networks without wires™ networks without wires ® strix systems tempe conference february 2006...

Networks Without Wires™

Networks Without Wires®

Strix SystemsStrix Systems

Tempe Conference February 2006

Presented by: Bret Newman,

Senior Systems Engineer

2Networks Without Wires™

AgendaAgenda

Why a Mesh (current and future)

Design Examples

Single, Dual and Multi-Radio Offerings

Strix IWS/OWS Product Overview

Security

Antennas

NIC issues

Network Management & CLI


Structured Wireless MeshSelf-ConfiguringStructured Wireless MeshSelf-Configuring

Standby/Available Mesh Path

User Coverage

Termination Point

Active Mesh Path


Future of WirelessFuture of Wireless

Current • 802.11a backhaul• 802.11b/g client access• CPE is can be 802.11a/b/g or combination

Near Future – Standards Based• 4.9 Public Safety (to client with possible 802.11A backhaul)

• WIMAX • Licensed and unlicensed bands (Strix plans to support both)

• LOS/NLOS

• Client and backhaul uses

• QoS Granularity

• MIMO 802.11n (currently non-standards based)• Client Technology today

• Mesh Technology in the future

• Lots of antennas outside may not aesthetically pleasing

Different States will use wireless differently


WiMAX Spectrum PlanWiMAX Spectrum Plan


Deployments with Mesh NetworksDeployments with Mesh Networks

Hotels & Hospitality Suites

Public Safety

Individual Homes & Businesses

Resorts VOIP

The Triple Play!

Data

VOIP

VideoClass of Service Prioritization

Roaming


Factors For SuccessFactors For Success

Tempe looked for:1. Number of radios & number of physical wired backhauls $$$

2. Ease of installation

3. System Design

• Easy to maintain

• Ability to handle the hot and the cold temperatures

• Upgradeability (no fork lift upgrade)

4. Easy to manage & administer (firmware and features)

5. Security (AES, WPA, TKIP)

6. QoS with Prioritization (802.1q tagging)

7. Client roaming

8. Indoor and Outdoor integration


Different Approaches To Mesh NetworkingDifferent Approaches To Mesh Networking

Single RadioSingle Radio Dual RadioDual Radio Multi-RadioMulti-Radio

High-Level High-Level DesignDesign

Single Radio for Single Radio for mesh backbone and mesh backbone and

client accessclient access

Single radio for Single radio for mesh backbone, mesh backbone, single radio for single radio for client accessclient access

Dedicated radios for ingress Dedicated radios for ingress and egress in mesh backbone, and egress in mesh backbone,

dedicated radios for client dedicated radios for client accessaccess

ScalabilityScalability Extremely limitedExtremely limited LimitedLimited Maximum Maximum

Latency Latency over Hopsover Hops

HighHigh Medium HighMedium High LowLow

Throughput Throughput over Hopsover Hops

LowLow LowLow HighHigh

Real-Time Real-Time Applications Applications SupportSupport

LimitedLimited LimitedLimited MaximumMaximum

All mesh should be self-configuring, self-tuning, All mesh should be self-configuring, self-tuning, and self-healing - But all mesh is not the same and self-healing - But all mesh is not the same All mesh should be self-configuring, self-tuning, All mesh should be self-configuring, self-tuning, and self-healing - But all mesh is not the same and self-healing - But all mesh is not the same


One Radio Mesh - CompetitorsOne Radio Mesh - Competitors

One radio mesh is considered the most basic of mesh networks.• One radio/one channel per node• Linear listen, receive, send

• For data to be relayed, it must be repeated• Nodes listen and retransmit• Retransmission requires adjacent radios to be quiet

• Minimum 50% degradation per hop!

CH

1

CH 1

CH 1CH 1

CH

1CH 1

CH 1

Wire

Requires access point to listen

before broadcasting

Requires access point to listen

before broadcasting

Adjacent radios must suppress

broadcasting while other radios

transmit

May operate at layer 3

Proxy ARP


Two Radio MeshTwo Radio Mesh

Two radio mesh networks.• One B/G radio (client access) and one A radio (backhaul) per node• Limited number of client associations• Backhaul radio still has to listen then transmit (only one radio at a time)• May require separate controller to connect to physical network• Still has 50% hop degradation!


