Description
This document describes the "mint" command in version of the WANFleX software with support of the TDMA function.
The MINT (Mesh Interconnection Networking Technology) architecture gives a functionality to present a radio interface of a unit (as well as a network connected to it) as a traditional Ethernet in a bus topology. Therefore a unit can have several Ethernet interfaces and several pseudo-interfaces (tun, ppp, null etc). Any of Ethernet interfaces can be united in bridging groups which consist of two or more interfaces. Moreover, routing mode can also be used.
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -type {mesh | master | slave} mint IFNAME -mode {mobile | nomadic | fixed} mint IFNAME -nodeid NUMBERID mint IFNAME -name NAME mint IFNAME -netid NUMBER mint IFNAME -key SECRETKEY mint IFNAME -authmode {public | static | remote} mint IFNAME -[no]scrambling mint IFNAME -[no]authrelay -[no]snmprelay mint IFNAME -[no]replicate [$ACL] mint IFNAME -[no]swborder mint IFNAME -tpcmin {dBm|default} -tpcmax {dBm|default} -tpcadj {+/-dBm|default} mint IFNAME -ratefall 0..8 [0] mint IFNAME -[no]idfs mint IFNAME -[no]autobitrate [+/-DB] | -fixedbitrate mint IFNAME -minbitrate N mint IFNAME -extracost N -fixedcost N -joincost N -meshextracost N mint IFNAME -maxlinks N mint IFNAME -mulcast [0..5] mint IFNAME -loamp N -hiamp N mint IFNAME -hierr N (default 5) mint IFNAME -[no]log [detail] mint IFNAME [-]failover {MAC|auto} mint IFNAME -roaming {leader | enable [multiBS] [global] | disable} mint IFNAME profile N [-freq X[,Y,N-M,...] | auto] [-sid X[,Y,..]] [-band NN] [-bitr NN|max] [-miso | -mimo [greenfield | legacy]] [-type {master|mesh|slave}] [-key XXX] [-nodeid N] [{-minbitr XXX [-autobitr [+/-dB]] | -fixedbitr}] [enable | disable | delete] mint IFNAME addnode [-defgw X.X.X.X] [-defmask X.X.X.X] mint IFNAME addnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X [-key STR] [-note STR] [-maxrate N | -maxmcs N] [-lip X.X.X.X] [-tip X.X.X.X] [-mask X.X.X.X] [-lgw X.X.X.X] [-tgw {X.X.X.X | none}] [-lcost N] [-tcost N] [{-setpri | -addpri} NN | -1] [-disable | -enable | -delete] mint IFNAME delnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X mint IFNAME rcmd {-n ADDR | -all | -peer} [-self[2]] [-key KEY] [-t] [-quiet] [-mask 1,2..16] {"Command" | -file URL} mint rcmdserver -guestKey STRING -fullKey STRING [-mask 1,2..16] mint IFNAME -odr hub mint IFNAME -odr spoke [[-]connected [$ACL]] [[-]kernel [$ACL]] mint IFNAME -odr disable | show mint join IFNAME1 IFNAME2 ... mint disjoin mint IFNAME monitor [-s] [-i SEC] [MAC [MAC ...]] | -[no]audio [full] [-mac MAC] mint IFNAME -airupdate {disable | {[active|passive]|force}} [fast|normal|slow] [-f ftp://user:pass@host/path/file] mint [IFNAME] map [routes | full | swg] [detail] [-a] [-m] mint [IFNAME] snap[shot] {list | save N ["Comment"] | diff N | del N | fix N MAC} mint -[no]colormap mint IFNAME ping [-n MAC] ... [-s LEN] [-swg N] [-p PRIO] [-i] mint [IFNAME] info MAC mint [IFNAME] -cluster N NAME mint IFNAME tdma mode=Master win=N dist=N dlp=N|0 rssi=-N [-]awc [-]turbo mint IFNAME tdma mode=Master hold=N|0 bfreq=F|0 mint IFNAME tdma mode=Slave mint IFNAME tdma start | stop mint IFNAME start | stop | restart | clear
Parameters
Parameters | Description |
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IFNAME | Name of the network interface to which parameters are referred. |
-type {mesh | master | slave} | Sets the type of node. Three node types are available: "master", "mesh" или "slave".
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-mode {mobile | nomadic | fixed} | Sets a mode of the node. A mode is defined by the application of the node for the network
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-nodeid NUMBERID | Sets the sequential number for the node. By default, it is set equal to the device’s serial number. |
-name NAME | Sets a name for the node. This node name will be displayed in the "mint map" set of commands. A node name should not exceed 16 characters. Spaces in the node name are accepted if placed in quotes. |
-netid NUMBER | Sets the network system identifier (up to 8-digit HEX figure). It must be the same at both ends of the link. |
-key SECRETKEY | Sets a secret key for the current node. The key can be up to 64 characters long and should not contain spaces (or should be placed in quotes).. Authentication modes are described by parameters below. |
-authmode {public | static | remote} | Sets the type of nodes authentication.There are three types of nodes authentication available.
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-[no]authrelay | By this parameter a node having a local database of its neighbors or having an access to a remote authentication server can be configured as an authentication relay. The information about authentication relay will be automatically distributed throughout the MINT network. Nodes which use remote mode of authentication but both do not have access to the remote server and do not have the information in their local database will use authentication relay in order to obtain the keys of potential neighbors. |
-[no]snmprelay | A node becomes a SNMP relay. The information about SNMP relay will be automatically distributed throughout the MINT network. |
-[no]scrambling | Enables/disables the data scrambling to improve the connection stability. By default is enable. |
-[no]replicate [$ACL] | Allows to make "isolation" of wireless subscriber stations from direct exchange of information with each other in switching mode. Note This feature applies only to traffic entering a wireless network from the wired segment of a subscriber station. Inside a wireless network nodes are all accessible to each other at all times. |
-[no]swborder | Enables/disables the "Switch border" regime. In this mode a node becomes "border" between MINT domains, it stops the exchange of information about switching groups and whole data exchange between these domains, but all capabilities of MINT-protocol can still be used (obtaining information about the whole MINT-network, remote command implementation and so on.). |
-tpcmin {dBm|default} -tpcmax {dBm|default} -tpcadj {+/-dBm|default} | Allow to control ATPC (automatic transmit power control) function behavior. ATPC function is enabled/disabled by the "rfconfig <interface> pwrctl" command.
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-hierr N | Sets the percentage of retries after which the system will change the modulation to the lower value. By default is 5. |
mint IFNAME -[no]autobitrate [+/-DB] | -fixedbitrate |
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-minbitrate N | Sets minimal transmitting speed for "autobitrate" mode. |
-ratefall 0..8 [0] | Allows to influence autobitrate mechanism in the following way: it sets upper bitrate index threshold below which errors and retries checks are not performed, just energetic ability to upper bitrate is taken into consideration. Bitrate indexes are from 1 to 8 and correspond with bitrates available on the device’s radio interface (to see bitrate list use the "rf rfX cap" command). "0" ratefall’s value cancels the command. |
-[no]idfs | Enables/disables the Instant DFS function. |
[-meshextracost N] [-extracost N] [-fixedcost N] [-joincost N] |
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-maxlinks N | Sets the maximum allowed number of connected CPEs (radio connections). When this value is reached, other attempts to connect to the base station will be rejected. |
-mulcast [0..5] | Makes the transformation of multicast traffic to unicast. If two or more clients are subscribed to the same multicast stream, a copy of the original stream will be sent to each of them in unicast mode. Note Transformation into unicast requires copy of data by the memory, it increases the CPU load of the device. Furthermore, for each of the new unicast streams a certain percentage of attempts may be required that increases traffic even more.
