending on the maintenance
scheme, it can take a long time for the network to recover enough to
build a new route.
Dynamic routing
Dynamic routing takes advantage of the broadcast nature of the
wireless medium. Messages are forwarded to the ultimate destination
using the path of least resistance. Upon receiving a packet
transmission, the neighbor that has the least cost to the ultimate
destination, forwards the packet first, while the other neighbors,
receiving the repeated packet do not forward the transmission. The
updated cost is included in the transmission, so nodes that have an
equal or greater cost do not forward the packet. Cost refers to the
number of hops (and signal strength) to reach a specified destination.
The illustration below shows an example of dynamic routing.
If a node along the optimal route is unable to forward the message,

because it is busy or offline, dynamic routing will allow the message to
flow along a different route.
Note: Andover Continuum uses dynamic routing.
27
Wireless Network Installation and Operational Benefits

This section summarizes the benefits of installing and using wireless
networks.
Installation
The most obvious benefit of installing a wireless system is the cost
savings from not having to install wiring. Using an RF communication
link to emulate wire saves greatly on the cost of wiring.
Another benefit of installing a wireless system is the speed of
deployment. Wired systems can take days or weeks to be properly
installed, isolated, or commissioned. Wireless networks require only
the nodes to be installed, savings hours or days for each instrument
installed. Other instruments can be added as required, without the
need for expensive, disruptive cabling and labor.
Finally, since wireless mesh networks are self-configuring, you
eliminate the need for high level system administration.
Distributed Control
Wireless, multi-hop, mesh networks provide a unique opportunity to
use distributed control.
The control of the wireless system is distributed throughout the
network, allowing intelligent peers to communicate directly to other
points on the network without having to be routed through some
central point.
The illustration below shows an example of distributed control in a

wireless mesh network.
Monitoring and Maintenance

Wireless, multi-hop, mesh networks simplify the diagnostic monitoring
of devices because the monitoring can occur outside the normal control
loop and wireless communication can be sent to notify maintenance
personnel of any abnormal operation of the device.
29
For example, consider the schematic of a sensor control loop shown in

the following illustration.
In this control loop, an additional signal is extracted and analyzed

during the course of normal operation of the sensor. As the sensor
operates, the signal is monitored for abnormalities without affecting
the sensors operation. If an abnormal signal or trend is observed, an
alert is triggered.
The major benefit of using a wireless link for on-board monitoring is
that the monitoring link remains independent of the control loop. Data
can be routed dynamically to similar wireless devices. Surrounding
devices can respond to the alert from the failing device, even as the
alert is being sent to maintenance personnel.
Maintenance considerations
Another benefit of wireless systems is that maintenance personnel can
directly connect to diagnostic output without running wires. For
example, this could eliminate a huge task in the case of a tank level
sensor in a large storage tank, or a temperature probe at the top of a
tower stack.
In a wireless, multi-hop mesh network, maintenance personnel can get

data via any wireless device on the network. By using a diagnostic
device with additional processing power (such as a laptop computer or
handheld diagnostic device) maintenance personnel can check on
configuration and other information about any node on the network.
31
Chapter 2
The Andover Continuum Wireless
Solution
This chapter contains the following topics:

z
Andover Continuum Wireless Technology
Guidelines for CyberStation Wireless Control
Guidelines for Designing Your Wireless Solution
33
Chapter 2: The Andover Continuum Wireless Solution
Andover Continuum Wireless Technology

Overview
This section presents an overview of Andover Continuum wireless
technology. For complete information, please see the documentation
that is referenced in this chapter.
Building automation companies looking for an energy-efficient,
competitive edge are developing wireless network products for the
complex internal HVAC, lighting, and safety systems of urban
buildings.
Andover Continuums building automation control system has
developed wireless technology that consists of the following
components and communication concepts:
Wireless devices (adapters and repeaters) that allow users to create

a wireless mesh network segment connecting BACnet (b3) or
Infinet II (i2) controllers with each other.
A Wireless Maintenance Tool (WMT) to help users design and

maintain a stable and robust wireless mesh network. The WMT
includes a service cable and related service software.
CyberStation software attributes to configure a controllers

communication port as wireless and a learn process to discover
and integrate wireless controllers seamlessly into a Continuum
network. CyberStation can also minimize wireless network traffic
via controls that govern data collection, data polling, and
application protocol data units (APDU) transmission timeouts.
Andover Continuum supports up to 32 b3 or i2 wireless field bus

controller nodes per bCX1 controller. You can add additional bCX1
controllers to expand the wireless network by multiples of 32
wireless field controllers. (See the illustration on the next page.)
An internal routing table in the bCX1 controller relays messages

from other controllers on the Ethernet (outside the wireless mesh
network) to the field bus controllers in the wireless mesh network.
Continuum Wireless Devices

