NetBotz 250 | Managing Wireless Sensor Networks (Coordinator/Router/Sensors)

Issue:
Process for managing wireless coordinators and sensors on the NetBotz 250.

Product Line:
NetBotz 250 (NB250)
NetBotz Wireless

Environment:
NetBotz 250 (all versions)
NetBotz Wireless Sensors (NBWS100T & NBWS100H)
NetBotz Wireless Coordinator (NBWC100U)

Resolution:

Setting up the Coordinator
- The coordinator comes preinstalled in the NetBotz 250 under a small plastic cover.
- It is recommended to use a USB extension cable (non-hub & no drivers required) to bring the coordinator above rack level.  This will provide better signal strength throughout a room or data center.
- The coordinator can reach wireless sensors to about 50ft line of sight.  Each environment is different and signal range may be more or less.

Discovering Wireless Sensors - Auto Join
1) Log into the NetBotz 250 Web Interface.
2) Configuration Menu > Device > Wireless Sensor Network.
3) Click the Enable Auto Join button.
4) Turn on the wireless sensor and install in location.
NOTE: It is recommended to add (turn on) one at a time and assign a label to each one by clicking on the name of the wireless sensor.
NOTE: It is recommended for signal strength to be above 80%, lost communications due to signal strength should be minimized.  If you are unable to reach the 80% RSSI, it is recommended to look into adding a router (NBWC100U) to extend the signal range.
5) When finished, deactivate auto join.
NOTE: If you forget to deactivate Auto Join it is will automatically deactivate after 5 hours.

Discovering Wireless Sensors - Manual
1) Log into the NetBotz 250 Web Interface.
2) Configuration Menu > Device > Wireless Sensor Network.
3) Click the Add New Sensor button.
4) Provide a wireless sensor name.
5) Enter the Extended Address which is located on the back of the sensor.
6) Enter a detailed location as to where the sensor is installed.
7) Edit the thresholds for the sensor.
8) Click Apply, turn the sensor on, and ensure that the sensor shows within the Wireless Sensor Commission List.
NOTE: It may take a few minutes for the wireless sensor to fully boot up and information within the Commission List to populate.
NOTE: It is recommended to install the wireless sensor in the location you want it and ensure the signal strength is above 80%, which should minimize lost communications.  If you are unable to reach the 80% RSSI, it is recommended to look into adding a router (NBWC100U) to extend the signal range.

Editing Wireless Sensor Thresholds
1) Log into the NetBotz 250 Web Interface.
2) Configuration Menu > Device > Wireless Sensor Network.
3) Click on the name of the wireless sensor.
4) Edit the thresholds as necessary and click Apply.

Viewing Wireless Sensor Values
1) Log into the NetBotz 250 Web Interface.
2) Status Menu > Wireless Sensor Network.
3) Values are shown within the list for the sensors.
NOTE: If you have multiple sensors it is recommended to populate the Location field so you know exactly where each of them are installed.

Editing the Location Value of Wireless Sensors
1) Log into the NetBotz 250 Web Interface.
2) Status Menu > Wireless Sensor Network.
3) Click on the Wireless Sensor name.

Upgrade Wireless Sensor Firmware
NOTE: Make sure the wireless sensor update utility is run as an admin.  Right-click in start menu item and select 'Run as Administrator'.
The NetBotz Wireless Sensor Update Utility, which is used for updating wireless sensor firmware on the NetBotz 250, can be downloaded from the NetBotz 250 product page under the Software for NetBotz Appliances section.  Instructions for using the software to update wireless sensors can be found within the Read Me document that is available within the installation directory and can be launched on install of the update utility.

Deleting Wireless Sensors
1) Log into the NetBotz 250 Web Interface.
2) Configuration Menu > Device > Wireless Sensor Network.
3) Click on the wireless sensor name that you wish to remove.
4) Click on the name of the wireless sensor again.
5) Click the Remove button at the bottom.

Fully disabling all wireless capabilities on the NetBotz 250
Remove the coordinator from the appliance.  The coordinator is located under a plastic cover on the front of the appliance.  If you are unsure of the exact location of the coordinator, see the diagram within the installation and quick configuration guide .

Released for:APC United Kingdom