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[-]failover MAC|auto | Allows to backup the main communication channel, which can be organized by any equipment. Communication is established between Master and Slave devices via the radio and at the same time using the pseudo-radio interface, through the main communication channel. The Master device with enabled "failover" function checks the availability of the MAC address of the remote device through the primary channel. If the address is available, an operation of the backup channel (radio) is blocked. If the address of the Slave device disappears in the primary channel, the backup channel is unlocked and traffic starts to flowd over it, until the MAC address of the remote node is available through the primary channel again. If the primary channel is created by InfiNet devices, same as backup, then not only the presence / absence of an alternative link with the monitored node will be taked into accountbut also the cost of this connection. In this case, the device that provides the lowest cost of communication (best quality) through the radio will become the main one, the second device will turn off its transmitter and go into standby mode. More information about settings of this function is in the paragraph "Копия mint command (TDMA version)". |
[-loamp N] [-hiamp N] |
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monitor [-s] [-i SEC] [MAC [MAC ...]] | If a MAC-address is not specified then all neighbors and candidates of this node will be monitored. Instead of MAC-addresses "nodeid" and name of node are permitted to use.
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start | stop | restart | clear | Start/stop/restart/clear of the MINT-configuration for the specified interface. |
-[no]log [detail] | Allows to control log settings for MINT protocol. Three different modes are available:
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join IFNAME1 IFNAME2 ... | The capability to join two or more interfaces of one device in one "mesh" network is an important function of MINT architecture. There is no differences in the settings of these interfaces and protocols which can limit association. This way radio and pseudo radio interfaces can be associated. Разумно комбинируя перемычки join и псевдо-радиоинтерфейсы можно обеспечить наличие в сети достаточного количества надёжных альтернативных путей для обеспечения оптимальности распространения трафика и устранения узких мест (bottleneck). ВНИМАНИЕ Если несколько интерфейсов объединены с помощью функции "join", то при включении их в группу коммутации следует указывать только один из них (любой). |
disjoin | Параметр отменяет объединение интерфейсов. |
Частотный роуминг | |
-roaming {leader | enable [multiBS] [global] | disable} | Для облегчения задачи управления частотным ресурсом, уменьшения помех и оптимизации полосы пропускания устройства семейства R5000 поддерживают режим частотного роуминга. По умолчанию роуминг отключен, устройство работает с фиксированными параметрами радиоинтерфейса, определенными в конфигурации.
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profile N [-freq X[,Y,N-M,...] | auto] [-sid X[,Y,..]] [-band NN] [-bitr NN|max] [-miso | -mimo [greenfield | legacy]] [-type {master|mesh|slave}] [-key XXX] [-nodeid N] [{-minbitr XXX [-autobitr [+/-dB]] | -fixedbitr}] [enable | disable | delete] | Управление профилями роуминга.
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Локальная база данных узлов | |
addnode [-defgw X.X.X.X] [-defmask X.X.X.X] | Позволяет сформировать локальную базу данных устройств, с которыми данный узел может устанавливать соединения.
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addnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X [-key STRING] [-note STRING] [-maxrate N| -maxmcs N] [-lip X.X.X.X] [-tip X.X.X.X] [-mask X.X.X.X] [-lgw X.X.X.X] [-tgw {X.X.X.X | none}] [-lcost N] [-tcost N] [{-setpri | -addpri} NN | -1] [-disable | -enable | -delete] |
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delnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X |
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Выполнение команд на удаленном узле | |
rcmd {-n ADDR | -all | -peer} [-self[2]] [-key KEY] [-t] [-quiet] [-mask 1,2..16] {"Command" | -file URL} | Выполнение команд на удаленных узлах даёт возможность с одного узла MINT посылать команды для выполнения на одном или сразу всех устройствах MINT в сети.
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-rcmdserver {disable | enable} [-guestKey STRING] [-fullKey STRING] | Выключает/включает режим удаленного управления командами (по умолчанию включен).
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Маршрутизация в сетях с топологией "звезда"Протокол ODR – это надстройка над протоколом MINT, которая позволяет реализовать маршрутизацию в сетях с топологией "звезда" без использования какого-либо специального протокола маршрутизации. Основным преимуществом использования функциональности ODR является увеличение пропускной способности каналов сети. Это происходит за счёт освобождения части полосы пропускания канала, обычно используемой протоколом маршрутизации, для передачи служебной информации. Протокол ODR распространяет IP-префиксы узлов сети посредством протокола MINT на канальном уровне. Протокол ODR можно использовать только в сетях с топологией "звезда", где все узлы сети соединены только с центральным узлом. Примером такой сети является беспроводная сеть "точка-многоточка", где каждый абонент подключен только к базовой станции. | |
-odr hub | Настройка устройства в качестве центрального узла. |
-odr spoke [[-]connected [$ACL]] [[-]kernel [$ACL]] | Назначение устройств, подключенных к центральному узлу. Позволяет указать список IP-адресов/сетей с использованием списка Access Control List.
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-odr disable | show |
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Система обновления программного обеспечения "Over-the-air update"Система "airupdate" позволяет облегчить задачу массовой смены программного обеспечения в сети MINT, состоящей из большого числа однотипных устройств. Теперь для этого достаточно вручную (или через планировщик задач) обновить программное обеспечение только на одном устройстве (каждого типа), остальные устройства будут обновлены автоматически. | |
-airupdate {disable | {[active|passive]|force}} [fast|normal|slow] [-f ftp://user:pass@host/path/file] | "fast", "normal" и "slow" – управление периодом накопления информации. По умолчанию включен режим "passive normal".
Каждое устройство может быть настроено на использование активного или пассивного режима обновления. Активные устройства периодически (каждые полчаса) анонсируют в сеть MINT информацию об имеющемся у них программном обеспечении, его версию и время непрерывной (без перезагрузок) работы с этой версией. Все устройства сети MINT (и активные и пассивные) принимают и накапливают информацию, получаемую от активных устройств, выбирая источники, предлагающие наиболее новую версию и работающие с ней наиболее долго. После некоторого периода накопления информации устройства посылают свои заявки на получение новой версии наиболее подходящему источнику. Активные устройства собирают заявки, группируют их и производят рассылку новой версии одновременно всем подписчикам с помощью специального протокола многоадресной рассылки MINT-MTP.
Если в процессе рассылки программного обеспечения группе подписчиков произойдёт сбой при передаче, либо потеря связи между источником и подписчиком, то подписчик прекратит приём обновления и будет повторять запрос при получении следующих анонсов до тех пор, пока обновление не будет успешно завершено. |
Информация о текущих связях | |
info MAC | Параметр выводит информацию о статусе узла "MAC" и маршрут прохождения трафика до данного узла. |
ping [-n MAC] ... [-s LEN] [-swg N] [-p PRIO] [-i] | Посылает тестовые пакеты от сетевого интерфейса. Результат работы команды отражается в системном журнале. Если MAC-адрес сетевого узла не указан, то тестовый пакет будет отправлен всем узлам сети в режиме reliable multicast.