Continuum wireless devices allow Continuum controllers to
communicate with other controllers across a wireless field bus mesh
network. The Andover Continuum Wireless Adapter is a single device
that can perform two roles adapter and repeater.
The following illustration shows a wireless field bus mesh network.
Workstation
Ethernet
bCX Controller
Wireless
Adapter
Wireless
Adapter
i2/b3 Controller
Wireless
Adapter
Wireless
Repeater
Wireless
Repeater
i2/b3 Controller
Wireless
Adapter
Wireless
Adapter
Wireless
Adapter
i2/b3 Controller
i2/b3 Controller
i2/b3 Controller
Note: Each bCX1 controller Adapter up to 32 field bus controller nodes
(i2 or b3).
Wireless Adapter
As a Wireless Adapter, the device is attached to the RS-485 Service
(Comm) Port of the BACnet/Infinet bCX1 controllers, Infinet II (i2)
field bus controllers, and BACnet (b3) field bus controllers. This allows
the field bus controller to communicate with other controllers across a
wireless mesh network.
35
The Wireless Adapter replaces the normal hard-wired network

connection between controllers, and allows controllers to function as if
a hard-wired network connection was in place with some limitations.
Power to the Wireless Adapter is supplied by the controller.
The illustration below shows a Wireless Adapter connected to a
controller.
INPUT POWER
24
VAC40
50/60
VA
12-28
HZ
VDC 25
W
LINK/AC
T 10/10
0Mbp
s
ETHERNET
10/100
BASE T
N( )
L ( )
Supplied 6 foot cable
RD
BACNET (GREEN)
INFINET
(YELLOW)
CPU
SERVICE
PORT
T
D
RESTART
M
M
P
PORT
1
RS-232
(DTE)
DC
D
RTS
RD
T
D
* Adapters with 25 foot

cables are also available
xP EXP
PORT
2 VD
4 4C00m
A
COMM
RS-48
5
SHL
D
R
T
Controller
RS- 485 Service Port

RS 23
2
Wireless
Adapter
Wireless Repeater
As a Wireless Repeater, the device is used to provide redundant links
between Wireless Adapters connected to field bus controllers. When
used as a Wireless Repeater, the device is not connected to a controller,
and can be installed anywhere.
A repeater may be needed when there are long distances between
wireless-enabled controllers, to add additional network paths for
redundancy, or to compensate for obstacles, such as pipes or walls that
can attenuate or weaken the wireless signal between controllers.
The repeater requires a 3.3 5 VDC 5%, 75 mA power supply.
Note: To order the Repeater power supply from Schneider Electric, use
part number WL-RPTR-PS.
The following illustration shows a Wireless Repeater connected to a

power supply.
For more information, please see the Andover Continuum Wireless

Adapter/Repeater Installation Instructions, 30-3001-887.
Wireless Maintenance Tool

The Wireless Maintenance Tool (WMT) is a Windows-based application
that shows you a wireless mesh network of adapters and repeaters in
an interactive graphic display. From the display, you can gather
information and monitor the communication details and signal
strengths for each Wireless Adapter and connection.
You can also use the WMT to change the Wireless Adapter settings for
transmission power, RF channel, and PAN ID. You can also update the
adapter firmware from the WMT.
37
The following illustration shows the graphical user interface for the
WMT.
The user interface is divided into two main areas:

z
Wireless Adapter Display (the graphical window)
Wireless Adapter Table (the table below the graphical window)
Wireless Adapter Display