Structured Wireless MeshStructured Wireless Mesh

A

GA

G

A

G

A

G

AES Encryption AES Encryption

A

GA

G

Legend

Ch44Ch56

Ch1 Ch11 Ch6

• Dedicated Radios by Function 802.11a - Backhaul Egress, Backhaul Ingress 802.11a/b/g - Client Ingress (AP)• Full Duplex Transmission Via Multi-Radio Hops• Operates at Layer 2 for data and Layer 3 for Management• 100 Megabit switching between radio modules• AES encrypted links

•Encryption performed in hardware for minimal latency• Dynamic Channel Allocation

802.11a EGRESS – Strix Network Connect

802.11a INGRESS – Strix/User Client Connect

802.11g INGRESS – User Client Connect


Full Duplex Structured MeshFull Duplex Structured Mesh

Strix Systems’ Access/One Network technology creates a structured mesh network, yielding “full duplex” performanceDedicated radios – 802.11 a/b/g

• Client connect radios for full-time “listening” to client traffic• Network connect radios, one for full time “listening” one for “speaking”

• Near-zero throughput loss per hop and minimal latency <3ms• Self-healing/Self-tuning/Self-configuring • High-speed roaming >95mph (for mobile vehicles Strix recommends a Strix

IWS)

• Indoor access from a Strix or third party CPE

CH 106

AES encrypted

CH

1

Wire802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11a

802.11g

802.11g

802.11a

802.11a

CH 44

AES encrypted

AES encrypted

Access/One nodes start sending packets even before all are

receivedCH 130CH 153

CH 6

CH 11

CH 1 CH 6

Use of AES encrypted 802.11a

provides many non overlapping

channels, reducing interference

CH 1

802.11a

CH 1

802.11g





Example of self healingExample of self healing

Intelligent pathing based on:• Availability • Round trip delay• Signal/noise ratio• Interference

Each node is always scanning alternate paths Network intelligently tunes accordinglyUpon failure, nodes reroute within milliseconds

CH

1

Wire802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11g

802.11a

802.11a

802.11g

CH 106

AES encrypted

CH 44

AES encryptedCH 1

CH 11CH 1





So What Does This Mean?So What Does This Mean?

Less than 20-Less than 20-40ms Latency 40ms Latency

Across 10 Hops – Across 10 Hops – Suitable For Suitable For

Voice and Video Voice and Video ApplicationsApplications

Less than 20-Less than 20-40ms Latency 40ms Latency

Across 10 Hops – Across 10 Hops – Suitable For Suitable For

Voice and Video Voice and Video ApplicationsApplications


Strix Systems OWSHigh PerformanceStrix Systems OWSHigh Performance

Number of Hops

Ban

dw

idth

(M

bp

s)

Strix Systems Multi-Radio

Mesh


Mesh


Mesh

Competitive Single

Radio Mesh

Low Latency Across Multiple Hops Suitable for Low Latency Across Multiple Hops Suitable for Real Time Voice and Video ApplicationsReal Time Voice and Video Applications

802.11a, 3 Radio System (client, ingress, egress)

In a Noisy Environment

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11g

11b


CompetitionCompetition

Point to point – wired access points• Just about any outdoor single radio AP

Wireless bridging or WDS – one radio does receive and send• Tropos, Firetide, Cisco

Bridged Mesh – dedicated radios, not switched• BelAir, Cisco, Nortel

Structured Mesh – Full time dedicated radios for ingress, egress and client connectivity• Strix!


Example DesignExample Design

Mesh Nodes

Core Nodes

Edge Nodes

Access Nodes

Termination Point

Hardwire

d


Example DesignExample Design

COMPETITOR• 63 Nodes• 7 Network Connections• 9:1 Ratio

STRIX• 63 Nodes• 1 Network Connection• 62:1


Access/One Network OWS HardwareAccess/One Network OWS Hardware


Access/One Network OWSAccess/One Network OWS

Multi-radio, multi-channel, multi-RF system

Hardened for all environments

Self-discovering, self-tuning, self-healing, high-performance mesh network

Secure, manageable, & scalable

Upgradeable to new technologies (WIMAX, 4.9)

IWS & OWS - Seamless


Access/One Network OWS HardwareAccess/One Network OWS Hardware

Two Hardware Designs

Multiple Mounting Options

Power, antenna and data Protection

Modular - up to six 802.11 a/b/g Radios

Multiple external antennas

2400 Series

3600 Series


• Each radio module supports up to 2 radios 1 “A”, 1 “B\G”

• Depending on chassis 2-6 radios• Depending on chassis support up to 6

antennas + 2 diversity• AC/DC Input• Ethernet port

OWS 2400-20OWS 2400-20

OWS 2400 Series


Security ShieldSecurity Shield

Secure Transmission of all Data• Backhaul is all EAS 156bit encrypted• Hardware Acceleration for AES Mesh• Supports WEP, WPA, AES (TKIP)• Multiple security schemes per SSID