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map [routes | full | swg] [detail] [-a] [-m] | Параметр используется для получения информации о текущих связях данного узла. Без аргументов выводит информацию о соседних узлах сети MINT.
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snap[shot] {list | save N ["Comment"] | diff N | del N | fix N MAC} | Позволяет сохранить данные о соседних узлах сети MINT.
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-[no]colormap | Выводит информацию о текущих связях данного узла аналогично параметру "map", применяя к соседям цветовую индикацию в зависимости от уровня сигнала между текущим устройством и узлом-соседом, а также количества переповторов и ошибок при передаче. |
-cluster N NAME | Позволяет объединять устройства находящиеся в непосредственной близости друг от друга в один кластер для удобства их отображения на карте.
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Настройки параметров TDMA | |
tdma mode=Master win=N dist=N dlp=N|0 rssi=-N [-]awc [-]turbo tdma mode=Slave | Устанавливает режим работы устройства (Master или Slave).
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tdma mode=Master hold=N|0 bfreq=F|0 |
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tdma start | stop | Запуск/останов режима TDMA на радиоинтерфейсе. |
Examples
Узлы А и B используют одинаковый ключ и могут установить соединение друг с другом в режиме "public". Узел А: mint rf5.0 –key SECRETKEY mint rf5.0 –authmode public Узел B: mint rf5.0 –key SECRETKEY mint rf5.0 –authmode public |
Узлы А и B используют разные ключи доступа, но могут установить соединение друг с другом в режиме "public" с использованием локальных баз данных. Узел А: mint rf5.0 –key SECRETKEY mint rf5.0 –authmode public mint rf5.0 addnode -mac B:B:B:B:B:B -key KEY2 Узел B: mint rf5.0 –key KEY2 mint rf5.0 –authmode public mint rf5.0 addnode -mac A:A:A:A:A:A -key SECRETKEY При этом каждый узел может дополнительно устанавливать связи с другими узлами, работающими в режиме "public", если их ключи совпадают с собственным ключом данного узла. |
Узел А использует локальную базу данных и играет роль шлюза аутентификации. Узел B не имеет своей базы данных и в режиме "remote" пользуется услугами шлюза аутентификации. Узел А: mint rf5.0 –key KEY1 mint rf5.0 –authmode static mint rf5.0 –authrelay mint rf5.0 addnode -mac B:B:B:B:B:B -key KEY2 mint rf5.0 addnode -mac С:С:С:С:С:С -key KEY3 Узел B: mint rf5.0 –key KEY2 mint rf5.0 –authmode remote Узел B будет получать информацию о соседях через шлюз аутентификации (узел A). |
Для упрощения настройки сектора базовой станции при статическом описании абонентов, команду "mint addnode" дополним двумя параметрами "-defgw X.X.X.X" и "-defmask X.X.X.X". mint rf5.0 addnode –mac 000028BAF234 –lip 1.1.1.1 –tip 1.1.1.2 –mask 255.255.255.252 –lcost 120 Если при описании конкретного абонента не указан точный адрес шлюза или маска сети, то будут использованы значения по умолчанию, установленные в данных параметрах. Таким образом, для каждого абонента достаточно указать только динамически назначаемый IP-адрес и ключ доступа. mint rf5.0 addnode -mac 000435567322 -tip 10.1.1.1 -key SecretKey1 Если ключ доступа не указан, то предполагается, что он совпадает с ключом базовой станции. Если IP-адрес не указан, то никаких действий с адресами не производится. ПРЕДОСТЕРЕЖЕНИЕ Информация о шлюзе по умолчанию (который определяется командами "addnode -tgw / addnode –defgw") не передаётся узлу, если для него не указан адрес и маска сети. |
Команда удаляет сетевой узел с MAC-адресом "00:00:28:BA:F2:34" из локальной базы данных. mint rf5.0 delnode –mac 000028BAF234 |
Команда отправляет всем устройствам в сети MINT удаленные команды: отобразить конфигурацию устройства (в первом случае) загрузить с ftp командный файл (во втором случае). mint rf5.0 rcmd -n all -cmd "co sh" mint rf5.0 rcmd -n all -file ftp_name:ftp_pswd@192.168.100.21/1.txt |
Команда включает детальное журналирование для интерфейса "rf5.0". mint rf5.0 –log detail |
Команда выводит данные для мониторинга уровней сигналов. mint rf5.0 monitor Уровни входного/выходного сигналов выводятся относительно минимальной скорости на прием/передачу. |
Устройство находится в активном режиме, рассылая анонсы о своей версии ПО. Если в сети обнаружатся другие активные устройства с более новой версией ПО, то запрос на обновление будет выслана не ранее чем через 7 часов непрерывной работы источника анонса. mint rf5.0 –airupdate active normal Устройство пассивно прослушивает сеть, собирает информацию об анонсах и ждёт момента, когда источник с новой версией программного обеспечения проработает с ней не менее суток. mint rf5.0 –airupdate passive slow Оператор решает безусловно произвести замену программного обеспечения в сети на новое заведомо проверенное. mint rf5.0 –airupdate force Данное устройство не участвует в системе автоматического обновления, не генерирует и не слушает анонсы. mint rf5.0 –airupdate disable Оператор указывает путь на ftp-сервере, откуда устройство будет скачивать обновления. mint rf5.0 -f ftp://user:pass@host/path/file |
Выполним резервирование линии связи. Для этого на каждом устройстве создадим псевдо-радио интерфейс через проводной порт (либо vlan). При этом оба устройства установят связь друг с другом через PRF интерфейсы используя основной канал. ifconfig prf0 up prf 0 parent eth0 mint prf0 start Затем на обоих устройствах интерфейсы "rf5.0" и "prf0" объединм с помощью параметра "join". mint join rf5.0 prf0 Оба устройства должны иметь хотя бы одну группу коммутации между интерфейсами ETH и RF, которая будет обеспечивать передачу L2 трафика на время отсутствия основного канала. switch group 1 add eth0 rf5.0 switch group 1 start switch start ПРЕДУПРЕЖДЕНИЕ В случае если в качестве резервируемой линии используются устройства Инфинет, рекомендуется на каждом канале использовать свою группу коммутации. Если же необходимо использовать одну группу, нельзя объединять на удалённом устройстве интерфейсы "rf5.0" и "prf0" параметром "join". Кроме того, необходимо явно прописывать MAC-адрес удалённого устройства, так как параметр "auto" работать не будет. Функция "failover" включается на радиоинтерфейсе устройства Master. mint rf5.0 -failover auto Как только устройство Master обнаружит, что контролируемый MAC-адрес доступен через интерфейс "prf0", оно немедленно выключит свой радиопередатчик и переведёт радиоинтерфейс в состояние DOWN, одновременно прекратив коммутацию трафика. Потеряв синхронизацию по радио с устройством Master, устройство Slave также прекратит передачу и перейдёт в режим ожидания. |
General description
CAUTION
MINT architecture gives a functionality to present a radio interface of a unit (as well as a network connected to it) as a traditional Ethernet in a bus topology. Therefore the unit can have several Ethernet interfaces and several pseudo-interfaces (tun, ppp, null etc). Any of Ethernet interfaces can be united in bridging groups which consist of two or more interfaces. Moreover, routing mode can also be used.