This area graphically displays the Wireless Adapters within the mesh
network and indicates their connectivity levels with neighbor adapters.
When you right-click on any host or adapter icon, you can filter the
display or access the properties for that adapter. You can move icons
with the cursor or the Nudge tools. You can also add background
images or floor plans to accurately reflect the location of each adapter.
Indicators at the bottom of the user interface display the following
data: online/offline status, filter status, number of connections, and the
IP network address of the Schneider Electric controller that is the
entry point into the wireless mesh network.
Wireless Adapter Table

The Wireless Adapter Table lists each adapter in the Wireless Adapter
display area, along with all their property values. You can select each
property and access object menus to filter the table and view or edit the
properties of the selected Wireless Adapter.
Adapter Service Cable and Service Software

The Adapter Service Cable and Service Software that is embedded in
the Wireless Adapter enable you to make changes to selected Wireless
Adapter properties and to upload new adapter firmware. The cable and
software are available in addition to the WMT for changing Wireless
Adapter settings and updating firmware.
You may want to use them to specify settings in Wireless Adapters that
are not yet online in your mesh network or that are unable to
communicate with other Wireless Adapters in the network.
Preventing RF Interference with Other Wireless Devices

When you are planning the installation of a wireless building
automation system (BAS) it is necessary to consider the possibility of
interference with other wireless devices and systems in the building.
Most BAS wireless devices utilize the IEEE 802.15.4 standard
(including ZigBee), while wireless local area computer networks utilize
the IEEE 802.11 standard (also known as Wi-Fi). Because both
networks occupy the unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical 2.4
Ghz band, interference among them can occur when they are in close
proximity and/or when their deployment is ungoverned by a channel
utilization plan.
Both the IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 protocols are based on the
carrier-sense multiple-access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) channel
access method. Using this method, each node listens for another nodes
carrier before transmitting a request to assert itself as the transmitting
node. All nodes of that protocol within receiving distance refrain from
transmitting for a random period of time (defined by the applicable
IEEE standard), thus allowing the transmitting node to occupy the
channel.
39
Because IEEE 802.11 RTS messages are protocol-specific, they are not
understood by IEEE 802.14.5 nodes and vice versa. However, if an
802.11 node and an 802.14.5 node transmit at the same time on the
same channel, they will interfere with each other. This is how
interference between the two networks can occur.
Testing shows the two factors that affect the performance of IEEE
802.14.5 networks in the presence of Wi-Fi are:
z
Proximity to the Wi-Fi nodes
Traffic volume on the Wi-Fi network
Schneider Electric Wireless Adapter/Repeater RF Channel

Considerations
The default radio frequency (RF) channel for the Schneider Electric
Wireless Adapter/Repeater is 25, but you can change the RF channel.
Schneider Electric chose channel 25 because the frequency is beyond
the frequencies of commonly used Wi-Fi channels, eliminating many
potential conflicts.
Other suggested alternative RF channel selections include:
z
Channels 15 and 20, which are clear channels between common

Wi-Fi channels
Channel 26, which is beyond the frequencies of commonly used

Wi-Fi channels but has a maximum power limitation of 0 dBm
(Most other Schneider Electric Wireless Adapter/Repeater channels
have a maximum power limit of 6 dBm.)
The following illustration shows a comparison between the IEEE

802.14.5 RF channels and common Wi-Fi RF channels.
41
Guidelines for CyberStation Wireless Control

The following sections present some general information about the
ways in which Andover Continuum CyberStation software controls a
wireless network.
CyberStation Wireless CommPort Control

There are two CyberStation software attributes for wireless networks:
z
The comm port on your on your network controller must have the
Default Mode set to Wireless.
The software must Learn (discover and integrate) all the network
controllers into a Continuum network.
These attributes are set using the CommPort editor in CyberStation.