• Ex: Hidden SSID plus authentication for private and Open SSID for public access• Ex: No client to client access on one SSID while allowing it on another

Authentication and Authorization• Uses 802.1x standard• RADIUS Client Functionality Built-In• Supports Authentication Gateways & Radius Servers

Network Segmentation• 16 MAC Addresses per Radio with unique SSIDs• 802.1q support, 250 VLANs per radio

Security traverses with the user while roaming

Transparent support for VPN

Monitoring• Rogue Access Point Detection• Client-connect privacy (protects against broadcast storms and DoS attacks)

Minimum Better Best

AuthenticationMAC access control list

802.1x EAP802.1x EAP (TLS, TTLS, MD-5 or PEAP)

Encryption Static WEP Dynamic WEP, WPA, WPA-PSK Dynamic AES, AES (TKIP)

Requirements RADIUS server RADIUS server, AES NICs


Antennas?Antennas?


Antenna OptionsAntenna Options

11g Antenna(s)11g Antenna(s)(Examples)(Examples)

11a Antenna(s)11a Antenna(s)(Examples)(Examples)

WiFi WiFi CoreCore

WirelessWireless

3 Sectors to create 360° Omni pattern14 dBi, Vertical polarization, 120 ° HBeam, 8° VBeam

2 Directional antennas for backhauls (SPPJ48)21 dBi, Vertical polarization , 12° HBeam, 16° VBeam

2 Omni directional antennas for AP (SPDJ120)9dBi, Vertical polarization, 11° VBeam

WiFi WiFi CoreCore

WiredWired

3 Sectors to create 360° Omni pattern14 dBi, Vertical polarization, 120 ° HBeam, 8° VBeam

3 Omni directional antennas for AP (SPDJ120)9dBi, Vertical polarization, 11° VBeam

WiFi WiFi EdgeEdge

2 Omni directional antennas (SPDG80)9dBi, Vertical polarization, 11° VBeam properly spaced

1 Directional antenna for backhaul (SPPJ48)21 dBi, Vertical, 12° HBeam, 16° VBeam

1 Omni directional antenna for AP (SPDJ120)9dBi, Vertical, 11° VBeam

WiFi WiFi AccessAccess

1 Omni directional , 5.5 dBi, 72° VBeam

1 Omni directional, 5.5 dBi, 72° VBeam

Strix provides a recommended list of antennas Strix provides a recommended list of antennas for usage in various scenariosfor usage in various scenarios


AntennasAntennas

• 12 dBi Patch Antenna• Beam width: 25° Vertical, 65° Horizontal

• Pole Mount Kit available (Shown in photo)

• 6" X 13" X 1.25"

• 12 dBi 120° Sector Antenna• Beam width: 13° Vertical, 125° Horizontal• Approx. 5" X 21" X 5" • 0-20° Elevation Angle adjustment


Coverage with Sectorized Antennas Vs OmniCoverage with Sectorized Antennas Vs Omni

Radio 1 Coverage Area

Radio 3Radio 2

Extend Extend the reachthe reach

120° coverage 120° coverage patternpattern

Single radios Single radios for each for each sectorsector

Standard Omni Standard Omni coverage coverage patternpattern


NIC CardsNIC Cards

Receive strength great but still no access???

The wireless NIC may display a good signal but your wireless NIC may not have the power to transmit back to the Access Point.

Some wireless NIC drivers regulate transmit power in laptops.

Not all wireless NICs are created equal!


ManagementManagement


Access/One Network OWSManagement and SecurityAccess/One Network OWSManagement and Security

Manager/One, Carrier Grade Management HTTP/HTTPS – GUITelnet/SSH – Command LineSNMP Reporting & TrapsSyslog supportSystem and device level management Virtual/Strix Systems, Priority/One

• Multi-service networks• Prioritized Traffic for end-to-

end QOS

Security, AES, Client level port blocking of all trafficLocate rogue access points


Summary: Summary:

Covered Mesh TechnologyCurrent Radio technologyTempe & Wisconsin designsDifferences in radios How a multi-radio mesh functionsStrix overviewSecurityAntennasManagement


Thank You!Thank You!

Questions ??

networks without wires™ networks without wires ® strix systems tempe conference february 2006...

Documents

radio mesh networks

wires networks

radio mesh competitors

basic of mesh networks

mesh backbone

mesh current

client access single

bg radio client access