Full syntax:
mint IFNAME -type {mesh | master | slave} mint IFNAME -mode {mobile | nomadic | fixed} mint IFNAME -nodeid NUMBERID mint IFNAME -name NAME mint IFNAME -netid NUMBER mint IFNAME -key SECRETKEY mint IFNAME -authmode {public | static | remote} mint IFNAME -[no]scrambling mint IFNAME -[no]authrelay -[no]snmprelay -[no]extgw mint IFNAME -[no]replicate [$ACL] mint IFNAME -tpcmin {dBm|default} -tpcmax {dBm|default} -tpcadj {+/-dBm|default} mint IFNAME –autofactor 1..5 [3] mint IFNAME -ratefall 0..8 [0] mint IFNAME -[no]idfs mint IFNAME -[no]autobitrate [+/-DB] | -fixedbitrate mint IFNAME -minbitrate XX mint IFNAME [-meshextracost N] [-extracost N] [-fixedcost N] mint IFNAME -maxlinks N mint IFNAME -mulcast [0..5] mint IFNAME [-loamp N] [-hiamp N] mint IFNAME -roaming {leader | enable [multiBS] | disable} mint IFNAME profile N [-freq X[,Y,N-M,...] | auto] [-sid X[,Y,..]] [-band NN] [-bitr NN] [-miso | -mimo [greenfield | legacy]] [-type {master|mesh|slave}] [-key XXX] [-nodeid N] [{-minbitr XXX [-autobitr [+/-dB]] | -fixedbitr}] [enable | disable | delete] mint IFNAME addnode [-defgw X.X.X.X] [-defmask X.X.X.X] mint IFNAME addnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X [-key STRING] [-note STRING] [-maxrate N] [-lip X.X.X.X] [-tip X.X.X.X] [-mask X.X.X.X] [-lgw X.X.X.X] [-tgw {X.X.X.X | none}] [-lcost XX] [-tcost XX] [{-setpri | -addpri} NN | -1] [-disable | -enable | -delete] mint IFNAME delnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X mint IFNAME rcmd {-n ADDR|all} [-peer] [-self[2]] [-key KEY] [-t] [-quiet] {"Command" | -file URL} mint IFNAME -rcmdserver {disable | enable} [-guestKey STRING] [-fullKey STRING] mint IFNAME -odr hub mint IFNAME -odr spoke [[-]connected [$ACL]] [[-]kernel [$ACL]] mint IFNAME -odr disable | show mint IFNAME poll {start [[-]qos] [[-]log] | stop | stat [clear]} mint IFNAME monitor [-s] [-i SEC] [MAC [MAC ...]] | -[no]audio [full] [-mac MAC] mint IFNAME -airupdate {disable | {[active|passive]|force}} [fast|normal|slow] mint [IFNAME] map [routes | full | swg] [detail] [-a] [-m] mint [IFNAME] info MAC mint IFNAME ping [-n MAC -s LEN -swg N -p PRIO -i] mint IFNAME -[no]long [detail] mint -[no]colormap mint rcmdserver -guestKey STRING -fullKey STRING mint IFNAME start | stop | restart | clear
General command description
Setting the node type
Syntax:
mint IFNAME –type {mesh | master | slave}
The command sets the type of node.
Three node types are available:
- MASTER:
Master can establish connections with all other types of nodes. He is able to form a network of any topology with other masters or with nodes of mesh type.
On master node a marker access (polling) can be enabled. Only one master in a network segment can have this option enabled by means of which forming a star-topology segment (point-to-multipoint). With this, all other nodes break their connections with their respective neighbors (with exception of connections formed by join)
This type of nodes is usually used for static networks with no or small number of nomadic or mobile clients.
- MESH:
This type of node can be a part of a network with any topology. Establishes connections with master and mesh nodes. The difference between master and mesh is that master nodes will try avoid sending traffic of core transport network (master-master) through mesh nodes by setting the cost of master-mesh connection (from master side) higher (meshextracost parameter). Thus, mesh type of nodes can be used on mobile units where connection’s parameters might change quickly in time.
Mesh nodes can work in a marker access node with master node being a polling master. With this, if master turns polling on, mesh node breaks all its connections with other nodes but the master (except join connections). If master node drops off or turns marker access off, mesh node restores its connections with its neighbors (if these connections existed).
- SLAVE:
Can only connect to the node with master type. When connection is lost, the device attempts to restore the connection to the master node. Slave node can work with master node using marker access in a classical point-to-multipoint topology.
Example,
mint rf5.0 –type master
Setting the node mode
Syntax:
mint IFNAME –mode {mobile | nomadic | fixed}
The command sets the mode of the node. The mode is defined by the application of the node for the network. Modes description:
- "Fixed" - the network node has a fixed allocation and never moves and never is switched off. This is a infrastructure node of the network
- "Nomadic" - node may change its physical allocation but all the data transmitting is made when the node is not moving (or moving very slowly)
- "Mobile" - the node may move and exchange data while moving.
Example,
mint rf5.0 –mode nomadic
Setting node sequential number
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -nodeid NUMBERID
The command sets the sequential number for the node. By default, it is set equal to the device’s serial number.
The number may be specified in the “XXX.YYY” format reflecting a part of the IP address (both “XXX” and “YYY” numbers can range from 1 to 255).
The parameter is optional.
Example,
mint rf5.0 –nodeid 5 mint rf5.0 –nodeid 123.112
Setting node name
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -name NAME
The command sets the name for the node. Node name will be displayed in “mint map” set of commands. Node name should not exceed 16 characters. Spaces in the node name are accepted if put between quotation marks.
Example,
mint rf5.0 –name My_node mint rf5.0 -name "Master Unit"
Net ID
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -netid NUMBER
The command sets the network system identifier (up to 8-digit HEX figure). It must be the same at both ends of the link.
Nodes authentication
Setting the secret key:
mint IFNAME –key SECRETKEY
This command sets the secret key for the current node. See different authentication modes descriptions below to learn how it is being used. The key can be up to 64 characters long and should not contain spaces (or should be put in quotes).
mint IFNAME -authmode {public | static | remote}
The command sets the type of nodes authentication.
There are three types of nodes authentication available:
- "public" – all nodes have the same key (password) for access. The simplest case of authentication. It can be used for small workgroups, point-to-point connections, mass public access networks and for MINT architecture testing purposes. Any two nodes of the network can establish a connection (given other settings are suitable) if their keys are equal. In public mode, having found a potential neighbor a node check for its information in the local database (defined by “mint IFNAME addnode” commands). If requested information is found, a key from a local database will be used. Otherwise, it is assumed that neighbor’s key corresponds with node’s own key (“mint IFNAME –key” parameter)
- "static" – every node has a full list of nodes (including their parameters and access keys) with which a connection can be established. This mode is suitable for an autonomous area of service with no need of centralized management and monitoring. Obviously, nodes that are included in each others access lists (local databases) should have a physical ability to connect to each other in order to establish a connection. In static mode each node must have a list of all permitted neighbors in a local database formed by a set of “mint IFNAME addnode” commands. If no information on the neighbor is found in the database the connection is being rejected.
- "remote" – centralized authentication mode with remote server (e.g. RADIUS or relay). In this mode any node can request the information from a remote authentication server (remote authentication server parameters are set using “AAA” command). This means that the node must have an access to this server (e.g. using IP).