Note: You need configuration privileges in CyberStation to configure a
controller or comm port.
Setting the CommPort

When you create a controller object, CyberStation automatically
creates appropriate comm port objects for each of the comm ports of
that controller. You need to change the default communication mode
for the comm port to which the Wireless Adapter is connected.
In CyberStation, open Continuum Explorer, and then double click the
controller comm port you need to edit. In the General tab of the
CommPort editor, select Wireless for Default Mode, as shown in the
following illustration.
For more information, please see CommPort Editor topics in the

CyberStation online help.
43
Performing a Learn Process

When Wireless is selected for Default Mode in the General tab of
the CommPort editor, the Learn button is enabled in the Settings tab
of the same editor, as shown in the following illustration.
Note: The baud rate settings on this tab are not enabled. The baud
rate for wireless transmission is set automatically by the

adapter firmware.
Click the Learn button to discover controllers that have been deployed
with Wireless Adapters. When the learn process completes, youll be
able to see the controllers on the Field Bus Controllers tab of the
CommPort editor.
For more information, please see CommPort Editor topics in the

CyberStation Control of Wireless Network Traffic

Data traffic on a wireless mesh network can also be controlled by
CyberStation using one of the following methods:
z
Data collection
APDU (application protocol data unit) transmission timeouts
Wireless Network Traffic and Data Collection Methods

As with a wired network, it is necessary to consider and if needed,
adjust how the changing values of objects are transmitted on a
wireless mesh network. The right data collection method can minimize
network traffic. First, perform an assessment of how data will be
changing, how frequently data will be changing, and how much
memory will be used for any given application whether you have a lot
of changing points on graphics panels, and so on.
In CyberStation, there are two general methods for collecting data:
z
Change of Value (COV) Data is collected as values change. (You

can set an incremental threshold for data collection.)
Periodic polling An object is polled for its value at a specified

interval.
COV The COV method (available only for BACnet objects, such as
AnalogInput, AnalogOutput, and AnalogValue) is generally more
efficient when values do not change frequently. If, for example, values
change three or four times per minute, COV typically increases
network traffic. But if, for example, values change three or four times
per day, COV typically minimizes traffic.
For more information on COV, please see the Continuum online help
for the AnalogInput, AnalogOutput, and AnalogValue object editors.
45
Periodic Polling The periodic polling method (available for both

BACnet and Infinity objects) is generally more efficient and predictable
for frequently changing values. For example, room temperature might
change several hundred times per day. If you poll the temperature
every hour, then updates happen only 24 times per day.
Periodic polling intervals are set in various places in CyberStation for
example, in Plain English programs, the General Preferences dialog,
the Preferences tab of the Device editor, and the Misc tab of the
Pinpoint Configuration editor.
For more information on polling, please see the CyberStation online
help.
Wireless Network Traffic and APDU Timeouts

As with a wired network, it is necessary to consider and if needed,
adjust the APDU Timeout to minimize network traffic between
BACnet devices on a wireless mesh network. The APDU Timeout
governs the time between re-transmissions of application protocol data
units (APDUs). The default value for BACnet devices on a wireless
network is 10000 milliseconds (10 seconds).
If network congestion on your mesh network is discovered and if you
have access permission, you can increase the timeout via the APDU
Timeout attribute on the Details tab of the Device editor. This
attribute must be set manually after a controller is reloaded.
For more information on APDU Timeouts, please see the CyberStation
online help.
CyberStation Control of Guaranteed Alarms (BACnet)

Due to the nature of wireless communications, you want to ensure that
the proper recipients receive Event Notifications that will appear in the
CyberStation Alarm Status bar and Alarm View for BACnet devices on
the BACnet field bus.
You can access this control from the Delivery tab of the
EventNotification editor.
On the Delivery tab, click the Add Recipient button to open the
Recipients Configuration dialog, as shown in the following
illustration.
Click the browse button (

) next to the Recipient field. This displays
the Browse dialog for devices. Use this dialog to find the workstation
you want. Click Select to insert the correct path and workstation name
into the Recipient field.
Check the Guarantee Delivery check box, and click OK.
Checking this checkbox guarantees the delivery of messages from a
BACnet device to CyberStation recipients or other BACnet device
recipients.
For more information, please see EventNotification topics in the
47
Guidelines for Designing Your Wireless Solution