A node having a local database of its neighbors or having an access to a remote authentication server can be configured as an authentication relay. For this purpose the following command is used:
mint IFNAME –[no]authrelay
The information about authentication relay will be automatically distributed throughout the MINT network. Nodes which use remote mode of authentication but both do not have access to the remote server and do not have the information in their local database will use authentication relay in order to obtain the keys of potential neighbors.
mint IFNAME –[no]authrelay
The information about SNMP relay will be automatically distributed throughout the MINT network. Nodes will use remote SNMP services.
Example 1:
Nodes A and B use the same key and can establish a connection with each other in public authentication mode.
- Node A
mint rf5.0 –key SECRETKEY mint rf5.0 –authmode public
- Node B
mint rf5.0 –key SECRETKEY mint rf5.0 –authmode public
Example 2:
Nodes A and B have different keys but they can establish a connection with each other using their local databases.
- Node A
mint rf5.0 –key SECRETKEY mint rf5.0 –authmode public mint rf5.0 addnode -mac B:B:B:B:B:B -key KEY2
- Node B
mint rf5.0 –key KEY2 mint rf5.0 –authmode public mint rf5.0 addnode -mac A:A:A:A:A:A -key SECRETKEY
Moreover, each of these two nodes can set up connections with other nodes working in public mode if their keys correspond with each other.
Example 3:
Node A has a local database and acts as an authentication relay. Node B does not have a database and uses a relay in remote mode
- Node A
mint rf5.0 –key KEY1 mint rf5.0 –authmode static mint rf5.0 –authrelay mint rf5.0 addnode -mac B:B:B:B:B:B -key KEY2 mint rf5.0 addnode -mac A:A:A:A:A:A -key KEY3
- Node B
mint rf5.0 –key KEY2 mint rf5.0 –authmode remote
Node B will be getting neighbors’ information via relay (Node A).
If Node A is switched to remote mode and there is no information in the local database, the authentication request will be forwarded to the remote server (if specified and accessible) or to another authentication relay.
Scrambling
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -[no]scrambling
Enables/disables the data scrambling to improve the connection stability.
Wireless subscriber stations “isolation” mode
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -[no]replicate [$ACL]
This feature allows you to do "isolation" of wireless subscriber stations from direct exchange of information with each other in switching mode.
If "mint –noreplicate" option is enabled on the base station then the traffic entering into a wireless network from wired segment of a subscriber station and coming to the base station from this subscriber station won’t be transmitted back to the wireless segment by the base station. He may return to the wireless segment only through an external wired switchboard connected to the base station.
The direct exchange is allowed by default (mint -replicate).
In addition $ACL list of “num” type may be specified (acl add $ ISOLATE num N1 N2 ...) with a list of switching group’s numbers for which you should enable or disable the listed feature (for all by default).
NOTE
This feature applies only to traffic entering a wireless network from the wired segment of a subscriber station. Inside a wireless network nodes are all accessible to each other at all times.
Setting ATPC thresholds
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -tpcmin {dBm|default} -tpcmax {dBm|default} -tpcadj {+/-dBm|default}
This command allows controlling ATPC (automatic transmit power control) function behavior. ATPC function is enabled/disabled by “rf <interface> pwrctl” command (see “rfconfig” command description).
- "tpcmin dBm". This option sets the minimal transmit power level in dB ATPC function is allowed to set on the radio interface.
- "tpcmax dBm". This option sets the maximal transmit power level in dB ATPC function is allowed to set on the radio interface.
- "tpcadj +/-dBm". This option influences the optimal power level to be set on the radio interface by the ATPC function. The ATPC can be forced to set higher (tpcadj + <number in dBm>) or lower (tpcadj - <number in dBm>) power levels compared to the values it estimates itself.
Setting the connection factor
Syntax:
mint IFNAME –autofactor 1..5 [3]
This command sets the sensitivity of the device to establish a connection with a candidate via its radio interface. The more the “autofactor” value is the better should be the characteristics of the radio channel between the device and the candidate for establishing a connection.
Default value is 3.
Switching to automatic bitrate control mode
Syntax:
mint IFNAME –[no]autobitrate [+/-DB] -fixedbitrate
Enables/disables an automatic speed management mode.
In autobitrate mode every device controls the connection parameters independently (amplitude of the received signal, number of ARQs on transmitting, errors, SNR on the opposite side etc) and chooses such transmitting speed which provides necessary conditions for a reliable work with minimum number of ARQs and losses. Speed values can be different for each direction but it will be optimal.
When no autobitrate is used transmitting speed will be set according to the setting of “bitr” parameter of “rfconfig” command. When autobitrate is used, transmitting speed will be automatically adjusted according to current link conditions. The ranges of speed will be in between the setting of “bitr” parameter in “rfconfig” command (maximal speed) and “minbitrate” parameter (see below). If no “minbitrate” is specified the minimal RF interface speed will be taken as a lowest possible transmitting speed.
Minimal transmitting speed for autobitrate mode can be set with a help of the following command:
mint IFNAME -minbitrate BITRATE
Example,
mint rf5.0 -autobitrate mint rf5.0 –minbitrate 9000
- "+/-DB" option influences the autobitrate function sensitivity. Autobitrate can be forced to set a higher bitrate (mint IFNAME –autobitrate - <number in dB>) even if the signal level is lower than expected on the specified number of dB. Or not to set a higher bitrate (mint IFNAME –autobitrate + <number in dB>) till the signal level won’t become higher than expected on the specified number of dB.
To disable the autobitrate mode the following command is used:
mint rf5.0 -fixedbitrate
In the fixedbitrate mode the actual bitrate is set with the “bitr” parameter of the “rfconfig” command.
"mint IFNAME -ratefall 0..8" command allows influencing autobitrate mechanism in the following way: it sets upper bitrate index threshold below which errors and retries checks are not performed, just energetic ability to upper bitrate is taken into consideration. Bitrate indexes are from 1 to 8 and correspond with bitrates available on the device’s radio interface (to see bitrate list use «rf rfX cap» command). “0” ratefall’s value cancels the command.
Example,
mint rf5.0 –ratefall 4
Cost setting
Syntax:
mint IFNAME [-meshextracost N] [-extracost N] [-fixedcost N]
- "meshextracost" – is configured for the interface. Sets an extra cost for all connections of master node with its mesh nodes. 500 – by default.
- "fixedcost" - this command will force all the costs for all the units connected to this unit to be fixed at the value specified in the command.
- "extracost" - is configured for the interface. Sets an extra cost for all connections on this interface. The value of the parameter is added to the cost automatically calculated by MINT protocol. Value of this parameter can only be positive. Zero value disables the parameter.
Max links
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -maxlinks N
This command sets the maximum allowed number of connected CPEs ( in the case of radio connection ) . When this value is reached, other attempts to connect to the base station will be rejected.
Transformation of "Multicast" to "Unicast"
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -mulcast [0..5]
[0..5] - the number of subscribers:
- Zero value disables the parameter;
- If value is not specified the transformation is always executed.
Default value is 3.
Setting signal levels thresholds
Syntax:
mint IFNAME [-loamp N] [-hiamp N]
- "loamp" - this option sets the minimal signal level for the neighbor. Signal level is measured in dB above the noise threshold for the current bitrate. If the level gets lower than specified value the connection with a neighbor will be lost. Default value - 2
- "hiamp" - this option sets the minimal SNR for a new neighbor. Signal level is measured in dB above the noise threshold for the current bitrate. If neighbor’s signal level is equal or higher than a specified value the node will consider this neighbor to be a candidate. Default value – 6
Example,
mint rf5.0 –loamp 2
Frequency roaming
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -roaming {leader | enable [multiBS] | disable}mint IFNAME profile N [-freq X[,Y,N-M,...] | auto] [-sid X[,Y,..]] [-band NN] [-bitr NN] [-miso | -mimo [greenfield | legacy]] [-type {master|mesh|slave}] [-key XXX] [-nodeid N] [{-minbitr XXX [-autobitr [+/-dB]] | -fixedbitr}] [enable | disable | delete]
For a flexible management of frequency resource, higher noise immunity and throughput optimization InfiNet Wireless equipment supports frequency roaming capability based on MINT protocol.
Roaming is turned off by default – that means that the unit works using fixed radio interface configuration.
Any node of the network can be set up as a roaming leader. Roaming leader will define required radio frequency parameters of the wireless network. Roaming leader also works with a fixed radio interface parameters, however its radio parameters configuration is transmitted over the network in special packets so every node of the network knows whether it is connected to the roaming leader or to the network that has a roaming leader. If the network has several roaming leaders, their parameters should be identical. Roaming leader also supports DFS and Radar Detection features (if a special license is installed for selected countries).
Other network nodes can use roaming in order to search for the roaming leader or the network having a roaming leader (roaming enable). The search is implemented by switching between different sets of radio parameters that are defined in profiles. Each profile contains a fixed set of radio interface parameters which are set on each iteration of the search. Heuristic search algorithm can quickly evaluate general air media parameters and chooses the profile which defines the most suitable network.
The “multiBS” option enables the slave node to constantly check the link quality and try to find another BS if the quality become worse. When the option is disabled then if the link breaks the node will firstly try to reconnect to the same BS regardless of the link quality.
Profile parameters:
- "freq X[,Y,N-M,...] | auto" – radio interface frequency or list of frequencies. Auto keyword can be used - in this case all frequencies that the unit supports will be used
- "sid X[,Y,..]" – SID of the radio interface (or list of SIDs)
- "bitr X" – bitrate of the radio interface. Acts as a top limit for the bitrate if autobitrate mechanism is turned on
- "band {double|full|half|quarter}" – defines the channel width for the profile. If profiles use different channel widths, auto mode for frequency cannot be used
- "type {master|mesh|slave}" – node type
- "key XXX" – secret key
- "nodeid N" – node ID
- "fixedbitr" – sets fixed bitrate for the node
- "minbitr XXX" – minimum bitrate for operation in “autobitrate” mode
- "autobitr [+/-dB]" – operation mode with automatic bitrate control. [+/-dB] parameter allows to manage bitrate control sensitivity
- "long {on|off}" – enables/disables compulsory “long” mode
- "enable | disable | delete" – enables, disables or deletes the profile.
Examples,
mint rf5.0 profile 1 -freq 5920 -sid ABCDE mint rf5.0 profile 2 -freq 5960 -sid ABCDE disable mint rf5.0 profile 3 -freq auto -sid DEAD mint rf5.0 roaming enable
Creating local nodes database
Syntax:
mint IFNAME addnode [-defgw X.X.X.X] [-defmask X.X.X.X] mint IFNAME addnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X [-key STRING] [-note STRING] [-maxrate XX] [-lip X.X.X.X] [-tip X.X.X.X] [-mask X.X.X.X] [-lgw X.X.X.X] [-tgw {X.X.X.X | none}] [-lcost XX] [-tcost XX] [{-setpri | -addpri} NN | -1] [-disable | -enable | -delete]
This set of parameters defines the nodes with which a node can work with. The following parameters can be specified:
- "mac". This parameter is mandatory. X:X:X:X:X:X is a MAC-address of the node with which a connection can be established.
- "key". Unique unit’s key (key word or phrase up to 64 characters long; if contains spaces should be put into quotes). Used in authentication procedures. The same key should be specified in the settings of the connecting unit (“mint IFNAME –key”).
- "lip". Local IP-address. This address will be assigned to this unit when the connection with a remote is established
- "tip" and "mask". Target IP-address and mask. This address will be assigned to the remote side when a connection is established. The mask is applied to both Local IP and Target IP. If mask is not specified these addresses will not be used
- "lgw". Local gateway IP-address (will be assigned to the local node once connection is established)
- "tgw". Target gateway IP-address (will be assigned to the remote node once connection is established). None option forbids providing information about default gateway (that is set by “addnode –defgw” command) to the remote node.
- "lcost". Local cost of the connection to this neighbor from current node. If not specified, MINT will automatically calculate the cost
- "tcost". Target cost of the connection from this neighbor to the current node. If not specified, MINT will automatically calculate the cost. If lcost and tcost parameters are set on a pair of neighbors, lcost has a higher priority.
- "enable/disable/delete". Self-explanatory – enables, disables or deletes a record in a local database.
- "maxrate". Target node maximum bitrate in kilobit per second.
- "setpri | addpri". This options allows setting/increasing the priority of packets passing through to the specified node. “Setpri" parameter is used to change a priority to the value specified in the command. When using “-1” value a package priority is dropped to the lowest priority. "Addpri" is used to change a priority only in case it is higher than the previous one (Note: the smaller is the value the higher is the priority). So you can only increase priority using "addpri" parameter.
- "note". This option allows making some word note (description) for the specified node.
Example,
mint rf5.0 addnode –mac 000028BAF234 –lip 1.1.1.1 –tip 1.1.1.2 –mask 255.255.255.252 –lcost 120
For easy subscriber nodes definition in the local database of the given node (Base Station) "mint addnode" command is updated with two options: "-defgw X.X.X.X“ and “-defmask X.X.X.X":
- "-defgw X.X.X.X". Sets default gateway
- "-defmask X.X.X.X". Set default mask.
When mask or gateway values are not defined for the subscriber node then default gateway or default mask will be used for this node. Thus, to add a subscriber node to the local database it is enough to define MAC-address (mac), target IP-address (tip) and a key:
mint rf5.0 addnode -mac 000435567322 -tip 10.1.1.1 -key SecretKey1
If a key is not specified for a subscriber node then Base Station’s key is assigned to this node.
CAUTION
Information about default gateway (that is set by «addnode -tgw / addnode –defgw» commands) is not provided to a subscriber node in case IP-address and network mask is not specified.
Deleting a node from local database
Syntax:
mint IFNAME delnode -mac X:X:X:X:X:X
The command deletes a record created using “addnode” command with a corresponding MAC-address.
Example,
mint rf5.0 delnode –mac 000028BAF234
Remote command management
Syntax:
mint IFNAME rcmd {-n ADDR|all} [-peer] [-self[2]] [-key KEY] [-t] [-quiet] {"Command" | -file URL} mint IFNAME -rcmdserver {disable | enable} [-guestKey STRING] [-fullKey STRING]
Remote command management allows one MINT node to perform commands on one other or all MINT nodes in the network.