The most important challenge is determining when a wireless mesh
controller network is more cost effective than a hard-wired network.
The following list examines factors to consider when installing a
wireless mesh network:
z
The most obvious reason to install a wireless mesh network is the

cost of running wiring (and conduit if required) over considerable
distances in new and retrofitted control projects.
There is an extra cost for the electronic devices required for a

wireless controller network, but the savings in labor and
maintenance from not having to install and maintain wire (and
potentially conduit) can more than make up for the difference in
many installations.
The distance between controllers can be so long that network cables

cannot be easily installed.
Network analyzing tools allow engineers and technicians to

address, commission, and troubleshoot the wireless network from a
safe, convenient location.
Wireless mesh networks incorporate a grid-like topology, allowing

nodes to communicate with other nodes without being routed through a
central switch point.
This eliminates centralized failure and provides a self-healing and selforganizing network. Although decisions on traffic are made locally, the
system can be managed globally.
Wireless mesh networks allow the signal to multihop among its
different nodes to circumvent obstructions as it seeks and ultimately
finds its target node. These redundant communication paths provide a
high level of reliability to the network. Because multiple signal paths
exist, the network can adjust if some communications links are
disrupted due to changes in the environment, such as the movement of
people or placement of equipment.
This eliminates the need for maintenance to maintain robust
communications over the networks life as the environment changes.
For a list of frequently asked questions about wireless controls, see

Appendix A, Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Controls and
Dos and Dont s on page 53.
Major Design Factors

There are many factors in planning a wireless mesh network solution.
The table below presents some of the major factors.
Factor
Consideration
Distance between
nodes
Reducing link distances and adding repeaters can help to

prevent changes in link quality.
Transmitter power
Adjusting the transmitter power of the embedded low-power

radio embedded in the RF device can improve link quality.
Proximity to other
wireless devices
Environmental RF noise produced by powerful motors, cell

phones, microwaves, wireless LANs, and other devices can
make network traffic unreliable.
Obstacles to RF
transmission
Metal surfaces such as water pipes and ductwork can scatter RF

signals. Wireless signals may not penetrate certain materials in
walls and ceilings, such as reinforced concrete. Even human
bodies, which contain mostly water, might become obstacles.
Time of day and

activity patterns
Industrial areas are dynamic environments where obstructions

are constantly changing. For example, the movement of people,
furniture, machinery, cabinets, and such create a challenge to
RF signal propagation.
Power requirements
Most controllers are AC-line powered because they are

primarily mounted adjacent to power-hungry actuators. While
wireless controller networks can be more robust by using
greater power resources and dont need battery replacement, the
advantages of a wireless system are sacrificed to some extent by
the need for AC-line voltage.
Site Surveys
The following list presents some general guidelines for surveying a site
for a wireless mesh network:
z
Determine existing wireless interference using a spectrum

analyzer.
Set the RF channel number to a clear channel if the default channel

is already in use.
49
Place a few non-controlling, temporary adapters/repeaters

throughout the site to test connectivity through materials, across
floors, and so on.
Use the Wireless Maintenance Tool to evaluate the test setup.
Adapter and Repeater Placement

There are several factors to consider when you decide where to place
the Wireless Adapters and repeaters in a wireless mesh network. The
following list presents some recommendations.
Whether you are mounting the device on a wall or hanging it

vertically from a ceiling or object, install the device with the long
axis vertical for optimum performance, as shown in the following
illustration.
Install the devices at a horizontal plane height where there are as

few objects as possible, typically out of sight of building occupants.
For example, in an office with cubicles, install the units two feet or
so above the average cubicle wall height (roughly the height of
occupants) or in the plenum of the building.
Install the devices away from metal or water-filled objects and

away from other electronic devices. These objects and devices block
or diminish the wireless RF signal.
Think in three dimensions. Use another floor, if necessary, to get

around obstacles.
Use stairwells to help provide a clear path between floors.
Use a non-metallic weatherproof box for rooftop and outdoor

applications.
Test adapter/repeater locations before permanently mounting, and

test connectivity before cutting over control to a wireless controller.
For more information, please see the Andover Continuum Wireless

Adapter/Repeater Installation Instructions, 30-3001-887.
New Wireless Installations

For new wireless installations, the greatest cost savings occur by
avoiding the cost of installing and configuring wire (and conduit)
connections. Other considerations for new installations include the
following:
z
Adapt to changes in walls, pipes, and other obstructions that

continue to change during construction.
Save additional time and labor because the wireless mesh network
is self-configuring and self-correcting.
Communicate with any controller via a wireless connection.
Replacing Older Networks