Options:
- "-n ADDR|all" – MAC-address of the destination node or access to all MINT nodes
- "-peer" – performs commands only on the nodes that is connected to the given device directly
- "-self[2]" – performs commands also on the device itself
- "-key KEY" – access key
- "-quiet" – disables writing replies from remote devices to a system log
- "Command" | -file URL" – command to be performed on the remote unit or root to a command txt file by ftp
- "-rcmdserver {disable | enable}" – disables/enables remote control management mode (enable by default)
- "-guestKey STRING" – guest key. Guest key allows to perform read only commands on the node
- "-fullKey STRING" – full key. Full key grants full access to the node (all commands can be performed)
Examples:
mint rf5.0 rcmd -node all -cmd "co sh" mint rf5.0 rcmd -node all -file ftp_name:ftp_pswd@192.168.100.21/1.txt
On-Demand Routing
On-Demand Routing (ODR) protocol is a structure of the MINT protocol. It provides dynamic routing capabilities in stub networks without the use of any routing protocol.
The main advantage of using ODR is the increase in the available bandwidth of your network by eliminating the service traffic of a separate routing protocol whilst still maintaining dynamic routing functionality. The ODR protocol propagates IP prefixes on the Layer 2 using the MINT protocol.
ODR is applicable only for stub networks of the hub-and-spoke topology, when all nodes (spokes) are connected only to a hub node. An example of the hub-and-spoke network is a simple "Point-to-Multipoint" network where each subscriber station has the only wireless connection to the Base Station.
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -odr hub mint IFNAME -odr spoke [[-]connected [$ACL]] [[-]kernel [$ACL]] mint IFNAME -odr disable | show
- "-odr hub" - sets a unit as a hub
- "-odr spoke" - sets a unit as a spoke
- “connected” option allows announcing IP addresses/networks set on the spoke’s own interfaces
- “kernel” option allows announcing static routes (set with the “route add” command).
Also one can specify a list of IP addresses and networks in the command using Access Control List (“$ACL”). Please see the description in the corresponding chapter "Access Control List" of this manual.
To show the current state of the protocol and established connections the following command is used:
mint IFNAME -odr show
To disable the "on-demand routing" on the unit the following command is used:
mint IFNAME -odr disable
Switching to marker access mode (polling)
Syntax:
mint IFNAME poll {start [[-]qos] [[-]log] | stop | stat [clear]}
The command turns on/off polling mode for the master station.
Polling mode is a method of accessing common radio channel under master station control, which consists in centralized distribution of transmission authorization markers by a master station to slaves. This mode greatly improves operational stability and throughput of master stations under conditions of heavy load and signal level misbalance between different slave units. It is particularly useful when slaves units are at long range from a base station and not in the direct visibility of each other, so that they cannot avoid mutual collisions in the radio channel by listening each other's transmission. The polling regime makes it possible to establish reliable communication between subscribers when the ordinary CSMA/CA wireless access method does not work at all.
Despite a slight decrease in the maximum transmission speed, the polling mode substantially increases the total throughput of a base station and provides for its fair distribution between client units. The polling algorithm is so designed as to minimize the protocol overhead while maintaining high efficiency and robustness.
The polling mode is enabled on the master station only. Configuration of client units needs not to be modified.
For fine tuning of polling regime there are three optional parameters which can be set using the following syntax:
mint IFname poll start [mi=XX] [ub=XX] [mt=XX]
- "mi" - marker interval. The primary time unit used in calculating the marker sending frequency. The approximate value is a half of the round-trip delay for the interface. Values are given in milliseconds, from 4 to 20
- "ub" - upper bound. Marker sending interval upper bound. This value provides a minimal guaranteed marker sending frequency. This parameter is chosen based on the compromise between the total number of markers loading up the channel for no purpose and the response time for the first key pressed in telnet program. The value is within 3 and 1000ms
- 'mt' - marker timeout. The maximum waiting time for a client unit response to a marker or data packet. Expressed in milliseconds; default value is 120ms.
Example,
mint rf5.0 poll start ub=250
Continuous signal levels monitoring
Syntax:
mint IFNAME monitor [-s] [-i SEC] [MAC [MAC ...]] | -[no]audio [full] [-mac MAC]
If no MAC-addresses are specified, the output of command will contain the information about all neighbors and candidates of the current node.
Instead of MAC-addresses “nodeid” and/or “name” of the node can be specified.
The sample output of the command is presented below.
- “-s” option keeps the output within one screen without line-by-line output
- “-i SECONDS” set the interval for information output in seconds.
- "-[no]audio" option enables/disables sound indication (AudioMonitor mode)
- "full" - in this mode audio monitoring is performed according to a maximal receiving level among neighbors and candidates. If "full" parameter is not specified an arithmetical mean of receive and transmit signal is calculated (only for neighbors). The neighbor for which this value is maximal will be indicated in audiomonitor.
- “-mac MAC” option allows to perform audio monitoring only for one neighbor with the specified MAC-address.
"mint IFNAME monitor -audio" command starts working immediately and can be saved in the configuration which allows using it even after unit's reboot.
Automatic over-the-air firmware upgrade
Syntax:
mint IFNAME -airupdate {disable | {[active|passive]|force}} [fast|normal|slow]
This set of commands manages the Automatic Over-the-air Firmware Update system.
What is it?
The AirUpdate system provides with an easier ways of massive firmware upgrade in the MINT network for a big number of the nodes (same type). In order to do that only one unit of each type should be manually (or through the scheduler) upgraded – other units will get new firmware automatically.
How does it work?
Every unit can be configured for AirUpdate in passive or active mode. Active units periodically (every 30 minutes) announce the information about their firmware to the MINT network. The information includes the version of the firmware and the time of uninterrupted (without reboots) work with this version. All units of MINT network (both active and passive) receive and accumulate the information from active units choosing the source with the latest version of firmware with which the source has worked for the longest period of time.
After the period of information accumulation passive units send their requests for the new firmware to the chosen source. Active units form a list of requests and perform a group distribution of the firmware using special MINT multi-address distribution protocol.
The period of information accumulation can be changed using fast, normal and slow parameter of the command.
In fast mode the unit will wait for the potential source of the firmware to work with new version within two hours with no reboots. Only after two hours the request will be sent.
In normal mode the waiting period is 7 hours; in slow – 24 hours
By default, passive normal mode is turned on.
For immediate firmware upgrade there is a special option “force”. The command is not saved in the configuration and acts as a signal for all units to send their requests for upgrade regardless the work mode and information accumulation time period.
If during the process of new firmware distribution an error occurs (or link loss) the passive unit will stop the upload process and will resend its request after getting an announcement.
Examples:
The unit is in the active mode sending announcements about new firmware version. If units with newer firmware version are found on the network, the upload request will be sent in no less than 7 hours after uninterrupted work of the announcement source:
mint rf5.0 –airupdate active normal
The unit is the passive mode waiting for the source of the latest firmware version to work with it during no less than 24 hours:
mint rf5.0 –airupdate passive slow
The operator decides to immediately upgrade all the units with new firmware:
mint rf5.0 –airupdate force
The unit is not participating in AirUpdate process. It does not send announcements and does not generate requests for upgrades:
mint rf5.0 –airupdate disable
Managing MINT protocol
Syntax:
mint IFNAME start | stop | restart | clear
Example,
mint rf5.0 start
Join cost setting
Syntax:
mint IFNAME –joincost XX
- "joincost" – is configured for the interface. Sets the cost of all connections on the interface which were established by means of join (3 – by default). Zero value disables the parameter
Example,
mint rf5.0 –joincost 60
MINT log settings
The following command is used to control log settings for MINT protocol:
mint IFNAME -[no]log [detail]
Three different modes are available:
- No logging. “-nolog” option is used
- Limited logging. “-log” option is used. The messages on connecting/disconnecting neighbors will be put to the system log
- Detailed logging. “-log detail” option is used. Along with the messages from limited logging mode, messages on changing costs of the routes and changing bitrates (in autobitrate) mode will be put to the system log.
Example,
mint rf5.0 –log detail
This command will turn full logging on.
MINT protocol version
Syntax:
mint vers
The command shows current version of MINT protocol.
Joining interfaces
Syntax:
mint join IFACE1 IFACE2 …
Among all of exiting features of MINT architecture one can mention join capability which allows joining several interfaces of one unit into one mesh network.
Some units can have two or more radio interfaces of different types. Each of these interfaces may act as an independent MINT network node. However, the nodes from different networks will not be able to connect to each other as radio interface parameters will be different (frequencies, modulations or other parameters) and other limitations (authentication parameters, secret keys etc) will take place. JOIN function allows for two or more radio-interfaces of one unit to interconnect with each other as if they are two nodes of one network.
mint join rf4.0 rf4.1 mint map ================================================= Interface rf4.0, node 000000000011 "Node1_1" id:11 (mesh) 2 Neighbors: 00020 Node2 000000000002, Cost=40 , I/O=24/27 <36/36> /mesh/ 00012 Node1_2 000000000012, Cost=3 , I/O=0/0 <0/0> /join/ Interface rf4.1, node 000000000012 "Node1_2" id:12 (mesh) 2 Neighbors: ------------ 00020 Node3 000000000003, Cost=40 , I/O=24/27 <36/36> /mesh/ 00030 Node1_1 000000000011, Cost=3 , I/O=0/0 <0/0> /join/
As you can see from the example, each interface shows two neighbors. In reality the exchange of data between interfaces does not involve their physical activity, energetic parameters of the connection (signal levels and data rates) are not shown (zero). And this kind of connection has a constant and a very low cost.
In order to disjoin interfaces to make them independent, the following command is used:
mint disjoin
Pseudo radio interface (prf)
MINT protocol can work not only via radio but via wired Ethernet interface. “prf” pseudo radio-interface is used for this purpose. This interface can be “attached” to the physical interface like it’s done with vlanX interfaces.
prf 0 parent eth0 ifconfig prf0 up
Please find more information on prf interface in “prf” command description.
Such pseudo radio-interface can be configured as a MINT network node and even can be joined with other interfaces. From MINT protocol point of view, this pseudo interface will look like a usual radio interface through which a node can find neighbor and establish a connection with it.
mint prf0 start mint join rf4.0 rf4.1 prf0
In this example we have joined several distributed (possibly even geographically distributed) network segments. Combining “joins” for different radio interfaces and pseudo radio interfaces the network will obtain a good number of alternative paths in any direction thus providing with the best delivery quality and less bottlenecks.
NOTE
If several interfaces are used with “join” function, when configuring switch groups only one of those joined interfaces should be mentioned in switch group configuration.
mint join rf4.0 rf4.1 switch group 1 add eth0 rf4.0
Learning the network neighbors
The following command is used to learn the state of the connections with neighbors:
mint IFNAME map [routes | full | swg] [detail] [-m] mint -[no]colormap
Three options are used:
- The default output is displayed:
- Routes. The following output is displayed:
- Full. A combination of “neighbors” and “routes” modes
- Swg. This option is used when switching groups are created in MINT network. It shows in which switching groups neighbor nodes are included:
Parameters:
- "-detail" – shows the following information for each link with a neighboring node: distance do the neighboring node in kilometers, load on receive/transmit in Mbps, on receive/transmit in packets per second, link «Cost», main IP-address of the neighboring node
- "-m" – shows I/O signal levels relative to minimal receive/transmit bitrate. (Without "–m" relative to current bitrates).
"Mint –[no]colormap" option enables/disables color indication of the command.
Color indication of «mint map» command output:
- Common color identifies neighbor nodes that have acceptable characteristics of a link to the current node.
- Yellow color identifies neighbor nodes that potentially may have problems with sustainability and quality of a link to the current node. In this case link quality can be improved through the change of certain parameters (for example, lowering bitrates).
- Yellow color with red background identifies neighbor nodes that have unsatisfactory characteristics of a link to the current node. For example, neighbor nodes that have low characteristics of a link on the lowest possible bitrate or have errors are marked this way. In this case link quality can be improved by such actions as antenna alignment, cable connectivity testing and so on.
When neighbor nodes are marking with certain color style it is not only signal level but also number of retries and errors are taken into consideration.
Trace command
Syntax:
mint IFNAME trace MAC
Trace command allows viewing information about node by its MAC address: its status, ID, name, cost, number of hops. This command also shows information about cost optimal pass to the node at the current time.
Upgrading current RMA network to MINT
CAUTION
It is recommended to study MINT technology features and test your basic configuration skills on the test devices before complying this instruction.
It is also recommended to consider principles of new network building in advance: will it be Mesh or "Point-to-Multipoint" network, how and what routing will be used, will it be a switched network?
- Perform the following actions on each client device:
Note down or remember MAC address of radio interface which is used to connect to base station. You can view it using command:
Ifc rf5.0
Save current configuration (it is supposed that client device is connected to base station in the moment) using command:
config save
Upload MINT firmware using command:
fl get user:password@server/file
Perform restart of all the client devices (one after another) using command:
restart y
Upload MINT firmware on the base station and restart base station
After the restart all devices will start with MINT firmware. Upon discovering the old configuration (RMA) new MINT firmware will start neighbor search protocol on all radio interfaces of the device with default parameters (master, autobitrate, hiamp=4).
Radio interface parameters will be delivered from the old configuration (at the time of its last saving).
This is enougth for device to connect to MINT Network. The devices will lose IP address assigned by RMA.
- Ensure all devices have connected to base station using “mint map” command.
Assign appropriate IP address on base station radio interface, for example,
ifc rf5.0 10.0.0.254/24 up
Using "mint rcmd" command assign IP addresses on radio interfaces of all client devices addressing them using MAC address (you can miss colon in MAC addresses), for example,
mint rf5.0 rcmd -node 17:9a:c2:f4:34 -cmd "ifc rf5.0 10.0.0.1/24 up; co save;" mint rf5.0 rcmd -node 17:9a:c3:ad:46 -cmd "ifc rf5.0 10.0.0.2/24 up; co save;" mint rf5.0 rcmd -node 179ab1f391 -cmd "ifc rf5.0 10.0.0.3/24 up; co save;"
...
and so on.
After that all client devices will be accessible from base station by IP (if it wasn’t rejected by configuration options).
- Using telnet perform the rest necessary configuration on each device for smooth network functioning (routing and so on)
If IP access is not obtained, it is always possible to verify or correct configuration of client devices using “mint rcmd” command:
mint rf5.0 rcmd -node 0023113231 -cmd "co show" -reply
with "–reply" parameter command result will appear in a local system log (sys log show).