For retrofit projects, the cost savings vary. Replacement costs could be
substantially higher than for new installations, especially in situations
where there are:
z
Older building automation systems containing network cable that

may be incompatible or degraded and need to be replaced to
upgrade the system
Networks needing additions and changes that were not considered

in the original design
Facilities that need pneumatic controllers converted to direct

digital control (DDC) technology
51
Historic buildings or buildings with interiors that cannot be

disturbed or penetrated
Areas that are hazardous or extremely difficult to access, such as

buildings with asbestos covering heating ducts or with clean rooms.
Appendix A
Frequently Asked Questions About
Wireless Controls and Dos and
Dont s
This chapter provides answers to frequently asked questions about

Wireless Controls. Also, included is a brief Dos and Donts list in order
to avoid overloading or slowing down a wireless system.
z
Questions and Answers about Wireless Controls
Dos and Donts of Wireless
53
Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Controls and Dos and Dont s
Questions and Answers about Wireless

Controls
Q: What are the main advantages of wireless controls?
A: Wireless controls reduce installation costs and permit controls to be
installed in areas that would otherwise be difficult to wire. The cost of
running wire is often the most expensive component of a controls
installation, especially in large cities where labor costs are high and
electrical codes require conduit.
Q: What obstacles are still standing in the way of a more comprehensive
acceptance of wireless controls?
A: As with any new technology, the adoption rate increases as the
technology is proven. A customer wants to know that wireless controls
will be reliable, secure and responsive. There needs to be good methods
to plan a wireless network in a building, with an understanding of how
physical obstacles and building materials affect wireless networks.
With this environmental knowledge, a solid wireless network can be
put together by design, rather than trial and error. The technology has
now reached a maturity level where these goals can be met at an
attractive cost point for a wide range of applications.
Q: Although an argument can be made for wireless controls for just

about any facility, which building types are the most ideal applications
for the technology?
A: There are four types of buildings where a wireless solution is
particularly attractive city buildings, clean rooms, historical
buildings, and difficult-to-wire and remote buildings. In a city, labor
costs are especially high and frequently electrical codes require all
cables to be run in conduit. Clean rooms need to maintain precise
climate and pressure conditions, so any penetration into the production
area decreases its performance. With a historic building, it is important
that the historical integrity of the structure is maintained. This means,
for example, that wires cannot always be run in a straight path. So,
wiring a network to the next room may mean running 1000 feet of cable
versus a 10 foot wireless path. Finally, trenching a network cable to a
remote building or the penetration of brick, glass, or cement walls may
be difficult and expensive.
Q: How should building infrastructures ideally be set up in order to
accommodate the greatest adoption of wireless control technologies in
the future?
A: One of the major advantages of wireless mesh technology is that an
infrastructure does not have to be in place to utilize it. Each wireless
mesh node contributes toward building a strong wireless network. A
wireless mesh differs from wireless Ethernet, which is a point-tomultipoint network that relies on the strategic placement of access
points. In the wireless mesh model, each node has multiple connection
paths and knows about all its nearest neighbors. As a result, daisy
chain wiring becomes a thing of the past. If one node is disconnected or
the current node is blocked, the network heals itself by simply finding
its next nearest neighbors and reconnecting messages via the best
connection point. Since a wireless mesh does not require an
infrastructure to be created, the total cost savings over wired networks
is more easily realized.
55
Q: What are the latest technological advantages in wireless controls?

A: The IEEE 802.15.4 wireless standard offers a much better wireless
solution for controls over WI-FI and Bluetooth. The wireless mesh
networks are self-forming and they do not require an infrastructure or
access points and routers, although repeaters may be used. An IEEE
802.15.4 wireless mesh network is secure with optional built-in
encryption and is reliable, since it is self-healing.
Q: Have codes and standards been developing enough to keep up with
the latest wireless technologies? Have any new standards recently been
passed or are seriously being considered?
A: Zigbee is an emerging wireless standard that is based on the IEEE
802.15.4 wireless standard.
Q: How do you envision the world of wireless controls, 10 and 20 years
down the line?
A: With time, buildings will have an ever-increasing proportion of
wireless to wired controls in them. Just as an office has a combination
of wireless hotspots and wired offices for Ethernet connectivity, there
may also be some level of wired controls networks within a facility.
Wireless controls will become common and will include peripheral
devices, such as sensors (occupancy, door contacts, intrusion point,
temperature, and so on).
Open protocols, such as ASHRAEs BACnet will adopt a wireless
standard as an optional field bus within the standard. With wireless
communications standardized for controls it will be possible for
products from multiple vendors to share a common wireless mesh
network while interoperating with each other.
Between the reduced installation costs of wireless mesh control
networks and the freedom of choice offered by open protocols, building
owners are looking at a future where they can provide safe,
comfortable, and efficient indoor environments with the minimal effort
and expense.
Dos and Donts of Wireless

The Wireless network is not as robust as a wired system. Typically a
wireless network is approximately 1/3 as fast as an equivalent wired
network. The Infinet wireless network treats data exchange (import/
export) differently than a wired configuration. All data exchange is
done as a guaranteed delivery point to point communication similar to
a BACnet Change of Value (COV) data exchange. Precautions should
be taken in programming and configuring the wireless system, to avoid
data bottlenecks and network overload.
Do: When you have completed using the Wireless Maintenance Tool,
shut it down to avoid overloading the system with unneeded traffic.
Do: When configuring inputs, insure that the threshold is set
appropriately.
Dont: Do not leave ListViews, with several live values running, for
extended periods of time. This creates unnecessary traffic that can
overload the entire wireless system.
Dont: When using graphics to poll data from the wireless network
controllers, minimize the number of points in the graphic. Do not create
a large graphic polling many points. Instead make several smaller
graphics with fewer points so as to not overload the network.
Note: When setting the polling rate for graphics, in the Cyberstation
Workstation Preferences tab, you may want to increase the
Pinpoint active and inactive polling rates so that the polling does
not overload the system. Also, in the CyberStation General
Preferences dialog you may want to increase the Time Interval
Between Requests setting to slow the graphic polling engine
which will also aid in avoiding network overload during graphic
polling.
57
Dont: When exporting points to other controllers, do not create export

refresh programs setting the point's attribute "Refresh" to true. This
creates excessive, unnecessary network traffic.
Note: Refreshing points, for a wireless system, is not required. All
traffic is sent as a guaranteed delivery from controller to
controller.

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Wireless Mesh Network

Concepts and Best Practices Guide

2010, Schneider Electric

Wireless Mesh Network Concepts

About this Manual .................................................................

Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Controls and Dos

About this Manual

This manual provides a brief introduction to wireless networking and

Wireless Mesh Networking Concepts and Best Practices Guide

About this Manual

This chapter contains the following topics:

Networks are Evolving

Traditional Hard-Wired Networks

Overview of Wireless Networks

Design Considerations for Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless Network Installation and Operational Benefits

Wireless Mesh Networking Concepts and Best Practices Guide

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Networks are Evolving

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Traditional Hard-Wired Networks

Topology The structure used to connect devices on a network.

Protocols The rules and encoding specifications. Protocols also

Media Devices can be connected by twisted-pair cables, coaxial

Wireless Mesh Networking Concepts and Best Practices Guide

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

World Wide Web Using a Web browser, such as Microsoft

Electronic mail (email) Allows you to send and receive short,

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Telephony hardware and

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Overview of Wireless Networks

Node An addressable device on a wireless network. The wireless

Repeater A node that strengthens a mesh network.

Link In a mesh network, a link is a single hop relationship

Wireless Mesh Networking Concepts and Best Practices Guide

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Link Strength The quality of the reception signal from a

Link Quality Indicator Link strength and other factors that

Asymmetric Link A link where one side has drastically poorer

The following illustration shows a representation of wireless repeaters

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Successful Wireless Communication

Wireless propagation changes over time

Obstacles in proximity with the network

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Changes in link quality

The performance of outdoor wireless networks can change

Wireless networks are susceptible to interference from electronic

Wireless networks may perform well at night when the building is

Minimized propagation delay in wireless networks

Reduce link distances between nodes

Increase transmitter power

Use better antennas

Add nodes to produce alternate (redundant) pathways

Low power, multi-hop networks take advantage of the highly localized

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless

Will a number of sensors report their controller data to an

What happens if a message destination is out of range of the

How will messages be relayed?

How will the network recover from the loss of a route?

This section covers the following links and topologies:

Point to point links

Point to multipoint links

Note: Andover Continuum wireless networks are mesh networks. (See